What is Mass Effect?
{{italictitle}} [[File:Mass Effect logo.png|230px|right]] '''''Mass Effect''''' is an [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[video game|game]] [[publishing|published]] by [[Microsoft]] and developed by [[BioWare]]. It was released for the [[Xbox 360]] and later on the [[PC]]. The game takes place in the year 2183. Players control an elite [[human]] [[soldier]] called Commander Shepard and are able to explore [[Milky Way|the galaxy]] on his or her [[spacecraft]], the ''SSV Normandy''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=579076&forum=104&sp=15|title=SSV Normandy - a name change?}}</ref> == Plot and Universe == ''Mass Effect'' has a very detailed [[fictional universe]], with many of the concepts based on real [[science]]. There are over 20 [[extraterrestrial life|alien]] races the player can meet in ''Mass Effect'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/galacticcodex/#races|title=Mass Effect Codex - Races}}</ref> with more planned for the sequels. === Themes === The game has a [[science fiction]] setting and explores themes such as [[Outer space|space]], [[racism]], [[religion]] and the state of [[human]]ity. The main plot of the game involves the classic science fiction idea of [[robot]]s or [[AI]] that have got out of control. According to the lead [[writer]] of Bioware, [[Star Wars]], [[Alien (movie)|Aliens]] and [[Blade Runner]] were all influences on the games setting and plot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/mass-effect-x360/previews/645/|title=Mass Effect - an interview|access-date=2008-08-28|archive-date=2010-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129112358/http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/mass-effect-x360/previews/645/|url-status=dead}}</ref> === Setting === ''Mass Effect'' is set 180 years in the [[future]] in the year 2183. According to the back story humans discovered some ancient technology on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. This enabled them to build [[light speed|faster than]] [[light]] [[spacecraft]]. With thi