Mass Effect 3 [Archive] - BoLS Lounge : Wargames, Warhammer & Miniatures Forum

Gotthammer

07-13-2011, 09:53 AM

Well personally I think every romanceable character should be availble for romance by a Shepard of either gender just so the player can choose what they want whatever their orientation. I don't get the complaining about the focus on homosexual relationships in Bioware games that came up earlier either, in ME2 there were none, which is fewer than ME1 (female shepard+Liara).

My female Shepard wants her blue babies already.

+1

As excited as I am for ME3, I do wonder what will happen after that.

Tabletop game!

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/Normandy02a.jpg

:D

But I imagine it will be an MMO, which will make me a little sad in some ways as I'd rather explore the universe without having to play online - a Wing Commander Privateer type game or something like the old Traveller PC games would be cool - a much more open RPG game.

Ordered my N7 edition... depending on when it comes out I'll probably take time off work to play it. If yuou think that's crazy I played LotSB twice as soon as I downloaded it despite it being 5am and having work in the morning (and being up all night waiting for it after the release delay!) ;)

eldargal

07-14-2011, 01:23 AM

DrLove42

07-14-2011, 05:35 AM

Geth, Collectors, Turians, Quarians, Krogans, Humans as the main races/armies.

Batarians, Salarians and a few other of those small species as "tie ins" somewhere.

Reapers couldn't work really...being so huge and all

Could follow GW and make multiple human races. Pirates, Alliance, Cerberus..

As a 40K style table top it'd work. Could also envision a Gothic style space fleet game...

Kieranator K82

07-14-2011, 05:50 AM

I'll just put it out there: I'd play as the Geth. Hell, if I had the time and money I'd try to convert a Geth army for 40k, possibly as Necrons.

eldargal

07-14-2011, 06:26 AM

Actually I think Asari instead of Quarians, they are the major player while the Migrant Fleet are quite minor. Of course it depends on the canonical ending of ME3.

Geth, Collectors, Turians, Quarians, Krogans, Humans as the main races/armies.

Batarians, Salarians and a few other of those small species as "tie ins" somewhere.

Reapers couldn't work really...being so huge and all

Could follow GW and make multiple human races. Pirates, Alliance, Cerberus..

As a 40K style table top it'd work. Could also envision a Gothic style space fleet game...

DrLove42

07-14-2011, 06:42 AM

How did i miss Asari? If I remebered Batarians how did I forget the Asari?

Depending on canon and time period could even have Rachni...

Looking forward to seeing the Quarians without a helemt in ME3....should be cool. And they do fight quite a lot...just usually only with the Geth

Kieranator K82

07-14-2011, 07:44 AM

Looking forward to seeing the Quarians without a helemt in ME3....should be cool. And they do fight quite a lot...just usually only with the Geth

Wait, are they unmasking the Quarians? I have mixed feelings about that.

DrLove42

07-14-2011, 07:54 AM

They've said we will probably see Tali's face. They were in 2 minds about it, but think they said they were going to go ahead with it.

Probably won't see the rest of the race. Although one feature of ME3 is supposed to be Shepard accompanying a group of Quarians trying to recapture their homeworld from the Geth. So maybe they wouldn't need the suits while in their own atmosphere?

Morgan Darkstar

07-14-2011, 08:04 AM

Wait, are they unmasking the Quarians? I have mixed feelings about that.

So do they. They are still trying to decide if it is the right thing to do.

eldargal

07-14-2011, 08:38 AM

Oh they do fight, but they aren't a major power. They barely have the resources to maintain their fleet, hence the pilgrimage. Contrast the Asari who produce ships like the Destiny Ascension and have financial and cultural worlds like Ilium beyond even the capital Thessia.

Gotthammer

07-14-2011, 12:06 PM

I would kill for a 28mm scale ME game. I've mentioned it in another thread I think that I paid an artist friend to make a full scale brone statue of my 'main' female Shepard character.:rolleyes: I strongly recommend making friends with artists, chances are you can get them to do something for you at just the cost of materials if they can use it for their portfolio.

I'm writing a Mass Effect expanision for my (soon to be completed) skirmish game FireZone (http://www.box.net/shared/bjtpmtd398ou59112tao), thus the models that are slightly modded Infinity minis (you can see my Tali wip here (http://collegiatitanica.blogspot.com/2011/07/mass-effect-minis-and-firezone-update.html)).

