Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/#comments Publishing giant Electronic Arts has issued its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 and fiscal 2012 as a whole and, wouldn't you know it, a year with a new Mass Effect game results in revenue totals that are much higher than years without Mass Effect games.

Looking at just the fourth quarter of 2012, EA's total net revenue stacked up at $1.36 billion, a 24 percent increase over the $1.09 billion reported at the end of this same period last year. Net revenue generated from digital sales nearly doubled year-over-year, $419 million in Q4 2012 as opposed to $211 million in Q4 2011 - a 98 percent increase.

Packaged goods still made up the majority of the publisher's revenue, however, at $949 million, up from $879 in Q4 2011. Net income for the period was also up year-over-year, $400 million for the period ending on March 31, 2012 as compared with $151 million for the same period in 2011. Naturally, EA contributes its successful fourth quarter to the release of Mass Effect 3 and the continued popularity of FIFA 12.

Fiscal 2012 as a whole presents a slightly different story. While net revenue was up 15 percent year-over-year ($4.14 billion in fiscal 2012 vs. $3.58 billion in fiscal 2011), net income fell 263 percent, from $276 million in fiscal 2011 to just $76 million in fiscal 2012.

Looking forward to fiscal 2013, EA expects an approximate net revenue of $4.07 billion, $950 million of which it expects to earn during the first fiscal quarter of 2013, which ends on June 30, 2012.

JoystiqEA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFifa-12financialsFiscal-2012fiscal-2013Mass-EffectMass-Effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Q1-2013Q4-2012xboxMon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[How Mass Effect 3's roleplaying roots empower the multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/how-mass-effect-3s-role-playing-roots-empowers-the-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/how-mass-effect-3s-role-playing-roots-empowers-the-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/how-mass-effect-3s-role-playing-roots-empowers-the-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
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"I just want to see how this integrates with the single-player campaign," I thought, clicking on the multiplayer option in Mass Effect 3's main menu. I had no expectations of making it a habit. Like many people, when the multiplayer component was announced, I thought it sounded completely extraneous. Once I started playing, though, I fell for it, and have been putting more time into the multiplayer than the campaign.

Arguments about whether Mass Effect 3 is a role-playing game or not have existed since the first game's release. Regardless of which side you take in those, Mass Effect does include many components of role-playing games, two of which are essential to the multiplayer's success: world-building and character development mechanics. Of course, there are simple gameplay reasons to enjoy the co-operative gameplay of Mass Effect 3 online. The levels are well designed for dynamic changes within matches, and waves of enemies seem ideal for both difficulty and time. But those things aren't what make it special.

Continue reading How Mass Effect 3's roleplaying roots empower the multiplayer

JoystiqHow Mass Effect 3's roleplaying roots empower the multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rowan-kaiserxboxFri, 04 May 2012 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice actor brokers unlikely alliance between Wesker and Legion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/voice-actor-brokers-unlikely-alliance-between-wesker-and-legion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/voice-actor-brokers-unlikely-alliance-between-wesker-and-legion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/voice-actor-brokers-unlikely-alliance-between-wesker-and-legion/#comments Image
Here's something we didn't expect to see today, or ever: Mass Effect's Geth Legion and Resident Evil's Albert Wesker engaging in a bit of friendly trash talk.

The two characters make fun of Charlie Sheen and discuss forming an alliance, in a video that serves as a goodbye of sorts from voice actor D.C. Douglas (who plays both) to the two characters. We're guessing the "goodbye" to Wesker is premature, something the pair even jokes about a little, but it's fun anyway.

JoystiqVoice actor brokers unlikely alliance between Wesker and Legion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albert-weskerdc-douglaslegionmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3resident-evilvoice-actingxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/#commentsOh, The Places You'll Go is a weekly column by Kimberley Wallace where she visits an in-game world, acting as a travel agent. Read as she explores the nooks and crannies of each (probably war torn) landscape. This week, we bring you to The Citadel, recently featured in Mass Effect 3.
The view from space shows the Citadel teeming with life. Each of its five arms is illuminated with a criss-crossing series of lights, almost like a circuit board. These talon-like extensions connect to the Presidium ring, the center of Galactic commerce and politics. They can also change like a chameleon; when closed, the Citadel becomes a fortress, no longer looking like it's the bastion of life, but instead a sleek, clean cylinder into which nothing can enter - or from which no one can escape. Hey, if you're going to find a safe place during the war, this is probably your best bet.

