Mass Effect Legendary Edition

File:MassEffect1 LegendaryEdition Combat.png has received more extensive upgrades than its sequels, including a new HUD.]]

Mass Effect Legendary Edition contains single-player base content from all three titles in the Mass Effect trilogy: Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 (2010), and Mass Effect 3 (2012).{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Casey |title=Happy N7 Day! |url=https://blog.bioware.com/2020/11/07/happy-n7-day-4/ |website=BioWare Blog |access-date=January 15, 2021 |date=November 7, 2020 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107160501/https://blog.bioware.com/2020/11/07/happy-n7-day-4/ |url-status=live }} The compilation also includes almost all single-player downloadable content (DLC) that was originally released for each game, such as promotional weapons, armors, and packs.{{refn|group=N|The Pinnacle Station pack from Mass Effect is not included in Legendary Edition.{{cite magazine |last1=Ruppert |first1=Liana |title=BioWare Explains Pinnacle Station DLC Exclusion From Mass Effect Legendary Edition, "Heartbreaking" |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-pinnacle-station-dlc-exclusion-from-mass-effect-legendary-edition |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207013235/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-pinnacle-station-dlc-exclusion-from-mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |date=February 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}}} The trilogy consists of action role-playing games in which the player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who must unite the galactic community against a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships known as Reapers.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect - Abstraction |url=https://abstraction.games/project/mass-effect-legendary-edition |website=Abstraction Games Official Website |access-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115215858/https://abstraction.games/project/mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |url-status=dead}} Shepard is a customizable character whose gender, appearance, military background, combat training, and first name are determined by the player.{{cite web |last1=Perez |first1=Diego |title=Mass Effect Character Creation Guide: Best Pre-Service History, Psychological Profile, and Class |url=https://attackofthefanboy.com/guides/mass-effect-character-creation-guide-best-pre-service-history-psychological-profile-and-class/ |website=Attack of the Fanboy |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926170501/https://attackofthefanboy.com/guides/mass-effect-character-creation-guide-best-pre-service-history-psychological-profile-and-class/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |date=May 15, 2021 |url-status=live }} During each game, the player makes choices that can impact the story in various ways, including consequences that can be carried forward through the trilogy.{{cite web |author1=Eurogamer Staff |title=The games we're looking forward to in 2021 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-01-08-the-games-were-looking-forward-to-in-2021 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115220231/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-01-08-the-games-were-looking-forward-to-in-2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |date=January 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}

All three titles were remastered for Legendary Edition, which includes updated textures, shaders, models, effects, and technical features. The games also run in sharper resolutions and at higher frames per second than their original counterparts. The compilation allows players to start all three titles from a single menu and a universal character creator that includes customization options for all three games. The default female Commander Shepard model from Mass Effect 3, which was previously unavailable in prior installments, is now usable across the trilogy. The second and third entries feature similar gameplay to their original versions but have received some adjustments, such as the rebalancing of the "Galactic Readiness" system from Mass Effect 3.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Lucy |last2=Ramée |first2=Jordan |title=What Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Is Changing About The Original Trilogy |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-mass-effect-legendary-edition-is-changing-about-the-original-trilogy/1100-6486987/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206204423/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-mass-effect-legendary-edition-is-changing-about-the-original-trilogy/1100-6486987/ |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |date=February 3, 2021 |url-status=live }} Also new to each game is a photo mode, which allows players to take adjustable in-game screenshots.{{cite magazine |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition has a photo mode and it looks pretty sweet |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-has-a-photo-mode-and-it-looks-pretty-sweet/ |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210417163156/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-has-a-photo-mode-and-it-looks-pretty-sweet/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |date=April 16, 2021 |url-status=live}}