One thing I would have loved - LOVED! - EAware to do would have been to allow players to send in their save game files to get their Shepard printed on the game cover. I'd have shelled out $$$ for that, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

This video has some blurb (http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/22/mass-effect-3-creating-garrus.aspx) about designing Tali's face (jump to 7:00, though it's a good watch regardless). Sounds more like that they're going to do the unmasking, but they're not sure how / what.

eldargal

07-14-2011, 10:39 PM

Agreed, I'd have paid for that. I still have problems watching Youtube videos about ME for a split second it's always 'But that isn't what Shepard looks like...' then I remember everyone creates their own.:rolleyes:

There was a lot of speculation a few weeks ago about making Tali 'ugly' or 'beautiful' which was all quite odd. I'd rather she look alien, but beyond that just a normal sort of woman, not outstandingly beautiful nor ugly.

I dreamt about ME last night. There was a white female Reaper who defected, she looked like a cuttlefish.:rolleyes:

eldargal

07-15-2011, 01:53 AM

Just found out about this:
http://biowarestore.com/mass-effect/mass-effect-accessories/ssv-normandy-ship-replica-cerberus-variant

Maybe I'm spoilt by GW, or its just poor pictures, but it looks a little crude?:(

Gotthammer

07-15-2011, 10:03 AM

For the size and price it seems ok quality - I'd of course like a fancier/bigger one though.

eldargal

07-17-2011, 01:45 AM

From here (http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/15/where-are-the-video-game-movies):

Mass Effect

Speaking of good things that come out of the Alberta capital, Edmonton-based BioWare Corp. is toiling away on the final game in the Mass Effect trilogy, due for release in March of next year. Meanwhile, Legendary Pictures (whose catalogue includes Christopher Nolan's Batman films) is working on a Mass Effect movie, with more details to be announced later this month at the San Diego Comic-Con. Screenwriter Mark Protosevich (Thor) is attached, but no word yet on a director, cast or plot. Interestingly, Legendary also has the movie rights to Gears of War and World of Warcraft. Should we be cautiously optimistic?

We'll give it two thumbs up if ... they stick as close to the source material as possible. The Mass Effect backstory is already very well fleshed-out in the games and ancillary media like novels and comics. Fans don't need a director taking liberties with a sci-fi franchise that already ranks up there with Star Wars and Star Trek in scope and imagination.

I already knew a film was in the works, didn't know we would be hearing more about it later in the month. Live action Asari, hurrah! I hope.

eldargal

07-17-2011, 05:05 AM

Sorry about the double post, but people might miss things if I just edit an old one:

Bioware unveils the new companion, James Vega (http://www.ripten.com/2011/07/17/meet-mass-effect-3s-new-squad-member-james-vega/).
http://www.ripten.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/347208815.jpg
I think he looks like a prat.

DrLove42

07-17-2011, 09:02 AM

Drew da Destroya

07-17-2011, 11:17 AM

Apparantly New Guy McGee (as he shall hence forth be known) is a brand new character who knows nothing about hte reapers or Cerberus....hes supposed to be a releatable character for newcomers to the series

Ah, the Expository Character. "Hey, what's that giant spaceship monster, Shepard?" "Oh, Little Timmy, that's a Reaper, an ancient and evil race of sentient space ships that come back every so often to harvest the galaxy of all sentient life. I and the rest of my companions have been fighting them for a good two games now, which you would've know had you played them, but since you're just starting a series by playing the Third Game, we need to explain all these core concepts. Again."

"Thanks Shep. So what are those techno-zombie things?"

"Uuuuugggghhhhh."

eldargal

07-19-2011, 11:21 AM

Bioware 'blown away' by support fot FemShep. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111732-BioWare-Exec-Blown-Away-By-Support-for-Mass-Effects-FemShep) Can't believe they are surprised by this.

Strong hints at a future ME MMO: 'Bioware: Mass Effect MMO "Makes Sense". (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109138-BioWare-Mass-Effect-MMO-Makes-Sense)

Gotthammer

07-19-2011, 12:23 PM

Bioware 'blown away' by support fot FemShep. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111732-BioWare-Exec-Blown-Away-By-Support-for-Mass-Effects-FemShep) Can't believe they are surprised by this.

I think the support is unusual in the level of intensity as only 18% of games are played with FemShep (http://www.destructoid.com/mass-effect-2-player-choice-statistics-are-surprising-188362.phtml) (numbers from Bioware themselves). Given when you look online for videos and such the percentage split seems to swing in FemShep's favour I understand Bioware's surprise.
For a comparatively small fanbase us FemShep fans are certainly very passionate about her :D

DarkLink

07-19-2011, 07:57 PM

I and the rest of my companions have been fighting them for a good two games now, which you would've know had you played them, but since you're just starting a series by playing the Third Game, we need to explain all these core concepts. Again."

