Mass Effect 3 Preview
Developer: Bioware
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: Xbox, PS3, PC
Release Date: 9 March 2012
The Reapers are coming…
Players once again get to take control of Commander Shepherd in this thrilling conclusion of the Mass Effect trilogy. EA and Bioware were kind enough to invite some of the Bone-idle staff along to the Mass Effect 3 launch party, where we got hands-on with the latest installment.
The game opens quite frantically, giving players a quick recap of what’s been going on in the past two games, and then hurling them directly into the middle of the action. The Reapers (a hyper-advanced machine race) have come to Earth and are intent on destroying (or enslaving, if they’re feeling generous) the entire population. Everything about the game feels incredibly cinematic, from the relationships you share with other characters to the action itself.
On the title screen, players are given the option to import their character data from the previous titles, which in turn affects how the narrative progresses. For those who haven’t played the previous games, they are given some general options to choose from in order to psychologically sculpt the main character. This seems like a particularly interesting tool for newcomers, but will be familiar to those that have played the first two games. There is, of course, also the option to mould Shepherd in your own preferred image, with plenty of options available in changing his physical appearance.
The action is similarly accessible, easy for newcomers and fans alike to simply dive into. The decision making keeps things interesting for the player while the actual shooting handles impressively. Missing your target never feels unfair and Shepherd is very easy to manoeuvre on the battlefield. The balance between the story and action is exceptional, never dwelling too long on either in order to keep the player alert. Provided this balance maintains throughout the entire game (and Bioware can attach a fitting conclusion to such an epic trilogy), this promises to be a strong contender for Game of the Year!
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