Friday 29 April 2011

Mass Effect 3 - What We Know So Far


Do you long to punch journalists because of their disingenuous assertions? Or are you just waiting for your much thought about Krogan romance to come to fruition? Whatever your desires may be you wont have to wait much longer with Mass Effect 3 coming later this year.

That's right, Shepard is back once again and needs to urgently deal with the impending Reaper threat...once again. The new instalment sees everyone's favourite commander desperately trying to find allies to aid his noble cause - entire species this time mind you, not just individuals - whilst trying to fight off  both Cerberus, whom he seems to have fallen out with, and those who want him trialled for war-crimes.

What we know so far is that Mass Effect 3 will be the conclusion of the 'Shepard trilogy' and the players choices from the previous two games will have an effect - some small, whilst others may create bigger hurdles to leap over  (or crouch behind then leap over at least). It is also the first game to take place partially on Earth (that's where I'M from) with both London and New York being available as playable locations - both of course famous for their abundance of the chest high walls necessary for third person gameplay.

Returning to the series is the inclusion of Gameplay and improvements thereupon.  Combat movement, for example, has evolved - the ability to roll and leap over ledges has been added and cover mechanics have been polished. Melee attacks will also play a bigger role this time with each class having a unique method of dealing up-close damage. Finally Shepard will be able to reach down the throat of a Salarian and pull out their still beating heart. It is unknown at this time whether eating raw hearts will provide health bonuses however. Overall combat speed is said to have been increased by 10-15%  and the player can now pick up weapons that others have carelessly left on the floor. Tidying is fun. Weapon Modding also makes a return and every class will be able to wield every weapon (go equality!) - though they may not be able to hold them all at once.

Garrus' New Look
Returning to the Intergalactic fray team member-wise are Garrus, Liara, and Ashley or Kaiden - dependent on your choices from previous Mass Effect titles. A new squad-member by the name of James Sanders will also appear on the scene, an experienced human soldier unfamiliar with the true workings of the Galaxy. One can only hope that he will rise to become Colonel through his deadly use of 11 original herbs and spices. Other familiars such as Jack, Joker, Legion, Mordin and Wrex will also be returning - but not necessarily as squad-mates. Additionally any Romance delved into by the player will make an impact on the game with multiple relationships potentially having different consequences - and you were hoping Liara wouldn't find out about your secret love affair with Grunt.

Fan favourites Vehicles and Planet mining will be making a welcome return, along with the jamming a fork into your arm mini-game that accompanies them. Skill-trees for Shepard have expanded and skills can be 'evolved' multiple times. I assume that evolution of the 'charm' skill will result in a number of suggestive winks and nods being added to the conversation wheel for the player to work their way out of tricky situations - such as perturbing  a potential love interest or general conversation with the Illusive man or Wrex.

Mass Effect 3 will swing wildly out of orbit and crash into earth at the end of 2011 and is highly anticipated amongst the many fans of the series. Are you excited also? Or is Bioware's Sci-Fi epic not having a MASSive Effect on you?  

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