"Thanks Shep. So what are those techno-zombie things?"

"Uuuuugggghhhhh."

I love it when the characters in books and stuff just flat out say "go back and read Volume XX of the series". I also love it more when authors figure out clever ways of introducing stuff without resorting to infodumping or exposition characters. And then I love it even more when the author just hits the ground running and expects you to keep up. Unless they do it poorly, and so long as they give me a reason to run with them (Darker than Black was awesome because the characters were so cool I wanted to keep watching. Gardens of the Moon, on the other hand, didn't have enough to keep me engaged in the story before I stopped caring about the hinting that there might be a plot hinting at another plot about a plot hinting at a plot).

eldargal

07-20-2011, 02:56 AM

Huh, that is surprising. It would be interesting to know whether or not that includes multiple playthroughs, as the article points out.

I think the support is unusual in the level of intensity as only 18% of games are played with FemShep (http://www.destructoid.com/mass-effect-2-player-choice-statistics-are-surprising-188362.phtml) (numbers from Bioware themselves). Given when you look online for videos and such the percentage split seems to swing in FemShep's favour I understand Bioware's surprise.
For a comparatively small fanbase us FemShep fans are certainly very passionate about her :D

DarkLink

07-20-2011, 05:58 PM

18% isn't exactly an insignificant figure. When one in five of your customers ask for a feature, you would probably do well to try and include it.

DrLove42

07-23-2011, 07:45 AM

News out of the Legendary Pictures Panel at Comic-Con. The film is in the very early stages, and is set to cover the 1st game.

Likely due for late next year.

eldargal

07-23-2011, 01:08 PM

I really hope it tells a story parallel to the ME1 story and isn't just a 'cinematic canonical Shepard adventure'. I have the game for that.

Drew da Destroya

07-23-2011, 07:46 PM

I think it would be fun if the main character were a Husk, or maybe a Keeper. It'd be a great opportunity to give some real depth and emotion to an oft-overlooked character.

Realistically? I'd love to see Saren in the lead role. Get his side of the story more fleshed out... some of his plans and whatnot. Plus, then they could avoid showing much of Shepard before the end, and avoid 18% of audiences shouting "But Shepard is a girl!"

Gotthammer

07-24-2011, 07:04 AM

Facebooky thing to 'like' the FemShep to be on the art and trailers (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150244340101645.322035.85811091644&type=1) - strangely no FemShepaloo option.

Closest to mine is #5 if she had red hair.

eldargal

07-24-2011, 07:18 AM

I'm with 5 too, because she is the only one that looks vaguely like me.:rolleyes:

How do I like the damned thing?

DrLove42

07-24-2011, 07:21 AM

Somewhere between 4 and 5. I've just started my file to play through to the end, and after 2 through as a dude, its gonna be wierd to see it in a different perspective

Gotthammer

07-24-2011, 07:32 AM

How do I like the damned thing?

I think you have to like the ME2 page first or somesuch.

eldargal

07-25-2011, 10:07 AM

Used a friend Facebook account to like BlondeShep, along with most other people heh. Go blondes!

ME2 Saves will be able to be edited before starting ME3. (http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/07/25/tweak-your-save-before-embarking-on-mass-effects-final-mission/)

pinchy

08-01-2011, 05:42 PM

*Sigh* the least military looking one with hair that would be a pain in the arse in a helmet (and don't even try taking it off to push the hair out of your eyes when you're in hard vacuum) is the one everyone votes for to represent the marine that will save the galaxy. Don't get me wrong she's the one whom if she was real I'd rather go out with but still... the one good thing about the Mass Effect character creators in both the first two games is that they all looked like they might actually be the character they're supposed to be with the tightly tied up or out of the way hairstyle.

This is yet another piece of evidence as to why facebook is the work of the devil.

eldargal

08-01-2011, 10:54 PM

The hair thing is at least a valid complaint, but hell it could have come loose from a pony tail or something to flit about dramatically.;)

What is really pissing me off is the way people on Facebook and some commentators are criticising the choice because 'she looks like a slut' or whatever. Well, as an attractive blonde myself **** you, you sexist pigs.:rolleyes: There is no reason why BlondeShepard could be any less the hero than RedheadShepard or BlackShepard or Brunette Shepard and I haven't seen anyone complaining that MaleShepards look too much like male models than soldiers. Labelling her as 'the popular girl' and a cheerleader just because she is blonde (all the faces are the same, just the skin and hair colour is different) is just sick. Especially from some of the female game writers. Honestly, you have a chance to make a point that looks should be secondary to ability, and all you can do whinge about her being prettier than you? Right.

