Mass Effect 3

By Yusuf M.
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Grand Master

+Majesticmerc MVC

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What was the other game you boycotted?

Assassin's Creed, and generally anything from Ubisoft. I caved and bought Splinter Cell Conviction after boycotting for a years or so as I heard that they'd stripped the DRM from it (I'm still not sure they have). I don't buy Ubi games for the PC anymore, frankly I got sick of them treating me like a criminal for purchasing the game, so until they start treating their PC customers right, they can kiss my hard earned cash goodbye.

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As for the Day-1 DLC thing (Apologies for replying to this so late, I've been on holiday :p), as long as the additional content doesn't add to the Mass Effect story in any particularly meaningful way, that's not a problem. But really, I don't see how the From Ashes DLC can be anything other than a massive plot point, since it appears at face value to relate to the ME universe lore in a massive way. I mean, Zaeed really only adds personnel to your squad in ME2, but

the Protheans are a core part of the back story to Mass Effect, and bioware are either going to (a) screw people who bought the "basic edition" out of a big part of the story, or (b) completely downplay the fact that a 50,000 year old survivor of the last reaper attack is a character in the game

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I don't think any misguided concept of entitlement is being flouted here, if, as many suspect, the DLC is potentially a big part of the storyline. If Bioware want to omit part of the story, then they should offer the game without DLC as being CHEAPER than the full game, since we're not getting a full game. At some point in the development process of the game, someone has decided "let's leave this part of the game out, and make them pay extra for it. Even though it will be available with the initial release", and as far as I'm concerned, that's moneygrabbing to take advantage of the people who are enjoying the Mass Effect story.

Mentor

S00N3R FR3AK

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So now my save file is sitting on a USB drive. I don't understand why I couldn't make a copy of the file and had to move it. If it somehow messes up I'm gonna have to replay 1 and 2 to get everything back to the way it was as the non-save intro of ME2 did not cover everything,

Grand Master

Muhammad Farrukh

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A Mass Effect on Homosexuality in Games

Why homosexuality in Mass Effect 3 is important for the future of interactive storytelling

This week, Mass Effect 3 joins the ranks of video games striving to offer a realistic portrayal of human relationships. BioWare's decision to allow both male and female homosexual partnerships inside the Mass Effect universe is a telling move. While games like Rockstar's Bully, Microsoft's Fable series, Atlus's Persona 4, Jordan Mechner's The Last Express, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and the Dragon Age series have all dealt with themes of homosexuality, the critical and commercial success of the Mass Effect series represents a significant step forward in the mainstream representation of realistic human behavior.

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Portraying human relationships as they truly are has never been a priority for games. More so than noninteractive media like films and print, games strive to provide an escape from the reality we know. While some game developers adhere to the art-for-art's-sake philosophy, the concept is far from being universally practiced in the games industry. So it remains the case that it's how you play the game that's going to offer the most excitement, not the context in which you do it. This is why to date only a handful of games have attempted to capture more than a one-dimensional representation of the way humans relate to one another; anything richer or more complex runs the risk of turning into something as utterly unexciting as real life.

But it seems BioWare is trying something different. The developer's layered role-playing worlds contain more than just rich lore: these games offer choice. They offer more choice than which class to pick or which dialogue tree to follow; it's a choice that attempts, however rudimentarily, to mirror real life. While it's true that we don't get to pick our gender, religion, or sexual preference in the real world, by striving to offer some semblance of realistic human behavior, Mass Effect 3 becomes one of only a handful of AAA games that attempts to insert more meaning into player choice. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships are not commonly explored themes in video games; in fact, games have traditionally struggled with the exploration and depiction of romantic relationships in general. Again, it comes down to a predetermined ideal; while an integral part of our humanity, romance and sex do not present an exciting premise on their own, at least not one that easily lends itself to the populist idea of what makes a good video game.

Did BioWare struggle with its decision at the risk of being accused of making a political statement?

