Mass Effect News/Information Thread

[SpuR48]

This is the sweetest footage yet of Mass Effect. It's not in HD, but it still shows off alot of the game mechanics and GFX. If you don't own an Xbox 360, you will want one after this game launches. (Just hope you don't get 3 red lights halfway through boot up)

:lol:

Mass Effect Video - Kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/gaming/more-gamer-porn/new-mass-effect-character-creation-video-hottttttt-288421.php)

[SpuR48]

I can't WAIT for this game. I've never, in my entire life pre-ordered a game before. And now, I've preordered two this fall. Rockband and Mass Effect.

Mass Effect for GoTY! (If CoD4 doesn't steal the show)

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27725.html

[Cockney]

a lot of people have already been able to buy it at KMART

[Cockney]

oh and to answer your question, it does look pretty darn awesome

[JAYBEZ]

a lot of people have already been able to buy it at KMART

I doubt anyone has a copy in their hands already. It probably hasn't even been shipped to stores yet.

[diehardgamecock]

it looks like a way cool game, but with two kids and a wife, i don't have time to play stuff like that anymore....


i'll be sticking with CoD4 and a college bball game for me & rock band and guitar hero for me and the wife to play......at least for a while.

[Spur]

Anyone see this?

Singapore's government has announced a ban on the sale of BioWare's upcoming Mass Effect RPG in its country.

The ban was triggered by the revelation of a scene in the game in which a sexual encounter between a human woman and a female alien is portrayed in a poorly-lit room with brief partial nudity. The depiction of same-sex relations is enough to get the game thrown out of Singapore, which has a reputation for its strict censorship.

The scene occurs only when the player chooses to play as a female character—Mass Effect allows you to fully customize the protagonist, including gender. The voice of the female version of Commander Shepard is played by Jennifer Hale, who previously worked with BioWare when she played Bastila in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. More recently, Hale lent her voice to Samus Aran in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Mass Effect is due out in North America on November 20.http://www.galbadiax.com/article/2007-11-13/singapore-mass-effect

[JAYBEZ]

I have seen the scene on IGN. I didn't see anything. It is all implied sexual actions. Very "titanic" like with a hand being press against a steamy window...


Nothing to be all crazy about.

[Cockney]

Actually most stores have had their copies since around the 9th, but are not allowed to sale until the 20th, because it has a strict street date. Go on gamespot.com and look under the Mass Effect forums, or on IGN..either one. Theres quite a few people who already have it. They show their gamertags as proof and have already unlocked achievements

[JAYBEZ]

It didn't go gold until October 22nd. And you can't start pressing copies until you get the gold master.

And you think they had stores stocked by the 9th? I don't think so.

[Cockney]

ok jaybez, i guess everyone is playing their imaginary copy until they get their hands on the real thing.

THREAD (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/masseffect/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-39451717&pid=930279) Bought and paid for on the 10th, meaning they most likely got the shipment the night before.

He provided pictures a few posts later:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/BloatedSquirle/IMG_1399.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/BloatedSquirle/IMG_1397.jpg



I've seen about 10 others with copies also. For some reason K-Marts all over the country were selling it even with the "Do Not Sell Before 11/20" on there.

[Cockney]

oh and BioWare has officially stated that people already have the game, and they can't do anything about it because they bought it legally, but they can contact the stores and tell them to cease selling the game until the 20th

[Spur]

Friend of mine actually has a copy as well thought I havent talked to him about it

[SpuR48]

Yeah K-mart is bad about street-dates. I used to work at the one in Lexington , but unfortunately, they're good about keeping street dates. If they weren't I'd go down there and see if they had a copy.

The Singapore government is being ridiculous about the whole "sex scene" crap. You can find more explicit stuff on the Tyra Banks show...

[FoghornLeghornCock]

IGN has their review up and given it a 9.4. It may not be perfect, but what game is really. I think for those who are patient and looking for a game they want to spend some time on, it looks like a lot of fun. With so few good RPGs I will spend some quality time on it and try out different options. To some it may be a rental for me it will be a buy. Here is the review http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/718/718963.html

[JAYBEZ]

IGN has their review up and given it a 9.4. It may not be perfect, but what game is really. I think for those who are patient and looking for a game they want to spend some time on, it looks like a lot of fun. With so few good RPGs I will spend some quality time on it and try out different options. To some it may be a rental for me it will be a buy. Here is the review http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/718/718963.html


I don't see how an RPG that size can be a rental... unless you plan on having it out for a loooooong time.

[FoghornLeghornCock]

I have read reviews of some guys saying they beat the game in like 12 hours. There are plenty of people who get bored easily/ADD who may not want to maximize their experience with the game. I think most people like me into RPG games will play several characters and endings. The way I look at it if these guys spent several years on this game it is worth showing some patience in playing it and making the experience last. I will at least play it twice especially knowing two more sequels are coming down the road.

