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None straight minutes of Mass Effect 2 gameplay [update]
Update: Due to a faulty interstellar communications array (read: a misunderstanding), EA has asked us to jettison the footage.Original post:We get the feeling someone at BioWare has proclaimed this "Epic Week," what with the release of its fantasy RPG stunner Dragon Age: Origins and now an epic new video from its next big game, Mass Effect 2. This isn't a trailer or developer diary -- you're in for nine minutes of unedited, uninterrupted gameplay footage from the most recent build of ME2. In fact, it's the same mission -- set inside Omega's "Inferno" nightclub -- that we ourselves got to play earlier this week. (And yes, we can confirm it looks that good.)You'll get a sense of the sequel's leap in environmental detail, character modeling and dialog scene camerawork in this clip, along with loads of intense combat. There's even an appearance by returning character (and total badass) Garrus from the first Mass Effect, plus a joke that manages to poke fun at rumors of Commander Shepard's death and the fact players can make him/her look like anyone they choose. Again -- nine minutes.
Hands-on: Mass Effect 2
click to make more MASSive You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy than Mass Effect 2's newly revealed world, Omega. (Well, apart from the Mos Eisley spaceport, that is.) This is where our latest grubby-mitts-on-the-gamepad outing with BioWare's upcoming RPG shooter role-playing shooter took place -- or, rather, inside its favorite hangout for galactic riffraff, the Inferno nightclub.It turns out there was a purpose in showcasing this location beyond the throbbing music and exotic alien dancers -- it happens to be the same sort of locale that one of the original Mass Effect's earliest combat encounters played out in, and we got this point before our tour guide even had to make it: The environments in Mass Effect 2 are leaps and bounds better the first game's. In fact, this place seemed alive. Oh yeah -- and there just so happened to be a firefight waiting for us as we ventured further into this seedy sin palace.%Gallery-77544%
The Collectors, and the enemies of Mass Effect 2
Here are some of the creatures that will be wiping out humanity in Mass Effect 2: Collectors – an insect-like race, controlled by a single leader, that has access to the technology that "no one else in the galaxy" has. They can paralyze humans, and according to the video dev diary above, can abduct entire colonies. Oh, and they have beam weapons. Abominations – Husks from the first Mass Effect, but now on fire and 100-percent more suicide bomber-y. Scions – Three transformed human beings that have been grafted together onto a weapon. Essentially, super-zombies. With guns. Batorians – A "flying suit of armor" apparently made of thirty Husks that can "obliterate everything." The Geth will also make a return in Mass Effect 2. Legion, a Geth that has gained sentience, will hunt the player through the adventure, and it'll be up to you to figure out why. Provided your Commander Shepard, um, doesn't die first.
EA announces Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition
Do you want your copy of Mass Effect 2 to have more mass? EA has you covered with the newly announced Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition, available for $69.99 on Xbox 360 and $59.99 on PC. It includes pretty much what you'd expect from a collector's edition: a tin box, an art book, a DVD with making-of footage, and Issue 1 of the Mass Effect: Redemption comic. It also includes some unique weapons and armor for the game that are limited to this package. Of course, if you've bought Dragon Age's collector's edition, this will be the second set of exclusive Mass Effect items you'll have earned from fancy game boxes! Mass Effect 2 (and this classy variant) will be out January 26 in North America and January 29 in Europe. Check out the full box art and the armor in our gallery. %Gallery-77445%
Shepard shoots stuff in this Mass Effect 2 gameplay footage
G4 has a fresh new video of Mass Effect 2 goodness straight outta the space oven showing our good pal Shephard doing what he does best: shooting everything in sight. Your Shepard may be different, but for the sake of this post, Shepard is a man with a very itchy trigger finger, a lot of Renegade points and ... a very dirty space suit. It's dirty from all of the space blood! Head past the break to check out the gameplay clip.
