Mass Effect

[TheTrueHOOHA]

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by morello:<br>The high scores can't be stressed enough. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br>Bring on the PC port! </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>You know, I heard that the exclusivity window on Mass Effect is for only one year, and then it'll be ported to the PC, but I really can't remember where I read it, which makes me think it could just be a forumtrash rumor. Can anyone confirm/deny whether we're looking at an eventual PC port?

 

[pToast]

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TheTrueHOOHA:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by morello:<br>The high scores can't be stressed enough. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br>Bring on the PC port! </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>You know, I heard that the exclusivity window on Mass Effect is for only one year, and then it'll be ported to the PC, but I really can't remember where I read it, which makes me think it could just be a forumtrash rumor. Can anyone confirm/deny whether we're looking at an eventual PC port? </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I would guess forum trash rumor. I mean, its definitely possible, but Bioware denies all existence of PC ports until their official announcement. So its incredibly unlikely theres any official word on a pc port right now.

 

[Diabolical]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Donlo:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Diabolical:<BR>Oh man, this may be the only shitty thing to happen right out of the gate....<BR><BR><BR>I've accepted a job over in the great sandbox, and I'm pretty sure that I'll be there by the 20th of November.<BR><BR><BR><BR>I'm going to need the wife to order then send me this. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>You'll have time to play Mass Effect?<BR><BR>The biggest thing holding me back from getting a 360 right now is a don't have (nor can I afford) a nice HDTV. I do have a nice 19" LCD monitor I could hook it to, but that kind of defeats the purpose of a console, no? I'm also telling myself "just wait for the PC version" but by then Mass Effect 2 will most likely be out... </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>60 hour weeks, 12 hour days for 5 out of 7 days.<BR><BR>So yeah, I'll have time. I won't be going off base/post, as I am the whitest American in the world. Casper may have me beat, but thats because he glows naturally.

 

[WhiskeyOscar]

Has Bioware ever made anything that's stayed on the console exclusively for ever?<BR><BR>I reckon it'll hit PC eventually, just like Halo did, just like Final Fantasy did.

 

[donlo]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Diabolical:<BR><BR>60 hour weeks, 12 hour days for 5 out of 7 days.<BR><BR>So yeah, I'll have time. I won't be going off base/post, as I am the whitest American in the world. Casper may have me beat, but thats because he glows naturally. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I don't know the other kids called me powder in middle school...and it wasn't because I had awesome powers

 

[sword_9mm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Has Bioware ever made anything that's stayed on the console exclusively for ever? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>isn't mass effect published by ms?<BR><BR>what have they published that has stayed on the xbox/360 exclusively? nothing that i know of.<BR><BR>i'd say in a year pc users will get a beefed up port of mass effect. or at least a port.

 

[Harbinger]

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">yeah, the comment in the article about how they saw party members firing at walls instead of enemies in combat gave me a bit of pause. Still, it sounds like the rest of the game more than makes up for a few quirks in combat. </div>
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<br><br>If it's anything like their past games, you'll so quickly be able to make the PC unstoppable that your crew will be irrelevant any way. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>heh, good point.

 

[Semi On]

Has anyone pondered their build type long enough to decide on a class yet? I'm really torn between a couple of them. In general, I tend to play RPGs like a soldier. But the biotics sound pretty fucking cool. And the sly, sneakiness of the Infiltrator is appealing as well. But the Vanguards get to play both with weapons and <strike>magic</strike> biotics. And, of course, cross-specializing classes tend to be a little crappy in both which would suggest Soldier or Adept.<BR><BR>Decisions, decisions...

 

[Zyrxil]

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pToast:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TheTrueHOOHA:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by morello:<br>The high scores can't be stressed enough. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br>Bring on the PC port! </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>You know, I heard that the exclusivity window on Mass Effect is for only one year, and then it'll be ported to the PC, but I really can't remember where I read it, which makes me think it could just be a forumtrash rumor. Can anyone confirm/deny whether we're looking at an eventual PC port? </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I would guess forum trash rumor. I mean, its definitely possible, but Bioware denies all existence of PC ports until their official announcement. So its incredibly unlikely theres any official word on a pc port right now. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I think it's pretty much a given that they will. EA acquisition gives a tiny bit of doubt, but still I think it's 95% probably a PC port will come out within a year.

