The original Mass Effect featured incredible worldbuilding and an emphasis on player choice that many players had never quite experienced in a narrative-driven game before, but the original game's combat system was borderline unplayable. For as great as the game was, Mass Effect didn't feel good to play and BioWare acknowledged that problem by making significant improvements to the combat in both Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.

When Mass Effect 2 was released in 2010, it made a significant change to the way the game's combat took place. Mass Effect 2 streamlined the game's RPG elements as the series' gameplay transitioned into a more traditional form of linear action with a much simpler selection of tools available to the player at any given time. The gameplay was further improved in Mass Effect 3 with much more fluid combat, which was the driving force behind the success of ME3's new multiplayer mode. While some fans didn't like this simplified direction for the series, it proved to be a change that Mass Effect was in desperate need of and it made the action sequences fun to play.

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While the original game is remembered fondly by fans, it's because of Mass Effect's lore and introduction to a brand new universe and its storytelling, not because of the actual gameplay. In fact, the combat in Mass Effect was so bad that it detracted from the experience for some players. The weapons in Mass Effect were extremely inaccurate and used an overheating mechanic which resulted in players having to effectively spray shots around corners while doing minimal damage. And when combined with an extremely clunky and punishing cover system, it just didn't feel good to play. The combat experience in the original Mass Effect is not good, but BioWare did make significant strides in the following games.

Mass Effect's Combat Was Fully Realized In Andromeda

Why Nobody Likes Mass Effect Andromeda

The combat in Mass Effect has consistently improved with each release in the series, peaking with Mass Effect: Andromeda. While the series' gameplay is much better suited in a structured and linear format versus an open world, Mass Effect: Andromeda features extremely fluid combat and a soft cover system that keeps players engaged in the action. It's a natural development from what BioWare did in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, which was a dramatic improvement from where the series started in 2007. In all likelihood, the series' combat will no longer be a concern for players as Mass Effect 4 approaches.

Mass Effect's transition into more of an action shooter wasn't the most popular change. Many fans lament that the series sacrificed some of its RPG elements and placed more of an emphasis on the action, but it was a necessary change. The combat gameplay in the original Mass Effect was not good enough, and the changes that BioWare made in the following games significantly improved the overall experience.

Next: Why Mass Effect Legendary Edition Proves The Series Is Still Important