Mass Effect 2 stardated January 26, 2010
Captain's Log: Stardate: October 16, 2009. Electronic Arts has announced that Mass Effect 2, the next installment in BioWare's epic space opera, will jump to North American and European retail on January 26 and 29, 2010, respectively. The North American GameStop pre-order bonus will include: Terminus Armor -- "Increasing run speed and personal shields, and augmenting weapons with an additional magazine of reserve ammo." The M-90 Blackstorm Heavy Weapon -- "Generates a high-powered localized gravity well, accelerating particles to near-infinite mass." Those who preorder from other retailers will receive the Inferno Armor, which gives Shephard "an increase in run speed and augmented damage from combat powers." And thus begins the Q1 2010 release bonanza ...Update: Check out concept art of the Terminus Armor and M-90 Blackstorm after the break.
EA Russia lists Mass Effect 2 for PS3 [update]
The confusion over whether or not BioWare's second space opera, Mass Effect 2, is coming to the PlayStation 3 has been a fiasco of epic proportions. We've heard plenty of rumor and speculation supporting both sides of the heated debate, but as the game's release draws nearer, more savory indications of the game's possible Sony-bound trajectory have surfaced -- namely, a listing on the EA Russia site for a PS3 version of the upcoming RPG. Gaming news site Just Push Start also noticed the PS3 installment on the site of an Australian game retailer called, appropriately, GAME. We put more stock in the EA Russia listing, though we suppose the publishing giant is no stranger to sending mixed signals when speaking about the exclusivity of the Mass Effect series. We've contacted EA and BioWare to find out what the deal is. Update: As some of you already guessed, the "deal" is that the EA Russia listing was, in fact, erroneous. The PS3 listing for Mass Effect 2 (and Left 4 Dead 2, which we didn't notice) has been removed from the site.
Mass Effect 2's Subject Zero looks awfully unfriendly
Man, if you thought Mass Effect's Urdnot Wrex was an uncongenial companion, get a load of the most recently revealed cast member of Mass Effect 2: The skin-headed, sailor-mouthed Biotic known as Subject Zero. Though she may lack social graces, she more than makes for it with combat adroitness and, for lack of a better word, assertiveness. She's what Destiny's child might call an "independent woman." Then again, she's also what Rick James might call a very kinky girl -- the kind you don't take home to family gatherings where your mother is in attendance. Check out the very NSFW, Subject Zero-centric Mass Effect 2 trailer after the jump.
Interview: Mac Walters, lead writer for Mass Effect 2
At PAX, we had a chance to catch up with Mac Walters, the lead writer for Mass Effect 2 at BioWare. We discussed everything from the difficulties of penning a story for a game tons of choices to where BioWare currently stands on the portrayal of sweet, alien love-making. Joystiq: All right. So. Biggest question. We sent around email to everyone saying, "What should we ask BioWare?" Mac Walters: Right. The big question we had is, "How do you write a story where all the characters from the first game, or a lot of them, could be dead when you start out the second game?" You mean other than pulling out my hair and weeping at night, sort of, "Oh my god, how am I going to do this?" It takes a lot of planning, obviously, but essentially what we did is we looked at it and said, "Yeah we know that some of these guys are going to be dead. How do we account for that?" And the big thing was -- let's take Wrex for example -- we had to limit to some degree the roles that those characters are going to play because we have to say, "OK well they're coming back or they're not." And then we had to say, "Well what are their alternates?" So a lot of times there's characters that will fill their spot. But they don't just come in and go, you know, "I'm Wrex alternate," or something like that. It's a new character who has his own back story, who has his own role in the game and whatnot.