 

[Tom Foolery]

After watching the trailers, I think I will probably be grabbing this when it comes out. I've been looking for a decent sci-fi RPG, and this one looks pretty good.<BR><BR>But, like Semi On, I really don't get much time to play, so I will be playing BioShock until this comes out.<BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Has anyone pondered their build type long enough to decide on a class yet? I'm really torn between a couple of them. In general, I tend to play RPGs like a soldier. But the biotics sound pretty fucking cool. And the sly, sneakiness of the Infiltrator is appealing as well. But the Vanguards get to play both with weapons and magic biotics. And, of course, cross-specializing classes tend to be a little crappy in both which would suggest Soldier or Adept.<BR><BR>Decisions, decisions... </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I was thinking Engineer. Mostly because I am intrigued by the "Reverse Engineer" talent. Although Sentinel seems cool, too.

 

[Semi On]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I was thinking Engineer. Mostly because I am intrigued by the "Reverse Engineer" talent. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>That stood out to me too, but my experience with Bioware is that there will invariably be an NPC you meet fairly early on with this ability that you can focus on this aspect of the game, freeing yourself to combat type applications.<BR><BR>At least, that's my expectation.

 

[Deviation]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I was thinking Engineer. Mostly because I am intrigued by the "Reverse Engineer" talent. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>That stood out to me too, but my experience with Bioware is that there will invariably be an NPC you meet fairly early on with this ability that you can focus on this aspect of the game, freeing yourself to combat type applications.<BR><BR>At least, that's my expectation. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I dunno about that. In Baldur's Gate II, they prod you <B>*very*</B> hard to be a thief of some sort, since the only NPC rogue in the entire game is killed quite early on.

 

[Tom Foolery]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR>That stood out to me too, but my experience with Bioware is that there will invariably be an NPC you meet fairly early on with this ability that you can focus on this aspect of the game, freeing yourself to combat type applications.<BR><BR>At least, that's my expectation. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Usually true at least in the Neverwinters and KOTOR (which are the only Biowares that I have played). Maybe Sentinel is looking better and better. I always thought that playing as a straight soldier (or fighter, or whatever) limited my options. In the Neverwinter games, I always liked playing the rogue, but that may be a holdover from the old AD&D pen and paper days, when nobody wanted to be a thief or a cleric.<BR><BR>Edit: Speeling

 

[NavyGothic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Deviation:<BR>I dunno about that. In Baldur's Gate II, they prod you <B>*very*</B> hard to be a thief of some sort, since the only NPC rogue in the entire game is killed quite early on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Eh? There's two other multi-class thief characters, one of whom happens to be a central part of the main storyline. Either of them has more than enough thief skills to get you through all the traps / locks in the game.<BR><BR>I agree that Bioware will definitely provide a range of NPCs with pretty much every skill you could want. Whether or not you want them in your party is another question...<BR><BR>Edit: Oops, make that *three* thief characters, thanks Eyris6

 

[Eyris6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Deviation:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I was thinking Engineer. Mostly because I am intrigued by the "Reverse Engineer" talent. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>That stood out to me too, but my experience with Bioware is that there will invariably be an NPC you meet fairly early on with this ability that you can focus on this aspect of the game, freeing yourself to combat type applications.<BR><BR>At least, that's my expectation. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I dunno about that. In Baldur's Gate II, they prod you <B>*very*</B> hard to be a thief of some sort, since the only NPC rogue in the entire game is killed quite early on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Somewhat OT: Given that if you're not playing a thief as the PC, all you care about is removing traps and opening locks, Jan, Imoen, or Nalia can all do a fine job of this. None of them will be backstabbing anything or sneaking ahead to scout, but then, you'd rather have them cast anyway. I found that with all the dual/multi class NPCs in BG2, that you can assemble pretty much whatever party you want and do just fine (although the pure class party of evil awesomeness will tear stuff up: Edwin, Viconia, Korgan, and you (thief type unless you take Imoen along, then whatever you like)).<BR><BR>Edit: bah, beaten.

 

[WhiskeyOscar]

I think I'll play it like I play all RPGs first time though. As the guy with the biggest weapon.<BR><BR>I want the guy with the biggest gun and strongest armour. Two guns would be nice too.

