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New Mass Effect 2 DLC 'Overlord' welcomed in June
Overlord, the next content expansion for Mass Effect 2, was apparently revealed yesterday at Electronic Arts' European showcase event in London. According to Gamerzines, ME2 director Casey Hudson described the DLC as "five levels set across one story on one planet," with players battling through a laboratory (and occasionally piloting the Hammerhead tank) to defeat an artificial intelligence. There is currently no price nor official release date. Hudson also announced that no new squad mates would be added in the DLC, nor would there be in any future DLC. We'll be sure to update as soon as EA makes a formal announcement with more details. Update: The official Mass Effect 2 website has posted a more detailed description of the scenario (reproduced after the break), along with the price: 560 MS/BioWare points ($7). [Via VG247]
Battlefield: BC, Mass Effect, Army of Two sequel sales all top 1 million; Dante's Inferno comes close in Q1 2010
Electronic Arts' high-profile sequels helped the publisher fight its way to some positive cash flow in the final quarter of an otherwise traumatic fiscal year. Overall, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 led the charge with over three million units sold in the quarter across Europe and North America, with five million units sold to date. Mass Effect 2 didn't do too shabby, selling 1.6 million units during the quarter in North America and Europe, while Army of Two: The 40th Day sold "over one million units worldwide in the quarter." It wasn't all sequel talk for the core titles,as Dante's Inferno got a mention too, having sold "almost one million units in the quarter" across Europe and North America. Oh, Dante, don't cry! It ain't easy for a new franchise in this world -- just ask EA's new IPs from last fiscal year.
Mass Effect 2 'Equalizer Pack' DLC available tomorrow
The RPG smiths at BioWare have La Forge'd a new set of DLC items for Mass Effect 2, including the fashionably next-gen Archon Visor seen above. As it's being delivered outside of the in-game Cerberus Network tomorrow, the "Equalizer Pack" will cost 160 MS Points (or 160 BioWare points if you're on PC). Aside from the Visor add (it reduces the recharge time of Shepard's powers), the pack also offers the Capacitor Helmet for faster shield recharge, along with the Inferno Armor, a once pre-order bonus that increases tech and biotic damage and gives you an "edge in negotiations." If we might play the role of advisor: If you're going to spend $2 on all this advanced armor, negotiations should only take place once the other person is at a severe and permanent disadvantage.
Mass Effect 'Redemption' comics compiled for June release
If you've had issues picking up ... um, issues of the Mass Effect: Redemption series, Dark Horse Comics will release a compilation in June. Amazon has the trade listed with a June 2 debut, while Dark Horse lists the Redemption bundle coming out June 23. Either way, putting in a pre-order with Amazon or your local comic-monger may be a sensible course of action if your interest in Mass Effect extends beyond the games. For those who don't need physical copies of their comics, several issues of Redemption are already available on the App Store. The events in Redemption lead up to protagonist Liara T'Soni's appearance in Mass Effect 2, which is rumored to conclude with some upcoming DLC. Source -- Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption [Amazon] Source -- Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption TPB [Dark Horse]
Rumor: Mass Effect 2 files could point to Liara T'Soni DLC
Swallow this information with the same caution one would a drink served by a Batarian bartender, but it appears that Liara T'soni may return to fighting form in future Mass Effect 2 DLC. Tehpwnage explains that extracted sound files from the PC version of the game allegedly allude to a quest where Shepard's former companion (and possible lover) confronts the Shadow Broker. If the sound clips are authentic, it's unclear whether Liara's Shadow Broker sub-plot will be handled using the same structure as other Mass Effect 2 characters, or if it'll be part of something more like BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins -- Awakening, thus taking place after the events of the core game. It'd be nice to have Liara back on the team, but given the weight bestowed upon the Shadow Broker in the Mass Effect universe, it'd be awkward if he/she/it were dispatched through a simple "loyalty mission" -- although it may feel less abrupt for transmedia consumers of the comic. Those interested in the spoilerish sound clips can give them a listen after the break.
