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Mass Effect: Shepard shot first.
LookFreeGrenade
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
OP shamelessly stolen (with minor additions) from Pancake, who has done the best one so far so why mess with a good thing?
(additions made 6/6/08)
As of May 28th, Mass Effect is available for both the Xbox 360 and PC.
"A Spectacular New Vision of the Future"
Mass Effect is BioWare's latest RPG and their greatest venture yet.
An epic space opera of an unprecedented scale, Mass Effect will take you across the galaxy from the greatest bastions of civilization to wild uncharted worlds fraught with danger.
Wherever you go, whatever decisions you make, you might just change the face of the civilized galaxy.
The year is 2183.
Thirty-five years have passed since mankind discovered the technology of the Protheans on Mars and humanity's first mass relay and took to the stars.
Wars have been fought, rivalries have formed, colonies have been raided, people have died, but stoically pressing on, humanity has grown and thrived and has begun to earn its place among great alien civilizations far older than humanity could dream of.
You are Commander Shepard...
You are a promising officer in the Alliance military and because of your record and recent events, you have caught the attention of Nihlus, one of the Council's elite Spectre (SPECial Tactics and REcon) agents. You have been selected to become the first human Spectre.
But Saren, one of the Council's most effective and brutal Spectres has gone rogue and allied himself with the Geth, a three hundred year-old machine race that has, until now, remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy. Saren is brutal, he is efficient, and he is no stranger to murder or torture. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, whatever they are, and there is little he hates more than humanity.
As a fledgling Spectre, it's your task to stop him by any means necessary.
You are outside the law. You answer to no one but the Council and are free to use any means at your disposal to achieve your goals. Kill, maim, and murder if it gets you what you need or be forgiving and kind. The choice is yours to make, but there are consequences to both sides of the coin. Some you may not even see coming.
"You must act without remorse, without hesitation, and outside the limits of the law."
... and you can look however you like.
Using an Oblivion-like character creator that stresses ease of use in addition to comprehensiveness of options, you'll be able to create your Commander Shepard in minutes.
Confirm military specialization.
In Mass Effect, there are six different character classes, each with their own specializations and abilities.
Details on all the classes and the abilities are available in the spoiler:
Where have you been?
During character creation, not only will you be choosing how you look and picking your class, you will also be selecting Shepard's background. There are two selections to be made from six different options:
Pre-service History
Everyone came from somewhere. How Shepard grew up and decided to go into the military are chosen here.
Psych Profile
Not everyone thinks the same way. Not everyone's experiences in the military will be the same. How life has shaped your mind and reputation are chosen under your psych profile.
But these aren't arbitrary choices. Depending on what you choose, NPCs will react differently to you. Some may consider an Earthborn and their family to be cowards as they didn't take off into space the rest of humanity. Others may respect it.
Because of the different ways your Shepard will be reacted to, your choices will also cut off some quest lines, but they will also open up others.
Your choices here will never restrict you in your choices later in the game, but these two options will make up your reputation based on actions and accomplishments that occurred before the events of the game.
Too many people died here, Fist. You don't get to walk away.
Tired of selecting clear-cut and simple dialogue options from a list?
Well, you're in luck! With Mass Effect, BioWare is introducing a new dialogue system that features characters that actually interact with one another.
The options are short and very to the point. They aren't supposed to get across the whole message, but rather a thought or feeling. A very base reaction to what's happening or what was just said. Once an option is selected, your character acts on their own and the selection of a very simple option can lead to interesting and diverse interactions between characters.
Interrogating Fist
Wrex Confrontation
I'm going to be evil!
Sorry, but you can't really. You'll always be working towards a greater good. The "bad" options aren't unrepentant evil so much as ruthless. You can be... good bad, though.
The alignment system here isn't quite the same as we've seen in KOTOR and Jade Empire.
As you can see, there are two meters there around Shepard's head. One labeled Paragon and another Renegade.
As you do kind or compassionate acts, you fill up your Paragon meter. Act ruthlessly and uncompromisingly, you fill up your Renegade meter. This is different than KOTOR and JE as you can never empty either meter. You're building a reputation for yourself, not your character's alignment.
People won't automatically forget your bad deeds because you helped someone out enough to go back to the light side, as it were. You can never get rid of your past.
So I hear the game is big.
You heard right! The game has over 300 locations to explore, ranging from so large you'll need your tank, the Mako, the get around to very small and little larger than a room.
On the Normandy, you'll be able to use the galaxy map.
You may notice several points on the map. Those are sectors you can go to. The interesting thing? That's not the extent of the galaxy map. You'll be able to zoom in to each one, look at individual star systems, and even take a close look at individual planets. Knights of the Old Republic this is not.
As for gameplay length, BioWare is talking about 20-30 hours for the main storyline and around 70-80 hours of total gameplay when you include all the optional content. Most people are getting to that lofty total by playing the game through twice, often using the New Game+ function
Did you say New Game+?