Yes, the Reapers are coming, ready to slay us with their steely tentacles and laser eyes. And in these moments when you feel so small and helpless in the fight to save the galaxy, there's only one thing to do: escape. Let Shepard worry about the Reapers; take a load off and come on down to the Citadel, a marvel of technology, not only full of mysteries, but also the core of civilization.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (Spring Showcase 2012)

Continue reading Oh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel

JoystiqOh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareMass-Effectmass-effect-3microsoftOh-The-Places-Youll-Gopcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/#comments Any good smuggler or bounty hunter knows you have to take every opportunity to save a space buck. With intergalactic tolls and the rising cost of crystal fuel cells, it's important. Also, you need something to do while you're sitting around in hyperdrive all the time, y'know? So retailer Amazon is offering discounts for your downtime -- specifically, savings on Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads for PC.

Both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 can be downloaded for $5.99 each. The Digital Deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 -- which includes several making-of videos, the game's soundtrack, some in-game items and a download code for more bonus content -- is also on sale for $8.99. Finally, a bundle of both the original Mass Effect and the digital deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 can be had for $11.99. The sale ends on March 31.

JoystiqAmazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbiowaredigital-distributioneamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/#comments Did you encounter an error when trying to import your Commander Shepard into Mass Effect 3? Did you spend hours trying to recreate him or her, only to reach the conclusion that he/she just don't look right? There is hope, friend, as BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly has revealed that the face import problem will be fixed in the next Mass Effect 3 patch. Unfortunately, the release date for said patch is still up in the air, as it still has to undergo certification at EA, Microsoft and Sony.

The error arises for players who attempt to import faces from Mass Effect 2 that were previously imported from the original Mass Effect -- a sensitive issue given that these players are probably pretty attached to their Shepards by now. Rest assured, we'll be keeping track of the patch's progress. In the meantime, maybe it's finally time to finish that Mass Effect 2 Renegade run you've been putting off.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpatchpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA clarifies Origin's ability to 'auto-add' games from other libraries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ea-clarifies-origins-ability-to-auto-add-games-from-other-lib/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ea-clarifies-origins-ability-to-auto-add-games-from-other-lib/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ea-clarifies-origins-ability-to-auto-add-games-from-other-lib/#comments EA has not been crawling your computer, looking for that one file that you think is hidden really well, but is really just labeled "My Little Pony Season 1," right on your desktop. Hiding in plain sight and all that.

Yesterday some Origin users noticed that a few EA games they'd previously bought through other distributors -- Steam, mostly -- were automatically added to their Origin games list. EA has confirmed that it is testing out a feature to add older games to users' Origin libraries, but that it doesn't snag the games by accessing anyone's computer.

"At no time was any information on your computer accessed, all of this information was obtained directly from our game registration records," a statement from EA reads. Most likely the transfer is made via the email address users register their EA games under, though EA's statement, which you can read in full below, doesn't clarify directly.

Continue reading EA clarifies Origin's ability to 'auto-add' games from other libraries

JoystiqEA clarifies Origin's ability to 'auto-add' games from other libraries originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-adddead-space-2EAElectronic-Artsemaillibrarymass-effectoriginpcSTEAMTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/#comments Do you want to play Mass Effect 1 or 2, or Modern Warfare 2, but don't have them yet? Or -- a more likely scenario -- do you want to play them, but don't feel like getting them off the shelf and putting the discs into a console? Such effort. Such drudgery.

Amazon has the PC download versions of these games on sale today for $5 each. The Deal of the Day also includes the Digital Deluxe Edition of Mass Effect 2 for $7.49, or Dungeon Defenders for $2.99. And you don't have to get up at all, unless you don't have your credit card handy.

JoystiqMass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dellmass-effectmass-effect-2pcFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We'd give nearly anything for this tiny Mass Effect to be real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/wed-give-nearly-anything-for-this-tiny-mass-effect-to-be-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/wed-give-nearly-anything-for-this-tiny-mass-effect-to-be-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/wed-give-nearly-anything-for-this-tiny-mass-effect-to-be-real/#comments The latest thing on our "List of Things That Don't Exist That Totally Should Exist" comes from Deviant Art user Pyroxene, whose 3D modeling skills have produced the adorable miniature Mass Effect scene seen above. It's like Jim Henson's Mass Effect Babies, or Poy Poy: Cerberus Edition, and we love it unconditionally.

Pyroxene originally set out to create three characters, but apparently the fun of chibi-fying some of gaming's most beloved characters is a little hard to let go of. Hit the source link for a high-resolution shot of the scene, as well as close ups of the individual models, their wire frames and the impressively compact textures used.

