My review of Mass Effect is up on the site. 30 hours and a week in the making, the game was a hell of a lot of fun to play. I’m already planning my return after the holiday rush is over. I played a female Paragon Soldier, so think I’m going to try a male Renegade Biotic. Woot.

From the opening strains of the title music to the final wailing synth-song of the scrolling credits, this game encompasses what I love about gaming. Peter Molyneux nailed it at GDC this year, saying that it isn’t so much the story that matters as the emotion it instills in you. Across its storyline Mass Effect will have you laughing, furious, and deeply saddened - in some cases all about the same character. Slick graphics and heated combat aside, this title proves out the power of words artfully spoken. In some cases, the right words can mean the difference between salvation and damnation, between triumph and defeat. If you’re realistic in your expectations, if you come to the game ready for what it can offer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more compelling reason to turn on your 360 this season.