 

[Tom Foolery]

Perhaps Infiltrator is the way to go, then. In FPSes I tend to enjoy the sniper rifles more than anything else. But Whiskey Oscar has a point, in the first play-through, it's easiest to play the brute force character.

 

[Agreschn]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<br>Has anyone pondered their build type long enough to decide on a class yet? I'm really torn between a couple of them. In general, I tend to play RPGs like a soldier. But the biotics sound pretty fucking cool. And the sly, sneakiness of the Infiltrator is appealing as well. But the Vanguards get to play both with weapons and <strike>magic</strike> biotics. And, of course, cross-specializing classes tend to be a little crappy in both which would suggest Soldier or Adept.<br><br>Decisions, decisions... </div>
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<br><br>Quoting myself from page 3:<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<br> Originally posted by mastertonberry:<br> Just from a cursory glance at the Krogan pic, he looks like Admiral Ackbar without the fish eyes.<br><br> For such a hardcore guy in the book, I think I'd laugh if I ever saw Skarr. Of course, by the time I'm done laughing he'd probably have punched my guts out of my body.<br><br> Just out of curiosity, what type of character are you all going to make your Shepard? I think I'll do the Vanguard class, because I want to feel badass like a Jedi but also shoot guns. </div>
</blockquote> <br><br><br><br>Infiltrator or Sentinel for me. And I think I might actually play through as a female Shepard, too.... -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>Stealth edit: Okay, we're talking about what class of Shephard you'll play... how about what Shephard choices you'll make (best way I can think of to describe it)? Are you going to be the "I'm mister tough guy who can do everything and does whatever it takes to get the job done... <strike>you can call me Jack Bauer</strike>" or are people going to play "Oh, look at the birds and the bees, and the bunnies and the fuzzy-wuzzy cute wittle animals which I must save and pwotect!" (...that sentence hurt to type....)? Or somewhere down the middle? Hard to really describe/ask I guess, as we don't have a ton of information on the choices that can be made but based on previous games you've played where you had the "choice" to be good or bad.<br><br>I'll probably switch back and forth between good/evil as the mood hits... I'm kinda fun that way! See what urge strikes me and then go with it! Although, a bad-ass no-holds-barred female Shepard?? Rowr. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/eyebrow.gif --

 

[WhiskeyOscar]

That's also another fair point, how many will be playing through as male or female Shep?<BR><BR>Personally I'll be playing through as both, since it apparently doesn't make a jot of difference, but I suppose watching a female ass jiggle about on screen for god-knows how many hours is mildly more entertaining than watching a male ass do the same.<BR><BR>That's my excuse anyway, I'm a pervert.

 

[senduran]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by WhiskeyOscar:<BR>That's also another fair point, how many will be playing through as male or female Shep?<BR><BR>Personally I'll be playing through as both, since it apparently doesn't make a jot of difference, </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Well, as in all other Bioware games, it makes a difference to the romances you can access and some of the other character interactions. That's what makes it worth playing the game at least twice.

 

[WhiskeyOscar]

Honestly I never really knew it made a difference with character interactions, time to dig out old disks and give that a shot.

 

[Semi On]

To Agreschn's point, I think I'll play a mix until I know more about how the interactions affect the ending. In my first play through, I like to play "myself" as I imagine I would act in such a situation. I suppose I just don't have enough history truly role playing new personalities as some of you old table top people. Generally speaking, I tend toward neutral or chaotic good in real life, so my Shep probably will as well.

 

[senduran]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by WhiskeyOscar:<BR>Honestly I never really knew it made a difference with character interactions, time to dig out old disks and give that a shot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I should emphasize the 'some' character interactions. It's flavor, but nice flavor. Some quests might be slightly different depending on gender, but those are rare. The main and substantial difference is the romances. If you don't follow the romance plots, or don't fancy the idea of playing as the opposite gender and romancing your own gender characters, it might not be worth a play through just on the basis of changed gender. I usually combine changed gender with changed alignment (play evil instead of good) to maximize the differences in the second playthrough.<BR><BR>(Sadly these things can sometimes be incompatible: eg. you might not be able to romance someone if you're the wrong alignment.)

 

[tenoch]

I more than likely will play as a heavy hitter or healing/support type. As for play style I usually go all good the first run through and then turn to the dark side none of this middle of the road. I will say though with Bioware I have enjoyed the evil path much more than teh goody two shoes so I might go with the evil bruiser from the get go.