JoystiqWe'd give nearly anything for this tiny Mass Effect to be real originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chibijim-hensons-mass-effect-babiesmass-effectmass-effect-3miniaturepoy-poypyroxenethings-that-dont-exist-that-that-totally-should-existtinySun, 12 Feb 2012 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Morality systems have become role-playing. Or at least, a significant amount of people have come to believe this. To take one example, this review of The Old Republic is premised on the concept that BioWare's style of moral choices are effective character-building mechanics. It's a fine review, but it's one that I can't agree with because I find the model of game morality used in The Old Republic and many other role-playing games ineffective at creating a moral system.

In order for a moral choice to have weight, it needs to have two components. First, meaningful choices have to cause the player to lose something in order to gain power. Something has to change, or be expected to change, within the game in order for the decision to matter. In Mass Effect, at one point in the game, you have to choose which of two party members to rescue - the other dies. Or, in Fallout: New Vegas, working with Caesar's Legion turns the New California Republic into an enemy, and vice versa.

Second, a moral choice has to be a difficult choice. The old adage "If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do it" applies here. This is where games usually fail. They can do it with little choices, like with stealing even when you won't get caught in New Vegas. Take the owned items and you'll lose karma, which might be a small hit compared to the benefits of a new weapon. Alternately, in some games, honorable characters will simply refuse payment for quests, forcing money to be acquired by other means.

Continue reading Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games

JoystiqDark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndragon-age-originsfallout-new-vegasmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom Mass Effect turian figurines say hi with sass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/custom-mass-effect-turian-figurines-say-hi-with-sass/#comments Sculptor Kerry Dyer seems to be a purveyor of adorable sculptures and 3D art, and her latest conquest is the turian race from Mass Effect. Kerry created a few super-cute, sassy turian figurines like a pro, with a full rundown of the process on her blog.

JoystiqCustom Mass Effect turian figurines say hi with sass originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figuresmass-effectMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3turianxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Testing Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/#comments "James, move. Liara, move.

Liara, Singularity.

James, Carnage.

Sniper rifle!

Liara, Stasis!

Concussive shot. Follow me. Activate. Open."

Yeah, that's pretty much how it works.

Continue reading Testing Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details]

JoystiqTesting Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012immersionkinectmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftvoice-commandsxboxWed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Shepard get punchy in Mass Effect 3 combat footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/watch-shepard-get-punchy-in-mass-effect-3-combat-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/watch-shepard-get-punchy-in-mass-effect-3-combat-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/watch-shepard-get-punchy-in-mass-effect-3-combat-footage/#comments
The latest edition of BioWare Pulse -- the world's leading BioWare news source which is also created by BioWare -- has some interesting footage of some of the new combat mechanics in Mass Effect 3. Featured are maneuvers like "Punch," and also "Punch with Fire."

JoystiqWatch Shepard get punchy in Mass Effect 3 combat footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-pulsemass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Commander Shepard is leaving us after Mass Effect 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/commander-shepard-is-leaving-us-after-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/commander-shepard-is-leaving-us-after-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/commander-shepard-is-leaving-us-after-mass-effect-3/#comments
Unlike that other big space trilogy whose hero doggedly refuses to call it quits, Mass Effect's magnanimous (and/or tyrannical) Commander Shepard will be cashing in her Systems Alliance penchant and taking an early retirement after Mass Effect 3, according to BioWare's Dr. Ray Muzyka.

"After this, Commander Shepard's story is complete," Mazuka told PC Gamer, adding that they were "correct" in suggesting that Shepard absolutely will not be present in any future games set in the Mass Effect universe. No clue as to how Shepard will be exiting the series, naturally, but we figure our Mass Effect 3 play-through will end the same way our Mass Effect 2 one did: completely forgotten and overwritten by hours and hours of endless ore prospecting.

JoystiqCommander Shepard is leaving us after Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareCommander-ShepardMass-Effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect art compiled in hardcover book from Dark Horse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/mass-effect-art-compiled-in-hardcover-book-from-dark-horse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/mass-effect-art-compiled-in-hardcover-book-from-dark-horse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/mass-effect-art-compiled-in-hardcover-book-from-dark-horse/#commentsComic publisher Dark Horse has commissioned a new Mass Effect book that even James Vega can peruse without worrying over Drew Karpyshyn's reams of dense space prose. "The Art of the Mass Effect Universe" is a hardcover encapsulation of the entire franchise's visual work thus far, presented with (text) commentary from the folks at BioWare.

The $40 book's due in February 2012 and will contain art from Mass Effect 3, placing it in vague spoiler territory in front of the game's March debut. We can't say whether it will give you that long-awaited glimpse at Tali's face, but it'll definitely serve as a coffee-table tour of the opulent cities you've explored and the aliens you've engaged and/or punched. No word on iPad or Omni-tool versions yet.

