Genre: Epic sci-fi Premise: A science fiction role-playing game (RPG) on the XBOX 360 set in 2183 CE or 2572 GS (Galactic Standard), within the Milky Way.  You are a member of the Systems Alliance (human, space orientated, military), and humanity is on the cusp of true acceptance by other alien species.  Why should you give it a look: This is one of the few western science fiction RPGs to come out of the current console generation that is not just some first person shooter set on a distant planetary system… it is a joy to behold.  New and old: Admittedly the story takes a few of the long-standing science fiction elements that have become staples of the genre and its sub-genres: aliens, first contact, faster than light speed, history about to repeat itself, a single species waiting to wipe out all others: the list does go on for a while. At least your

Playing it: There is a pleasant level of customisation to the game; at the beginning you can go with the preset protagonist: John Shepard; but it is much more fun to create you own character, male or female, and then what they look like.  You choose what area of skills you want to specialise during the game and two factors that describe your background, which will affect several gameplay attributes: alignment (paragon and/or renegade) and the reaction of other characters towards you.  Further customisation comes with weapons and armour upgrades later on, deciding to act like a paragon (good) or a renegade (bad), and a possible relationship with one of the other main characters (though the options of who this might be are somewhat limited).  Oh, and there are numerous difficulty modes to choose from. Levelling up is an interesting progress involving good old experience points that are not just affected by defeating enemies, but navigating successfully through conversations and completing various side missions.

Finally: This game does not present you with the same kind of freedoms of other more recent western fantasy RPGs, such as Oblivion, but it is a step in the right direction.  There is a sequel in the works.  This was not very long for an RPG, no more than 35 hours if you do all the side missions, and even shorter if you do not, but also all the designs for locations were very samey: just not enough variance.  It is definitely a game that could be enjoyed over a weekend, but do not expect to get much playtime out of it, unless you enjoy getting all of the achievements in games like this.