That’s right. After completing the game once, you can start a new game using your existing character. You keep the same level, class, weapons, armour and Talent Point distribution, but your Paragon/Renegade meters are reset. New Game+ is pretty much the only way to attain levels 50-60, and there are even Achievements for doing so.
I read it's like Diablo 2 with guns in another thread.
Yes, you did, but that's not quite right.
It plays much like a tactical third-person shooter, though your stats will affect your performance in combat.
Combat itself takes place in a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera view, but you have the ability to free aim. There is also supposed to be the option for more helpful auto-aiming to help out those that aren't shooter fans. You will also find that there is a very familiar cover system like you may have seen in Gears of War.
During combat, you'll also have control over your two squadmates. At any time, you can order them to move to any location with a quick press of the D-pad or you'll be able to use the radial interface, which pauses the game and gives you complete and total control of all of your squadmates' targets and the abilities they use.
With these options, you'll have the ability to let the AI handle everything, or you'll have the option to completely micromanage your entire squad in combat. You will not, however, be able to switch over to control any member of your squad. You are always Shepard.
Most videos that show the combat look slow and awkward, but that's because they've been trying to take it slow in the videos to show how everything works. When played more quickly, it's very smooth and nice.
Soldier Combat Scenario
Adept Combat Scenario
Vanguard Combat Scenario
Normandy with no paratroopers? What about beaches?
This is the Normandy, your ship. It's the most advanced starship in the galaxy and, though built by humanity, was partially funded by the Citadel Council. It's a stealth ship about the size of a 747 and has been likened to a submarine by BioWare.
You will never directly pilot the Normandy, but it is how you will travel between locations in space.
Introducing the Mako.
Say hello to the Mako, your heavily armed and armored all-terrain APC.
The Mako will be your primary form of transportation in large open areas, too large to traverse quickly on foot and too dangerous to cross unprotected. It will also be one method of insertion into hostile areas for you. Once the Mako is loaded with personnel, the SSV Normandy can fly at relatively low altitude and drop the Mako out the back, exposing the Normandy to low levels of risk and quickly inserting the marine strike team into hostile territory.
It sports two weapons: a large turret mounted cannon and a coaxial machinegun. Using these weapons, you'll be able to shoot things.
In addition to its weaponry, the Mako is equipped with top and bottom mounted thrusters, which can be used to slow its descent during free fall, right itself if flipped, and even be used to hop while on the ground to avoid enemy fire.
But this isn't another turret mini-game like in KotOR or a schmup mini-game like in Jade Empire. No, this time, you'll have full control over your driving and shooting and you'll be able to traverse a variety of terrain.
What does "Mass Effect" actually mean?
All of the most advanced technology in the Mass Effect universe is based off one thing and only one thing: the manipulation of dark energy.
When you manipulate dark energy in the proper way, you create a mass effect field.
Inside a mass effect field, the laws of physics and the way they interact with mass can be bent, changed, and outright broken. This allows for a colossal starship to be exempt from normal physical laws and quite easily propelled faster than light.
This is what we learned from the Protheans, and being the basis of most technology in the universe, is where the game gets its name.
How do biotics fit in?
A biotic is a person born with the innate ability to feel the presence of dark energy. With proper training, it can even be done consciously.
If someone with this ability is found, through extensive surgery, they can be fitted with implants that interface into their nervous system and, using their innate senses, allow them to manipulate dark energy and shape mass effect fields for a variety of effects that are deadly or, alternatively, beneficial to the recipient.
Wait, there's a book?
Yes, yes there is! It's a prequel novel filled with backstory and details on the rich Mass Effect universe. I'd recommend reading it if you have any interest in Mass Effect. It's not the best book ever written, but it's entertaining and it has guns and aliens and they fight and shoot at each other and stuff.
The game’s out now, right?
Yes indeed. The game has been in stores since late November.
The limited edition is, unfortunately, only available online.
PC is superior! Why would Bioware betray us with a 360 exclusive?
Calm down there hoss! Bioware has broken the exclusivity deal and as of May 28 have released it for PC. With the new release, you keyboard types get some new features and updates such as customizable controls and hotkeys that give you the right to look down upon those Console bastards.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080212/20080212005536.html?.v=1
PC requirements. CAN YOU HANDLE IT!?
PC combat and Interface video
What about the things in the book, the batarians?
Yes, the Batarians, although they were in the book were not in the normal game. Now with just 400 microsoft points, you can download the sidequest "Bring Down The Sky", which adds a new planet to explore and a subplot with Batarian rebels. So yes, you can kick Batarian ass now, and it's not like the lame sidequest planets in the regular game.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/m/masseffect/bringdownthesky.htm
Finally, The stupid 3-Panel Soul comic.
New Thread, Go!
(additions made 6/6/08)
As of May 28th, Mass Effect is available for both the Xbox 360 and PC.
"A Spectacular New Vision of the Future"
Mass Effect is BioWare's latest RPG and their greatest venture yet.
An epic space opera of an unprecedented scale, Mass Effect will take you across the galaxy from the greatest bastions of civilization to wild uncharted worlds fraught with danger.