"We take fan feedback into consideration, and that's one of the things fans asked for," says Robyn Theberge, associate project manager on Mass Effect 3. "It is role playing; it's fantasy. And part of the fantasy is to romance whomever, whenever you wish. And that's something we take into consideration when we plot the romances."

If BioWare is simply responding to the wishes of its community, does it follow that a sizeable number of players want games that portray a more realistic view of human relationships, romantic and otherwise? Does it follow that players want to see more AAA games that don't simplify, trivialize, and misrepresent the complexities of human interaction?

BioWare--and as an extension, Mass Effect 3--are in the unique position of setting an example. We already know that video games can intelligently deal with intimate and complex human emotions, but can they do so to mainstream commercial success? Can a franchise like Mass Effect prove that there is room for emotional elegance in the AAA space?

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While it can be argued that in-game romances tied to particular achievements render the original intention to offer diversity meaningless, it does not change the fact that players are given those choices in the first place. While the Dragon Age games were often criticized for offering a stereotyped view of homosexual behavior and relationships, BioWare's attempt to offer diversity should not be overlooked.

"Writers don't have a responsibility to make exclusively noble gay characters; they have a responsibility to portray human gay characters," Irrational Games cofounder Ken Levine tweeted in March last year in defense of Dragon Age 2.

From what BioWare has said about the game, Mass Effect 3's homosexual romances are not shoehorned gay options thrown in to give a semblance of political correctness. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. More and more developers see the future of video games as one of increased expression, where games can channel the empathy created in a virtual world and transport it to the outside; a future where games can help players better understand human nature.

What could be more satisfying than playing a game and learning about what it's like to be a different person--from another time, from another place, of a different race, gender, or religion? Even if Mass Effect 3 fails to live up to our expectations of a realistic portrayal of human nature, we cannot ignore the fact that this is a significant push toward a more mature form of interactive storytelling.

GameSpot

Grand Master

Yusuf M. Veteran

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That trailer was frakkin' amazing. I seriously cannot wait to play Mass Effect 3. If I could stay asleep until March 6th with no ill effects whatsoever, I would. I want this game... now. :|

Thumbs up if you've played Mass Effect 1 and 2. (Y)

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Lighthalzen

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Get the ultimate Mass Effect 3 experience with the N7 Digital Deluxe Edition! This limited package includes:

? 70-page digital art book featuring hundreds of unique and gorgeous illustrations from the BioWare development team.

? Limited edition digital Mass Effect comic by Dark Horse Comics, complete with unique cover artwork.

? Exclusive 4x6 lithographic digital print featuring a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

A full collection of in-game content:

? N7 Arsenal Pack ? Bring the firepower with the N7 Sniper Rifle, Shotgun, SMG, and Pistol.

? Access to an additional downloadable mission and character

? Mechdog Companion ? A faithful sidekick to keep you company on board the Normandy.

? Squadmate Alternate Outfit Pack ? New appearances for your favorite squad members.

? N7 Hoodie ? For Commander Shepard?s casual days on board the Normandy.

? Relive all the greatest moments of Mass Effect 3 with the digital soundtrack.

? Display your initiation in the N7 ranks with a collection of forum and social badges, avatars, and perks.

Pre-Order Exclusive Items: Take Earth back with the M55 Argus Assault Rifle and Origin Exclusive AT12 Raider Shotgun. When the enemy has overwhelming numbers bring the M55 Argus Assault Rifle into battle and unleash rapid-fire bursts to even the odds. Pre-order today to unleash this devastating arsenal. M 55 Argus Assault Rifle: Unleash a triple burst of rounds, effective for taking down enemies at close and long range. Origin Exclusive: AT-12 Raider Shotgun Large pellet spread ensures maximum coverage for close-range targets. Designed for superior rapid fire, optimizing the recovery time between shots.

That's from Origin. So whatever you see that is extra here, is what the Regular won't have.

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