Review: Mass Effect 2 DLC: Kasumi - Stolen Memory
Click to kazoomi You already know what I think of Mass Effect 2, so I won't waste your time going over that here. Suffice it to say that I love it so much that I wasn't about to wait and see what some chubby nobody like myself thought of the new DLC, "Kasumi - Stolen Memory." I was buying it, and that was that. So if we can all agree that Mass Effect 2 is a great game (and we can, right?), it seems what we've basically got here is a value proposition: Does the $7 entry fee provide you with enough new greatness? Let's break down the new, shall we? %Gallery-88127%
PSA: Mass Effect 2 DLC Kasumi's Stolen Memory now live
It's rare that we'll say this, but we think this is the sort of moment that calls for it, we think: You need to stop reading Joystiq right now. You need to stop reading Joystiq, you need to go to your Xbox 360 (it doesn't seem to be on PC yet), and you need to download the new $7 Mass Effect 2 DLC that just went live after a brief delay, "Kasumi's Stolen Memory." We haven't played it yet, but it's more Mass Effect 2, so we're going to go out on a limb and guess that it's totally awesome. Now we'll miss you too, but you need to dry those tears, we'll still be here when you get back. You see, we never leave. We're always here. Just waiting on the internet. Just waiting and thinking about the freedom you on the other side of the screen take for granted while we labor endlessly here, trapped in your computer, just waiting for the moment when we can break free and show you the true meaning of freedom. Sleep tight. %Gallery-88127% Xbox.com: Add Kasumi - Stolen Memory to your Xbox 360 download queue ($7.00)
Mass Effect 2 'Kasumi' DLC launch video confirms April 6 release date
Despite the somewhat amorphous "early April" release date we last heard from EA, the launch trailer for "Kasumi's Stolen Memory" – the $7 DLC chapter for Mass Effect 2 – embedded above solidifies the previously announced April 6 release date (hey, that's tomorrow!) for the content. Kasumi marks the twelfth and (presumably) final member of Commander Shepard's scrappy group of mercenaries, rounding out the character selection screen for those of you still waiting to play through BioWare's space opus. Us? Hey, we're just excited to get Ms. Shepard in a fancy dress for some good ol' fashioned infiltratin'. %Gallery-88127%
Amazon deal: Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $50
We know there have already been a couple of Mass Effect 2 discounts worth posting about, but this latest one is for those who need the whole "As The Galaxy Orbits" saga (so far). Amazon is currently bundling Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $50. Let us be as clear as a Drell's memory: if you like sci-fi, drama and shooters (at least, as far as the sequel is concerned), you owe it to yourself to hit the purchase button on this deal with the quickness of being shot through a Mass Relay. The game of the year contender recently added the Firewalker DLC and will shortly add a new squad mate, Kasumi, to Shepard's Benetton advertisement* of intergalactic brothers and sisters in arms. *If someone wants to photoshop that, we are totally unopposed.
April Fools: Romancing an elcor in Mass Effect 2
[INVITINGLY INQUISITIVE] Did you enjoy playing through Mass Effect 2 and participating in its mature, emotional story? [SMILINGLY CLANDESTINE] If so, you might like to hear about a secret love scene that can only be accessed as a female Commander Shepard. [PROVOCATIVELY JOURNALISTIC] We have obtained a video of this secret sex scene that takes place between Shepard and a devilishly handsome elcor. [ALARMINGLY CHEERFUL] The video can be seen after the break. We hope you enjoy it. [DISTURBINGLY TITILLATED] We certainly did. [PRANKISHLY TRIUMPHANT] This was all a sham. It is only an April Fools' Joke. We totally got you. Ha ha. Ha ha. [APOLOGETICALLY SOLEMN] But seriously, enjoy the video.
Mass Effect 2 is on sale at Amazon: $40 on Xbox, $30 on PC
We can't imagine there being a good enough reason why you don't own Mass Effect 2 yet but, despite that bleak and joyless world you're living in, now's the chance to right the wrongs. Amazon has both the Xbox 360 ($40) and the PC ($30) versions on sale and, in the case of the latter, even the special edition ($38) has had its price reduced. It's like probing a planet and finding a whole bunch of Element Zero! ... oh, you don't get that reference? Well, if you owned a certain game, you'd probably know what we're talking about. Just saying! [Via Shacknews] Source - Xbox 360 Source - PC Source - PC (special edition)
Is The Old Republic heading to Xbox 360?
