I have never played any of the Mass Effect games, but people rave about them often. Steam has a package deal at the moment to get 1&2 for $8.74. I figure I need to try the games at some point, but is it better to experience the games on PC or console?

Thanks for the input!

The first one has performance issues on consoles, so if it's all the same to you, get them on PC. At least in my experience.

So long as you don't mind either Origin or Steam and Origin, I'd say go with the PC versions. I picked up 1 & 2 through Steam, then played 3 through Origin (which I believe is your only option on PC) and being able to import your save from one game to the next is quite nice in this series (but I must point out that my memory is awful, and I don't recall if there were any difficulties importing saves across the two clients... it may have been seamless, but it may not have been... I just can't remember at the moment)

I originally was introduced to this series by way of ME2 on the Xbox 360, but I honestly enjoyed the game much, much more on PC with a keyboard and mouse. Having to deal with the various clients / DRM on PC is frustrating, but if you're willing to put up with that, the games are more than worth your time! One of my favorite game series of all time.

They are better on PC, of course. The only positive thing about Mass Effect Trilogy on console is that ME2 comes with all DLCs, on PC you need to buy them all. But performances are much better on PC.
Consider that Bioware NEVER discount DLCs, both on console and PC. And they cost a LOT (in fact I have ME 1-3 on Origin, but I don't own a single DLC, lol).

^Ah, very good point. I also played with no DLC's, save for possibly some for the original game or any I may have been able to pick up with Origin points... I didn't feel like I was missing anything major, but I haven't really read much about the DLC's I missed, so there's that. ;)

Steam only has the 1st and 2nd games ( the 3rd game is Origin exclusive). If you want all three games, Amazon has an Origin code for the trilogy on sale for $13.49 here.

As for which is better, PC is the best in my opinion. You can play through all these games and import your choices from game to game. On the PC however, if you make a mistake you can use a special program called gibbed save editor (link here) to alter the choices you made without having to go through the game again. The only pros the consoles have is if your PC can't run the 3 Mass Effect titles. If you do go consoles, get the PS3 version cause it contains more DLC than the Xbox version.

In my experience, PC was better. Watched a couple friends play it on console, and I'm not whether if it was the game itself or the disc they played on, but it had the hiccups. Still very playable, but noticeable during those edge-of-your seat moments.

I have a few games on Origin already so it does not bother me in the slightest. I guess I will go ahead and get the pack on Steam then :)

It is a good deal but its been as low as $9.99 in the past.

Good games, especially 1 & 2.

At that price, go for it without hesitation. I played them on my PS3 which played well, but the PC versions should play much smoother.

Have fun man, I hope you like them!

P.S. There is a running joke online where gamers try to make the ugliest commander Shepard ever, lol:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1411&bih=693&q=ugly+shep&oq=ugly+shep&gs_l=img.3..0l3j0i24l3.933.1890.0.2128.9.8.0.1.1.0.198.777.2j4.6.0.ehm_loc...0...1ac.1.60.img..2.7.784.q8rG14TdvVs

That's pretty awesome, considering just how much good gameplay and story you're getting between all three games. I know lots of folks hated the last one (or at least the ending,) but I thought it was pretty fantastic stuff. :)

I've been thinking about getting them on PC and playing them in order again, now Amazon has the trilogy for $13 at the moment.. does anyone know if the Origin versions are region-free?

There are some DLC's that you'd want or like.

Mass Effect 1 on Origin has both DLC's included now, so that is covered.

ME2 relevant DLC's: Overlord, Zaeed (you'll get this for free), Arrival (from what i recall this is influenced by one of the DLC's from ME1), Kasumi (short, but brings one of the most interesting trammates in ME2), Normandy Crash Site (free), Lair of Shadow Broker (best of the bunch with repercussions in ME3), Firewalker (replaces the Mako missions, you get this for free).

ME3 relevantd DLC's: you want that Deluxe edition for the extra character and story. Other relevant DLC's: Omega, Leviathan and Citadel. You get the MP DLC's for free + the Extended Cut which expands the endings (also for free).

You can skip weapon packs, appearance packs, the Genesis DLC for ME2 and ME3 (those are for people that don't have the previous game and want to know what happened and make some of the decisions that were available in the previous games).

get it on origin! the first game to me was the best, Something about the first one got me more then the other 2 but hey 2 had a good story too it and 3 was 0_______________________________0

Character creation mode is the best in that game and the new dragon age inquisition :)