[JAYBEZ]

I have read reviews of some guys saying they beat the game in like 12 hours. There are plenty of people who get bored easily/ADD who may not want to maximize their experience with the game. I think most people like me into RPG games will play several characters and endings. The way I look at it if these guys spent several years on this game it is worth showing some patience in playing it and making the experience last. I will at least play it twice especially knowing two more sequels are coming down the road.

If you beat it in 12 hours, you probably missed a great deal of the game.

I expect this to be a great deal better then Oblivion and that had 200 hours of gameplay.

[SpuR48]

Yeah, supposedly you can go straight through the campaign in 10 hours, but who does that? There are soooo many more side missions and such.

[Click Clack]

I started playing today and it really looks awesome. It kind of reminds me a little of Star Wars KOTOR, which I loved! But the graphics are pretty good from what I've seen so far.

[JAYBEZ]

I started playing today and it really looks awesome. It kind of reminds me a little of Star Wars KOTOR, which I loved! But the graphics are pretty good from what I've seen so far.

Yeah, the scary gamestop voice recording called me last night to let me know my copy would be in today.

I will swing by after work to pick it up.



(now... if only my 360 would hurry and return home from the doctor.)

[IHateOrange]

let me know how yall like this game. I may have to pick it up.

[JAYBEZ]

let me know how yall like this game. I may have to pick it up.

Man, its made by Bioware... you don't need a review. That company doesn't put out bad games.

[SpuR48]

let me know how yall like this game. I may have to pick it up.

Like Jay said, BIOWARE!

But seriously, I've only gotten 2 hours into the game, and I'm in love. I could be a lot farther my 2 hours in, but the game is so well done that you won't be bothered by going and talking to all kinds of other characters for info and just to shoot the breeze. The story that Bioware created for this game is a good one, and it goes very deep.

[JAYBEZ]

Like Jay said, BIOWARE!

But seriously, I've only gotten 2 hours into the game, and I'm in love. I could be a lot farther my 2 hours in, but the game is so well done that you won't be bothered by going and talking to all kinds of other characters for info and just to shoot the breeze. The story that Bioware created for this game is a good one, and it goes very deep.

What kind of character did you go with?

[SpuR48]

What kind of character did you go with?

I used the Shephard model, because I'm lazy... lol. But I went with an Infiltrator character. Looking forward to getting more time in this weekend. That is if I'm not smacking my toy drumset on rockband :D

[Order 66]

I just bought it, and my 360 freezes up 3 minutes into running, and I saw the 3 red lights once when I booted it up. It's close to death. I'm going to call M$ and get them to send me a casket for it.

[IHateOrange]

so i finally played it today on PS3 (I own a 360) this game is sick! Going to buy it on sunday!

[GamecockFan7689]

so i finally played it today on PS3 (I own a 360) this game is sick! Going to buy it on sunday!

Umm it's not out for the PS3.

[IHateOrange]

damn wrong thread... lol... oops

[GamecockFan7689]

damn wrong thread... lol... oops

lol, That can easily happen on a messageboard. I was about to say. I thought it was an exclusive and had to check a minute to make sure I wasn't wrong before saying anything.

[JAYBEZ]

lol, That can easily happen on a messageboard. I was about to say. I thought it was an exclusive and had to check a minute to make sure I wasn't wrong before saying anything.

Actually, they annouced that it will be a trilogy and that all of the games will be MS exclusive.

the next KOTOR or Neverwinter Nights, if you will.

[GamecockFan7689]

Actually, they annouced that it will be a trilogy and that all of the games will be MS exclusive.

the next KOTOR or Neverwinter Nights, if you will.

I really hope we get another KOTOR. Such great games.

[Spurred4Life]

I have played this game for about a week and I like it, although, it kind of frustrated me that with some character presets you douldn't use the sinper rifle, I love those. Other than that a great game, I really need to get a HDtv............

[JAYBEZ]

Just got my 360 back from the shop and started on this last night. I tried to make a version of myself... It looks nothing like me. Oh well.

It is a very cool game. It is like an rpg version of gears of war.

[SpuR48]

How's everyone coming along with this game? I've done almost all side missions (I hope) and I'm about to start the only main mission left in my journal.

Anyone here read the book that was published about a year ago? It was written by the guy that wrote the story for the game. Drew Karpyshin (sp?) It's called "Mass Effect: Revelation." It talks about Cpt. Anderson and his back story with Saren. It goes into detail about how Saren and Cpt. Anderson worked together in the past. It's really good if you haven't read it.