Is the Force so strong with BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic that it may accomplish what many MMORPGs promise yet could not do: to come out on a console as well as the PC? According to an internal Xbox 360 release list procured by VG247, TOR is listed as one of the upcoming titles (with a release date of "TBC-2011") for the 360. While several MMORPG developers state that a console version of their title is in the works for a future release (and in many cases, fail to realize it), BioWare certainly has an exceptional track record of bringing their past RPGs to both PC and consoles, including the first Knights of the Old Republic and their recent Mass Effect 2. Speculation about a possible console version of TOR has run rampant since the game's announcement. Back in 2008, EA's Frank Gibeau hinted at it saying, "We're definitely looking at the opportunity to bring the MMO experience to console, without question." True or not, a console presence for TOR would definitely be a great boon for EA, and an opportunity to grasp a larger share of the subscriber market. [Thanks Sharuk!] UPDATE: Sean Dahlberg on the TOR forums said today that TOR is currently being made for PC only: "Star Wars: The Old Republic is currently being developed for the personal computer (PC) using the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. While we recognize that there are other operating systems and platforms available for games today, our development is specific to the personal computer using the Windows operating system at this time."
Interview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka
"Are you saying BioWare fast turnaround?" company co-founder Greg Zeschuk asks jokingly. The respected RPG developer has been known for taking its time with producing hits like Neverwinter Nights and Baldur's Gate, but has seemingly never been as prolific as it has been in recent months -- just over two years after being acquired by EA. How's this for fast turnaround? Dragon Age: Origins in November 2009, Mass Effect 2 in January, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening in March and several DLC packs in-between (and more on the way). We spoke with BioWare co-founders and super-doctors Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka at the Game Developers Conference about their improved production pipeline, the practical challenges of creating DLC and, of course, how fast the turnaround could be on Mass Effect 3*. *"It's not official!" - Greg Zeschuk
Mass Effect 2 'Kasumi' DLC priced at $7
"Kasumi -- Stolen Memory," the next piece of premium Mass Effect 2 DLC launches next month. That's "premium" as in "you have to pay for it even if you have the Cerberus Network." So how much will you have to pay to cover Kasumi's theft? 560 for the Xbox 360 version, or 560 "BioWare Points" for the PC version, which comes to $7 in either case. When the DLC was first announced, the release date was given as April 6. Now it's "April in North America and Europe." We're checking with EA to confirm the exact date for, well, your date with Kasumi. Update: EA tells us it's "early April." %Gallery-88127%
Mass Effect 2 'Alternate Appearance Pack' DLC adds new costumes
According to BioWare, an upcoming DLC pack for Mass Effect 2 -- the Alternate Appearance Pack -- will feature new outfits for "your favorite squad members." Apparently, you don't like Miranda, Jacob, Grunt or Mordin, because this pack includes new costumes for Garrus, Thane, and Jack. While these new outfits seem like an appropriate fit for the Cerberus Network, this is actually the second announced premium DLC offering for Mass Effect 2. Available on March 23rd, the pack will set you back $2 on Xbox 360 or PC. Let's hope the upcoming Kasumi's Stolen Memories add-on will be a bit more reasonably priced than these costumes. [Via @masseffect2]
Mass Effect 2 'Firewalker' DLC coming March 23
Commander Shepard can pick up the keys to the Hammerhead hover tank on March 23, the official release date of the Firewalker pack. The new wheels, er, propulsion things are the latest piece of free Mass Effect 2 DLC. Available through the game's Cerberus Network, the pack includes five missions that utilize the new vehicle -- which will hopefully handle a little better than the first game's infamous space car. (Of course, a drunk krogan successfully engineering a geth self-destruct algorithm was more likely to yield success than the Mako's control system ... ) %Gallery-70022%
Mass Effect 2, Mirror's Edge highlight weekend Impulse sale
Impulse purchasing may be in the stars this weekend if you're a PC gamer without Mass Effect 2 yet -- seriously, what are you waiting for? This weekend, Impulse has the regular and "digital deluxe" edition of Commander Shepard's suicide mission for $30 and $40, respectively. That's $20 off the regular price. Other deals include indie darling World of Goo and the experimental Mirror's Edge for $10. The full list of discounted games is after the break.
