The Best Order to Play Mass Effect Games
Mass Effect is a world-renowned franchise of sci-fi RPGs (role-playing games). Mass Effect games are often considered classics of the RPG genre, and are often cited as inspiration for later RPGs. Indeed, Mass Effect games have captivated millions of players and RPG fans worldwide with their sci-fi elements, multiple dialogue choices and immersive atmosphere.
The first Mass Effect game, which is called Mass Effect, was released in 2007, featuring many of the hallmarks that define the series of games, such as a science fiction setting, third-person combat gameplay and multiple dialogue choices.
Mass Effect games are known for offering a seamless cinematic, story-rich RPG experience, integrated with third-person combat gameplay, as well as detailed visual effects and immersive atmosphere. For this reason, Mass Effect games are considered classics of the RPG genre, and can be enjoyed by hardcore RPG fans as well as by players who are playing their first RPGs.
What Are Mass Effect Games Like?
In general, Mass Effect video games are RPGs with third-person gameplay, including third-person world exploration and third-person shooter combat gameplay. Mass Effect games are known for their immersive atmosphere, sci-fi environments, visual effects, as well as multiple dialogue choices that affect the reaction of NPCs (non-player characters).
In Mass Effect games, players can talk to multiple NPCs and learn about the Mass Effect universe, as well as collect pieces of information throughout the gameplay that present more about the lore of the series of games. While the Mass Effect franchise includes a series of story-rich video games, it is also true that these games feature a fast-paced third-person combat gameplay, which is similar to other third-person shooter video games, while also including typical RPG elements such as skills.
Considering that they are sci-fi story-rich RPGs, Mass Effect video games are an excellent choice for players and RPG fans looking for a refreshing story-rich RPG experience. At the same time, players who prefer real-time combat gameplay instead of the turn-based combat gameplay found in other RPGs will also enjoy the experience of playing Mass Effect games. These games also offer a cinematic story experience, especially with the visual effects and cutscenes, making the whole gameplay a seamless experience. On the other hand, RPG fans who enjoy diving into the story and lore of RPGs can find a wealth of lore and information in the Mass Effect video games when talking to NPCs and finding information throughout the games.
Is There an Order to Play the Mass Effect Games?
While it is possible to play the Mass Effect games in any order and enjoy the experience, considering that these are RPGs and story-rich games, it is suggested to play these games in chronological story order, which is presented in this article. Playing in chronological story order is not only useful for a better comprehension of the Mass Effect games universe and lore, but it also is beneficial in the sense that some Mass Effect games feature settings which can be imported from the save game of the previous game, importing the choices made by the player character in that previous title. If the player decides to import the save game of the previous Mass Effect video game, the experience in the current game will be more coherent because it will adapt to the choices that were previously made by the player. This order of save games is especially important when playing Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, which are all games that import the save game of the the previous game, in that order. Nevertheless, the Mass Effect video games can be played and enjoyed in any order.
The Chronological Story Order of Mass Effect Video Games
This is the chronological story order of the events that happen in the different Mass Effect games. This is different than the chronological order of release of the games. This is the suggested order in which to play the Mass Effect games for the best story immersion possible, even though it is possible to play these games in any order.
Mass Effect
Mass Effect Galaxy
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect Infiltrator
Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect: Andromeda
While it is possible to play the Mass Effect video games in any order and enjoy the experience, for players who want to have the most comprehensive story experience possible, it is recommended to play these games in the chronological story order, and this is particularly true in regards to the specific cases of Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, which are directly related to each other, story-wise.
In the particular case of Mass Effect Infiltrator, it was not clear to me in which year exactly the game takes place. However, there is clear evidence that Mass Effect Infiltrator takes place at a very approximate time to Mass Effect 3. Hence, it is possible that Mass Effect Infiltrator takes place a little bit before Mass Effect 3, at the same time as Mass Effect 3, or a little bit after Mass Effect 3. On the other hand, Mass Effect Infiltrator contains rewards which can be used in the Mass Effect 3 game, and in light of this, I find it reasonable to consider that Mass Effect Infiltrator could be played right before Mass Effect 3, story-wise, and for this reason I included it before Mass Effect 3 in my chronological story order list and in my timeline of Mass Effect games.
The Story Timeline Order of Mass Effect Games
This is the timeline of events that happen in the Mass Effect video games. This timeline is especially useful for having a clearer chronological sense of the story progression of these games, as well as how the different games are chronologically related.
It is important to note that the years written in these timeline are fictional years, or in other words, these are years in the Mass Effect games universe. For this reason, these could be called "Mass Effect years", or "years in Mass Effect time" or "years in the Mass Effect universe timeline".
2183 Mass Effect
2183 Mass Effect Galaxy
2183 Mass Effect 2
21?? Mass Effect Infiltrator
2186 Mass Effect 3
2819 Mass Effect: Andromeda
In regard to Mass Effect: Andromeda, it is true that this game starts its narrative in 2185, which is after Mass Effect 2, but most of the game takes place in 2819. For this reason, even though the game starts in 2185, I consider this game to mostly take place in 2819, because that year is the corresponding time period of most of the gameplay. For this reason, I have included Mass Effect: Andromeda after Mass Effect 3 in both my chronological story order and timeline lists, and not before.
In What Order Are Save Games Imported in the Cases of Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3?
Mass Effect 2 imports the save game from Mass Effect (2007), and Mass Effect 3 imports the save game from Mass Effect 2. For this reason, when deciding to play through the Mass Effect games, it is reasonable to keep the save games from previous games in order to import them to the current game for a more coherent experience, even though the games can be played and enjoyed independently of importing save games of previous Mass Effect games.
If you are interested in the story timeline order of RPG video games, you may also be interested in checking out the story timeline orders of Dungeons & Dragons, Final Fantasy, The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher.
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