Downloading mass effect 1 worth it?

[kajinking]

Hey there I'm just looking for a bit of advice on a series I'm relatively new to Mass Effect. I'm really limited on money now (48 bucks left in my account) but am getting a job soon at the local town hall (about 90 dollars a week). One of the things I intend to get after I get a new xbox live gold subscribtion and re-new my virus protection is mass effect 2. In the mean time I was thinking about donwloading Mass Effect 1 for 20 bucks (in my price range) off Xbox live just to hold me over the month or two I may have to wait and get me caught up with the story. Do you guys think it's worth it with me being so limited on money and my next paycheck not till a month away? I hear you can import saves and that the 2nd makes alot more sense if you played the first but is it worth it to buy it now? Also just how long does it take to beat it?

 

[bladeofdarkness]

lets just say, that beyond the fact that the first game is also really really good and really worth owning on its own
your overall experiance in the second game would be dramaticlly improved if you've played the first game and used the save files

 

[Hiphophippo]

lets just say, that beyond the fact that the first game is also really really good and really worth owning on its own
your overall experiance in the second game would be dramaticlly improved if you've played the first game and used the save files

There we go. /thread on the first post.

 

[curlycrouton]

I'm going to get verbally crucified for this, but I really didn't enjoy Mass Effect. I found it clichéd and tedious.
But then, I'm not a huge sci-fi fan.

If you love sprawling, majestic space operas, then go for it. If you don't, well you wouldn't be buying Mass Effect 2.

Therefore, buy it.

 

[JDviewer]

Buying the first game first would add a lot to the story. You'll even get to carry over your own storyline and choices into the second game.

In terms of how long it takes to beat, its a long game by todays standards. Even if you keep to the main storyline and none of the side missions, it can still take you over 10 hours to finish.

 

[searanox]

The first game is basically necessary in order to fully enjoy the second game, due to recurring characters having significant roles in the story, as well as some decisions you made in the first affecting it in minor ways. You might be able to pick up a hard copy for the same price, though it might mean buying used.

I guess you could also get it on PC, since the PC version was vastly improved over the original (better controls and performance, mostly), but if you don't plan on getting Mass Effect 2 for the PC then that's not the best idea.

 

[Katana314]

If you're short on cash, I might think more about games with higher replay value. Something multiplayer, maybe.

 

[Arachon]

Do it, just started ME2, but so far I think ME1 was better.

 

[searanox]

If you're short on cash, I might think more about games with higher replay value. Something multiplayer, maybe.

I played the first one for about 100 hours or so, over the course of five play-throughs. Different alignments, romantic interests, classes etc. keep it interesting, though it's definitely not a game I'd recommend most people play more than twice over. Either way it should still last you at least a few weeks.

 

[kajinking]

Any guess on how long with side missions? I really hope to streach this out and hold me over for quite some time. I was also just wondering what happens to my downloads when the system gives out. Will I have to pay to get them again or will I just need to re-download them? I'm kinda new to xbox live and buying things offline so I was just wondering.

 

[Hiphophippo]

It's hard to say how long the game will last you because it really depends on your gaming habits. How long do you play games per day? If you only play an hour or two here and there the game will last you quite some time, but if you power through games if might only last you a few days.

Unless you're the kind to replay games like this, but I'm not. I can't replay rpgs outside of FF6 for some reason. Not sure what it is about that game.

 

[searanox]

Any guess on how long with side missions? I really hope to streach this out and hold me over for quite some time. I was also just wondering what happens to my downloads when the system gives out. Will I have to pay to get them again or will I just need to re-download them? I'm kinda new to xbox live and buying things offline so I was just wondering.

The game is roughly 20-30 hours to complete, though you can plough through it in about 10 if you know exactly what to do, where to go, and skip a lot of the dialogue. Side missions on the game's uncharted worlds take up a great deal of time, but arguably aren't very fun and you might find them repetitive and boring.

As for the online stuff, you don't have to pay for the game to download it again. It merely gets registered to your account, and you can download it any time you're online.

 

[Ganthrinor]

Yes.

 

[kajinking]

Will I be able to play the game even if my xbox is unhooked from live after I download it? I have to unhook my Xbox in order to get my computer online (they share a cable). I just want to know if there's any online verification or something each time I want to play.

 

[Poomanchu745]

Mass Effect 1 is a great game. Just don't play Mass Effect 2 and then expect to go back and play Mass Effect 1. Play Mass Effect 1 a bunch and get a few character to complete the game and then play Mass Effect 2. Mass Effect 1 ranks in my top 10 games of all time and Mass Effect 2 ranks #1.