Latest Mass Effect 2 squad member is Grunt - 'A violent and unpredictable Krogan'
Wait, if Grunt is considered a "violent and unpredictable Krogan," then what would Wrex be? Following the earlier reveal of "deadly assassin" Thane, BioWare has announced the second new character in the Mass Effect 2 squad: Grunt, "a blood-hungry Krogan." (Blood ... hungry? Is that worse than blood-thirsty?). In this announcement, BioWare is really pushing the cause and effect nature of your squad selection: "The success of the mission hinges on the squad recruited and their loyalty to the mission. Shepard's future depends on it." BioWare's Ray Muzyka -- referring to the series very clearly as a "trilogy" –- says, "Building out a diverse and loyal party is one of the features that makes the Mass Effect series quite unique. The characters Commander Shepard recruits are not only pivotal to the storyline, but essential to the player's overall success." So, Grunt: On the one hand, he possesses "unsurpassed physical strength." On the other hand ... he eats blood. It's a tricky balance. %Gallery-70482%
Mass Effect 2 screenshots focus on new teammate for Shepard
Click above to see this character with a very-much-alive Shepard. Hey you, have we met before? BioWare has updated the Mass Effect 2 website with a few new screenshots, and we can't help but notice this green character unmentioned in the first game. Clearly he (she? it?) is of some importance, as BioWare has decided to showcase the character in not one, or two, or three or four screenshots -- but five. (Update: Readers have pointed out this character can be seen in this video and is named Thane.)This screen also shows a Krogan teammate, which we're assuming is Wrex because we totally didn't shoot him in the face.%Gallery-70022%
Dragon Age bonuses free in new copies, sold separately if you buy used
click to enlarge Though EA detailed its Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition nearly a month ago to retail sites, the company is just now "officially" revealing the package. In doing so, it divulged some interesting details about the digital extras included in all copies of the game. Those buying Dragon Age: Origins (any edition) brand new will receive a free code to download "The Stone Prisoner," along with a "suit of Dragon Age-themed armor that can be used in Dragon Age: Origins as well as in Mass Effect 2." According to EA's press release, "The Stone Prisoner" will consist of "new environments, items, and hours of additional gameplay," and the titular stone golem that you'll be able to add to your party in-game. For those of you not purchasing the game new, EA is offering "The Stone Prisoner" as a standalone DLC pack for $15 -- a dollar amount that makes the similarly bundled Gears of War 2's Flashback Map Pack price look like milk money. Then again, who can say no to a stone golem? It looks like we're picking up the game new when it launches on November 3. %Gallery-28224%
We see dead people: Mass Effect 2 cover revealed
click for massive enlargement effect Mass Effect 2 may not be ready to save the galaxy until next year, but its cover art is all set to sell some pre-orders. The box features what may be Wrex (but, all Krogans look alike. Racist!), what appears to be a sexy version of Ashley (or Miranda Lawson... or Dead Space Girl) and the same dude from the original Mass Effect cover. We have NO IDEA who this guy is! He never appears in the game, but EA and BioWare keep insisting on putting him on the box and in the commercials. Maybe his identity will be revealed in the third installment.As we all know, Commander Shepard (not present on the cover) is a beautiful black woman with striking green eyes.%Gallery-69092%
Mass Effect 2 presses reset on Shepard's abilities
Things are getting crazy with this Mass Effect 2 video game from Bioware. First, we're led to believe Shepard is dead, then he (or she) is not. Then we find out all of our decisions in the first game will affect the sequel. Now, Computerworld (via The Escapist) informs us that the Shephard we know, love, and have spent so many hours grinding won't have all of his (or her) abilities in the second game. During an interview, producer Casey Hudson said, "There's something that's happening with the story that explains what happens with your abilities. It's something we can't go into detail about for obvious reasons."It makes sense. If you're starting off an epic quest like the one we assume takes place in Mass Effect 2, it's not good design to have the player start as a jacked, unstoppable god of a man (or woman). It's not like this is Prototype or something ...[Via The Escapist]
Mass Effect save file transfers 'hundreds' of decisions to sequel
When BioWare told us to hold on to our save files from Mass Effect for use in the highly anticipated sequel, our minds drew simple conclusions. We figured it would determine our character's appearance, for example. However, a recent PC World interview with Mass Effect 2 lead producer Casey Hudson reveals the save file's true purpose: it keeps track of your every decision during the first game, which in turn will affect the plot of the second.Not just the big decisions, either -- Hudson says that the player made "hundreds" of choices in Mass Effect that have an impact on the sequel. For instance, Commander Shepard superfan Conrad Verner made a brief appearance in the first game. Players could respond to his fandom in a number of ways (ignoring him, threatening him, supporting him) -- however you decided to treat Conrad will ultimately affect his subplot in the second game. Us? We sent him to hostile alien territories to go snipe hunting. We're worried he'll have a bone to pick with us.This all sounds very cool, but we're still curious whether or not our characters' stats, abilities and equipment will carry over from the first game. Screw the story elements -- we're attached to raw, unbridled power.[Via VG247]
Mass Effect comic announced, 'Redemption' begins in January
Click image above to mass effect the size BioWare announced today that it will work with publisher Dark Horse Comics to release the comic series Mass Effect: Redemption. The first edition is set to explore the galaxy on January 6, 2010.The story is written by BioWare's Lead Writer Mac Walters, scripted by John Jackson Miller, and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy). The series will be released in four parts and examines the events leading up to Mass Effect 2. Walters and Francia will also be at Comic-Con to sign autographs on Friday between 4-5PM at the Dark Horse booth.
