BioWare's Mass Effect revealed--exclusive trilogy

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 4th 2005 at 4:30PM }

During an X05 press conference, Microsoft revealed the identity of BioWare's previously undisclosed Xbox 360 project. What was widely believed to be Jade Empire 2, turned out to be Mass Effect, the first title in a trilogy of games that will be exclusive to the Xbox 360. Mass Effect is set 200 years in the future in a vast inter-galactic universe threatened by a legendary agent gone rogue. Players will lead a group of freedom fighters in an effort to save—what else—the universe. The trilogy will focus on the conflict between organic beings and artificial intelligence.

The synopsis doesn't exactly grab us, but if BioWare's past efforts are any indication, Mass Effect should be able to hold its weight amongst next-gen RPGs and adds another weapon to the Xbox 360's growing arsenal.

[Thanks, adg1034]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

jc @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

mass effect... what happens to the universe when all the addidas sneakers suddenly go missing.

only you can save all these lost soles

jimmy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Does anyone else out there think that the Bioware games have been grossly overrated. They're massive and detailed but I can't get over the amount of spoken dialogue you have to slog though. It's like Monkey Island for sadists.

Don't get me wrong, the production is impressive and they are obviously a skilled developer, I just can't get passed how horribly tedious they're games are.

OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Excellent. I really enjoyed both KOTOR games and Jade Empire so i'm really looking forward to this game.

Osiris @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Rubbish, the dialogue is masterpiece, it is hardly ever tedious.
Obviously you are playing the wrong sort of game if you don't enjoy reading.

soco @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

i didn't have a problem with what i've played of KOTOR. i had no crashing problems and it was a lot of fun.

however, when it comes to dialogue Paper Mario 2 wins that. that game was one of the worst i've ever played, mostly because of the dialogue, which was largely pointless. the characters talked for hours and were still flat (no pun intended).

MumbleyJoe @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I guess it's just one's personal take, but I'm always impressed with the scope and quality of the voice acting in BioWare's RPGs. I see it as a positive.

It's hard to comment when no real details have been released, but the trailer on their website http://masseffect.bioware.com/ has got me interested, and BioWare has earned a pretty solid reputation for me. I'm looking forward to this one.

The1 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Bioware-Enuff Said...... Why are people so JEALOUS? Do not hate, marinate. :)

Pickypants @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

No lie, BioWare might actually sell a few of those newfangled xbox360s to gamers other than frat boys and pussywhipped husbands.

Oh snap!

And dude, soco, you are entitled to your opinion of course, but Paper Mario 2 was teh bombxor.

MILES @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Bioware Make amazing games, KOTOR 1 was amazing as was Jade empire.

This game will most likely be great.. yet another great game in the Xbox 360 camp.

The Positive news for Xbox 360 the last week few weeks has made my Xbox 360 purchase come November 100%.

i037 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I agree with jimmy. I played thru KOTOR and played a little bit of Jade Empire and i think, while those games have a whole lot of potential for greatness, i've found they lack a lot of polish.

- Their cut scenes are basic & boring.
- They both have long load times.
- The dialog is lengthy, though this wouldn't be a problem if the cut scenes were more interesting.
- And then there are the bugs. I probably ran thru every bug possible when when i played thru KOTOR.

Hopefully they'll improve on their weaknesses with their next game.

Sloopydrew @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I would have much, much preferred Jade Empire 2. Are there still plans for a sequel to Jade Empire? I loved that title.

Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I loved KOTOR and Jade (I didnt have as much love for KOTOR II, though, but that wasn't Bioware). Neverwinter Nights was awesome, so was the Baldors Gate series.

Bioware consists of all around talented developers. I'm glad they are still working with Microsoft on the XBox and haven't jumped ship to the PS3 as was rumored in the latest EGM

Can't wait for this new one!