Continue reading Mass Effect art compiled in hardcover book from Dark Horse

JoystiqMass Effect art compiled in hardcover book from Dark Horse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-horsemass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3the-art-of-the-mass-effect-universexboxSat, 27 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare developer wants to augment your virtual diversity (still)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/bioware-developer-wants-to-augment-your-virtual-diversity-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/bioware-developer-wants-to-augment-your-virtual-diversity-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/bioware-developer-wants-to-augment-your-virtual-diversity-still/#comments BioWare Montreal developer Manveer Heir works on the Mass Effect franchise by day and champions race equality in games by night, having discussed the importance of diversity at the DICE 2010 panel, "Games of Color," and more recently speaking with Gamasutra about the delicacies of developing with race in mind. After little change over this one-year span, Heir is still an advocate for bringing diversity to game development, seeing games as a portal to a broader social commentary:
"You can think of fantasy games where if you were the dark elves, you know, the Drow, were always looked upon... They were the black people of the fantasy world, right? And if you played the dark elves, you were treated like garbage by many of the townspeople," Heir said to Gamastura. "So, my only question is, why can't we do that when we're actually talking about real people?"

Continue reading BioWare developer wants to augment your virtual diversity (still)

JoystiqBioWare developer wants to augment your virtual diversity (still) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaremanveer-heirMass-Effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 07 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 will/won't have multiplayer, part 4: Xbox World cover edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/mass-effect-3-will-wont-have-multiplayer-part-4-xbox-world-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/mass-effect-3-will-wont-have-multiplayer-part-4-xbox-world-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/mass-effect-3-will-wont-have-multiplayer-part-4-xbox-world-co/#comments First it did, and then it didn't, and then it might, and now it seems the plot has thickened once again. Mass Effect 3's on-again-off-again love affair with multiplayer is decidedly on again, as the cover of Xbox World Issue 108 (above) teases new multiplayer details, indicating that hey, this game has multiplayer. We're hoping this means BioWare has finally listened to our mailing campaign and implemented an Xbox Live/PSN-enabled head-to-head argument mode.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 will/won't have multiplayer, part 4: Xbox World cover edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareMass-Effectmass-effect-3ME3microsoftMultiplayerpcplaystationps3rumorxboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Help pick female Commander Shepard's default look for Mass Effect 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/help-pick-female-commander-shepards-default-look-for-mass-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/help-pick-female-commander-shepards-default-look-for-mass-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/help-pick-female-commander-shepards-default-look-for-mass-effec/#comments Though we're certain everyone reading this takes the time and effort required to truly breathe life into the facial characteristics of their Commander Shepard, BioWare is looking to change up the pre-made female model for Mass Effect 3. On the game's Facebook page, the developer has posted six images of potential prefabricated protagonists, asking fans of the franchise to vote for their favorite by "Liking" one of the candidates.

The current vote leader is Shepard No. 5, featured in the center of the line-up above. We suppose she fits the part, though really, how many galaxies can Samus Aran save in one lifetime? She's being awfully greedy, now that we think about it.

JoystiqHelp pick female Commander Shepard's default look for Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommander-shepardeamass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rpgxboxMon, 25 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet James Vega, Mass Effect 3's newest human]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/meet-james-vega-mass-effect-3s-newest-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/meet-james-vega-mass-effect-3s-newest-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/meet-james-vega-mass-effect-3s-newest-human/#comments To celebrate hitting 10,000 followers, Mass Effect 3's Executive Producer Casey Hudson tweeted the above picture of James Vega, a human Systems Alliance soldier and Commander Shepard's newest compatriot. According to the May 2011 issue of Game Informer, Vega is meant to embody the mindset of a new player entering the franchise: capable as a soldier, but unacclimated to the delicate and often deadly inner-workings of galactic politics.

Beyond that, not much else is known about Vega, how he'll fit into the series' spiderweb of emotional character interaction, or what's happened to his porcelain mask and claws.

JoystiqMeet James Vega, Mass Effect 3's newest human originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareCasey-Hudsonjames-vegamass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Normandy SR2 Cerberus Variant model up for pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/mass-effect-normandy-sr2-cerberus-variant-model-up-for-pre-order/#comments The problem with that Normandy SR2 model you pre-ordered for your cube back in May is that it doesn't have anything to pick a fight with. Enter the newly announced Cerberus variant, available for 35 clams, and expected to arrive in this galaxy sometime in November. Pew-pew sounds not included.

