Mass effect 2 is Released in January 26 in America, Europe January 29 For PC & Xbox 360
Ultimate Mass Effect 2 Experience. The vast universe of Mass Effect 2 gets even bigger with this limited-run Collectors' Edition packed with unique collectibles and bonus in-game content. This is the must-have edition of every fan of this groundbreaking franchise.
* The full version of Mass Effect 2
* Bonus in-game Collectors' Edition weapon and armor
* 48-page hardcover art book
* Limited Edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content
* Issue #1 of the Mass Effect comic book by Dark Horse comics.
* All housed in a premium tin package with exclusive artwork.
Story rundown:
Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new enemy has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced.
To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy's most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, they say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong.
Launch Trailer
The Dirty Dozen Trailer
Sci vs Fi Doc Part I
Sci vs Fi Doc Part II
Sci vs Fi Doc Part III
Gameplay - New features
A "Prelude to E3" developer diary was released on May 15, 2009. The developers confirmed that the combat system has been upgraded, with everything from the feel of the combat and the A.I. being improved, including realistic damage modeling and downed enemies still continuing to crawl and fight. New to the series is a heavy weapons system that will allow you to "kill [somebody] a thousand times" over. The tone of the game is similar to that of the Wild West, featuring warlords and crime gangs. The video also confirmed the existence of new alien races and an attack by one race on Citadel-controlled space, wearing armor with an "M1" logo painted on it and seeming to control similarly-armored varren, a race of non-sapient animals similar to dogs.
Mass Effect 2 also features regenerating health as its primary health mechanic, instead of being able to heal with "medi-gel" as in the first game. In addition, the overheat system for weapons has been replaced with collectible heat sinks. This system is functionally identical to the ammunition systems in other third-person shooters, but instead of having different ammunition types for different weapons, the heat sinks are universal across all standard weapons.
The characters in Mass Effect 2 will be more detailed not only graphically, but technically. In the original Mass Effect, Commander Shepard only had 20 animations for cover, while in Mass Effect 2, the character has over 200. The world will also be more open-ended in this installment; uncharted worlds the player could only explore for "cheap thrills" will now be more detailed and have more to explore.
The camera positioning for conversations with A.I. characters has also been improved, the previously static camera now moving around to provide "a much needed cinematic touch." Another new feature during conversations are context-sensitive controls; as shown in a conversation with scientist Mordin, Shepard is able to interrupt the dialogue with aggressive tactics when prompted with the on-screen controls.
The M35 Mako will no longer be available for planetary exploration, likely due to criticism of the Mako's poor gameplay sections in the first game. Instead, a Kodiak drop shuttle, which you cannot directly pilot, will deposit the player on foot into areas of immediate interest.
Unlike Mass Effect, in which there were four weapon types, there are now nineteen different weapons types and the pistol has been broken up into the heavy pistol and the machine pistol. The grenades from the first game do not make a reappearance, but have been replaced by the new heavy weapons. Sub-machine guns are shown to be another new weapon class added to the game. Characters are now able to use any weapon their class is trained for at full effect, meaning the player is no longer required to or able to invest in weapon skills. Armor skills have also been removed, and there are no longer class restrictions on armor.
Official FAQ
Who are Nassana and her sister?
Nassana and her sister were characters from ME1. Nassana betrayed Shepard as part of a feud with her sister, and how you handled the situation will reflect on her reaction to you in ME2.
Can the Geth become Party Members?
We will be discussing more about the Geth's role in the future.
How many party members can be in your group at one time?
You can have 3 party members with you at any given time including yourself.
How many party members can you get total?
You'll have more potential squad members than in ME1 but, what we can tell you is, you are developing a diverse, dangerous and rough crew that you will need to gain the loyalty and trust of to be able to succeed the final battle. Without the loyalty of your party, your chance for success is hindered.
If my character from Mass Effect was at the maximum skill level how will I be able to restart a new game in Mass Effect 2? Will my skills or powers carry over?
The choices you made in the first Mass Effect will have impact in the storyline of Mass Effect 2.
Certain characters will carry over depending on the choices you made and the relationships you had with the characters from the previous game. If you start with a save game from Mass Effect, your character's level will be appropriate to the difficulty level where you begin in Mass Effect 2.
Is Shepard still a specter? If so, why is he partnering with Cerberus?
Shepard is still a Spectre, but a lot of things have changed as of ME2 and why Shepard ends up working for Cerberus is itself an interesting part of the story that we don't want to spoil for you.
How does the Interrupt System work?
