Mass Effect -- A Universe of Information.

I am twenty-four hours into Mass Effect. I have spent most of that time doing side quests. I've completed thirty or so side quests. I've only done two of the story missions beyond the Citadel. I've been trying to do every side quest possible before being forced into a story mission. That's how much fun I'm having merely existing in and exploring the universe of Mass Effect. At first I was a bit saddened to hear the game was a fifteen to twenty hour affair. It's been great to find out that those people are rushing through the storyline and not much more. And that they're on crack. Because what's there in the universe and story of Mass Effect is something I'm enjoying immensely. I've been savoring it and taking my time. Mass Effect's story is really standard sci-fi fare, it's just exceptionally handled and well written. The best part about it for me is early on the game sets up a wonderful sort of detective vibe and it hasn't abandoned it. Mass Effect's universe is a little on the dark side which only adds to the tech-noir in space feeling for me. Little bits of insight into the overall story come from everywhere in the game. They're there for you to find or not. The more thorough out there will be rewarded with a richer story. And the depth of story is amazing. There is a large amount of lore fleshing out the background for the universe of Mass Effect. There is a ton of detail to be had on the history and the technology and the species and worlds of Mass Effect if you want it. I'm personally enthralled with all the detail involved. Someone else on the other hand would probably find the abundance of information a nuisance. Luckily for me I'm finding the story itself and the universe of Mass Effect to be downright fascinating.