 

[cputeq]

Well, I just happend to pick up the Game Informer at the newstand today and I read up on the Mass Effect review.<BR><BR>First, I'm really disappointed with the review. It's horriby inadequate-- it basically just covers the quality of the storyline and delivery. The review is also disappointing in length, getting only 1 page. (Then again, Halo 3, same issue, only gets one page).<BR><BR>Game Informer seemed to assume everyone already knew all about the game, even though it's an entirely new IP, unlike Halo 3, so they cover very little about the game.<BR><BR>For a super-abridged version, read below:<BR><BR>Mass Effect has an awesome storyline and makes you feel like your choices hold real, galaxy-altering consequences. The combat is fast, slightly confusing, and usually unbalanced because battles are either brutally overwhelming or done so fast you have to wonder how much your input had on the outcome of the fight. The end. 9.75<BR><BR><BR>I'm still going to get the game, if Microshaft ever actually decides to mail me back my 360, but I'm still waiting for a real review...the Game Informer let me down this time (I normally really dig the mag).

 

[CannonFodder]

I have a question: are the dialogue choices more nuanced, or do they follow the traditional Bioware format of<BR><BR>1) Good<BR>2) Evil<BR>3) Fratboy Asshole<BR><BR>?

 

[Commodore75]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cputeq:<br>Game Informer [...]<br>Mass Effect has an awesome storyline and makes you feel like your choices hold real, galaxy-altering consequences. The combat is fast, slightly confusing, and usually unbalanced because battles are either brutally overwhelming or done so fast you have to wonder how much your input had on the outcome of the fight. The end. 9.75 </div>
</blockquote>OMG! They think it's even better than KotOR2 (9.25)?!?<br>-- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif -- / -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>In other words, I'm thinking printed press media probably isn't the best place to look for reviews of a game like Mass Effect.<br>Not that I think I will own a x360 by the time the game launches (Nov 23 in Europe. Thank you MS!), but I'll be waiting for reviews by <strike>reviewers</strike>gamers who have played (through) the game (at least twice).<br>I have no doubt that this game will have some great good parts. <br>The question for me is how irritating/lacking the bad parts are.

 

[Semi On]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have a question: are the dialogue choices more nuanced, or do they follow the traditional Bioware format of<BR><BR>1) Good<BR>2) Evil<BR>3) Fratboy Asshole </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>They claim so. But no one has played it enough to answer this completely.

 

[senduran]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have a question: are the dialogue choices more nuanced, or do they follow the traditional Bioware format of<BR><BR>1) Good<BR>2) Evil<BR>3) Fratboy Asshole </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>They claim so. But no one has played it enough to answer this completely. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I think the important point to note is that now that they don't have a good/evil tracking system and a bar, dialogue and dialogue choices don't need to be forced to give good or evil points, so no, I don't expect it will be so obviously good/evil/mean this time around.<BR><BR>The choices you actually make are more emotion/personality based anyway (ie. one of the directions on the dialogue wheel essentially means 'aggressive' or 'angry').

 

[pToast]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CannonFodder:<BR>I have a question: are the dialogue choices more nuanced, or do they follow the traditional Bioware format of<BR><BR>1) Good<BR>2) Evil<BR>3) Fratboy Asshole<BR><BR>? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>KoTOR and Jade Empire did that yes, but BG2 certainly didn't follow that method. They usually had 4-5 reply options. I would hardly call it tradition.

 

[Commodore75]

[EDIT]<BR>^ "Console tradition"? ^<BR>[/EDIT]<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<BR>[...] The choices you actually make are more emotion/personality based anyway (ie. one of the directions on the dialogue wheel essentially means 'aggressive' or 'angry'). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I just hope this doesn't turn out to be like "Alter Ego"(C64)...I like being a two-faced devil.

 

[mogbert]

Yeah, MS claimed in a press release it had a Metacritic score of 97 or something, but it was a lie. MC doesn't score something until it gets at least four reviews. And I don't think a pre-build hands-on preview at a trade show should qualify for a review. Too much can change (hopefully for the better) in the final pressing.<BR><BR>That said, Mass Effect is one of the main reasons I'll be buying an XBox 360 once the Falcon board becomes available in Elite.