See the (amazing) Mass Effect 2 gameplay we saw at E3
More than a month after we got our hands on the E3 2009 build of Mass Effect 2, BioWare has finally released footage to back up what we saw and played. It's a sort of "developer's cut:" The video features good looks at character interaction, combat and exploration -- all in-game -- along with commentary on these systems by the game's makers. Just be forewarned that there's discussion of the series' plot and one potential ending for Mass Effect 2, in the event you don't actually want those things spoiled for you. Of course, you could always turn the sound off and just enjoy the amazing-looking visuals.
BioWare: EA owns Mass Effect IP (Translation: It could still come to PS3) [update]
We've been doing a lot of wondering about BioWare lately: wondering what the company is going to do with the Wii; wondering what our saves from the first Mass Effect will do to the sequel. But most of all, we've been wondering if Mass Effect 2 will be making its way to the PlayStation 3, like its dragon-infused brother, Dragon Age: Origins. So we asked BioWare's Matt Atwood directly about the possibility of the game coming to PS3, to which he responded, "We've only announced 360 and PC. At this point we're really focused on those platforms."We understand, Matt, but what about the intellectual property itself? Does EA own the Mass Effect name? "Yes. EA owns the rights to Mass Effect." And so, as far as exclusivity between Mass Effect and Microsoft, that doesn't exist? "That's right," he told us.Update: Matt Atwood at BioWare just contacted us to clarify his statements from earlier today regarding Mass Effect 2's exclusivity to Xbox 360 and PC. He says, "It [exclusivity] actually does exist for Mass Effect 2. And beyond that, we haven't announced any plans."
Mass Effect 2 won't allow second playthrough by character for sake of continuity
Unlike the first Mass Effect, the sequel will not allow players to restart the campaign with all the skills Shepard gained throughout his (um, her!) second adventure. Mass Effect 2 Lead Designer Preston Watamaniuk notes on the BioWare forums that the team is working hard to "offer a smooth progression into ME3 from ME2." The reasoning is that they "have to have reasonable knowledge" of where a character could end up at the end of the game.Of course, Mass Effect 2 players can feel free to create a new character and start over. So, it appears that if you're looking to start Mass Effect 3 with a jacked-up Shepard, make sure to explore every little nook and cranny of the galaxy before going into the sequel's final mission.[Via Kotaku]
Thanks, Jacob! But your reward is in another Mass Effect!
One way to look at Mass Effect Galaxy, the newly released iPhone game tie-in, is as an interactive DLC code ($4.99) for Mass Effect 2. AppGamer.net confirms that, upon completion, Galaxy displays the following message: "Your reward for completing the game is already waiting for you in Mass Effect 2."The so-called reward is apparently transferred from Galaxy to ME2 via an EA Account (more info), but its identity remains a mystery for now -- and perhaps until you buy ME2. Our best guess is that the reward is an enhanced weapon or armor suit designed for Galaxy's main character, Jacob Taylor, who is also a companion character in ME2, and that it's an entirely negligible unlockable for all but the most obsessive completionist. The majority of reactions in the Touch Arcade forums suggest that the game itself is just as unimportant, if not downright degrading to the franchise. Proceed with caution. %Gallery-51295%[Thanks, Chris]