The first Mass Effect has received more extensive upgrades than its counterparts.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/in-mass-effect-legendary-edition-the-first-game-is-a-partial-remake-the-sequels-are-remasters/ |title=In Mass Effect: Legendary Edition the first game is a partial remake, the sequels are remasters |first=Rich |last=Stanton |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |magazine=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207164205/https://www.pcgamer.com/in-mass-effect-legendary-edition-the-first-game-is-a-partial-remake-the-sequels-are-remasters/ |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |url-status=live }} The game includes additional visual updates, such as the addition of smoke effects and volumetric lighting to certain levels and modified skyboxes. Combat has been updated in an attempt to feel more consistent with the sequels, including improved aim assist with a stickier lock-on, a dedicated melee button, rebalanced weapons, and smarter enemy and squad artificial intelligence. Certain boss encounters have received adjustments in order to feel less frustrating, such as expanded levels and more frequent auto-saving.{{cite magazine |last1=Ruppert |first1=Liana |title=How Mass Effect Legendary Edition Makes Boss Fights More Effective |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/15/how-mass-effect-legendary-edition-makes-boss-fights-more-effective |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210306200314/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/15/how-mass-effect-legendary-edition-makes-boss-fights-more-effective |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |date=February 15, 2021 |url-status=live }} The Mako, which is an all-terrain vehicle that is primarily used by the player for traversal, has received a speed increase and updated physics.{{cite magazine |last1=Ruppert |first1=Liana |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mako Changes, What's Different |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/07/mass-effect-legendary-edition-mako-changes-whats-different |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207163658/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/mass-effect-legendary-edition-mako-changes-whats-different |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |date=February 2, 2021 |url-status=live }} Exploration around the world has also been tweaked, such as reduced time spent in elevators that are utilized as a way to hide loading screens, which was a commonly criticized aspect of the original game.{{cite magazine |last1=Ruppert |first1=Liana |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Changes Iconic Elevator Sequences |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/03/mass-effect-legendary-edition-changes-iconic-elevator-sequences |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207163157/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/03/mass-effect-legendary-edition-changes-iconic-elevator-sequences |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |date=February 3, 2021 |url-status=live }}

Mass Effect Legendary Edition was developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition |url=https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect/mass-effect-legendary-edition |website=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Official Website |access-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206024812/https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect/mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |url-status=live }} BioWare had previously discussed developing a remaster of the Mass Effect trilogy in 2014,{{cite web |author1=PC Invasion |title=Mass Effect 'N7 Day' stream teased, remastered trilogy hints persist |url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/mass-effect-n7-day-stream-teased-remastered-trilogy-hints-persist/ |website=PC Invasion |access-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115221147/https://www.pcinvasion.com/mass-effect-n7-day-stream-teased-remastered-trilogy-hints-persist/ |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |date=November 7, 2014 |url-status=live}} but did not begin work on the project until 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-02-mass-effect-returns-bioware-talks-trilogy-tweaks-and-franchise-revival |title=Mass Effect returns: BioWare talks trilogy tweaks and franchise revival |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |website=Eurogamer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210202170147/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-02-mass-effect-returns-bioware-talks-trilogy-tweaks-and-franchise-revival |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |url-status=live }} Multiple support studios were contracted to assist with development, including Abstraction Games and Blind Squirrel Games.{{cite web |title=Our Games |url=https://blindsquirrelentertainment.com/games-3/ |website=Blind Squirrel Games Official Website |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504135235/https://blindsquirrelentertainment.com/games-3/ |url-status=dead }} The former aided with the adaptation of each game for newer consoles, and helped with optimizations and improvements, mostly with regard to graphics. The overall project was directed by Mac Walters, who previously served as lead writer for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Kat |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition First Impressions: Less Than a Remake, but Much More Than a Basic Remaster |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-first-impressions-less-than-a-remake-but-much-more-than-a-basic-remaster |website=IGN |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210203154633/https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-first-impressions-less-than-a-remake-but-much-more-than-a-basic-remaster |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |date=February 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}