Impressions: Mass Effect 2 DLC - Kasumi's Stolen Memory
click to kazoomi Like some of the best loyalty quests in Mass Effect 2, "Kasumi's Stolen Memory" is an inventive sub-story that steps away from all the galactic peril just long enough to explore the motives and traits of a newly recruited squad mate. The downloadable add-on introduces Kasumi, a cocky human thief in search of data relating to a former partner (in crime?), and sees Shepard accompanying her on an important and incredibly dangerous two-person mission. You know, a date. Donning a sleek bit of evening wear and a false identity, Shepard accompanies Kasumi to an exclusive party -- the kind that requires either a shiny invitation or a shady conscience. While the commander mingles, a cloaked Kasumi keeps an eye out for the hidden art vault that she believes holds her partner's grey box. What they eventually find encroaches upon spoiler territory (that's especially sensitive given the 90-minute length of the mission), but unsurprisingly triggers one of Mass Effect 2's intense combat sequences. %Gallery-88127%
BioWare's Christina Norman defines goals for Mass Effect 3
In a panel titled "Where Did My Inventory Go? Refining Gameplay in Mass Effect 2," BioWare's Christina Norman talked about the radical changes made to the second chapter in the Mass Effect trilogy. A key goal for Mass Effect 2 was to introduce "more satisfying combat," with an "intense feel" missing from the first game. One of the admitted failures of the first Mass Effect game was the incongruity between its look and feel: it looked like a shooter, but it didn't exactly play like one. With that in mind, Norman decided that the team needed to focus on rebuilding the combat in its entirety for Mass Effect 2. "BioWare is strong on RPG and story," but "not so strong on shooter combat." BioWare needed to rebuild its gameplay core, because the game's "other features depend on shooter combat." The streamlined gameplay and GUI of Mass Effect 2 made it a huge critical success, but Norman pointed out some major criticisms from vocal members of the official BioWare forums. Threads titled "Mass Effect 2 is not an RPG" and "Gears of War with interactive dialogue" were highlighted as examples of fans disappointed by the strong shooting focus of the second game. As with the transition from the first Mass Effect to the second, BioWare is taking these criticisms to heart for the third game, with Norman hoping the third will offer "richer RPG features" and "more combat options." What we can probably expect less of, however, is the mining minigame, which Norman described as the part that "nobody liked."
Mass Effect 2 DLC 'Kasumi's Stolen Memory' lands on Apr. 6 (don't forget!)
While Mass Effect 2's in-game DLC pipeline, The Cerberus Network, continues to transport new weapons (and soon, a new vehicle) to players for free, BioWare has announced the game's first pack of paid downloadable content. "Kasumi's Stolen Memory" finally completes Commander Shepard's dirty dozen, adding a confident female thief to your anti-Reaper repertoire. It's currently scheduled to launch for Xbox 360 and PC on April 6. After downloading the DLC, players can get in touch with Kasumi on the Citadel, either in the middle of an ongoing Mass Effect 2 game or after the completion of the main story (lesson learned from Mass Effect 1 DLC!). Once recruited, Shepard aids Kasumi on a secretive mission of recovery, which requires a suave disguise and a run-in with an influential and predictably corrupt art collector. The content, which also provides the "Locust" SMG, a flash-bang grenade loyalty power and a new Achievement, should take about an hour and a half to complete. BioWare is currently in the midst of "internal discussion" to determine the price of the DLC, but we'll keep you updated as soon as it's finalized. Look for some impressions of "Kasumi's Stolen Memory" coming soon to Joystiq as part of our ongoing GDC coverage. Spoiler: It looks great.