[Rice Rice Baby]

not a huge fan, cant pry myself away from Halo

[SpuR48]

not a huge fan, cant pry myself away from Halo

Unless you hate RPG's and all that they entail, I'd bet you'd love Mass Effect then. It has the addicting Sci-fi storyline, the fable-esque character building (good guy vs. bad guy) and you can even have some pixelated relations with different characters IF, you play your cards right. Alot of the outcomes in this game depend on what you say and how you say it. That's what I love about it.

Do yourself a huge favor and rent this when you get a chance. Don't get me wrong, I love Halo 3 too, but Mass Effect is the best single-player game I've ever experienced... and I'm still not done!

[SpuR48]

Wow.


All I can say. Amazing story, near-perfect gameplay. I was pulled int from the first cutscene all the way in. I only have two minor gripes. The textures sometimes load slow (armor, faces, etc), and the sidemissions tend to get a bit repetitive. Neither of those really kill the game for me, though. I plan on playing through again just to catch anything I missed the first time. Also I'd like to be an asshole and go renegade, because I bet it's a completely different game that way.

But beware, any of you gamers who likes mindless shooters and action without reason, you won't like this game. Don't get me wrong, lots of action, but the more important aspect of this game, in my eyes, is the decision making. Almost everything you do and/or say affects the game's story in some way. It won't change the overall ending, obviously, but it will change how other characters view you and how they respond to you.

Anyone else beat it yet?

[Spurred4Life]

I beat it the other day, my only gripe is that you can't have your whole squad for the simiple fact that when you explore planets you have to bring the weaker fighters,(in my case since I was a soldier cuz I like snipers) but better decrypters so you can decrypt things.....solid gameplay and story, some unnecessary running around, but ultimately I give it 2 thumbs up and I have heard rumors of this game beinga trilogy which I would love.

[horseshoefootball]

it is most definitely a trilogy, though EA just bought Mass Effect (they were independent before, and had a contract for a trilogy with Microsoft). No one knows for sure what will happen with Bioware being owned by EA now, but I don't think the ME trilogy is in trouble--rumor has it that Mass Effect has already sold 1 million copies, and if EA is known for one thing, it's sequels...

[Spurred4Life]

Oh yeah if it won best rpg game then it sold well.

[ultimatetailgater]

I still think I'd go with Spike's VGA pick of BioShock.

[SpuR48]

I still think I'd go with Spike's VGA pick of BioShock.

I think if Mass Effect had released on PC as well as 360 you may think different. I think it's supposed to come to PC sometime soon, which would leave me to believe it'd be even better. On 360, some parts tend to slow down as the screen gets crowded; also textures tend to load slow now and again. Hopefully it will come to PC for the PC guys to experience. It's a great game.

I can't comment too much for Spike's pick on GoTY, because I only played the BioShock demo. One of these days I'll rent it, I suppose.

About EA and Bioware... that has me REALLY worried. EA always manages to eff up my favorite games, but I'm cautiously optimistic that Bioware will be left to do it's own thing with this. I've heard EA will let Bioware do the whole project, and EA will just publish the game, but if EA makes Bioware stick to a strict schedule, God knows what kinda rushed crappy ass content we'll get.

I still pray that there's someway EA can lose it's NCAA license. They've gotten very lazy on the NCAA games...

[ultimatetailgater]

Ya, if it was on PC I might think differently but knowing M$ if they have anything to say about it, it will come out 2 years later as a poorly done buggy port like they did with Halo. All this exclusivity pisses me off. I think all games and movies should be for all formats and platforms. I'm tired of getting screwed as a consumer so the stupid corporations can have their little pissing matches.

I agree 100% about EA their games have gone to shit lately. They've gotten greedy and lazy. I was extremely disappointed in NCAA 2008. The last good one was 2004.

[SpuR48]

Ya, if it was on PC I might think differently but knowing M$ if they have anything to say about it, it will come out 2 years later as a poorly done buggy port like they did with Halo. All this exclusivity pisses me off. I think all games and movies should be for all formats and platforms. I'm tired of getting screwed as a consumer so the stupid corporations can have their little pissing matches.

I agree 100% about EA their games have gone to shit lately. They've gotten greedy and lazy. I was extremely disappointed in NCAA 2008. The last good one was 2004.

I'm not too familiar with Bioware, but wasn't KOTOR out for PC? Was it any good?

I meant the PC comment as more of an idea about why Bioshock won over Mass Effect. Bioshock affected PC gamers and Xbox 360 gamers (was it out on PS3? Can't remember) so in effect there were more people to vote for it.

I do hope they do an OK port, though. I hope it's not like Halo, though. I remember playing that on PC... *puke*

[Spurred4Life]

If I ever won the lottery I would start a gaming co. and make awesome games for every console........and then when I was worth trillions I would buy the other companies and dominate the gaming market.......