Wherever you go, whatever decisions you make, you might just change the face of the civilized galaxy.
The year is 2183.
Thirty-five years have passed since mankind discovered the technology of the Protheans on Mars and humanity's first mass relay and took to the stars.
Wars have been fought, rivalries have formed, colonies have been raided, people have died, but stoically pressing on, humanity has grown and thrived and has begun to earn its place among great alien civilizations far older than humanity could dream of.
You are Commander Shepard...
You are a promising officer in the Alliance military and because of your record and recent events, you have caught the attention of Nihlus, one of the Council's elite Spectre (SPECial Tactics and REcon) agents. You have been selected to become the first human Spectre.
But Saren, one of the Council's most effective and brutal Spectres has gone rogue and allied himself with the Geth, a three hundred year-old machine race that has, until now, remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy. Saren is brutal, he is efficient, and he is no stranger to murder or torture. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, whatever they are, and there is little he hates more than humanity.
As a fledgling Spectre, it's your task to stop him by any means necessary.
You are outside the law. You answer to no one but the Council and are free to use any means at your disposal to achieve your goals. Kill, maim, and murder if it gets you what you need or be forgiving and kind. The choice is yours to make, but there are consequences to both sides of the coin. Some you may not even see coming.
"You must act without remorse, without hesitation, and outside the limits of the law."
... and you can look however you like.
Using an Oblivion-like character creator that stresses ease of use in addition to comprehensiveness of options, you'll be able to create your Commander Shepard in minutes.
Confirm military specialization.
In Mass Effect, there are six different character classes, each with their own specializations and abilities.
Details on all the classes and the abilities are available in the spoiler:
History/Style
Talents/Classes
Talent Descriptions
Specialization/Prestige Classes
Talent point distribution / Alignment Bonuses
Earthbound - Grants a Renegade point bonus
Spacer - Grants Paragon point bonus
Colonist - Grants part Paragon and part Renegade point bonus
There is also side-quest specific to each background.
Ruthless - Grants a Renegade point bonus
War Hero - Grants Paragon point bonus
Sole Survivor - Grants part Paragon and part Renegade point bonus
Spacer - Grants Paragon point bonus
Colonist - Grants part Paragon and part Renegade point bonus
There is also side-quest specific to each background.
Ruthless - Grants a Renegade point bonus
War Hero - Grants Paragon point bonus
Sole Survivor - Grants part Paragon and part Renegade point bonus
Talents/Classes
Soldier
Starting Talents
Pistol
Assault Rifle
Combat Armor
Assult Training
Soldier Unlockable Talents
Shotgun - 4th point in Pistol
Sniper Rifle - 7th point in Assault Rifle
First Aid - 6th point in Combat Armor
Fitness - 6th Point in Assault training
Engineer
Starting Talents
Pistol
Decryption
Electronics
First Aid
Engineer Unlockable Talents
Basic Armor - 6 points in Pistol
Hacking - 7 points in Decryption
Damping - 4 in Electronics
Medicine - 5 in First Aid
Adept
Starting Talents
Basic Armor
Throw
Warp
Barrier
Adept Unlockable Talents
Pistol - 5 in Basic Armor
Lift - 6 in Throw
Singularity - 7 in Warp
Stasis - 4 In Barrier
Infiltrator
Starting Talents
Pistols
Tactical Armor
Electronics
Decryption
Infiltrator Unlockable Talents
Sniper - 5 in pistol
Fitness - 6 in Tactical Armor
Damping - 4 in Electronics
First Aid - 7 in Decryption
Sentinel
Starting Talents
Throw
Barrier
Decryption
First Aid
Sentinel Unlockable Talents
Lift - 7 in Throw
Stasis - 6 in Barrier
Electronics - 4 in Decryption
Medicine - 5 in first aid
Vanguard
Starting Talents
Pistol
Assault Training
Throw
Warp
Vanguard Unlockable Talents
Shotgun - 6 in Pistol
Tactical Armor - Assault Training
Lift - 7 in Throw
Barrier - 4 in Warp
Starting Talents
Pistol
Assault Rifle
Combat Armor
Assult Training
Soldier Unlockable Talents
Shotgun - 4th point in Pistol
Sniper Rifle - 7th point in Assault Rifle
First Aid - 6th point in Combat Armor
Fitness - 6th Point in Assault training
Engineer
Starting Talents
Pistol
Decryption
Electronics
First Aid
Engineer Unlockable Talents
Basic Armor - 6 points in Pistol
Hacking - 7 points in Decryption
Damping - 4 in Electronics
Medicine - 5 in First Aid
Adept
Starting Talents
Basic Armor
Throw
Warp
Barrier
Adept Unlockable Talents
Pistol - 5 in Basic Armor
Lift - 6 in Throw
Singularity - 7 in Warp
Stasis - 4 In Barrier
Infiltrator
Starting Talents
Pistols
Tactical Armor
Electronics
Decryption
Infiltrator Unlockable Talents
Sniper - 5 in pistol
Fitness - 6 in Tactical Armor
Damping - 4 in Electronics
First Aid - 7 in Decryption
Sentinel
Starting Talents
Throw
Barrier
Decryption
First Aid
Sentinel Unlockable Talents
Lift - 7 in Throw
Stasis - 6 in Barrier
Electronics - 4 in Decryption
Medicine - 5 in first aid
Vanguard
Starting Talents
Pistol
Assault Training
Throw
Warp
Vanguard Unlockable Talents
Shotgun - 6 in Pistol
Tactical Armor - Assault Training
Lift - 7 in Throw
Barrier - 4 in Warp
Talent Descriptions
Shepard's Talents
Spectre Training - Elite agents of the Council the Spectres have access to special training unavailable elsewhere in the galaxy. Increases health, accuracy and the effectiveness of all attacks and powers.
