Comments on: How the Mass Effect Series Changed My Life

By: Benny Bedlam

Benny Bedlam — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:09:42 +0000

@Obi-Rus Kenobi

Thanks for sharing that! I can definitely relate. I bought an N7 wallet a few months ago, and I always feel a bit of pride whenever I take it out of my pocket. Forget about Gucci or Chanel, the only accessories that can make me swoon are Mass Effect merchandise. What Miranda decision?? Did you romance her or…. kill her? (I’m hoping it’s the first)

@I Am Fiefo

Thanks dude! Yeah man, Datablitz was my turf. My friends and I wished we worked there when we were kids! I’m glad you enjoyed the read, it really means a lot to me

By: I Am Fiefo

I Am Fiefo — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:23:02 +0000

Love the article Benny! I also love the Mass Effect series and it’s actually the only game where I actively pursued getting all of the DLC that was available. Mainly because I didn’t want the game to end.

However, what really struck me was the fact that the picture of DataBlitz (I think it’s the one in MegaMall) which I recognized since I’m in the Philippines myself. I found your story very inspirational that, by doing something you love and not letting anything hold you back, you were able to accomplish a lot.

Thanks for the article and hope to read more from you!

By: Obi-Rus Kenobi

Obi-Rus Kenobi — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:51 +0000

Great article! I Became a fan at ME1 but by the end of ME2, dare I say it Mass Effect had surpassed Star Wars as my favorite fandom. Although most of my friends usually fall in the COD type of games I’ve converted most of them to Mass Effect and we’ve spent countless hours “geeking” out about the choices we made and the differences in our outcomes. My fiance became a fan at ME2. Originally an xmas gift from her and not a big gamer herself, she enjoyed watching me play and the choices I made (she still doesn’t agree with my Miranda decision lol) and then taking the reigns and playing through with her own FemShep. I also wear my N7 t-shirt proudly and enjoy the subtle nods and conversations started by strangers who actually know what N7 means. Creatively, the series has inspired be me to do express myself. I went through a spell where I was doing fan-art mashups that were all very Mass Effect centric just for fun.

Now that i’ve finished Citadel I feel a huge void until the next. I’m not sure what to expect with the next ME series, especially since it won’t feature “my” Shepard, but at this point i’ll take anything to satisfy the itch. Thanks for sharing your experience as it made want to share mine.

By: Benny Bedlam

Benny Bedlam — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:16:58 +0000

@rosstopher

That’s so nice to hear! I definitely understand the whole idea that there’s no wrong answer. When I played the game, my Shepard was mostly a mix of paragon and renegade. I guess that applied in my life as well. The whole concept that there is a grey area in morality. I don’t know… is it wrong for me to say that I loved the Illusive Man and Cerberus? Even in Mass Effect 3, I know he went overboard but I definitely saw where he was coming from. He’s like a futuristic Machiavelli (I loved The Prince btw). I could actually do a character study of the Illusive Man.

@trashcanman

Hey man! I appreciate your comments as always. Yeah, I hate how some fans take their hate too far. I mean yeah, the ending may not be what most expected but 98% of the trilogy is freakin’ awesome. One of the missions I keep replaying all the time in ME2 is the Suicide Mission. Playing that part of the game just inspires me to go out there and be a hero! haha

Also, thank you for reading and thoughtfully commenting on my posts regularly!

@Sara Clemens

Thanks Sara! I really appreciate it Yeah, I actually played ME1. I bought it right after I finished ME2 along with all the other DLCs. Yes, that’s how much I was blown away by it. I love Garrus!! I think he’s a better romance than Kaidan actually. I get what you mean though, Miranda couldn’t stop being so gloomy in ME3 and I was like “STOP TALKING ABOUT THAT CHIP AND ORIANA.” hahaha

@Ted Zancha

Yes, it’s amazing how much awesome people I’ve met because of this game. While other kids had Harry Potter, I had Mass Effect. Thank you for reading this!! Means a lot to me.

@Gabriel

True, I was also telling my friends that “I had nothing else to look forward to” haha. Obviously, there are other games out there that’s cool but nothing in the same league as the Mass Effect trilogy. Can’t wait for the next ME trilogy!

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:13:48 +0000

After finishing ME3 last year my desire to play anything else is pretty much gone due to me feeling like everything else is “Just never going to be as good” as the Mass Effect Trilogy.

By: Ted Zancha

Ted Zancha — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:12:56 +0000

Thank you for this piece Benny. A truly wonderful look at the power of this medium. While it may be over saturated with fluff and useless games, its good to know that there are still games out there worth playing that not only tell amazing stories, but also help bring people together. Plus, who wouldn’t love to work with, talk about, and meet people from a piece of media or art that you love.

Again, thanks for the great article.

By: Sara Clemens

Sara Clemens — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:52:36 +0000

This article is phenomenal.

I’m about halfway through ME2 (for the first time) now, and I just realized last night that FemShep and Garrus is my OTP. That’s nerdy and jokey in comparison to this lovely piece, but still—I was flooded with warm fuzzies.

Did you ever get around to playing ME1? Garrus won’t shut up in that one, but then he’s all dark and broken in the second one (for good reason, obviously). But I definitely got to the point where I was like: “STOP DOING CALIBRATIONS AND FLIRT WITH ME.”

By: trashcanman

trashcanman — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:52:14 +0000

God, I’m glad there’s someone else out there who appreciates how outstanding this series is/was. It’s become extremely in vogue to hate all things Bioware, disregard every aspect of Mass Effect and Dragon Age as crap, and shout “biodrone!” at anyone who will admit they love those series. It’s gotten real old real fast, and has even driven the founders of the company out of the industry altogether. It’s a symptom of just how toxic the gaming community has gotten that we get a series of Mass Effect quality, and one underwhelming cutscene at the end is all it takes to invoke that level of insanity. Your story is awesome, madame, and I think the fact that any work of mere fiction inspired you to better your life and chase your dreams pretty much cancels out the “opinions” of any number of howling idiots on the net.

By: rosstopher

rosstopher — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:34:43 +0000

If anything, the game opened my eyes. I realized outcomes would be the same whether or not I decided to intimidate or inspire. All I needed was a goal in mind. Goes to prove just how amazing the power of belief is, in yourself and in your actions. When I first played through, I didn’t realize this. I tried to make the wisest decision possible, whether that be renegade or paragon. Once I realized there was no wrong answer, (there are moments where tough decisions affect the game so choice does matter sometimes) I stopped imagining other people’s feeling and judgement while becoming more decisive. I have since applied this in life and have seen a dramatic increase in efficiency. With a desired outcome in mind, I could accomplish anything.

Another unexpected outcome was how much people look to others for reassurance and validation. This works in my favor to figure out how others need to be pushed or inspired. The charisma of one person can be infectious, while the fear of disappointment and failure are excellent tools as well.

Seriously, I matured a lot bit playing this game.