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BioWare: Mass Effect Trilogy will not spell end of franchise
If you're pessimists like us, you've been looking at Mass Effect 2 not as an exciting new chapter in the trilogy but simply as "the one before the last one." But, speaking with Kotaku, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk metaphorically stroked our hair and told us to put those bad old thoughts right out of our heads. "Don't worry if you love Mass Effect," he said, "There will be more Mass Effect in the future." A soothing reminder that, no matter how chaotic the world may seem, people will always keep doing something if it's making money. Consider us comforted.
Mass Effect 2 launch trailer is the last one, we promise
We know, we know -- there's been a constant flood of Mass Effect 2 media over the past few weeks. What with your SyFy channel specials and your six trailers being released at once, we can appreciate that you might feel a bit overwhelmed. That's why we're promising that today's clip -- the launch trailer, mind you -- will be the very last bit of media you see for the game on Joystiq before the game launches. That is, of course, unless there's something really, really amazing released in the next five days. But, ya know, it'd have to be pretty sweet. Like, the sweetest. %Gallery-70022%
Syfy Mass Effect 2 special premieres tonight
Syfy, the network formerly known as Sci-Fi before it experienced a tragic spelling accident, will broadcast Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect 2 numerous times over the next week. The half-hour special is supposed to take an "in-depth look at both the science and fiction of Mass Effect 2" -- but you'd never be able to extrapolate that from the above fluffy marketing clip. The "documentary" features the game's voice actors, like Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) and Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) saying whatever they want, along with industry perspective from "journalists Jessica Chobot and Adam Sessler." The special premieres tonight at 11PM EST/PST and 10PM middle-time. Find a listing of additional airdates after the break. Find us contemplating Sci-Fi's name change for the rest of eternity.
Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network: an 'in-game pipeline' for DLC [update]
The Mass Effect 2 universe is a sprawling place -- but BioWare is prepared to expand it in ways far more elaborate than demonstrated by the delayed and haphazard additions to the original game. Available to new purchasers of the galaxy-hopping RPG later this January (digital and retail), "The Cerberus Network" will offer an in-game delivery mechanism for Mass Effect 2 downloadable content, including a free day-one pack featuring new missions, in-game items and Zaeed, a mercenary sporting very appealing proportions of deadliness and ruggedness. He might also have a scar on his face. Though BioWare's future plans seem ambitious -- a second DLC pack featuring the Hammerhead hover tank is promised, as are pieces of armor and new weaponry -- some may consider them to be equally aggressive. Exhibit A: Yo three-headed dawg, I heard you like DLC, so I put the Cerberus Network DLC in your DLC so you can get more DLC. In other words, if you buy a used copy of Mass Effect 2, you'll need to unlock The Cerberus Network through a "one-time, in-game purchase of a new activation code." We've asked BioWare and EA to comment the price of that activation code, and whether or not Cerberus will act as the exclusive mechanism to obtain future DLC. BioWare's most recent title, Dragon Age: Origins, also offered in-the-box DLC in the form of "The Stone Prisoner" add-on, which costs $15 separately. Update: Reiterating that the day-one DLC will be "free to those who access The Cerberus Network," EA has told Joystiq that additional details regarding "all ways to access DLC" are forthcoming. As for the price of Cerberus Network access itself? "More details to come on that."
Mass Effect 2 marketing goes full tilt with flood of new trailers
In one week's time, rather than wading through the torrent of new media released today for Mass Effect 2, you'll be picking up your copy of the game and rushing home to get started on Commander Shepard's second big adventure. For now, though, if you're anything like us, you're raptly watching the above dev diary (and likely heading after the break to the five "Fight for the Lost" character videos), already plotting how your own Shepard is going to spread his intergalactic vengeance -- we like to play as the ruthless monster with sporadically humane moments. Also, the one who can charge into dudes real fast. Regardless of how you plan on playing it, the sheer amount of new media released today should suitably tide you over (at least in terms of time) until next Tuesday. Get a comfy chair -- it's gonna be a while. %Gallery-70022%
Mass Effect 2 'super elite' 360 bundle bound for Australia only, EA says
EA has confirmed it will only be shipping its $600 AUD ($550 USD), 250GB HDD-equipped "super elite" Xbox 360 bundle (breath) to Australia, according to a report from VG247. "This is a local bundle deal that the [EA Australia] team has sorted," an EA representative explained. The bundle is said to contain two black wireless controllers (standard Microsoft issue) and a wired headset; a regular, non-fancy copy of Mass Effect 2; an Xbox 360 Elite (sans promotional artwork, unfortunately); and a 250GB HDD. Just like the Modern Warfare 2 "Super Elite" console, we imagine supplies will be limited -- to Australia, in this case. %Gallery-70022%
Bioware: Mass Effect 2 day-one DLC will be free
If rumors of day-one DLC for Mass Effect 2 sent shivers down your wallet's spine, take heed of BioWare's soothing tweet: "BioWare will not be charging extra for any new Mass Effect 2 content on launch day." While that could mean about 50 different things depending on how you parse it, we at least feel comfortable with the idea that we won't be doling out more than $60 right at the outset. The tweet goes on to say that more details would arrive this week, so don't expect to be in the dark much longer. And yes, we did just turn a 130-character tweet into an unnecessarily elaborate news post. Thank you so much for noticing.