Biotics
Barrier - Bolsters your kinetic shields with a mass effect field that can absorb a massive amount of damage. Attacks that penetrate the shields also penetrate this barrier.
Lift - Projects a sphere of powerful contra-gravity. Any object or creature struck is lifted into the air Enemies are temporarily immoblized untill they fall back to the ground.
Throw - Projects a mass effect field powerful enough to hurl objects and enemies out of the way.
Singularity - Projects a sphere of dark energy that creates an intense mass effect field. nearby enemies and objects are drawn into the singularity unable to escape its gravitational pull.
Stasis - Creates a powerful mass effect field that immobilizes a single target.
Warp - Projects a powerful mass effect field that wreaks havoc on a subatomic level. It weakens armor and inflicts damage over time on enemies.
Combat
Assault Training - Increases melee and weapon damage, also grants Adrenaline Burst talent.
Armor - Enables use of better armor, increases damage protection in battle.
Assault Rifles - Increases accuracy and damage with assault rifles.
Pistols - Increases accuracy and damage with pistols.
Shotguns - Increases accuracy and damage with Shotguns.
Sniper Rifles - Increases accuracy and damage with Sniper Rifles.
Fitness - Increases health and grants the invaluable immunity ability.
Tech
Damping - Increases the explosion radius on your tech proximity units. Use damping to shut down your enemies’ tech and biotic abilities.
Decryption - Allows you to open secure containers increases tech mine explosion damage and grants Sabotage talent.
Sabotage - Overheats enemy’s weapon so they cannot fire, and burns them for damage over time.
Electronics - Increases the strength of your shields and lets you use the electronics skill to repair or bypass objects.
Hacking - Recharges your tech proximity mines more quickly and grants AI hacking ability.
First Aid - Increases squad healing by improving the effectiveness of the medigel.
Medicine - Improves the recharge time of squad healing and grants the neural shock ability that devastates organic enemies.
Class Talents
Soldier - Front line warriors that are trained to withstand the physical punishment that comes with combat. Increases health at higher levels and gives limited health regeneration.
Engineer - Tech specialists can use innovative tricks to get the most out of every resource.
Adept - Focuses training to optimize their abilities.
Infiltrator - Increases damage done by tech mines and reduces overheating on sniper and pistols.
Sentinel - Increases damage and accuracy with a pistol and grants marksman ability.
Vanguard - Can use abilities to counter enemy biotic attacks and get into short range positions Increases biotic resistance and damage with shotguns and pistols.
Spectre Training - Elite agents of the Council the Spectres have access to special training unavailable elsewhere in the galaxy. Increases health, accuracy and the effectiveness of all attacks and powers.
Biotics
Barrier - Bolsters your kinetic shields with a mass effect field that can absorb a massive amount of damage. Attacks that penetrate the shields also penetrate this barrier.
Lift - Projects a sphere of powerful contra-gravity. Any object or creature struck is lifted into the air Enemies are temporarily immoblized untill they fall back to the ground.
Throw - Projects a mass effect field powerful enough to hurl objects and enemies out of the way.
Singularity - Projects a sphere of dark energy that creates an intense mass effect field. nearby enemies and objects are drawn into the singularity unable to escape its gravitational pull.
Stasis - Creates a powerful mass effect field that immobilizes a single target.
Warp - Projects a powerful mass effect field that wreaks havoc on a subatomic level. It weakens armor and inflicts damage over time on enemies.
Combat
Assault Training - Increases melee and weapon damage, also grants Adrenaline Burst talent.
Armor - Enables use of better armor, increases damage protection in battle.
Assault Rifles - Increases accuracy and damage with assault rifles.
Pistols - Increases accuracy and damage with pistols.
Shotguns - Increases accuracy and damage with Shotguns.
Sniper Rifles - Increases accuracy and damage with Sniper Rifles.
Fitness - Increases health and grants the invaluable immunity ability.
Tech
Damping - Increases the explosion radius on your tech proximity units. Use damping to shut down your enemies’ tech and biotic abilities.
Decryption - Allows you to open secure containers increases tech mine explosion damage and grants Sabotage talent.