Early in the development process, BioWare consulted with Epic Games to determine the feasibility of porting the games from their original engine, Unreal Engine 3, to Unreal Engine 4. BioWare eventually determined that the amount of work required to do so was significant, and would involve remaking large aspects of the games, such as redoing all cinematic scenes.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-doesnt-use-unreal-engine-4/1100-6487003/ |title=Why Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Doesn't Use Unreal Engine 4 |website=GameSpot |date=February 3, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206190428/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-doesnt-use-unreal-engine-4/1100-6487003/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-uses-unreal-engine-3-for-good-reason-according-to-the-developers/ |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition uses Unreal Engine 3 for good reason according to the developers |website=GamesRadar+ |date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206190428/https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-uses-unreal-engine-3-for-good-reason-according-to-the-developers/ |url-status=live }} They were also concerned that an overhaul of that magnitude would fundamentally change and take away from the original trilogy experience. Based on these findings, BioWare decided to keep the games on their original engine, and also to approach the project as a remaster as opposed to a remake.{{cite magazine |last1=Wallace |first1=Kimberley |title=Why Mass Effect Legendary Edition Is A Remaster (Not A Remake) |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/05/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-is-a-remaster-not-a-remake |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207190208/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/05/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-is-a-remaster-not-a-remake |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |date=February 5, 2021 |url-status=live }} Due to its complicated nature and potential impact on the project's timeline, BioWare also decided that the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer mode would not be included.{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-why-it-didnt-bring-back-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-in-legendary-edition |title=BioWare Explains Why It Didn't Bring Back Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer In Legendary Edition |first=Liana |last=Ruppert |magazine=Game Informer |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207184054/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-why-it-didnt-bring-back-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-in-legendary-edition |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |url-status=live }} The team intended to include all single-player DLC in the package but was unable to include the Pinnacle Station pack from Mass Effect because its source code was corrupted, which Walters described as "heartbreaking".{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-pinnacle-station-dlc-exclusion-from-mass-effect-legendary-edition |title=BioWare Explains Pinnacle Station DLC Exclusion From Mass Effect Legendary Edition, "Heartbreaking" |first=Liana |last=Ruppert |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207013235/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/02/bioware-explains-pinnacle-station-dlc-exclusion-from-mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}

As part of the remastering process, BioWare increased resolutions for all textures throughout the trilogy, which was accomplished by utilizing an artificial intelligence upscaling program and other custom tools.{{cite web |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=BioWare used AI upscaling to remaster Mass Effect's original textures |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/02/bioware-used-ai-upscaling-to-remaster-mass-effects-original-textures/ |website=GamesBeat |date=February 2, 2021 |publisher=VentureBeat |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207192032/https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/02/bioware-used-ai-upscaling-to-remaster-mass-effects-original-textures/ |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |url-status=live }} Once those initial visual upgrades were complete, the art department began manual work on assets, character models, and environments.{{cite web |title=Visual Improvements |url=https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect/mass-effect-legendary-edition/news/visual-improvements |website=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Official Website |date=April 13, 2021 |publisher=Electronic Arts |access-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211003174916/https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect/mass-effect-legendary-edition/news/visual-improvements |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |url-status=live }} After reviewing each game for potential changes, the team concluded that certain camera angles of female characters were either gratuitous or in need of improvement, so they moved ahead with alterations to some original shots.{{cite web |last=Tamburro |first=Paul |title=BioWare 'censors' Mass Effect Legendary Edition butt shots and gamers are mad |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/673736-bioware-censors-mass-effect-legendary-edition |website=Game Revolution |date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210209201028/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/673736-bioware-censors-mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |url-status=live }} By the spring of 2020, Legendary Edition entered a "baseline" state where the games were fully playable and BioWare's first round of improvements had been implemented. However, the team felt that the original Mass Effect was still lagging behind the other games in terms of visuals, so they brought in the game's original art director, Derek Watts, to add new details and effects. The original game also received a significant amount of gameplay updates, which was done in order to modernize the experience and to remove inconsistencies with its sequels. These updates included adjustments to boss encounters that were originally deemed "painful" for players, which required the involvement of one of the game's original level designers. The compilation was released to manufacturing on April 9, 2021.{{cite web |last1=Gurwin |first1=Gabe |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Has Gone Gold Ahead Of May 14 Launch |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-has-gone-gold-ahead-of-may-14-launch/1100-6490007/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210410162446/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-has-gone-gold-ahead-of-may-14-launch/1100-6490007/ |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}

Mass Effect Legendary Edition was officially announced on November 7, 2020, which is also known as "N7 Day", a date declared by BioWare as an annual celebration of the Mass Effect franchise. The compilation was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on May 14, 2021. Although it runs and features targeted enhancements on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility, BioWare has no plans to release versions of Legendary Edition specifically for those consoles.{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Rebekah |title=Why Mass Effect Legendary Edition Won't Come to PS5 and Xbox Series X |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-wont-come-to-ps5-and-xbox-series-x |website=IGN |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207185016/https://www.ign.com/articles/why-mass-effect-legendary-edition-wont-come-to-ps5-and-xbox-series-x |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |url-status=live }} In an interview, Walters stated that while he would like to port the compilation to Nintendo Switch, that console was outside the project's scope.