Rumor: Mass Effect 2 DLC details leaked
[Image source: DagBladet] Norwegian newspaper DagBladet is reporting DLC will likely be available day one or soon thereafter for Mass Effect 2. DagBladet says the usual items like armor and weapons will be available, but also other things, such as an unlockable planet and even a new ally by the name of Zaeed Messani, the grizzled bounty hunter pictured above. The piece also mentions an in-game store for unlocking DLC called "Cerberus Network," which sounds a lot like Dragon Age: Origins' DLC platform. There's more info available, but in the interest of being as spoiler-free as possible, we won't go into it. So, if you don't mind braving spoiler territory, hit up the link below. Source - DagBladet article [machine translation]
Mass Effect 2 receiving prequel novel in July
The Mass Effect universe will gain a third novel when Retribution releases this July. Penned by Drew Karpyshyn, who also wrote the other two Mass Effect books and is the lead writer on the game, the novel features The Illusive Man attempting to outfit an ex-operative of his black-ops group, Cerberus, with Reaper technology. For those interested in having pictures with their words, Dark Horse's Redemption comic book series is currently available. [Via Big Download]
Mass Effect 2's Soldier class really likes guns
Hey buddy, you like guns, right? Lots of guns? Good! The newest Mass Effect 2 trailer is meant just for you, then -- packed from top to bottom with bullets and explosives, lead gameplay designer Christina Norman discusses the gun-centric proclivities of the Soldier class. Did you know, for instance, that the Soldier is the only class that can use the assault rifle? We sure didn't! But look, to be totally honest, we're still a bit smitten with the Engineer class from a few weeks back. It's kind of hard to think about using another shotgun (yes, even a space shotgun) knowing there's a class with its own killer robot. That being said, if you're into that whole gun "thing," Mass Effect 2's Soldier is right up your alley. %Gallery-83063%
Jack Wall scoring Mass Effect 2, score the soundtrack yourself on Jan. 19
The prolific composer Jack Wall will be droppin' mad orchestral beats on the soon-to-be-released Mass Effect 2, according to a recent EA press release. Though you may not be familiar with the name, you're probably familiar with his work -- Wall produced the scores for Jade Empire, Splinter Cell, Myst III and co-composed the accompaniment for the original Mass Effect. So, you know he's already got experience with theremins and other sci-fi synthesizers, which is important for this kind of work. If you need something ambient to listen to during your daily chamomile bath, the soundtrack will also be available to download from the usual online retailers on January 19. Or you could just, you know, leave the game running in the other room with the volume turned way up. Your choice!
Star Wars: The Old Republic rumored for spring in 2011
A long time from now, in a game store probably not too far away... you might be getting your copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Well, all right, spring of 2011 might not be all that far along, but if you're one of the many eagerly looking forward to Bioware's entry into the MMO arena, it certainly feels like an eternity. ShackNews has recently reported on a rumor that John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts, mentioned that they were looking forward to their next big MMO launch in spring of 2011 while discussing the company's financial outlook. Although he was cautious and stated they had not announced a launch date, he did mention that the team was making "great progress" toward that timeframe. Obviously, the game was not specified by name, which does technically mean he could have been referring to another game. But unless they've secretly been developing Warhammer Online II: The Warhammering, in all likelihood we can expect to see Star Wars: The Old Republic early next year. Which might be good news if you're a Bioware fan anyway, since Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2 are making enough of a dent on your wallet this year.
BioWare looking for 'short turnaround' on Mass Effect 3
BioWare is looking to complete the Mass Effect trilogy and get the "epic conclusion" out the door before the current console cycle is over. Speaking with IGN, Project Manager Casey Hudson states that the developer is already at work on Mass Effect 3 and "definitely" wants to make it "a fairly short turnaround." Considering that the first Mass Effect rocked our galaxy in November 2007, followed by the sequel two years and a couple months later, it remains to be seen what qualifies as a "short turnaround." A 2012 release is the natural expectation at this point, but the impatient among might prefer the kind of turnaround associated with the Left 4 Dead sequel. Is that even enough time to finish all that DLC?