JoystiqMass Effect Normandy SR2 Cerberus Variant model up for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cerberusmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftmodelNormandypcplaystationps3xboxSat, 16 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Legendary Pictures hosting Mass Effect movie panel at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/legendary-pictures-hosting-mass-effect-movie-panel-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/legendary-pictures-hosting-mass-effect-movie-panel-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/legendary-pictures-hosting-mass-effect-movie-panel-at-comic-con/#comments Looks like the reports were true: Legendary Pictures has announced the contents of its very first San Diego Comic-Con panel, a list of films that notably includes the silver screen adaptation of BioWare's interstellar RPG, Mass Effect. According to the event's description, the panel will feature "Game creator, Casey Hudson and screenwriter adapting the game to film, Mark Protosevich," writer of I Am Legend and, more recently, Thor.

We have so many questions we'd like to see answered at this panel. For instance, will they hire an actor who resembles our very own, Elephant Man-esque version of the game's protagonist, Accident Shepard? More importantly, is the film going to be, like, really terrible? Is Shepard going to have his very own wisecrackin' Hanar sidekick? Let us know, so we can start getting in a place where that kind of disappointment won't outright kill us.

JoystiqLegendary Pictures hosting Mass Effect movie panel at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecasey-hudsonealegendary-picturesMass-Effectmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationps3xboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[You'll never geth how this Mass Effect action figure was made]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/youll-never-geth-how-this-mass-effect-action-figure-was-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/youll-never-geth-how-this-mass-effect-action-figure-was-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/youll-never-geth-how-this-mass-effect-action-figure-was-made/#comments
Go on, take a guess at the starting point for this custom made figure. If we tell you that the link came from Halo.Bungie.Org, does that help? If you guessed a Covenant Elite, you're right! The core body of this Mass Effect inspired geth consists of two different Convenant Elite figures from McFarlane's Halo line.

If you then went on to guess that the modder also used shot gun parts from a Gears of War accessory, that the pulse rifle was made from spare Halo parts, and that the hoses on his back came from a Mr. Freeze action figure, well then we'd say you know a little too much about your various action figures there, Kreskin.

JoystiqYou'll never geth how this Mass Effect action figure was made originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figurescustom-madegethhalomass-effectmicrosoftmodmodderspcxboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare 'figuring out the right way' to continue Mass Effect after ME3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/#comments Speaking with business giant Forbes, BioWare founders/doctors Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka spoke on the possibility of life after Mass Effect 3, saying that ME3's universe of diverse alien races and planets has struck a chord with the series' audience. While their priorities and resources are currently focused on "nailing it" with ME3, the doctors maintain that possibilities in the future are wide open.

"We do have a desire to continue the Mass Effect franchise," said Muzyka, "and we're working on the details, figuring out what the fans want, figuring out the right way." Given the amount of codex text the series has generated over the years, we don't doubt that there are still stories left to tell in the ME universe.

JoystiqBioWare 'figuring out the right way' to continue Mass Effect after ME3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukinterviewmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxMon, 27 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/#comments Since the beginning of the Mass Effect series, BioWare has had to walk the line between the role-playing genre the company is known for, and the series' setting-driven third-person shooter combat. The first game in the series was arguably a role-playing game with shooter elements, and the second game, to both cheers and jeers from fans, definitely bent a little further towards the shooter side of things. And with the third title, a BioWare representative told Joystiq at E3 this week, Bioware wants to "bring both of those elements up at the same time" -- increase the depth of the customization and the role-playing game, and make the combat sequences more smooth and exciting than ever.

We got to play through one short segment of the game, and while we didn't see a lot of the RPG elements in that part, it's safe to say that the combat is coming together to be some of the best the series has ever seen.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (E3 2011)

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun

JoystiqMass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3e3-2011hands-onmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 motion comic now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mass-effect-2-motion-comic-now-on-xblm/#comments We're not usually excited to be writing about motion comics when there are actual, you know, games out there, but Mass Effect 2: Genesis is a little more interesting than the usual offering. In this BioWare/Dark Horse collabo, you can relive some of the key decisions from Mass Effect (assuming you haven't played it) and then apply those choices to Mass Effect 2.

Keep in mind that this $4 (320 MSP) download, which served to introduce PS3 players to the universe of Mass Effect, functions as a game add-on. That means you'll need Mass Effect 2 -- but we assume you've already taken care of that part.

[Thanks, Lafu]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 motion comic now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effectMass-Effect-2mass-effect-genesismicrosoftmotion-comicxboxTue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 will have gay romance option for male Shepard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/mass-effect-3-will-have-gay-romance-option-for-male-shepard/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/mass-effect-3-will-have-gay-romance-option-for-male-shepard/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/mass-effect-3-will-have-gay-romance-option-for-male-shepard/#comments Mass Effect Executive Producer Casey Hudson has confirmed that the final installment of the trilogy will finally allow a male Shepard to know the touch of another man. Hudson tweeted over the weekend that Mass Effect 3 will support "wider options for love interests," including same-sex for male and female characters "reactive to how you interact with them in-game."