Sabotage - Overheats enemy’s weapon so they cannot fire, and burns them for damage over time.
Electronics - Increases the strength of your shields and lets you use the electronics skill to repair or bypass objects.
Hacking - Recharges your tech proximity mines more quickly and grants AI hacking ability.
First Aid - Increases squad healing by improving the effectiveness of the medigel.
Medicine - Improves the recharge time of squad healing and grants the neural shock ability that devastates organic enemies.
Class Talents
Soldier - Front line warriors that are trained to withstand the physical punishment that comes with combat. Increases health at higher levels and gives limited health regeneration.
Engineer - Tech specialists can use innovative tricks to get the most out of every resource.
Adept - Focuses training to optimize their abilities.
Infiltrator - Increases damage done by tech mines and reduces overheating on sniper and pistols.
Sentinel - Increases damage and accuracy with a pistol and grants marksman ability.
Vanguard - Can use abilities to counter enemy biotic attacks and get into short range positions Increases biotic resistance and damage with shotguns and pistols.
Specialization/Prestige Classes
Commando - Soldier or Infiltrator
Operative - Infiltrator or Engineer
Medic - Engineer or Sentinel
Bastion - Sentinel or Adept
Nemesis - Adept or Vanguard
Shock Trooper - Vanguard or Soldier
Commando - Commandos rely on lethal efficiency and precision strikes rather then brute force to eliminate their opponents. Overall, their Specialization increases damage inflicted with all weapons and specifically improves their most lethal talents including Immunity, Marksman, and Assassination
Operative - Operatives are masters at manipulating their environment to maximum advantages. Overall, operatives have access to significantly reduced recharge times for all tech attacks and specific improvements to both Overload and Sabotage talents
Medic - Medics combine tech and healing abilities to boost the efficiency of the entire squad. Overall, medic specialization improves the recharge time on all medical abilities and specifically the first aid and neural shock talents.
Bastion - Bastions use Biotics for defense or for opponent immobilization. Overall, ranking up reduces the recharge times for all biotic abilities and specifically improves Barrier and Stasis talents
Nemesis - The Nemesis is a biotic specialist who uses mass effect fields to inflict heavy damage against opponents. Overall a nemesis specialist has access to significantly increased duration and damage to all biotic abilities and specifically improves both Warp and Lift Talents
Shock Trooper - Shock troopers are highly trained killing machines; they excel in all combat situations. Overall their increased health and damage protection can turn them from strong soldiers into formidable tanks with specific improvements to Immunity (for Soldier class or Barrier for Vanguard Class) and Adrenaline burst abilities.
Operative - Infiltrator or Engineer
Medic - Engineer or Sentinel
Bastion - Sentinel or Adept
Nemesis - Adept or Vanguard
Shock Trooper - Vanguard or Soldier
Commando - Commandos rely on lethal efficiency and precision strikes rather then brute force to eliminate their opponents. Overall, their Specialization increases damage inflicted with all weapons and specifically improves their most lethal talents including Immunity, Marksman, and Assassination
Operative - Operatives are masters at manipulating their environment to maximum advantages. Overall, operatives have access to significantly reduced recharge times for all tech attacks and specific improvements to both Overload and Sabotage talents
Medic - Medics combine tech and healing abilities to boost the efficiency of the entire squad. Overall, medic specialization improves the recharge time on all medical abilities and specifically the first aid and neural shock talents.
Bastion - Bastions use Biotics for defense or for opponent immobilization. Overall, ranking up reduces the recharge times for all biotic abilities and specifically improves Barrier and Stasis talents
Nemesis - The Nemesis is a biotic specialist who uses mass effect fields to inflict heavy damage against opponents. Overall a nemesis specialist has access to significantly increased duration and damage to all biotic abilities and specifically improves both Warp and Lift Talents
Shock Trooper - Shock troopers are highly trained killing machines; they excel in all combat situations. Overall their increased health and damage protection can turn them from strong soldiers into formidable tanks with specific improvements to Immunity (for Soldier class or Barrier for Vanguard Class) and Adrenaline burst abilities.
Talent point distribution / Alignment Bonuses
Level 1-5 Shep earns 3 points per level squad earns 2 points per level gained
Level 6-20 Shep and squad earns 2 points each level
Level 21-35 Shep earns 2 points squad earns 1 point each
Level 36-60 Shep and squad earn 1 point per level
The next part is what happens when you fill up the paragon/renegade bars....
Paragon Level bonuses
5% - Opens 2 charm ranks gives 1 free charm point
25% - Opens 2 charm rank gives 1 charm point 10% first aid cooldown
50% - 10% Bonus health
75% - Achievement Paragon opens 2 charm rank, 1 free point and 5% Shorter cooldown on all powers.
