Happy 10 Year Anniversary Mass Effect! *spoilers* (Long Post)

Tomorrow (November 7th) is a special day for any fans of the Mass Effect Franchise. Tomorrow is N7 Day, and even more special day than before because this year we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Mass Effect. In 2007, when Mass Effect first released, I was 12 so I was unable to experience the game until about (I wanna say) 2013 aka when I turned 18. I, however, started with Mass Effect 3 (which was a mistake on my part but I didn't think about it too much back then). Probably one of the first rated M games I've played. I played it on my Xbox 360. I believe I was recommend it at my local Gamestop. First time I played, I remember I didn't understand the Renegade/Paragon stuff. I most/all interrupts with out thinking about it (except when it came to Ashley, I tried to keep her alive). I remember I first played as FemShep and I hoped that I could romance Ashley but was sadly mistaken. So after a couple+ playthroughs I decided to do some research into the game. And with all that research, came many, many, MANY notes. I have a small journal that is filled to brim with Mass Effect notes through all series. Soon after I got Mass Effect 1 and 2. I started from the beginning. And through all the trilogy playthrough, I fell in love with everything that makes Mass Effect the amazing game it is. I learned to love Dr. Liara T'Soni. I grew a hatred for Cerberus even if they saved my life. I became the Paragon of the Galaxy and Upfront Biotic Vanguard, Commander Mira Shepard, who saved the council and David Archer, synthesized the reapers, helped destroyed my clone, sacrificed Kaidan Alenko, and so much more. I also became the Renegade Commander Melrose Shepard. I grew close to my entire crew:

• Garrus Vakarian
• Tali Zorah vas Normandy
• Ashley Williams♥
• Liara T'Soni♥
• Wrex
• Dr. Chakwas
• Joker
• Thane Krios
• Mordin Solus
• Grunt
• Jack
• Jacob Taylor (though not as much)
• Miranda Lawson
• Samara
• Kasumi Goto (DLC)
• Zaeed Masani (DLC)
• EDI
• Javik
• James Vega
• Steve Cortez (Shuttle Pilot counts as crew :D )

And even those not on my crew:

• Anderson
• Aria T'Loak ♥
• Nyreen Kandros
• Eve
• Traynor

The Normandy became like a second home to me. I had to adapt to all the changes through out the ship as the games went on. I remember in Mass Effect 1 I had a difficult time maneuvering the Mako vehicle around on the planet Therum.

I loved all the races that were in the games. Humans (of course), Asari, Krogan, Quarians, Turians, Drell, Elcor, Hanar, Salarians, Volus, Batarians, Vorcha, and Protheans. Then you had the non-sapient creatures like Thresher Maws, Varren, Pyjaks, and Gas Bags (they're more but not relevant to me unless you like tipping the space cow). I even loved the cute Keepers on the Citadel. I obviously didn't like the Collectors or the Reapers. Leviathan was okay as was the Rachni (I saved the Rachni Queen).

I've seen (and own) the Paragon Lost movie, which is based between Mass Effect 2 and 3. I enjoyed the movie as it was more anime-esc and it gives James Vega more background rather than him just telling you in your scuffle down in the Shuttle bay.

I loved all DLCs of the trilogy but, by far, my favorite is the Citadel DLC. I learned online the best order to do all the DLCs. And this is just the Trilogy.

Then you have Mass Effect Andromeda. I enjoyed it a lot, grew close to that crew too:

• Cora Harper♥
• Drak
• Peebee
• Vetra Nyx♥
• Liam Kosta
• Jaal Ama Darav♥
• Dr. T'Perro

I will say it was a bit lacking compare to the Trilogy, even to Mass Effect 3. There wasn't a Paragon/Renegade, rather it was more like Dragon Age Inquisition in the Dialogue so it was a interesting adjustment I had to make. I enjoyed riding in the Nomad which was like a newer Mako (but no one can replace the Mako). They added races called Angara, Kett, and Remnant which was cool to learn about. The mechanics of the fighting was much different from the Trilogy. In ME:A, you walk and then go into cover rather than auto-covering which makes it difficult for me. I like the melee weapon change though I do like either my trusty omni-blade or biotics. In ME:A I play under the Scrapper Profile and focus on my biotics, weapon damage and health. And even though I have a biotic charge, I enjoy being in the back lines, using my Black Widow Sniper Rifle. The way enemies move is more unpredictable compared to Mass Effect 3 and earlier. I mean I enjoy a good challenge but sometimes it gets annoying.

I will continue to be a proud support of the Mass Effect Franchise, no matter which one.