Mass Effect 2 figures feature Shepard, if not your Shepard
We already know what you're going to say. While DC's upcoming Mass Effect 2 figure series includes decent likenesses of Thane, Grunt and Tali, the company is way off on its version of Shepard. In DC's defense, however, the company has no idea what your Shepard looks like, so it was stuck with a mold for Default Shepard instead of the real Shepard -- who everyone knows is vaguely Asian and female. According to the scans of DC's solicitation book, posted by Gamervision, the figures are still pending approval, but are due for release August 25 of this year. By then, you may be done with Mass Effect 2, so you can use these action figures to stage your own adventures on Planet Your Shelf.
Meet Mass Effect 2's Vanguard class: for those who love to rush 'n attack
Maybe, "if you love intense close-range combat," you should be looking elsewhere to release your pent-up rage. However, if you love intense close-range combat using an extremely tactical power -- and don't mind taking breaks for drawn-out conversation -- then perhaps Mass Effect 2's Vanguard combat class fits well with your particular proclivities. Still not clicking? Have you tried the Engineer? He, uh, fixes stuff ... with his killer robots. %Gallery-79750%
Dr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase
We can only imagine the planning meeting at Dr Pepper HQ, during which someone shouts "We must garner that critical gaming demographic! How will we ever best something as inimitable as Game Fuel?! It's got 'game' right there in the title!" Instead of copycatting the naming idea, though, Dr Pepper recently detailed an already announced partnership with EA to give away codes for downloadable content. The promotion details lists a handful of games -- Mass Effect 2, Battlefield Heroes, The Sims 3, Spore, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 -- which have "unique DLC" tied to them. Rather than forcing an unknown amount of soda purchases out of its customers, we were told this afternoon by a customer service rep that "Every bottle wins." More specifically, each bottle contains a code that can then be redeemed on the Dr Pepper website, thus allowing participants to choose their system and DLC from an available list. We flatfooted to the local AM/PM and didn't spot the prize-bearing bottles, but we'll update this post with more information as we get it.
Mass Effect 2 supernova deal on Amazon.uk
Mass Effect 2 is temptingly priced on Amazon.uk at the moment, as the pre-order buy for BioWare's intergalactic epic is currently set at £30 for the Xbox 360 version (£27 for PC), a 40-percent discount off the normal retail price. Other regional competitors are currently offering the title for £40. (The standard price for a new game in the UK is typically £40–50.) Mass Effect 2 is currently discounted by 5 percent on Amazon's US site -- a mere $3. [Thanks, Andrew]
New Mass Effect 2 character trailers heap on the sociopathy
Grunt and Thane are just a couple more of the intergalactic psychos you'll be adventuring with in Mass Effect 2 starting January 26. Sure, there are some relatively sane folks like Tali and Miranda Lawson along for the Normandy cruise around the stars, but just on the estrogen front that's balanced by the bra-less anger of Samara and the grrrrrl-rage of Subject Zero. Can't we just get a Mass Effect 2 character that's big, fuzzy and easily marketable as a plush figure -- that would probably make EA happy. You'll find the clip for the even-less-cuddly-than-Wrex Krogan above and Thane after the break.
New Games This Month: January 2010
Traditionally, this is the time of year when we'd be able to put our feet up and savor the calm after the Q4 storm. But in 2010/Two-Thousand-and-Sin/ZOLO, we're stuck with a month of completely decent releases. We've always begged the industry to release games throughout the year, but never stopped to consider the terrible cost: More work for us. Check out the infuriatingly decent list and plan your purchasing strategy. %Gallery-81403%
BioWare's Ray Muzyka on how to make single-player gaming more social
The good folks at IncGamers had a chat with one of BioWare's founding medical doctors, Ray Muzyka, about the company's history of classic single-player gaming and its upcoming foray into the world of massively multiplayer with Star Wars: The Old Republic. Muzyka says that the line between solo and collective experiences is blurring: even traditionally single-player games are dipping into the vast realms of multiplayer co-op and competition through online social tools and downloadable content. Speaking specifically, he says that Dragon Age: Origins is a good example, with online social features for what is definitely a single-player experience. And Mass Effect 2, he says, will explore these ideas through its own DLC. In fact, he outright guarantees us that BioWare is "planning more [DLC] than in Mass Effect 1." As players who couldn't get enough of the two packs on offer for the original game, that's Muzyka to our ears.