Previous installments of the stellar, interstellar saga allowed Shepard to participate in male/female, lesbian and Asari tentacle-head encounters. The omission of a gay pairing for Shepard became even harder to reconcile when BioWare's Dragon Age series allowed players the freedom to define the sexual orientation of their protagonists.

In interviews, BioWare heads Drs. Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk have been responsive to the subject. "The team has its perspective," Muzyka told us during February's DICE meeting. "When they created the character, when they defined him. We're pretty open to how the team wants to define their characters. We go with what they like."

It seems the team is ready to try something different.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 will have gay romance option for male Shepard originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecasey-hudsongayglbtMass-EffectMass-Effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ShepardxboxMon, 16 May 2011 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/mass-effect-for-5-mass-effect-2-for-10-today-on-steam/#comments In its continuing effort to make us re-purchase all of EA's current-gen titles, Steam has cut the price of the whole Mass Effect franchise today as part of its EA Week promotion. For a limited time, the digital retailer's offering Mass Effect for $5.00, and its GOTY-winning sequel for $10.

Continue reading Mass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update]

JoystiqMass Effect for $5, Mass Effect 2 for $10 today on Steam [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-weekmass-effectMass-Effect-2pcsteamThu, 05 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/#comments During the Game Developers Conference nearly two months ago, Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack met with me in a hotel overlooking that week's event at the Moscone Center. He wasn't there to show off his studio's next game -- X-Men: Destiny -- to press, but for unspecified "meetings" with unnamed folks. Spooky.

And while we touched on the subject of XM:D during the half hour, the first questions I had for Dyack were about his studio's last major release, Too Human. Primary among them: Is the Too Human trilogy dead? "No, not at all," Dyack told me. "It is still on the table and we do plan on finishing the trilogy."

When it came to other questions about Too Human, however, Dyack was far more verbose. With the intention of setting the record straight, as it were, Dyack outright denies that Too Human was in development for 10 years. "It is true that an earlier version of the general 'Too Human' concept was first shown on the PlayStation in 1998, but that was a completely different game than what was released on the Xbox 360," he said. "Among other things, the original concept was a single-player, third-person action/adventure game based on a detective called John Franks trying to discover who had killed his partner." It's a far cry from the Norse mythology-based dungeon crawler we played in 2008.

Continue reading Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy'

JoystiqSilicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackepic-gamesgdcgdc-2011konamilegalmass-effectmetacriticmetal-gear-solid-twin-snakesmicrosoftsalessilicon-knightssilicon-knights-enginetoo-humanunreal-engine-3valkyriex-men-destinyxboxTue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect anime jumps home in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/mass-effect-anime-jumps-home-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/mass-effect-anime-jumps-home-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/mass-effect-anime-jumps-home-in-2012/#comments The Mass Effect universe will expand with a direct-to-video anime film in the summer of 2012. The film will be co-produced by Japanese animation house T.O. Entertainment, and FUNimation Entertainment -- the same company that hooked up with EA for the Dragon Age anime (due sometime this year). BioWare's sci-fi series joins Halo and Dante's Inferno in the very specific category of western-developed games that provide the basis for anime adaptations.

This movie represents another drop in the Mass Effect transmedia bucket, which currently contains several novels, comics and plans for a Hollywood venture. There's no word yet on the plot -- or how, exactly, Shepard will be drawn this time.

JoystiqMass Effect anime jumps home in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeBioWareEAElectronic-ArtsFunimationFUNimation-entertainmentMass-Effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fourth Mass Effect novel, 'Deception,' coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/#commentsWhen you need a game-related sci-fi novel -- like, stat! -- you call William C. Dietz. The man's something of a legend, churning out at least a book a year since the mid-80s, and in recent years adapting the likes of Halo, Hitman, Resistance and StarCraft into those neat little paper-filled rectangles you see piled into shelves at your folks' place or stacked by the toilet.

This is why William C. Dietz was hired to get a fourth Mass Effect novel in to publisher Del Rey early this year, so it could be released ahead of Mass Effect 3. (That, and Drew Karpyshyn, lead writer of the first game and author of the existing three companion novels, has made a galactic shift to The Old Republic.)

Right on schedule, Del Rey today announced the title of this latest work of fiction, Mass Effect: Deception. Due out this fall, Deception will continue the story of Gillian Grayson, who was introduced in the second book, Ascension -- in case you've been reading along. We're not sure if William C. Dietz has or not, but then he's pretty adept at making stuff up.

