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.
@43
No. MS owns the publishing rights
Excuse me, as a PS3 gamer my shooting/aim-down-sight buttons are start/select… >:(
Why should I play Mass Effect 2 when I haven’t even played Mass Effect 1 (not to mention the choices in the first game carry over to the second game)? I don’t see what good a comic where you pick a few choices will give me the same feeling. Sure, I could kill or save a certain character but why should I care when I never created a bond with that character to begin with?
The way I would play this game (IF I played this game) would be to kill off every character possible from the digital comic choices. I don’t have a bond with any of them so they can all die. If anyone approaches me in Mass Effect 2 and acts like they magically know me then I would do my best to make them angry and kill them off if it’s ever possible.
Not to mention that this overrrated game comes out around the same time as much better games like LBP2 & Dead Space 2. Bioware sucks this gen.
Nice! Now if only we could get the 1st game as well…hint hint :)
Thanks Jeff for the update, and thanks Bioware for taking the time to make it right. Look forward getting this day one!
I don’t really have any interest in playing a sequel to a game when I can’t play the first. Include Mass Effect on the disc and I’d consider it.
No lie, but I’ve always felt Mass Effect was going to make it’s way to PS3. ALWAYS. It just seemed like it belonged on a Playstation console so I never touched Mass Effect.
So am I ever glad that this day is finally almost here and that I’ve saved the experience so it’ll be even more sweet. :) Mind you that was a huge feat as my older brother is an enormous Mass Effect/Bioware fanboy (also doubted my thoughts of it coming to PS3). You want to know what he said to me on Facebook as of recently? Here goes:
“Ps3 gets the most complete mass effect game ever. Like 40 hours of original gameplay, 10 hours of dlc content, access to the cerberus network, updating and stunning graphics (looks 10x better), and the mass effect 3 engine. I ♥ playstation. Now I can fully say I am a playstation fan boy.”
Anyhow, I’m glad to finally be able to play Mass Effect, especially since the second one seemed to be better paced than the first. Can’t wait. :)
when i heard ME2 was coming to the PS3, i finally got rid of my 360, got this one preordered and paid in full, waiting for the launch and a chance to replay one of the best games of this year :)
Insanely grateful PS3 owner here to simply say, “I’m insanely grateful”. Thanks to both Sony and Bioware for taking this port so seriously. I await Janurary 18th with bated breath.
I expressed sentiments like this to Bioware (I’ve been hearing them a lot), and Casey seemed super happy about that.