Mass Effect 3 gameplay and narrative details revealed

by Steven Mostyn - Apr 11 2011, 09:52

A fresh burst of excitement is inbound for fans of the Mass Effect series today following news that Game Informer has unearthed some tantalizing nuggest regarding the finale of BioWare’s sci-fi trilogy.

Specifically, Mass Effect 3’s gameplay structure will apparently run closer to that of the original Xbox exclusive insofar as it will include more in-depth RPG elements and will also see the reinstatement of weapons modification (barrel changing, the application of scopes and accessories).

It’s also worth noting that, unlike Mass Effect 2, every weapon in Mass Effect 3 will be open to all character classes—although load restrictions mean players will need to favor the soldier class if they want to carry all weapon types.

In terms of narrative, Mass Effect 3 will open with Commander Shepard being dragged over the coals in light of events seen during the recently released downloadable mission ‘Arrival’.

However, before the big book of military conduct can be hurled at Shepard, the Earth is suddenly beset by a Reaper invasion force intent on wiping humanity from existence (see below trailer).

Given this is the Mass Effect universe, disciplinary action is conveniently put on the backburner and Shepard is promptly dispatched on (yet another) desperate mission to gather an elite team capable of fending off certain galactic doom.

Interestingly, Game Informer’s report suggests Mass Effect 2’s pro-human group Cerberus and its shadowy boss The Illusive Man will apparently attempt to have Shepard assassinated, even though he championed the organization during the previous game.

Although exact details regarding specific team members have not been confirmed, one is believed to be named James Sanders—who ties into existing Mass Effect canon via his mother, Kahlee Sanders, who has appeared in the Mass Effect novels.

Other returning characters (dependent on concluding Mass Effect 2 game data) are likely to include Anderson, Ashley, Garrus, Kaiden, Legion, Liara, Dr. Mordin, and Wrex. 

Keep it here for more Mass Effect 3 goodness as and when it arrives…

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