BioWare made one major promise when it first announced the “Mass Effect” series: over the course of three games, there would be an element of choice never before seen in video games. Gamers would have the ability to set in motion the events that would mold the plots of all three games.

I was amazed at how much BioWare delivered on its promise in the first two games, but I became a little worried that “Mass Effect 3” would not deliver the same incredible experience that “Mass Effect 2” had.

After playing and winning nonstop for hours, I can say with confidence that my fears were unnecessary. BioWare has over-delivered with “Mass Effect 3.” It’s the best game in the series by a long shot. It is the epitome of what a video game should strive to be.

The game has a narrative structure that rivals anything Hollywood has to offer. As Commander Shepard, you are tasked with saving Earth and several other planets and galaxies from the threat of the invading Reapers. Along the way, you meet several new characters and are reacquainted with familiar faces. You might even lose a friend or two along the way. It’s up to you, really, and that’s where the true strength of the game lies.

There are some breathtaking visuals on display throughout. Seeing a Reaper up close and personal is very cool and intimidating. I failed one mission because I was staring in awe at the environment around me and was killed in the process.

The combat is just as great as the visuals. Firing a weapon or using one of the various biotic powers is very satisfying. That being said, I wish going in and out of cover didn’t feel so sloppy and I could cancel an omni-blade attack if I wanted. I also hated one odd mission that reminded me of the first-person “Desmond” levels in “Assassin’s Creed Revelations.” But that doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the game.

Since I was playing the game on Xbox 360, I was able to utilize Kinect. I had a good time yelling at my TV, and I can confirm that Kinect works extremely well with the game. However, I still prefer the old method of simply pressing buttons.

Although the ending of “Mass Effect 3” has already caused some controversy, and there are many people who are disappointed with how the game ended, I was happy with it. I think that it is unexpected, strange and brilliant. I am not ashamed to admit that as the credits rolled, I was in tears.

A video game developer cannot please everyone; however, BioWare has probably come the closest to achieving that goal. It has accommodated my tastes in every way. I can say without a doubt that “Mass Effect 3” is one of the best games I have ever had the honor of playing. Thanks, BioWare.

Score: 4 out of 4 stars