[Spur]

http://www.psu.com/Pachter--Mass-Effect-may-come-to-PS3--a0002203-p0.php

Remember when we did a feature on Mass Effects chances of coming to the PlayStation 3 console? It was a really optimistic feature that highlighted the many reasons why the Mass Effect trilogy could end up landing on the PlayStation 3. PSU is not the only one to think this, as it has been a topic of debate ever since EA purchased Bioware a while back.

Michael Pachter, Wedbush Morgan Securities Analyst, has taken his stance on the entire situation by stating he believes that Mass Effect will not remain an Xbox 360 exclusive.

Speaking with a panel of others on Gametrailers, Pachter commented, "Trust me, Electronic Arts, when they threw out the 300 million that is multiplatform that is not 360 only.” And when asked if it will come to the PS3, he finished with, "It has to, I wouldn't be shocked if Mass Effect 1 came to PlayStation 3."

Currently Bioware still labels Mass Effect as an Xbox 360 exclusive. The first game in what is planned as a trilogy is already released with great reviews. Perhaps when it is time to reveal more on Mass Effect 2, will Bioware be able to talk more freely in relation to ME on the PS3.

[ultimatetailgater]

Electronic Arts nabs Mass Effect PC publishing rights from Microsoft

Nearly all of BioWare’s recent RPG releases have first hit Microsoft’s console, be it the original Xbox or Xbox 360, only later to make it to the PC. It happened with the two Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic games, as well as Jade Empire, and it will happen to Mass Effect.
Electronic Arts and BioWare announced today that Mass Effect, originally released on the Xbox 360 late November 2007, will be hitting the PC in May 2008. Unlike the Xbox 360 version, which was published by Microsoft Games Studios, EA will be handing the publishing duties for the PC port.
“Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline – all set in a compelling new universe,” said Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts.
Mass Effect for the PC also represents the first sign of the split in publishing agreements for BioWare and Microsoft after EA acquired the Canadian game developer (http://www.dailytech.com/EA+Completes+BioWare+Pandemic+Acquisition/article10258.htm).
Frank Gibeau, President of EA’s Games Label added, “EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future.”
EA said that the PC release will contain several new optimizations specific to the version, such as new control schemes, hot keys, along with new additions in the form of a new decryption mini-game and enhanced GUI system.
BioWare also recently announced new paid DLC (http://www.dailytech.com/20608+Daily+Gaming+Refresh/article10601.htm) for Xbox 360 owners to appear in March. It’s unclear at this time whether or not any of this content will be incorporated into the PC version.

http://www.dailytech.com/EA+to+Deliver+PC+Version+of+Mass+Effect/article10660.htm

[JAYBEZ]

Typically I would be worried when EA takes over an already outstanding product. But I don't think they can screw up a port job too bad.

[Crazy_Gamecock]

I have to say the game was something completely different than I thought it would be when I read about it. The game is absolutely tremendous and even though I don't normally replay games, I might let this sit and come back to it after the semester is over. Unbelievable writing and graphics for a game. I suggest anyone that has a working 360 to at least rent the game.

[JAYBEZ]

Welcome to the world of RPGs.


Actually, welcome to the world of BioWare products. If every game developer took the care they do with each game, I would never leave home.

[The Yancey]

Anyone planning to get this game? You can save $10 by preordring. Here is the web site: http://masseffect.bioware.com/ (http://masseffect.bioware.com/)

[Cockney]

it is a good game, played it on the 360. it is really long too, i rented it so i didnt have time to beat it.

[notoriety]

Coming to what system? I'm assuming the PC since it has been out on the 360. I got really addicted to the game when it first came out. Never bought it but when I had it rented I played the crap out of it. The leveling up within the game gets very very addictive and the storyline was superb. Can't wait for the sequel.

[ultimatetailgater]

I thought about getting it until I read about the horrible and intrusive DRM that EA is going to be using for it and Spore

http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2008/05/08/drm_ea/

[The Yancey]

The DRM didn't bother me with Jade and it won't with this. I ordred it tonight from GoGamer.com for $40.89 including shipping.

[ultimatetailgater]

DRM 10-day online authentication removed after user outrage.

http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2008/05/12/bioware_drm/

Not only did they do away with the 10 day activation thing but it is a one time online activation and after that you dont even need the disc to play.

The 10 day system has also been removed from Spore. It's about time EA finally listened to its customers about something.

[SpuR48]

DRM 10-day online authentication removed after user outrage.

http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2008/05/12/bioware_drm/

Not only did they do away with the 10 day activation thing but it is a one time online activation and after that you dont even need the disc to play.

The 10 day system has also been removed from Spore. It's about time EA finally listened to its customers about something.

So you gonna get it now?

You won't regret it :D

:thumbsup: