Mass Effect 3 Preview and Tidbits

The third chapter in BioWare’s sci-fi action-RPG franchise has been the subject of some more coverage at GamesCom in Cologne, and TeamXbox offers us a brief preview for the title. Here’s a sampling:

Mass Effect’s gameplay changed dramatically between the first and second titles in the series, and the third instalment sees further refinement of the popular action/RPG formula. Bioware says it’s expanded on the armor, weapon and character customization system of Mass Effect 2, allowing greater depth of gameplay without having to trawl through countless inventory menus.

Weapons and action sequences have also been tweaked in ME3 — combat is now faster and more difficult, with Mass Effect 3’s Normal mode being described as roughly equivilent to Veteran mode in the previous game. Mass Effect 1’s weapon mods are back, along with grenades. There’s also a renewed focus on melee abilities, as evidenced by the giant holographic spike that Shepard’s wielding on the game’s box art, and each class has its own unique, high-powered melee attack. In addition, Mass Effect 3 promises a full compliment of biotic and tech powers, though expect many of these remain under wraps until a little closer to launch day.

Meanwhile, a poster on the Giant Bomb forums rounded up new information on the title coming out of the German fair. Here’s a snippet:

The geth quarian conflict will be concluded.
Existing music from ME1 and ME2 will make its way into ME3.
Side quests will pretty much always be in line with the critical path story.
Classes will get new powers with up to six different ways to customize each power
Squad mates appearances and armor will be possible to customize again.
Seems Cerberus will be a full blown antagonist and not possible to align with in ME3.

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There may be time sensitive story elements though it will be more focused ones like the Normandy crew.

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The choices you make in the trial at the beginning of ME3 will set the tone for the future in the game
James Vega’s voice actor will be announced really soon and is apparently a closely guarded secret, since he’s really awesome.
Indoctrination seem to play a role in ME3, possibly including party members.
Kal’Reegar will return in ME3.
They are discussing possibilities of missions that ties back to your background choice for Shepard.

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You will be able to change class if you import your ME2 Shepard to ME3.
Though you will have to start from Lvl 1 while kept class will get Import+ perks.
Legion will return with a larger role in ME3.
There may be a ‘special’ import for saves where Shepard died. The interest is clearly too big for them to simply ignore such a treat.