With the interrupt system in Mass Effect 2, you can physically seize control of a conversation and dramatically or even drastically change its outcome. There is a new interface icon on the bottom left side of the screen, when it appears the player can pull the trigger to reveal the sometimes shocking real-time outcomes of the decision.
Is the initial intro and tutorial system better?
In Mass Effect 2, you start the game with more guidance so learning the controls will be seamless and quick.
How have the Squad Controls been improved?
Players can now issue squad commands to each individual in their party. The player can map various powers and abilities, and issue "context sensitive" commands to the squad, all in real time. So for example if you are pointing at a spot on the ground, the D-pad will send a squad member there. If you are pointing at an enemy, the D pad will instead have that squad member launch a power at the enemy. Right side is one squad mate, left side is the other one.
How has the combat and cover systems been improved in Mass Effect 2?
The cover system in Mass Effect 2 is more dynamic, with the addition of new realistic animations, getting into and out of cover is smoother and more intuitive, and you can also mantle over objects.
How has Mass Effect 2 enhanced animation?
Individual character animations have improved giving characters unique and subtle characteristics, which further develop their personality and appeal. Facial animations have been improved greatly, where the characters expressions convey the most believable digital acting to date in a video game.
How is the Power Wheel different in Mass Effect 2?
The power wheel in ME2 works similarly to before, but is now used more for mapping powers so that they can be used throughout combat in real time.
How does the new tactics system work? Does that mean I will never have to use the power wheel if I don't want to?
You can now send independent context-sensitive commands to each squad member, for movement and targeting. You will still use the power wheel, but more of the combat takes place using real time commands.
How does the Dialogue Wheel work in Mass Effect 2?
We were extremely happy with how the interrupt system worked on the first game, so that interface is the same. But we've made a lot of creative and technical improvements to how the conversations actually look and feel, so that they are now more dynamic and more seamlessly woven into the game.
You say that the environments are different and more rich. Does this mean that they won't be as repetitive?
We have taken fan feedback from Mass Effect and directly implemented the changes in Mass Effect 2. As space and planet exploration was an area for improvement, we have ensured richer and more diverse planets with unique landscapes and developed very interesting and relevant plot expanding side quests on those planets to ensure there is more fulfillment within the exploration.
How has the Exploration System been advanced?
We've taken the fan feedback very seriously and made the entire exploration experience deeper and richer.
Will there be more planets?
The planet exploration in Mass Effect 2 is richer and more lush than previously experienced. There is a huge universe to explore with many new planets that will feel rich and varied. There is also much more intrigue within the exploration.
What is the planet scanning mini-game?
With the ship's scanners you literally feel and listen for signs of life, technology and resources. You will decide which locations are worth launching a probe, to retrieve resources or get information on potential landing sites. When you find a landing site, the things you'll discover there are much richer and more varied than ever before.
Do you control the Normandy?
You still navigate using the galaxy map, but now you actually move the current position of the Normandy through the map itself. It streamlines the interface but also supports the enhanced feeling of deep space exploration since you now manage fuel to get to distant stars.
Is there in space fighting? Ship?
There will be no ship to ship combat.
Will you able to pilot other ships beyond the Normandy?
You will be able to pilot other vehicles, and we will be discussing those in more detail at a later date.
At what point in the story does the Normandy crash take place?
We aren't saying what point in time the Normandy crash occurs; only that it isn't at the end of the game.
If the ship attacking the Normandy is not Geth - What are they?
We are not revealing the origin of the Normandy attackers at this time.
Will there be new weapons?
Yes, you will have 9 new types of weapons beyond the 4 from ME1, plus the new heavy weapon system.
When you say Mass Effect 2 feels like a precision shooter, what do you mean?
In Mass Effect, your character played at the skill level they had achieved; instead of at the skill level the player could be capable of achieving. In Mass Effect 2, if the player shoots at a target, despite the skill level, it will be hit if they have properly aimed. Skill level will have no impact on aiming and shooting abilities. It's a cleaner, more precise system to better enhance the overall gameplay and combat experience.
What is Location Based Damage? How does it work?
With location based damage, the player can target specific spots on enemies to take them down. Some enemies can take partial damage and though disabled, will continue to pursue their attacker. However, targeted head shots are possible and those can inflict critical damage to your enemies.
What are biotic attacks, how do they work? How have they advanced since Mass Effect?
Biotic powers are obtained by implanting a cybernetic device. Today we were showing a combination of attacks with Biotic Pull which pulls enemies out of their cover positions and sends them into an airborne state, it can be combined with overload, which Is an attack where the mechs are immobilized by electricity. This is just one of many cool new combinations that can be found in the Mass Effect 2 combat system.
