The "What are you playing?" topic.

[Monk]

After 45 hours of gameplay I've finally reached level 60 in Mass Effect (the level cap) and earned the Exteme Power Gamer achievement. I've also beaten the game on Hardcore and unlocked Insanity difficulty.

I have to say that even for me, a veteran of numerous completions, hardcore really strained my abilities. Even with my biotic juggling team! my 50/Adept/Renegade Shepard had plowed through everything on veteran, but once i knocked things up to Hardcore, the game basically realized that I dared to play and threw everything at me. I couldn't just rush enemy positions anymore, and I had to utilize every power my squad had. Something that was very new. For the first time since i first picked up a controller, real tactical considerations had to be taken.

I had begun to think Mass Effect was a great game, but far too easy when you neared the level cap. Hardcore has shown me otherwise, and I look forward to hitting Insanity difficulty once I've had a few days to catch my breath.