 

[TDawgBR]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cputeq:<BR>Well, I just happend to pick up the Game Informer at the newstand today and I read up on the Mass Effect review.<BR><BR>First, I'm really disappointed with the review. It's horriby inadequate-- it basically just covers the quality of the storyline and delivery. The review is also disappointing in length, getting only 1 page. (Then again, Halo 3, same issue, only gets one page).....<BR><BR><BR>...but I'm still waiting for a real review...the Game Informer let me down this time (I normally really dig the mag). </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The last couple issues have had final reviews of games that hadn't even gone into production yet at the time of the review (Phantom Hourglass, Guitar Hero 3). It makes me question whether they're actually playing the games or not.<BR><BR>While I appreciate magazines for some of their exclusive previews, their reviews are generally not something I put too much stock in.

 

[InfiniteNoodles]

I just finished reading the prequel novel and now I can't wait for this game to come out.<BR><BR>Has anyone heard anything more about the limited edition yet? I'm really hoping it becomes available somewhere other than online from gamestop, as I wouldn't be able to get it on the 20th due to shipping time. It seems odd that they're making the people most enthusiastic about this game wait longer to play it.<BR><BR>As for classes, it would be nice to know if characters can still use a weapon even if they don't have a particular skill for it. I'm really torn between vanguard and soldier, but it looks like vanguard might be stuck with pistols and shotguns only. Why can't I use biotics AND an assault rifle?<BR><BR>There's also the whole thing about being able to specialize a second time later in the game. Does that mean my soldier can get biotics, or that my vanguard can use better guns? This game will definitely require a couple play-throughs.

 

[Agreschn]

Link to Major Nelson's video that was recorded when he toured BioWare earlier this week. Just over 6 and a half minutes. Talks to the Project Lead (Casey Hudson), Writer (Drew Kapywhatever) and Lead Artist (Derek Watts).

 

[Diabolical]

I'm passing on Super Mario Galaxy this Tuesday so that when the 20th comes around, I'll have no issues when it comes to picking up the single reason I bought an XBox 360 in the first place.

 

[morello]

Early impression from copies sold ahead of street date and reviews indicate this game surpassing anything Bioware's ever done before. <BR><BR>Pretty good replay value too (especially given reports of people w/ the game spending 30+ minutes on just character customization):<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> From their lead designer:<BR><BR>- The level cap on the first playthrough is 50.<BR>- Beating the game the first time raises the cap to 60.<BR>- You can reach this cap by playing a new character (very hard to reach) or using an old character to re-enter the game.<BR>- You bring over all your gear and money from the previous playthrough when you restart with an old character.<BR>- You can customize new characters on subsequent playthroughs using unlocked talents earned from achievements. Think Adept with a shotgun.<BR><BR>Now that's serious incentive to replay. Not to mention that you'll be able to carry your character over to the sequel. Amazing job, Bioware. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> <BR><BR>Finally, if you need any convincing whatsoever that this game will kick more ass than anything else this year, or you want to see one of the sweetest videos on ME, just <B>watch the official trailer in all it's HD glory (really, you ought too):</B><BR><BR>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27725.html<BR><BR>This game looks freaking amazing. There's no other way to put it, especially when you factor in it's all on a single disc. Just in that trailer alone, there's a tremendous variety of planets, locations, textures, and of course since this is an RPG, the amount of branches and different ways to customize your character's abilities is quite a bit as well; and that trailer probably only shows a small amount of what the whole game contains.<BR><BR>Amazing. <BR><BR>That link again if you didn't watch it:<BR>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27725.html

 

[Kevin Lowe]

AAAAGHH! Finally, a broken street date that I could get in on, and some piece of shit bought <I>every copy</I> at my local store, probably to go straight to eBay. I've tried KMarts in two different states (I was on the road this weekend), to no avail.

 

[pcgeek86]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<BR>AAAAGHH! Finally, a broken street date that I could get in on, and some piece of shit bought <I>every copy</I> at my local store, probably to go straight to eBay. I've tried KMarts in two different states (I was on the road this weekend), to no avail. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Me too. I feel your pain.<BR><BR>They're going for more than $100 USD on eBay.

 

[nobe]

is it bad that i placed a bid? -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/eyebrow.gif --