Renegade Level Bonuses
5% - Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point
25% - Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point, 10% weapon powers cooldown
50% - 1 health regeneration per second
75% - Achievement Renegade Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point, 5% damage/duration on all weapons and powers
Level 6-20 Shep and squad earns 2 points each level
Level 21-35 Shep earns 2 points squad earns 1 point each
Level 36-60 Shep and squad earn 1 point per level
The next part is what happens when you fill up the paragon/renegade bars....
Paragon Level bonuses
5% - Opens 2 charm ranks gives 1 free charm point
25% - Opens 2 charm rank gives 1 charm point 10% first aid cooldown
50% - 10% Bonus health
75% - Achievement Paragon opens 2 charm rank, 1 free point and 5% Shorter cooldown on all powers.
Renegade Level Bonuses
5% - Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point
25% - Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point, 10% weapon powers cooldown
50% - 1 health regeneration per second
75% - Achievement Renegade Opens 2 intimidate ranks, gives 1 intimidate point, 5% damage/duration on all weapons and powers
Where have you been?
During character creation, not only will you be choosing how you look and picking your class, you will also be selecting Shepard's background. There are two selections to be made from six different options:
Pre-service History
Everyone came from somewhere. How Shepard grew up and decided to go into the military are chosen here.
Psych Profile
Not everyone thinks the same way. Not everyone's experiences in the military will be the same. How life has shaped your mind and reputation are chosen under your psych profile.
But these aren't arbitrary choices. Depending on what you choose, NPCs will react differently to you. Some may consider an Earthborn and their family to be cowards as they didn't take off into space the rest of humanity. Others may respect it.
Because of the different ways your Shepard will be reacted to, your choices will also cut off some quest lines, but they will also open up others.
Your choices here will never restrict you in your choices later in the game, but these two options will make up your reputation based on actions and accomplishments that occurred before the events of the game.
Too many people died here, Fist. You don't get to walk away.
Tired of selecting clear-cut and simple dialogue options from a list?
Well, you're in luck! With Mass Effect, BioWare is introducing a new dialogue system that features characters that actually interact with one another.
The options are short and very to the point. They aren't supposed to get across the whole message, but rather a thought or feeling. A very base reaction to what's happening or what was just said. Once an option is selected, your character acts on their own and the selection of a very simple option can lead to interesting and diverse interactions between characters.
Interrogating Fist
Wrex Confrontation
I'm going to be evil!
Sorry, but you can't really. You'll always be working towards a greater good. The "bad" options aren't unrepentant evil so much as ruthless. You can be... good bad, though.
The alignment system here isn't quite the same as we've seen in KOTOR and Jade Empire.
As you can see, there are two meters there around Shepard's head. One labeled Paragon and another Renegade.
As you do kind or compassionate acts, you fill up your Paragon meter. Act ruthlessly and uncompromisingly, you fill up your Renegade meter. This is different than KOTOR and JE as you can never empty either meter. You're building a reputation for yourself, not your character's alignment.
People won't automatically forget your bad deeds because you helped someone out enough to go back to the light side, as it were. You can never get rid of your past.
So I hear the game is big.
You heard right! The game has over 300 locations to explore, ranging from so large you'll need your tank, the Mako, the get around to very small and little larger than a room.
On the Normandy, you'll be able to use the galaxy map.
You may notice several points on the map. Those are sectors you can go to. The interesting thing? That's not the extent of the galaxy map. You'll be able to zoom in to each one, look at individual star systems, and even take a close look at individual planets. Knights of the Old Republic this is not.
As for gameplay length, BioWare is talking about 20-30 hours for the main storyline and around 70-80 hours of total gameplay when you include all the optional content. Most people are getting to that lofty total by playing the game through twice, often using the New Game+ function
Did you say New Game+?
That’s right. After completing the game once, you can start a new game using your existing character. You keep the same level, class, weapons, armour and Talent Point distribution, but your Paragon/Renegade meters are reset. New Game+ is pretty much the only way to attain levels 50-60, and there are even Achievements for doing so.
I read it's like Diablo 2 with guns in another thread.
Yes, you did, but that's not quite right.
It plays much like a tactical third-person shooter, though your stats will affect your performance in combat.
Combat itself takes place in a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera view, but you have the ability to free aim. There is also supposed to be the option for more helpful auto-aiming to help out those that aren't shooter fans. You will also find that there is a very familiar cover system like you may have seen in Gears of War.
During combat, you'll also have control over your two squadmates. At any time, you can order them to move to any location with a quick press of the D-pad or you'll be able to use the radial interface, which pauses the game and gives you complete and total control of all of your squadmates' targets and the abilities they use.
With these options, you'll have the ability to let the AI handle everything, or you'll have the option to completely micromanage your entire squad in combat. You will not, however, be able to switch over to control any member of your squad. You are always Shepard.
Most videos that show the combat look slow and awkward, but that's because they've been trying to take it slow in the videos to show how everything works. When played more quickly, it's very smooth and nice.
Soldier Combat Scenario
Adept Combat Scenario
Vanguard Combat Scenario
Normandy with no paratroopers? What about beaches?