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 86/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PC Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110055945/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}
PS4: 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition for Playstation 4 Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321152810/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}
XB1: 90/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition for Xbox One Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110054051/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/mass-effect-legendary-edition/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}

| OC = 96%{{cite web |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/11290/mass-effect-legendary-edition |website=OpenCritic |access-date=November 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241130161930/https://opencritic.com/game/11290/mass-effect-legendary-edition |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |url-status=live}}

| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |last1=Mercante |first1=Alyssa |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review: "The Only Way to Play an Unmissable Series" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 21, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210524001650/https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |url-status=live}}

| GI = 9/10{{cite magazine |last1=Wallace |first1=Kimberly |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/mass-effect-legendary-edition/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-a-great-way-to-honor|title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review – A Great Way To Honor Commander Shepard's Legacy |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 14, 2021 |date=May 14, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210524001938/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/mass-effect-legendary-edition/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-a-great-way-to-honor |url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web |last1=Ramée |first1=Jordan |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/1900-6417679/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529182836/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/1900-6417679/ |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |date=May 25, 2021 |url-status=live }}

| IGN = (ME1) 8/10{{cite web |last1=Stapleton |first1=Dan |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review Part 1: Mass Effect |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-part-1-mass-effect |website=IGN |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210524002339/https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-part-1-mass-effect |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |url-status=live }}
(ME2) 9/10{{cite web |last1=Stapleton |first1=Dan |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review Part 2: Mass Effect 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-mass-effect-2-review |website=IGN |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926174442/https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-mass-effect-2-review |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live }}
(ME3) 8/10{{cite web |last1=Stapleton |first1=Dan |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review Part 3: Mass Effect 3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-3-legendary-edition-review |website=IGN |access-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211120191526/https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-3-legendary-edition-review |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |date=November 6, 2021 |url-status=live}}

| PCGUS = (ME1) 77/100{{cite magazine |last1=Macgregor |first1=Jody |title=Mass Effect 1 Legendary Edition Review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-1-legendary-edition-review/ |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210524002627/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-1-legendary-edition-review/ |url-status=live}}

| RPG = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Perkins |first=Jervon |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review |url=https://rpgamer.com/review/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |website=RPGamer |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926174643/https://rpgamer.com/review/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live }}

| Destruct = 9/10{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=Review: Mass Effect Legendary Edition |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |website=Destructoid |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926174823/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live }}

| PSQ = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Robert |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review (PS4) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/mass_effect_legendary_edition |website=Push Square |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926175616/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/mass_effect_legendary_edition |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live }}

}}

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, the Windows and PlayStation 4 versions of Mass Effect Legendary Edition received "generally favorable reviews" whereas the Xbox One version received "universal acclaim" from video game publications. According to OpenCritic, 96% of 122 critic reviews recommend the game.

Critics generally felt that the first Mass Effect, which received more extensive upgrades than its sequels, was significantly improved in Legendary Edition. Alyssa Mercante of GamesRadar+ opined that the changes to the game resulted in a more modern experience, and that BioWare successfully brought the game more in line with its sequels without detracting from its original charm. Shubhankar Parijat of GamingBolt asserted that the remaster was one of the most impressive that he had seen, which he attributed to the extensive work done to assets, environments, lighting, and character models.{{cite web |last1=Parijat |first1=Shubhankar |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Review – Favourite Trilogy on the Citadel |url=https://gamingbolt.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-favourite-trilogy-on-the-citadel |website=GamingBolt |access-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210817233653/https://gamingbolt.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-favourite-trilogy-on-the-citadel |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021 |url-status=live }} By contrast, some critics felt that the visual changes went too far and ultimately overshadowed the original's mood and tone,{{cite web |last1=Donaldson |first1=Alex |title=The Mass Effect Remaster in Legendary Edition is excellent, but showy visuals overshadow some of the original's mood and tone |url=https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/13/mass-effect-remaster-legendary-edition-graphics-lighting/ |website=VG247 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529183135/https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/13/mass-effect-remaster-legendary-edition-graphics-lighting/ |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |url-status=live }} while other critics felt that the gameplay updates did not go far enough.

