ME1: (17h, 8/10)
+ concise plot with a fascinating twist and a lot of impactful decisions to make
+ vast space setting that has some great worldbuilding to offer
+ decent shooter combat without annoying resource management
+ excellent soundtrack all around
+ at least 3 great companions who more than make up for the couple dull ones
- rather bad character creator
- unnaturally rushed story developments particularly at the beginning and end
- very poor dialogue system considering its importance (prompts not matching what is said, easily skipped choices, awkward transitions)
- disappointing exploration with only a handful of interesting, unique environments and lots of copy-pasted assets
ME2: (23h, 8/10)
+ significantly better space exploration with many diverse locations
+ great character loyalty missions
+ amazing final mission testing the bonds of one's crew
+ improved shooting mechanics and streamlined weapon management
- overly reduced RPG elements (inventory, skills)
- tedious resource mini game
- fairly inconsequential main story that may feel like a collection of side quests in the overarching narrative
ME3: (28h, 8/10)
+ respectable effort at involving the player in a large-scale war and finishing the previously stalled narrative
+ satisfying send-offs for almost all of the many companions
+ best DLC in the trilogy by far
+ beautiful and cinematic set pieces
+ decent weapon upgrade system that sits between ME1 and ME2 in complexity
+ faster movement
+ least annoying resource gathering
- no more hacking mini games at all
- only one persistent area aside from your spaceship
- controversial ending choice that isn't foreshadowed well
DLC:
ME1 Bring Down the Sky: interesting and somewhat important, dull gameplay (7/10)
ME2 Normandy Crash Site: short and uninspired mission (5/10)
ME2 Zaeed: rough companion with an alright story attached (6/10)
ME2 Kasumi: great mission and fine companion (7/10)
ME3 From Ashes: forgettable mission but very involved character (7/10)
ME3 Leviathan: solid storyline with horror elements and important lore for the main conflict (8/10)
ME3 Omega: drawn-out action centered around an unlikable character, nice visuals and gameplay (7/10)
ME3 Citadel: remarkable fan service with great self-referential humor and a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to the cast (9/10)
+ concise plot with a fascinating twist and a lot of impactful decisions to make
+ vast space setting that has some great worldbuilding to offer
+ decent shooter combat without annoying resource management
+ excellent soundtrack all around
+ at least 3 great companions who more than make up for the couple dull ones
- rather bad character creator
- unnaturally rushed story developments particularly at the beginning and end
- very poor dialogue system considering its importance (prompts not matching what is said, easily skipped choices, awkward transitions)
- disappointing exploration with only a handful of interesting, unique environments and lots of copy-pasted assets
ME2: (23h, 8/10)
+ significantly better space exploration with many diverse locations
+ great character loyalty missions
+ amazing final mission testing the bonds of one's crew
+ improved shooting mechanics and streamlined weapon management
- overly reduced RPG elements (inventory, skills)
- tedious resource mini game
- fairly inconsequential main story that may feel like a collection of side quests in the overarching narrative
ME3: (28h, 8/10)
+ respectable effort at involving the player in a large-scale war and finishing the previously stalled narrative
+ satisfying send-offs for almost all of the many companions
+ best DLC in the trilogy by far
+ beautiful and cinematic set pieces
+ decent weapon upgrade system that sits between ME1 and ME2 in complexity
+ faster movement
+ least annoying resource gathering
- no more hacking mini games at all
- only one persistent area aside from your spaceship
- controversial ending choice that isn't foreshadowed well
DLC:
ME1 Bring Down the Sky: interesting and somewhat important, dull gameplay (7/10)
ME2 Normandy Crash Site: short and uninspired mission (5/10)
ME2 Zaeed: rough companion with an alright story attached (6/10)
ME2 Kasumi: great mission and fine companion (7/10)
ME3 From Ashes: forgettable mission but very involved character (7/10)
ME3 Leviathan: solid storyline with horror elements and important lore for the main conflict (8/10)
ME3 Omega: drawn-out action centered around an unlikable character, nice visuals and gameplay (7/10)
ME3 Citadel: remarkable fan service with great self-referential humor and a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to the cast (9/10)