JoystiqFourth Mass Effect novel, 'Deception,' coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdel-reydel-rey-booksmass-effectmass-effect-3mass-effect-deceptionmicrosoftnovelpcplaystationps3william-c-dietzxboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Impulse marks Mass Effect down to five bucks today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/impulse-marks-mass-effect-down-to-five-bucks-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/impulse-marks-mass-effect-down-to-five-bucks-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/impulse-marks-mass-effect-down-to-five-bucks-today/#comments You know, we're starting to think Impulse is the most aptly named digital distribution platform of all time. For instance, we already own Mass Effect on 360 -- but since Impulse's store has the PC version for five dollars today, we might just spontaneously, recklessly purchase a second copy.

Continue reading Impulse marks Mass Effect down to five bucks today

JoystiqImpulse marks Mass Effect down to five bucks today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaimpulseMass-EffectpcSun, 13 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/#comments It's another day and you know what that means: more ludicrous Steam deals. Today's highlights include 50% off both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, along with reduced prices on Blur, Alpha Protocol, Dead Rising 2 and many more. Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Today's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more

JoystiqToday's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolbiowareblurcapcomdead-rising-2eamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcsteamsteam-holiday-sale-2010Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mass Effect 3 to be revealed at the VGAs, will include multiplayer [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/rumor-mass-effect-3-to-be-revealed-at-the-vgas-will-include-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/rumor-mass-effect-3-to-be-revealed-at-the-vgas-will-include-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/rumor-mass-effect-3-to-be-revealed-at-the-vgas-will-include-mu/#comments Joystiq has learned from a trusted source that BioWare's enigmatic teaser from last month represents the first glimpse of Mass Effect 3. As many have guessed, the third installment looks to feature something brand new to the series: multiplayer. We're currently unable to confirm that the multiplayer component will be part of the game's unveiling at the upcoming Spike Video Game Awards.

The Spike VGAs will air this Saturday night, preceded by a good deal of internet speculation brought on by the above teaser image. As spotted by one of our commenters, Arth Vader, the gun above looks exactly like the M-29 Incisor Sniper Rifle from Mass Effect 2. BioWare has also blasted out curious QR codes via its Twitter feed, all of which indirectly reference things from the Mass Effect universe, including the Vostok system and the surface temperature of the planet Aequitas.

So, who's ready for more Mass Effect? Do we even need to ask?

Update: While the game was indeed revealed during the VGAs, Game Informer's feature article on Mass Effect 3 has seemingly ruled out multiplayer (though it may appear in a different game tied to the franchise).

JoystiqRumor: Mass Effect 3 to be revealed at the VGAs, will include multiplayer [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3rpgvga-2010xboxThu, 09 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Interactive Mass Effect comic will fill in players of PS3 Mass Effect 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/rumor-interactive-mass-effect-comic-will-fill-in-players-of-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/rumor-interactive-mass-effect-comic-will-fill-in-players-of-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/rumor-interactive-mass-effect-comic-will-fill-in-players-of-ps3/#comments The "seamless introduction" that will ease PS3 owners into the rich backstory of Mass Effect 2, first hinted at when the game was announced this past August, may have been uncovered recently in the BioWare Social Network forums. A moderator recently posted a quote from BioWare's Casey Hudson from the latest issue of German gaming mag Play3, in which he reveals the PS3 version of the game will have an interactive comic from Dark Horse, that lets players make the big decisions from the first game while quickly seeing how those decisions play out.

The forum post also claims that Hudson confirmed the PS3 version of the game will come with the game's three main expansions, "Kasumi's Stolen Memory," "Overlord" and "Lair of the Shadow Broker," and will include a voucher to download all the content currently available on the Cerberus network. Finally, the post quotes Hudson as saying the game will include an exclusive mission which clocks in at around six hours in length.

Sounds like a pretty tall order for the game's PS3 port. We've contacted BioWare to see if they'll comment on the post's legitimacy.

JoystiqRumor: Interactive Mass Effect comic will fill in players of PS3 Mass Effect 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredark-horseeamass-effectMass-Effect-2playstationps3Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/#comments BioWare co-founders Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka have their fingers in a lot of pies (which are made of giant RPGs) -- in a recent interview with Eurogamer, the duo explained how the developer's attention is split across its catalog of franchises. On the subject of Dragon Age 2, the Doctors explained that they're focusing on expanding the universe they've created, rather than telling a chronological story. "It's probably fair to say it's less precise than the Mass Effect trilogy concept," Zeschuk explained.

Speaking of BioWare's spacefaring RPG, Muzyka explained, "We're still working on stuff in the Mass Effect universe actively," with Zeschuk adding, "We have a pretty long DLC plan for Mass. We're still doing lots of stuff there." The Doctors also addressed their tremendously costly MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, with Muzyka saying "It's a big bet, but it's the right kind of bet to make for EA," and Zeschuk adding "Hey, entertainment's risky by nature." That's certainly true -- just ask The Adventures of Pluto Nash.

