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New Mass Effect screens are gorgeous
If you've questioned how pretty Mass Effect will look in the past, then boy are you in for a treat. Bioware just released six new screenshots from their baby Mass Effect, and do they ever look sexy. The character models are clean, crisp, and refreshing. The environments are shiny, life-like, and lite nicely. And we just used up our adjective limit for this post, so go check out all the screens after the jump and come up with your own. Anyone a tad bit more excited after seeing these fresh screenshots?[Via Xboxygen]
Mass Effect won't be in May
On Friday we pointed out that the Australian Xbox site had a May 18th release date posted for Mass Effect. It turns out that Microsoft has since debunked the rumor and changed the date on the site to "TBD", matching the North American regions. While the monkeys keep working away over at BioWare, there are no release date related announcements pertaining to the title other than it's not May 18th. Still, don't rule out a May/June release, but we'll have to wait until we get an official announcement.[Thanks, Mythor & Jonah]
Mass Effect gets dated downunder [update 1]
Update: Microsoft has since responded to the issue of the Australian date, claiming it was a mistake and to be disregarded.Before, we brought you the ground breaking news about the Mass Effect box art. Now, we recommend you sit down for the following heart stopping revelation. Mass Effect now has an official release date from a very official source. Well, official Australian source. The title is listed as May 18th, 2007 on Xbox Australia's page for the upcoming Bioware title, yet still "TBD" on the North American front. This falls in line with the speculation that Mass Effect would be hitting retailers around May-June. Best case scenario, of course, would be that the May 18th release date is applicable across all major regions. Hopefully that will be the case and we can all expect to have this massive RPG in our disc tray by mid May.[Thanks, Thomas]
Mass Effect release date spotted on official Xbox site [update 2]
Update: Microsoft sent us another statement, this time ruling out the date entirely. "An incorrect release date for Mass Effect was inadvertently posted on Xbox.com Australia and has since been removed. We will keep you posted on the ongoing development of Mass Effect, however, we have no announcements regarding the game's release date at this time." According to the Australian section of the official Xbox website, we may be finding ourselves incinerating aliens and threatening suspicious bartenders before the year reaches its midpoint. A product blurb dedicated to BioWare's galaxy-spanning sci-fi RPG, Mass Effect, currently lists a release date of 18 May 2007, a bit more specific than the "2007" placeholder appended to the likes of Forza Motorsport 2 (which is set to arrive sometime in May). It's worth noting that Microsoft has yet to announce an official release date. At the time of writing, they had not yet responded to our request for comment.[Thanks, Thomas]
BioWare blogs it up on IGN
Joining their friends at Silicon Knights, BioWare has set up an IGN developer blog. The latest (and only) entry comes from Mass Effect project director, Casey Hudson. Hudson informs us that development is moving swimmingly. He describes environmental effects, uncannily realistic faces, and the workings of a memorable musical score. Hudson describes the inspiration of the musical score as classic sci-fi movies. Essentially, the BioWare team is looking to blend orchestral music (a la Star Trek) with the electronic trappings of artists like Tangerine Dream. The idea is to evoke the feeling of old sci-fi flicks. Sounds good to us.[Via Gamerscore Blog]
Behold, the Mass Effect box! New info soon
Microsoft has released the final box art for Mass Effect. Just look at it, sitting there in all its majesty. Okay, so it's not the most thrilling thing in the world, but it means we're that much closer to the game actually being released, right? As an added bonus, Microsoft promises that we'll be hearing more about Mass Effect in the "near future." Whenever "near" is, we can tell you right now that it's not near enough. You can see a gigantor-fied version of the box art after the break. Also, if you're starving from some Mass Effect news, check out this interview on IGN.
BioWare embracing episodic content for all future projects
BioWare looks to start swinging episodes like it was 1993 again (LL Cool J? "Back Seat"? Too obscure?). The Mass Effect developer recently pledged to support all of its confirmed upcoming titles with post-release episodic content, including Dragon Age and Jade Empire: Special Edition. BioWare even claimed that its "other" (read: announced) titles would be treated to digitally distributed content, suggesting the studio's total adoption of a longevity model built on episodic releases. The strategy will span both "console and PC" platforms, confirmed CEO Ray Muzyka. "Consoles," eh? Could BioWare be expanding its console development beyond Xbox 360? After all, a DS title is in the works.
Bioware supports episodic content
In an interview with CVG, developer Bioware stated they were supportive of episodic content for upcoming 360 game Mass Effect and other future titles. Bioware CEO Ray Muzyka also said they were planning episodic content for upcoming games Dragon Age and Jade Empire: Special Edition. Do you think the whole idea of episodic content is a good trend in the gaming industry or do you feel their effort should be put into creating a full fledged sequel? We can almost guarantee that if episodic becomes a hit you'll see developers pumping it out like crazy. Why would they create a whole new game when they can "tack on" other goods and cash in on a game that is already released? Go ahead ... voice your opinions.[Thanks, Jonah]
Xbox 360: The Best of 2007
2006 was a great year for the Xbox 360. We saw tons of great games -- Oblivion, Gears of War, and Dead Rising just to name a few -- Xbox Live Arcade showed signs of maturity, Xbox Live grew by leaps and bounds, and overall 360 sales are closing in on the 10 million mark. Yes, it was a good time to be a gamer if you had a 360. What about the future? What does 2007 hold for the Xbox 360? Read on and join the discussion.
