I guess the major detail that I see improving, in my opinion, is the combat interaction. In the KOTOR games there isn't really a control over combat. It feels very removed. Sure, you can choose your weapon, type of attack and who to target, but I didn't feel like I was controlling the action. Jade Empire gave some of that control back. I felt like I had more control over the character in battle and therefore felt more immersed. Fast forward (>>) to the PC release of Mass Effect. I'll focus on just two of the major features to keep this post short.
Immersive World:
Bioware has create a huge world to explore in Mass Effect. The world feels more real and accessible than KOTOR's. It feels intuitive. From the moment I stepped into the Citadel I knew how to get where I wanted to go. Information signs and kiosks aid in navigation and the quick transport is there to zip you from one place to another in the blink of a loading screen.
The Codex is by far the best "PDA" device I have ever experienced in a game. Doom 3 had the PDA that allowed you to read emails or listen to messages while playing, but it doesn't come close to this genius device. The production value that went into just this device is a testament to the attention to detail that Bioware has put into this game. I normally don't even open the PDA device unless it has quest info, but this Codex compels me to open it each time a new snippet is added to it. The narrator that reads most entries about history or alien races is awesome. I don't just skim for important information, I want to listen to the whole thing. This really adds to the believability and immersion in this world of Bioware's creation.
Battle Mechanics:
I am not a huge fan of RPG's. As mentioned above, I don't really like not having control over my character. Bioware has given me back control over my actions in combat and I am grateful. The combat is similar to any 3rd person shooter. Bioware has taken the sort of upgrade system from KOTOR and made it more accessible. Weapons in this game are explained to be built for customization. There is a standard for weapon parts and these parts can be found throughout the game world.
As far as the actual combat goes, I am pleased with the amount of weapons you are able to carry. Each has it's own function. You start out with a pistol, machine gun, shotgun, and sniper rifle. They don't magically appear when you switch to them either.
The cover system is pretty good as well. When a weapon is drawn you can push into a wall or behind a crate and you will go into cover mode. It is similar to Gears of War. You can also command your squad to move or take cover similar to the Rainbow 6: Vegas games.
These are just a few quick observations and I hope to write more as I progress. The story is well written and I am intrigued to continue.
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