The “Definitive Version” of Mass Effect 2 is on PS3

If you had asked me a year ago if I thought we’d ever experience the Mass Effect universe on PlayStation 3, I’d have said “I sure hope so.” One year and dozens of accolades and Game of the Year nominations later, Mass Effect 2 is coming to PS3. And from what I’ve learned, you’re not going to want to pass on this “definitive” experience.

After a recent hands-on session, I spoke with Bioware’s Casey Hudson. In this video, he tells us what bonus features are included on the Blu-ray, what the power of PlayStation 3 lends to the game, and how the PS3 version is using the latest-and-greatest graphical technology and gameplay updates.

So, you might be wondering, will you be lost if you never got to play the original Mass Effect? From my experience, the answer is: not particularly. For the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2, Bioware has teamed with Dark Horse Comics to summarize the first game in a 15 minute comic-style adaption, completely voiced by either the male or female Commander Shepard (your choice).

The comic loads up right after the opening sequence of Mass Effect 2, where you’d be re-creating your character. You’ll make the same key decisions that Shepard makes in the first game, such as how to handle a (seemingly) malevolent race of creatures, which of your crew to save or sacrifice in a life-or-death scenario, and who to pursue a personal relationship with. Think of it as the most in-depth character creator ever, while getting background on the first story as well.

The in-game database is also a boon to those getting caught up on the Mass Effect universe; it contains detailed (and well-narrated) background info on every race, planet, and event you come across in your travels throughout the galaxy.

Other facts I thought might wanna know but which didn’t make the interview cut:

• There’ll be a demo on PSN this coming Tuesday, December 21st
• The game includes all of the available DLC already on disc. Yay for Blu-ray!
• Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 has been upgraded to a more advanced graphical engine being implemented in the (just-announced) Mass Effect 3
• Bioware has swapped the shooting/aim-down-sight buttons to R1/L1, as most PS3 gamers seem to prefer. You’ll sort through your skill/weapon wheels via R2/L2.
• There is an install to aid load times.

The PS3 edition of Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be the best rendition of the game yet, and well worth the wait. And with Mass Effect 3 confirmed for PS3 for next Holiday, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with Commander Shepard.