Reviewers responded positively to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 in Legendary Edition despite those games receiving relatively minor updates. Writing for Destructoid, Eric Van Allen praised the adjustments made to the morality system of Mass Effect 2, which he felt made the game feel less unforgiving. Dan Stapleton of IGN opined that the graphical improvements made to Mass Effect 2 made it look comparable to a modern release, with the main exception being its facial animations. In his evaluation of Mass Effect 3, Robert Ramsey of Push Square noted that the inclusion of expansions that were not available with the base version of the game resulted in a meaningfully enhanced experience. By contrast, Jordan Ramée of GameSpot criticized the compilation for not integrating DLC well into the overall narrative of the individual games.

As an overall product, Legendary Edition received praise for its convenience, scope, and preservation of the Mass Effect trilogy. Writing for The Washington Post, Jhaan Elker recommended the compilation to fans and newcomers alike, with the qualification that some players may still prefer the original version of the games with mods.{{cite news |last1=Jhaan |first1=Elker |title=I've already played the trilogy. Should I buy 'Mass Effect Legendary Edition'? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210515010956/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review/ |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |url-status=live}} In a performance review for Eurogamer, Thomas Morgan highlighted the ambition and effort of the collection, and concluded that the final result was a "perfect jumping on point for the series".{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Thomas |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition: PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S tested |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2021-mass-effect-legendary-edition-tested-on-next-gen-consoles |website=Eurogamer |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529183505/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2021-mass-effect-legendary-edition-tested-on-next-gen-consoles |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |url-status=live }} In her review for Game Informer, Kimberly Wallace lauded the Mass Effect trilogy as a whole, and expressed gratitude towards the remaster for keeping attention on the series and giving players an opportunity to easily play through the story in its most complete form, with all DLC included.

In the United Kingdom, Legendary Edition was the best selling game during its week of release, which was mostly due to digital sales.{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Ryan |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Claims Top UK Boxed Sales Spot at Launch |website=Game Rant |url=https://gamerant.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-claims-top-uk-boxed-sales-spot-launch/ |access-date=June 3, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210628225046/https://gamerant.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-claims-top-uk-boxed-sales-spot-launch/ |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |url-status=live }} Also during the week of its release, the Windows version of the game had over 59,000 concurrent players on Steam, which was the highest concurrent player count to date for a BioWare title.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition PC has Highest Steam Concurrent Player Count To Date For a Bioware Title |url=https://wccftech.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-pc-highest-concurrent-player-count/ |website=Wccftech |access-date=June 3, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210621231508/https://wccftech.com/mass-effect-legendary-edition-pc-highest-concurrent-player-count/ |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |url-status=live}} On the PlayStation Store, Legendary Edition was the third-highest selling game in the United States and the sixth-highest selling game in Europe for May 2021.{{cite web |last1=Massongill |first1=Justin |title=PlayStation Store: May 2021's Top Downloads |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/06/08/playstation-store-may-2021s-top-downloads/ |publisher=PlayStation |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926172839/https://blog.playstation.com/2021/06/08/playstation-store-may-2021s-top-downloads/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |date=June 8, 2021 |url-status=live }} During an investor call on August 4, 2021, Electronic Arts Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wilson revealed that the game performed "well above" expectations, although exact sales figures were not disclosed.{{cite web |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition outperformed expectations |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/08/04/mass-effect-legendary-edition-outperformed-expectations/ |website=GamesBeat |publisher=VentureBeat |access-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210815152405/https://venturebeat.com/2021/08/04/mass-effect-legendary-edition-outperformed-expectations/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |date=August 4, 2021 |url-status=live }} Legendary Edition finished 2021 as one of the 12-highest selling new releases of the year on Steam.{{cite web |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |title=Steam Reveals Its Best-Selling and Most Played Games of 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-reveals-its-best-selling-and-most-played-games-of-2021 |website=IGN |access-date=January 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220101210507/https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-reveals-its-best-selling-and-most-played-games-of-2021 |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |date=December 31, 2021 |url-status=live }} According to The NPD Group, Legendary Edition was the 19th-best selling game on PlayStation and the 12th-best selling game on Xbox of 2021 overall.{{cite web |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=NPD: The top 20 best-selling games of 2021 in the U.S. |url=https://venturebeat.com/2022/01/18/npd-the-top-20-best-selling-games-of-2021-in-the-u-s/ |website=GamesBeat |access-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220118173905/https://venturebeat.com/2022/01/18/npd-the-top-20-best-selling-games-of-2021-in-the-u-s/ |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |date=January 18, 2022 |url-status=live}}

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