This is the Normandy, your ship. It's the most advanced starship in the galaxy and, though built by humanity, was partially funded by the Citadel Council. It's a stealth ship about the size of a 747 and has been likened to a submarine by BioWare.
You will never directly pilot the Normandy, but it is how you will travel between locations in space.
Introducing the Mako.
Say hello to the Mako, your heavily armed and armored all-terrain APC.
The Mako will be your primary form of transportation in large open areas, too large to traverse quickly on foot and too dangerous to cross unprotected. It will also be one method of insertion into hostile areas for you. Once the Mako is loaded with personnel, the SSV Normandy can fly at relatively low altitude and drop the Mako out the back, exposing the Normandy to low levels of risk and quickly inserting the marine strike team into hostile territory.
It sports two weapons: a large turret mounted cannon and a coaxial machinegun. Using these weapons, you'll be able to shoot things.
In addition to its weaponry, the Mako is equipped with top and bottom mounted thrusters, which can be used to slow its descent during free fall, right itself if flipped, and even be used to hop while on the ground to avoid enemy fire.
But this isn't another turret mini-game like in KotOR or a schmup mini-game like in Jade Empire. No, this time, you'll have full control over your driving and shooting and you'll be able to traverse a variety of terrain.
What does "Mass Effect" actually mean?
All of the most advanced technology in the Mass Effect universe is based off one thing and only one thing: the manipulation of dark energy.
When you manipulate dark energy in the proper way, you create a mass effect field.
Inside a mass effect field, the laws of physics and the way they interact with mass can be bent, changed, and outright broken. This allows for a colossal starship to be exempt from normal physical laws and quite easily propelled faster than light.
This is what we learned from the Protheans, and being the basis of most technology in the universe, is where the game gets its name.
How do biotics fit in?
A biotic is a person born with the innate ability to feel the presence of dark energy. With proper training, it can even be done consciously.
If someone with this ability is found, through extensive surgery, they can be fitted with implants that interface into their nervous system and, using their innate senses, allow them to manipulate dark energy and shape mass effect fields for a variety of effects that are deadly or, alternatively, beneficial to the recipient.
Wait, there's a book?
Yes, yes there is! It's a prequel novel filled with backstory and details on the rich Mass Effect universe. I'd recommend reading it if you have any interest in Mass Effect. It's not the best book ever written, but it's entertaining and it has guns and aliens and they fight and shoot at each other and stuff.
The game’s out now, right?
Yes indeed. The game has been in stores since late November.
The limited edition is, unfortunately, only available online.
PC is superior! Why would Bioware betray us with a 360 exclusive?
Calm down there hoss! Bioware has broken the exclusivity deal and as of May 28 have released it for PC. With the new release, you keyboard types get some new features and updates such as customizable controls and hotkeys that give you the right to look down upon those Console bastards.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080212/20080212005536.html?.v=1
Award-Winning Epic Will Be Published By EA
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--Leading video game developer, BioWare™, an Electronic Arts Inc. company, has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.
Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
* Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
* High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
* Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
* Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
* New decryption mini-game.
* New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.
“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. 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.”
Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 70 awards including Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
PC requirements. CAN YOU HANDLE IT!?
Minimum System Requirements for Mass Effect on the PC
Operating System:
Windows XP or Vista
Processor:
2.4+GHZ Intel or 2.0+GHZ AMD
Memory:
1 Gigabyte Ram (XP)
2 Gigabyte Ram (Vista)
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce 6 series(6800GT or better)
ATI 1300XT or better (X1550, X1600 Pro and HD2400 are below minimum system requirements)
Hard Drive Space:
12 Gigabytes
Sound Card:
DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and drivers
Recommended System Requirements for Mass Effect on the PC
Operating System:
Windows XP or Vista
Processor:
2.6+GHZ Intel or 2.4+GHZ AMD
Memory:
2 Gigabyte Ram
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX or higher.
ATI X1800 XL series or higher
Hard Drive Space:
12 Gigabytes
Sound Card:
DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and drivers – 5.1 sound card recommended
Additional Note from Derek French:
The Mass Effect Config program will automatically adjust your settings on first run, to attempt to give you an optimal play experience. As with all PC games, computer performance varies from system to system and adjustments can be made via the Config or through the in-game options to tailor your experience.
PC combat and Interface video
What about the things in the book, the batarians?
Yes, the Batarians, although they were in the book were not in the normal game. Now with just 400 microsoft points, you can download the sidequest "Bring Down The Sky", which adds a new planet to explore and a subplot with Batarian rebels. So yes, you can kick Batarian ass now, and it's not like the lame sidequest planets in the regular game.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/m/masseffect/bringdownthesky.htm
To date, more than 1.6 million gamers have explored the engaging sci-fi universe of Mass Effect™. Beginning on March 10, expand your Mass Effect experience with the release of downloadable content for the award-winning saga.
The "Bring Down the Sky" content pack will be released to Xbox LIVE® Marketplace on Monday, March 10 at 2:00 A.M. PST, and will be available for 400 Microsoft points. This is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that further expands the Mass Effect universe and continues the adventures of Commander Shepard and the crew of the Normandy.