Check out the full interview for more of the Doctors' insights on BioWare's upcoming projects.

JoystiqBioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2greg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykastar-wars-the-old-republicxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA discounts Mass Effect, Dead Space and more for PC Halloween sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-discounts-mass-effect-dead-space-and-more-for-pc-halloween-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-discounts-mass-effect-dead-space-and-more-for-pc-halloween-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-discounts-mass-effect-dead-space-and-more-for-pc-halloween-s/#comments EA's mobile offerings aren't the only games the publisher is marking down in honor of this most spooky holiday -- the EA Store currently has half-off deals on PC blockbusters like Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Dead Space. Peep all the temporarily low prices below.

Continue reading EA discounts Mass Effect, Dead Space and more for PC Halloween sale

JoystiqEA discounts Mass Effect, Dead Space and more for PC Halloween sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2dead-spaceeahalloweenmass-effectmass-effect-2pcSat, 30 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 out on PS3 January 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mass-effect-2-out-on-ps3-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mass-effect-2-out-on-ps3-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mass-effect-2-out-on-ps3-january-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite announcement from Gamescom."

The official reveal of Mass Effect 2 on PlayStation 3 comes after this morning's appearance of an Amazon listing for just that. The retailer's January 31 date matches with the official "January 2011" timeline given at the presentation. According to an EA press release, the PS3 version will include "hours of bonus content" (the existing DLC, perhaps?). BioWare's Dr. Ray Muzyka classified the announcement as "friggin' awesome," and we're inclined to agree.

Check out the official reveal trailer and press release after the break.

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 out on PS3 January 2011

JoystiqMass Effect 2 out on PS3 January 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsgamescom-2010Mass-EffectMass-Effect-2playstationps3Q1-2011Release-DateRPGTue, 17 Aug 2010 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect PC is this weekend's EA Summer deal, on sale for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/mass-effect-pc-is-this-weekends-ea-summer-deal-on-sale-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/mass-effect-pc-is-this-weekends-ea-summer-deal-on-sale-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/mass-effect-pc-is-this-weekends-ea-summer-deal-on-sale-for-5/#comments If your cash flow has been irreparably dammed by some unknown stoppage, yet you're looking for a meaty action-RPG to chew on this weekend, EA's offering a deal which seems right up your alley. For this weekend only, you can grab the original Mass Effect on PC for five American dollars.

Continue reading Mass Effect PC is this weekend's EA Summer deal, on sale for $5

JoystiqMass Effect PC is this weekend's EA Summer deal, on sale for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaMass-Effectpcweekend-dealFri, 23 Jul 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mass Effect novel penned by sci-fi writer William C. Dietz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a recent interview with our PC-centric sister site Big Download, science fiction novelist and experienced game-to-book adapter William C. Dietz revealed he was recently "hired to write a Mass Effect tie-in." When pressed for details about the project, Dietz, who has also written books for the Resistance, Hitman, Halo and StarCraft franchises, could only reveal that it was due to his publisher in early 2011.

So, we've got Mass Effect: Ascension, Mass Effect: Revelation and, out next week, Mass Effect: Retribution -- and now Dietz is going to throw another piece of literature on the pile? Had we known that falling in love with the Mass Effect franchise would require us to do this much reading, we probably would have skipped the whole darn thing.

JoystiqNew Mass Effect novel penned by sci-fi writer William C. Dietz originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebookeamass-effectMass-Effect-2microsoftnovelpcwilliam-c-dietzxboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect Evolution comic to take the illusive out of the Illusive Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/mass-effect-evolution-comic-to-take-the-illusive-out-of-the-illu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/mass-effect-evolution-comic-to-take-the-illusive-out-of-the-illu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/mass-effect-evolution-comic-to-take-the-illusive-out-of-the-illu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mass Effect 2's shadowy, nicotine-addicted adviser, the Illusive Man, will have his history explored in an upcoming comic book mini-series from Dark Horse. IGN reports that Mass Effect Evolution will be penned by the same creative team behind the last comic series, subtitled Redemption. It will focus on the origins of the interstellar conflicts present in the original game, as well as the backstory of the Martin Sheen-voiced humanitarian.

Upon hearing the announcement, we also wondered if Sheen would reprise his role in the comics, which was one of the dumbest things we've said to ourselves all year.

JoystiqMass Effect Evolution comic to take the illusive out of the Illusive Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomicsdark-horse-comicseamass-effectmass-effect-evolutionmicrosoftpcthe-illusive-manxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST