Mass Effect: I don't get it

[RadarScope1]

With all the hype around ME2 going around I thought I'd finally get around to playing the first one. I don't get it. I literally just cannot grasp what the hell is going on with the combat system. The story, graphics, voice acting -- they're not perfect but enough to keep me interested. But I just absolutely get my ass handed to me multiple times on every single battle until I finally figure out just a *little* bit more of what the hell is going on.

But now I think I've had it. I've played the Benezia boss encounter on Noveria about 15 times in a row tonight and keep getting smashed. I just think the combat system is clumsy and opaque. I've read some FAQs, read the manual twice, picked up some tips on some random threads. I've set my squad to active, I know about directing them with the d-pad, I know I can direct their powers at certain enemies. Still getting smashed - sometimes within mere second of the battle beginning. Can anyone help me get past this encounter?

It sucks because I feel a bit left out, what with all the praise for the game. I want to see what's cool about it but so far it ain't there. I feel like I'm just wasting my time. RRRR - vent!

[classicgamer5]

I havent died yet and I'm on my 2nd playthrough...Did you upgrade you combat skills and get good weapons and armor? I dont think its that hard, but it could just be me though.

[RadarScope1]

If by upgrading you meaning assigning the points I get for leveling up in the character ability menu, then yes. I've raided most every container and equipped the top armor and weapons available to this point.

[classicgamer5]

If by upgrading you meaning assigning the points I get for leveling up in the character ability menu, then yes. I've raided most every container and equipped the top armor and weapons available to this point.

Have you assigned skill points to your crew? It helps to get their skills up alot. Are you using weapon/armor/ammo upgrades?

[AARST]

All of this is described in the manual, though, he said he read that.
What difficulty are you playing on? I never had that much trouble with the game on Normal.

[RadarScope1]

Playing on normal, soldier class. Focused on pistols for training. I went straight to Noveria from the Citadel without doing any side quests, so maybe I am weak. I'm on level 17, I think. Garrus and Tali are my teammates. Their powers kind of suck. Mostly damping, shield boost and marksman. Should I have brought someone with better combat skills?

Yes, I am leveling up all squad members and using all the weapons and armor upgrades I can. I am still getting my ass handed to me. I've seen the mission failure screen at least 30 times to this point!

There's just something about the combat system that eludes me. One thing I have trouble with is knowing when to pause and get into the powers menu. I'll feel like everything is OK, and that I don't need to use any skills and just keep blasting. I feel like I'm in control. Then all of a sudden everyone's shields are down and I have just a split second to heal. Half the time I don't heal quick enough and die, and the other half the of the time my healing timer hasn't filled up from the LAST time I frantically healed, and I can't heal.

I'm thinking about starting over on easy and playing as a Vanguard, which I hear is the easiest class to use overall. If I do, I'll make sure to do some sidequests before hitting a major planet. It just feels like a waste of time at this point, though....

[MrPopo]

I see the issue. You're playing on the 360!

In all seriousness, it sounds like you probably haven't leveled up the right skills. If you're a soldier the majority of your points should go into Assault Rifles (that's your bread and butter). Your teammates should be set to auto-use powers (not sure if that's an option on the 360, it certainly is on the PC). And their power selection should also be optimized. Remember that you want to strive for the milestones (every four points or so), as the incremental upgrades in between are pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

[classicgamer5]

I see the issue. You're playing on the 360!

In all seriousness, it sounds like you probably haven't leveled up the right skills. If you're a soldier the majority of your points should go into Assault Rifles (that's your bread and butter). Your teammates should be set to auto-use powers (not sure if that's an option on the 360, it certainly is on the PC). And their power selection should also be optimized. Remember that you want to strive for the milestones (every four points or so), as the incremental upgrades in between are pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

I have it for the 360 and havent had trouble. He needs to make sure that he has upgrades for all of his equipment. Polonium rounds (ammo upgrades) help out alot and kill enemies quick. Also, buy better stuff if you see it at a shop. I dont know if this helps at all

[RadarScope1]

I definitely think I should have powered up my assault rifles. I don't know why I've thrown so many points at pistols. They are quick but not feeling very powerful. My team is set to auto - that is indeed an option on the 360. Am I micro-managing them if I'm directing their powers all the time anyway? I have powered up Tali's pistols, too, but I'm thinking maybe I should have powered her biotics? Her damping has three or four points, while her pistols have 8 or 10.

I've seen only one shop, on the base at Noveria, and everything was WAY out of my price range. I bought one item (a shield battery I think), and it was literally all I could afford at that point.

Maybe I am just here to early and need to grind on some side quests?

[classicgamer5]

I definitely think I should have powered up my assault rifles. I don't know why I've thrown so many points at pistols. They are quick but not feeling very powerful. My team is set to auto - that is indeed an option on the 360. Am I micro-managing them if I'm directing their powers all the time anyway? I have powered up Tali's pistols, too, but I'm thinking maybe I should have powered her biotics? Her damping has three or four points, while her pistols have 8 or 10.

I've seen only one shop, on the base at Noveria, and everything was WAY out of my price range. I bought one item (a shield battery I think), and it was literally all I could afford at that point.

Maybe I am just here to early and need to grind on some side quests?

Yeah, pistol skills shouldnt be the highest, Assault Rifles should be. Also, I used Ashley and Garrus. Upgrade their combat skills. WHY TALI! WHY!