5. Energy Drain (Tech, Tali)
Like Warp, Overload is one of those powers that you almost want to have access to do during any mission. Overload is very effective at taking down shields, which most enemies have on the higher difficulties, but you’ll still be seeing tons of shielded enemies even on casual. In addition to taking down shields, it is also deals heavy damage to synthetic enemies. While Overload is great, it is dwarfed by Tali’s unique power in Mass Effect 2; Energy Drain. Energy Drain does exactly the same thing as Overload, except in addition to taking down enemy shields, it refills the user’s shields. What this basically amounts to is stealing the enemy’s shields. Shepard can gain this ability through advanced training, which I always do for my tech characters, given that it is the ultimate version of overload.
4. Stasis (Biotic)
In both Mass Effect 1 and 2, Stasis sucked. All it did was freeze an enemy in place, preventing it from attacking and regaining health or shields. This seems useful, it had just one fatal flaw; enemies in stasis were immune to damage. What this meant is that stasis was maybe useful to give you a chance to heal up and recharge your shield while a difficult enemy was rendered momentarily inert, but other than that, it was pointless. However, playing as Asari Adept in the multiplayer demo, I learned to love the new stasis. It does the same thing as before, except now enemies can take damage while in stasis. You can even level it up to create a stasis bubble which holds multiple enemies in stasis while you and your teammates shoot at them. In addition, you can even generate biotic detonations by using certain powers on enemies held in stasis. Stasis has gone from one of the most useless powers to one of the most powerful, and I finally feel like I have a reason to put points into it.
3. Singularity (Biotic, Adept)
Singularity can produce some pretty crazy situations, and I often find myself laughing at the situations it creates. Singularity creates a ball of biotic energy, complete with its own gravitation pull. Enemies caught in the vicinity are pulled toward it, and end up weightless, basically orbiting the singularity. While it is hilarious to see enemies floating around the singularity, it really gets interesting when you combine it with other powers. Hit floating enemies with throw and they go flying off into the distance, hit them with warp and they explode in a biotic detonation, damaging any enemies caught in the singularity and sending everyone else flying in every direction. You can even just shoot them down, hit the group with a grenade or heavy weapon, or just watch as they eventually just fall to the ground.
2. Tactical Cloak (Tech, Infiltrator)
The Tactical Cloak is the infiltrator’s unique class ability in Mass Effect 2 and 3. Like the name suggests, it gives you temporary invisibility. The works perfectly with sniper rifles, which is the infiltrator’s main weapon. The cloak allows to sneak around undetected, but is most effect in giving you those precious seconds to line up a headshot with your sniper rifle. What makes the Tactical Cloak even more effective is the damage bonus it provides. If break the cloak by firing, as opposed to letting it run out, you gain a massive boost to damage for the shot that broke the cloak. What this means basically is: Tactical Cloak + Sniper Rifle + Headshot = most enemies die from one shot. This, combined with the infiltrators time dilation ability (when scoped), makes the infiltrator one of the most powerful classes, especially on higher difficulties.
1. Biotic Charge (Biotic, Vanguard)
Biotic charge is simultaneously the most fun, difficult, rewarding, and risky power to use. The Biotic Charge is the Vanguard’s class specific power, and can be a powerful tool in the right hands, or instant death in the wrong hands. The Biotic Charge allows to to instantaneously teleport to any enemy you can target. When you reach your destination, the enemy will be knocked back with extreme force, leaving them vulnerable to a melee attack or shotgun blast. The charge also fills recharges your barrier, making it a great tool for defense as well as offense. The biotic charge gives you great mobility, allowing you move effortlessly around the battlefield. This comes with a risk though, as unrestrained charging can very quickly put you in a bad situations, far from your teammates. If you use it intelligently, the Biotic Charge can be the most power to use, but it requires careful consideration to avoid being overwhelmed.