(The latest installment of the renowned ‘Mass Effect’ franchise brings its A game)

Bioware delivers a war experience unlike any other game in “Mass Effect 3.”

Gamers play as Commander Shepard, the iconic hero of the series, as they fight the life purging reapers in a galaxy-wide war starting with the invasion of Earth.

As gamers play through the opening sequence of the reaper’s arrival in Vancouver, Commander Shepard learns that there is no way to save everybody.

It’s been six months since the events of “Mass Effect 2” (or the arrival downloadable content, if you played it).

Shepard has been relieved of duty, and returned to the alliance fleet in Vancouver.

There, the defense council refuse to accept that the reapers were coming, until they knock at their front door.

Players escape to the Normandy, their flagship, that has been turned from a Cerberus ship to an Alliance frigate.

Now, it’s their job to rally the forces against the reapers.

Decisions gamers make in the game will determine which races they will have on their side.

When such a choice comes players must decide between gaining the loyalty of the krogan, a burly warrior race, or the race of scientists and scholars.

The new improvements to the ship include a war room, which gives players a terminal to check the “galactic readiness” level.

It factors in certain scores from different races that players have gained support from, as well as people they recruit and help along the way.

“Mass Effect 3” delivers in both story and technical prowess.

The game has few issues, and has an overall sense of polish. Composer Jack Wall returns for the third game, and presents a deep and moving sound track similar to the previous titles.

If the base on gamer’s sound systems is turned up high, it just might shake their living rooms.

Bioware continues their tradition from “Mass Effect 2” with their import save feature.

Should players own an Xbox 360, they will be able to import Shepard’s decisions from the previous two games into the third.

The game engine also remains the same leaving returning players familiar with the control scheme.

The gigantic scale of the game hasn’t changed either, giving you the entire Milky Way galaxy to explore and save.

The developer cleaned up their AI system, resulting in more intelligent enemies and squad mates.

They react to gamers play style, and require them to develop strategies for different situations.

Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer is executed well.

It’s similar to Gears of War 3’s hoard mode, requiring players and up to three other people to survive waves of enemies.

The multiplayer contributes to gamer’s single player campaigns, adding to their “Galactic Readi- ness” bar to defeat the reapers.

There are only three different

races of enemies, and few maps. However, there may be changes with future DLC releases.

All voice actors return from the previous installments, including Tricia Helfer as EDI, the Normandy’s AI system, and Seth Green as Joker, the ships pilot.

The series also adds a few names to the list, including Freddie Prinze Jr. as James Vega, and IGN gamer girl Jessica Chobot as Diana Allers.

Any story lines from the previous games are addressed and concluded, and wraps up Commander Shepard’s story.

Being one of the most anticipated games of the past year, “Mass Effect 3” delivers as a definite game of the year candidate.

Fans of both shooters and RPG’s alike will find enjoyment and a massive replay value.

Even new players to the series will find it enjoyable, though might find themselves confused at some plot points.

The “Galaxy at War” system adds a new dimension to games, especially those about war, fully immersing you into a galaxy that is slowly falling apart, and not just fighting on the front lines.

To top it all off, the player, is able to shape not only the look and personality of Commander Shepard to their liking, but the story really makes this game unique.

No other franchise allows the player to shape the story across not one or two, but three revolutionary titles.

The story of Commander Shepard comes to a climactic and beautiful end, making “Mass Effect” one of the most unique and best franchises in video game history.

Written by Joie Sullivan/Contributing Writer

Courtesy Photo by Bioware