Mass Effect X06 combat and dialogue video
The Mass Effect X06 that was promised yesterday has been released and we have YouTubified it just for you (it's available on Marketplace now as well). The video showcases some of Mass Effect's dynamic dialogue system, but it's mostly about the squad combat. You are allowed real time control over any member of your party and have access to numerous weapon upgrades and magic (called Biotics in the Mass Effect universe). Players can also pause the action at any time -- much like KOTOR -- to give squad mates orders. This option allows you to tactically plan what would otherwise be a difficult battle. KOTOR was based on a d20 rule set, but if any such calculations are present in Mass Effect, they are well hidden. All in all it looks like a blast, and we can't wait to get our hands on more info.
Mass Effect X06 demo video tomorrow
Community Coordinator for Mass Effect's community site, Chris Priestly, has announced that a new video of Mass Effect will be available this Friday. According to 360Monster, the video will be available on both Xbox Live Marketplace and the official Mass Effect website. Things have been very quiet on the Mass Effect front -- apart from one trailer last month -- so anything new is fantastic. Keep your eyes peeled Friday afternoon for the video. We'll be sure to post the video as soon as we find it.[Via 360Monster]
Mass Effect X06 trailer coming to XBL Friday [update 1]
After months of waiting, the uber-pretty Bioware title Mass Effect trailer from X06 (we thought so, anyways) will now be available to download from Xbox Live. While the delay between the floor showing and XBL Marketplace download might seem ridiculous, bear in mind that it took almost the exact same amount of time (two months and some change) to get their E3 trailer to the XBLM masses.We can only hope that means they're just so busy perfecting the title that they don't have enough spare time to show off the goods. We hope. Embedded after the break is a low-quality version of the trailer that's taking 7 weeks for delivery. The video that will be available on Friday will be 5 minutes long and will feature a voice over from Project Director Casey Hudson -- we've included a video after the break which features low-quality footage similar to what we'll see on Friday.See Also:Xbox 360 impressions: Mass Effect MTV's unaired Mass Effect preview [Via 1UP][Update 1: Clarifications were made following comments left by a Bioware employee. Thanks, Orangecoke!]
MTV's unaired Mass Effect preview
Time constraints apparently forced MTV to cut some delicious Mass Effect footage from the latest episode of G-Hole, part of Gamer's Week 2.0. It's all good though, GameTrailers has us covered (video's also embedded below). Since when did BioWare's latest turn into a 3rd-person Halo with squad dynamics and telekinesis? Show us more!
Mass Effect combat video uses the force
If you sat down last night to watch ... The G-Hole (shudder), expecting to see the new Mass Effect trailer, you were sorely disappointed. We have received word that trailer had to be cut due to time constraints. If you feel slighted, then fear not, for the trailer is available on MTV's cavernous flash site. If you'd rather not traverse such fetid places -- even if it is the only place you'll find the trailer in hi-res -- you can watch the YouTubified version after the break.
Mass Effect trailer debuts on MTV tomorrow
It's been a long time coming. So long in fact, that we damned near fell out of our collective chairs when we found out there was actual news about Mass Effect. For those that don't know (or don't remember) Mass Effect is the latest RPG offering from Bioware, creators of hits Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire. Seriously, the last "news" we had about Mass Effect was a picture pack before X06. A picture pack! At any rate, the news is this: MTV will be featuring a new trailer for Mass Effect during tomorrow's episode of, ahem, The G-Hole (who comes up with these names?). The G-Hole, MTV's first show specifically about video games, will air tomorrow night at 8PM EST as part of MTV's Gamer's Week 2.0. The trailer, along with other exclusive Mass Effect content, will be available at Games.MTV.com after the television debut. So, all you enterprising YouTubers out there, grab this trailer when it debuts so we won't have to wade through the flash based nightmare that is MTV's website. (Actually don't do that, because it's, like, totally copyright infringement or something. And don't think you can get away with it just because there's absolutely nothing we can do to stop you, either.)
