Mass Effect 3
The Reaper threat is imminent, and with all sentient life at stake it's up to the galaxy's races to rally together and face the oncoming threat as one.
Mass Effect 3 is the planned conclusion to the series that began with Mass Effect in November 2007. BioWare announced its plans to make Mass Effect a trilogy soon after the release of Mass Effect 2.
Character Import
Mass Effect 3, like Mass Effect 2, will allow you to import your save files from the first two games for continuity, with decisions from the first games influencing what happens in Mass Effect 3. Mass Effect 3 boasts over 1000 variables from the first games that influence how the story will play out.
Players will also reportedly be able to continue their Mass Effect 2 characters without starting from scratch.
Characters
A number of characters from the first two games return if they are still alive in the player's previous plays. Confirmed by BioWare so far are Ashley Williams, Kaidan Alenko, Liara T'Soni, Garrus Vakarian, Urdnot Wrex, Tali'Zorah, Jack, Mordin Solus, Legion, Ambassador Udina, Captain Anderson and the Illusive Man. Aboard the Normandy, Joker will return, again voiced by Seth Green, as will EDI, voiced by Tricia Helfer.
Locations
For the first time in the series, a location on Earth will be available as part of the game. This giant city is a future amalgamation of Seattle and Vancouver. Salarian and Quarian planets will also be added to the mix.
Gameplay
Mass Effect 3 uses combat and dialogue systems similar to those in the previous game. A number of other features will be improved, including enemy AI and the cover system.
BioWare is reportedly working with another EA subsidary, DICE, on the game's weapons. DICE is the studio behind the popular Battlefield series of first-person shooters. Weapons are no longer be restricted by character class in the new game.
Release Date
Originally aiming for a holiday 2011 release, BioWare has since scheduled Mass Effect 3 for release in Q1 2012. The game will be released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows platforms.