If you consider Mass Effect a wannabe rpg I think you need a checkup from the neck up. It's actually the greatest example of breaking the mold from traditional rpgs in gaming history.
But because it's western rpg it's a fail right? Here's what defines western rpgs (roughly):
-no random battles
-no effeminate pasty-faced characters
-no magic shiny crystals, magic shiny shoes, or magic shiny scarfs
-no cheesy anime-faux teen love stories
-no cats, dogs, rabbits, squirrels, chickens, pigs, hybrid fluffy stuffed animals, or any other cheesy pokemans
(with Fable being the exception on that dogs thing, but seriously it's to be found on just about ALL jrpgs)
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