"Mass Effect" is a science-fiction action and role-playing game (RPG) created by BioWare, the commercially and critically acclaimed RPG developer of "Jade Empire" and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." "Mass Effect" will deliver an immersive, story-driven gameplay experience with stunning visual fidelity. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, "Mass Effect" is an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 video game system.
As the first humans on the galactic stage, players must uncover the greatest threat to civilization. Their job is complicated by the fact that no one will believe the truth, but the world must be convinced of the grave threat at hand.
Players will travel across an expansive universe to piece the mystery together. As they discover and explore the uncharted edges of the galaxy, they come closer to an overwhelming truth — learning that the placid and serene universe they know is about to come to a violent end and that they may be the only people who can stop it!
Features:
Incredible sci-fi RPG with a rich, engaging storyline. On a distant planet an amazing discovery is made. Players must determine the fate of humanity as they lead an elite tactical strike force in an effort to stop an entity so malevolent that it threatens to tear apart the very fiber of galactic civilization! "Mass Effect" will take players into new depths for an action-role playing game, where, unlike any RPG before; they will be faced with morally complex decisions which have significant impact on the fate of all life in the galaxy. The player must succeed in their quest - no matter what the cost.
Explore uncharted worlds and uncover a mystery that defies imagination. In addition to the main story arc of the game, players will be able to visit a large number of uncharted, unexplored planets which are side quests independent from the main story. At any time during the campaign, a player can choose to explore one of these planets and have an opportunity to discover new alien life, resources, ruined civilizations and powerful technologies.
Real-time squad-based combat. "Mass Effect" features a real-time, squad-based, tactical combat system. Players will enjoy intense, challenging and exciting third-person action squad-based combat. The player and their squad-mates will be able to engage the enemy with ranged weapons and covering fire, biotic powers/science-based magic, and tech powers - all of which will be accompanied by amazing visual and physics effects that will add tremendous excitement and drama to the battlefield. Whether they utilize powerful biotic powers or the latest in military hardware players will be well equipped to take on whatever comes their way
Credible digital actors. "Mass Effect" will feature a huge cast of incredibly realistic NPCs, enemies, and party members. Each of the characters encountered will have true-to-life facial and body movements. A revolutionary advanced dialogue and A.I. system gives them engaging personalities, creating individuals so realistic they will seem like the first true "digital actors" ever seen in a video game. The resulting experience is one where players will feel like they are part of a rich, living world.
Character customization and deep role-playing systems. Players will be able to choose from and customize a variety of stunning, photo-realistic character appearances at the start of the game, and can increase various statistics which will have an impact on their performance during game-play. The reward system in "Mass Effect" is deep, well-integrated and extremely engaging. New equipment, weapons and armor that are acquired during the course of the story will change the appearance of the characters.
"Mass Effect" will give players a huge breadth of additional customization options for their characters, weapons and vehicles. Talents and abilities will be upgradeable and advanced talent options will become available at higher levels. Weapons and vehicles will be customizable to include various effects, abilities and upgrades. Each character class will have unique talents and abilities which will increase in power as the player progresses through the game.
Next-generation gaming defined. "Mass Effect" takes full advantage of the Xbox 360's hardware, providing players with exciting new experiences, including photo-realistic, high definition graphics on an epic scale, and amazingly realistic characters who bring the world alive. For the first time, players will be immersed in a massive universe of unbelievable scale, meet characters who feel real, and most importantly interact with them in ways that have never been possible before. As the future of gaming goes online, premium downloadable content and recognition of achievements will be available via Xbox Live.