X06: Alan Wake, Bioshock, Mass Effect demos
Some of the most anticipated upcoming games for the Xbox 360 and PC weren't playable on the X06 show floor but were shown off by the developers in behind-closed-doors demos. Here's some quickie descriptions of the demos and some thoughts on what was shown: Alan Wake: Developer Remedy shared lots of new information about this "psychological action thriller" (a term used by the developers to describe the game multiple times). The story, told rather clunkily through some Max Payne-style exposition, revolves around Wake, a writer who finds his life begins to mimic his best-selling novel. Grappling with insomnia in a rest clinic in the Pacific Northwest, he finds the line between his waking life and his nightmares begins to blur. The most striking feature graphically is the dynamic lighting, which casts soft shadows and glistens beautifully off everything from the trees to the water. The demo also showed off environmental effects with a quickly gathering storm that cast everything in eerie, somber tones. The demo ended with a thrilling chase by a glowing entity that took out all the electrical lights as it approached. Definitely one to watch for. BioShock - Following up on the demo shown at E3, Irrational showed off a new area which again showed off the game's beautifully dark underwater environments. The developers emphasized the importance of using improvised attacks and abilities like teleportation against the lumbering, suited "Big Daddy" and the "Little Sister" he jealously protects. They also stressed the importance of moral choices in shaping the game experience -- as the demo fades out, our protagonist is busy deciding whether or not to beat a little girl with a wrench. Best moment: using telekenesis to throw a teddy bear into a fire and then using the flaming bear to set an enemy on fire. The demonstrator said they hope to "redefine the first-person shooter" and it looks like they just might. Mass Effect - The game looks as pretty as ever, with convincing character animation and facial expressions, especially during the branching conversations. The developers showed off how the game map spans from a galaxy-sized Milky Way view down to individual planets, and mentioned that two separate players will likely take completely different paths through the game. A quick boss battle showed how squad placement commands can be used to set up a cross fire that emphasizes each character's particular abilities. Shows promise but the full scope was hard to gauge from the demo.
Joyswag: X06 Photoshopping contest
While we were unfortunately unable to fly you all to Barcelona to attend Micosoft's X06 conference, we would like to share our X06-related bounty with one lucky Joystiq reader. The person who sends in the most amusing .jpg format edit of the above picture to joyswag [dot] submissions [at] gmail [dot] com will take home the following goodies given out at the conference: An Alan Wake flashlight An Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures comic book from Dark Horse Three limited edition pieces of art from Mass Effect All entries are due by midnight Eastern time on Sunday, Oct. 1, so put down those outstretched arms and get cracking.
Bringing It Home content, 9/25
Well folks, TGS is over, finished, kaput. As such, it seem only fitting that today's content is more oriented towards western audiences -- note also that there is no Japan exclusive content today. Here's the sweet sweet candy: Battlestations Midway trailer Eragon trailer Import Tuner Challenge trailer Need for Speed Carbon trailer The Darkness trailer Mass Effect Picture Pack (free!) Battlestar Galactica (United States) TGS Showfloor video 3 video F.E.A.R. demo We discussed the F.E.A.R. demo earlier: if you played the OXM demo, there's nothing new. With all this content, it may be time to start clearing out some of that old E3 stuff. Meanwhile, X06 inches ever closer. So, everybody make some room, download each and every one of these trailers, watch them, and then come back here and discuss them. Discuss them, I say!
Bioware demonstrates digital actors at Austin Game Conference
An intriguing article on Gamasutra details Bioware's visit to the Austin Game Writers Conference and their resulting presentation, "Creating Characters for Games: Writing for Digital Actors." One of the few developers that puts as much, if not more, emphasis on stories and characters versus other elements of their games, Bioware outlined a change in writing methodology required for visually lush next-gen games. Unlike older, less ambitious role-playing games which furthered the story via motionless character portraits or a handful of canned animations, the upcoming Mass Effect has tasked writers with taking things such as body language and subtle physical gestures into account. It's an interesting case where the writer can rely on the graphics to tell a part of the story -- usually it's the other way around.The article also delves into the creation of the story and how the player's choices need to be plentiful while still remaining within the framework of the overall game. Again, the digital actor can be used to guide the player down certain paths, avoiding erratic or non-sensical behaviour that has a character suddenly going from cheery to murderous after the press of a button. There's definitely a tug of war going on between the player (who wants freedom) and the storyteller (who wants to tell a coherent tale). With more realistic graphics and lifelike characters being introduced in the coming years, it's unclear as to who will end up having the greatest grip. See also: Bioware defines Mass Effect Video of E3 Mass Effect demo hits XBLM Joystiq's impressions of Mass Effect at E3
Massively dark Mass Effect screens
CVG -- the folks that pseudo confirmed Assassin's Creed for the 360 -- has posted some screens of BioWare's Mass Effect. All of them appear to be taken from combat sections of the game, and all of them are pretty dark. Perhaps that's why the CVG article in question was down at the time of this writing. Luckily, QJ has done us all a favor and hosted the images themselves.While you may not be able to make out much detail, you can at least rest assured that Mass Effect will feature super trendy nighttime levels. Lest these screens leave you doubting Mass Effect's graphical prowess, be sure and check out the video on XBLM, or right here. So, who wants this? (Me.)
