Back in 2007 Microsoft and BioWare launched Mass Effect, an immersive scifi role playing game that was intended to offer an intense gaming experience, but also engage players emotionally in the game’s characters and story—including a a controversial (although off-screen and non-interactive) girl-on-girl love scene that managed to get the game banned in Singapore. Now BioWare has announced Mass Effect 2, promising more-intense combat, in-depth planet exploration, expanded weaponry…and, of course, an engaging story that will emotionally involve players in the game.
“We’re going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect,” said BioWare CEO and Electronic Arts VP Dr. Ray Muzyka, in a statement. “Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable RPG-shooter experience, taking players on a non-stop roller-coaster ride filled with stunning plot twists and no-holds-barred action.”
BioWare expects to ship Mass Effect 2 for PCs and the Xbox 360 console in early 2010—missing the 2009 end-of-year holiday sales window. A game trailer is live on the Mass Effect Web site.