'Mass Effect 3'

Mass Effect 3 has a lot to live up to. The concluding installment in Bioware's blockbuster science-fiction epic finishes a story that for many players began five years ago with the original game, and anticipation was high for a satisfying resolution that incorporated and responded to the many, many choices players have made along the way. The game mostly meets expectations, but in a few instances - especially the last act - it falters.

'Mass Effect 2'

Game developer Bioware, recognized for renowned role-playing games such as Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, has become the go-to team for great RPG experiences. 2007's Mass Effect and 2009's Dragon Age: Origins continued to show its impressive ability to create compelling interactive game worlds with expansive histories and stories. Released in late January, Mass Effect 2 boasts a great new innovation in the genre while delivering the same magnificent player-based storytelling the developer has perfected.