"Bring Down the Sky" includes a new uncharted world that introduces the notorious and feared alien race of the Batarians. A Batarian extremist group has hijacked a mobile asteroid station in the Asgard system, setting it on a collision course with the nearby colony world of Terra Nova. Only Commander Shepard can save the millions of innocent civilians before the asteroid completes its deadly descent.
"Bring Down the Sky" contains approximately 90 minutes of heart-pounding action and a new Achievement worth 50 Gamerscore points.
Finally, The stupid 3-Panel Soul comic.
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*Has not played yet and is waiting for the PC version*
Shepard=Human
It's more of reference joke.
you know, Star Wars.
Ah, fair enough. My righteous reign or FURY shall be withheld for another day.
There are several, but none in the "YOU ARE ACTUALLY THIS GUY" category.
Because you are actually Shepard.
Rock Band DLC | GW:OttW - arrcd | WLD - Thortar
The biggest twist being...
3DS: 1607-3034-6970
Or something. I don't know.
Does Star Wars count as science fiction(not sure because not a lot of science stuff going on other than Death Stars and robots)? If so...I mean...lightsabers.
3DS: 1607-3034-6970
I think Star Wars is specificaly noted as "Space Opera"
Ah, I see. But you know...what you just said scares me. What if they choose to make a Mass Effect movie! With hot coffee and virtual rape everywhere! And it would be directed by Uwe Boll and Satan...
The horror.
I've also heard it called "sci-fantasy."
Nothing in it really has much grounding in reality and most of its technology only works if you throw out anything and everything we know about physical laws.
Mass Effect kind of skirts the line.
I personally hate that distinction when dealing with sci-fi. It's got pew pew lazors, so it's sci-fi.
My thinking is this: If you have to go shit out in the woods with elves and stuff, it's fantasy. If you have to shit in a public restroom, it's ordinary fiction. If you shit in a space toilet that uses lasers or mass effect fields or whatever, it's sci-fi.
What if it's a forest with like space bears that use laser teeth?
I never asked for this!
3DS: 1607-3034-6970
You mean an abomination? There is nothing worse than bears, and Laser Bears word be the worsest bears of them all.
What do you think Wrex is?
Limed for awesome, Colbert be damned.
Star Wars gets away with being within the greater bounds of science fiction because it established that everything happening in it's story is in a galaxy other then our own, and therefor not required to obey what we consider to be realistic.
Mass Effect has gruff talking warrior frogs & a race of space chickens, I think we can cut Space Bears some slack.
What's this about space chickens? I think Garrus is more of a kroot.
No no, that'd be if the space bears with laser teeth were living in a corporate run mega-park, smuggling amphetamine laced nuts past cybernetically enhanced park rangers, to drug-addicted squirrels. All in return for fish and various unscrupulous sexual favours.
I almost bought a 360 for this game, but had a good feeling that ME would follow in the footsteps of Bioware's other "exclusive" xbox titles. This has happened, what ...two, three times now?
I will probably upgrade my PC for Mass Effect, and sell my 360.
I suspected this might happen, but I couldn't wait. I just couldn't.
Same deal is going to happen with ME 2. I wouldn't sell your 360.
KotOR and Jade Empire both went from "Only on Xbox" to a PC version within a year or so, I think.
The six months for Mass Effect seems shorter, but if that means more people get to experience the True Shepard Love (for Blue Aliens) then more power to BioWare.
The Division, Warframe (XB1)
GT: Tanith 6227
I say sell your 360. The PC version of ME sounds like an improvement over the 360 version, so I imagine it'll be the same deal with ME2. You might have to wait 6 months (OMG, like there won't be other games to play during that wait), but you'll have the definitive version.
Well, most of the changes boil down to hotkey-ing powers and using a mouse in inventory. I doubt they'll make super changes in the expected PC ME2 port, so it's up to you.
(Also no Rock Band PC and you'd need a super pc for Assassin's Creed)
I was just rattling off some things to prove that the 360 does have more worth than just Mass Effect.
But it's not really my choice here.
New game plus does not change anything major (I could be wrong but I think it changes/adds a few enemies here and there... i see a hell of a lot more rocket drones around than I remember.) BUT the combat on the higher difficulties gets way better and more rewarding. On hardcore you have to deal with enemy heals and immunity and enemies with more offensive powers and they are deadly accurate at times. You actually have to use your defensive powers carefully.
I have enjoyed the combat a ton more on the higher difficulties is all.... the game is pure greatness every time I pick it up.
A quick google says it was always in development for PC and "Next-gen consoles", however it always was going to have a period of exclusivity.
猿も木から落ちる
I went renegade this time and started off by choosing the bottom right response in most cases before realizing I could be nice to people sometimes without accruing paragon points.
Found out today that Matriarch Benezia is voiced by Marina Sirtis (Councilor Troi from Star Trek TNG). Crazy. I thought she had sounded familiar.
That and don't let her