Will Shepard Live or Die? (http://www.lounge.belloflostsouls.net/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=152219)

I have to say, if there is no choice about whether Shepard lives or dies in ME3, it will be a travesty. Bioware has been saying for months that being the end of the trilogy will enable them to have wildly divergent endings, in which some Shepards will perish. As to the canonical ending, I think killing Shepard off would be a mistake.

pinchy

08-01-2011, 11:17 PM

There is no reason why BlondeShepard could be any less the hero than RedheadShepard or BlackShepard or Brunette Shepard and I haven't seen anyone complaining that MaleShepards look too much like male models than soldiers.

He doesn't look like a male model- he is one:
http://www.nerdappropriate.com/2010/12/02/so-wait-theyre-real/

Having said that he at least has short hair.

...and yeah I agree that people saying FemShep looks like a slut is pretty silly- saying that she doesn't look like she could give an angry Krogan a hiding I could go along with (though I could live with it if she was a biotic/tech).

eldargal

08-01-2011, 11:36 PM

Honestly though, I don't look like I could win a fight with a Krogan but I've lifted a 250lb nerd of the ground by his testicles. So almost a krogan.:rolleyes: Looks can be deceiving.
Yes that is what I mean't, canon maleShepard is a male model, and no one ever whines about that. But no, having a Shepard with blonde hair is suddenly a big issue.

pinchy

08-01-2011, 11:59 PM

Honestly though, I don't look like I could win a fight with a Krogan but I've lifted a 250lb nerd of the ground by his testicles. So almost a krogan.:rolleyes: .

I don't know what's worse- that the Mass Effect wiki says that krogans have four testicles; that this post made me curious enough to find out this fact or that I'm still trying to work out what arrangement they would be in- apparently they also weigh a ton in armour (the krogan as a whole that is not the testicles). I'm sure I had a point somewhere but it's gone now... maybe it will return later.

eldargal

08-02-2011, 01:25 AM

Yep, twice the testicles, twice the targets. :rolleyes:

BlondeShepard has officially won. Take that, brunettes! You and your PhDs in economics and quantum theory...

DrLove42

08-02-2011, 04:47 AM

I've nearly finished my 3rd play through of MAss Effect 1 with the same character (finally level 60) so i can set up my ME3 save file as I want it.

I am geneuinly excited to play ME2 through again soon :D

eldargal

08-02-2011, 04:58 AM

I'm trying to resist doing that, I have Dark Eldar that needs painting.:rolleyes: Oh and my doctoral thesis.

I have:

Mass Effect I & II
All the books
All the comics
All the action figures
All the lithograph things

Everything in fact, except for the apparel (I don't wear t-shirts or hoodies).:rolleyes: I am a Mass Effect wh*re.

DrLove42

08-02-2011, 05:26 AM

Are the books good?

I'm not adversed to reading gaming novels (the Halo books and the Gears of War books continue the strongest part of those games - the story - very well. Just the ME books never appealed to me for some reason

eldargal

08-02-2011, 05:32 AM

Well, I really enjoyed them, if you can pick up the first one cheap somewhere I'd recommend trying it, then if you don't like it you haven't lost out much. This assumes your local libary doesn't have it, I'm assuming libraries tend not to stock video game novels.:p

Bah, gave in an created Ms Barbie Shepard, a blonde Earthborn.:rolleyes:

Drew da Destroya

08-02-2011, 07:48 AM

lol. What class is Barbie? Somehow, I don't see her being an Adept.

eldargal

08-02-2011, 07:53 AM

Soldier, my 8th soldier.:rolleyes: I just love the freedom with weapon choices, is so fun using a sniper rifle to pop heads then switch to an assault rifle when they get closer. Also I love getting an upgraded Colossus X armour in ME1 and just blasting everything without even having to worry about shields and armour being depleted much.

eldargal

08-03-2011, 12:23 AM

New(ish) gameplay trailer:
Mass Effect 3: Comic Con Demo video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EEbGOlClLA&feature=player_embedded)

DrLove42

08-03-2011, 06:49 AM

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-QWvWPbx/0/L/i-QWvWPbx-L.jpg

Also this .... http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/07/27/mass-effect-3-death-to-blonde-shepard/

eldargal

08-03-2011, 07:38 AM

I love Penny Arcade. I already loved them, now I love them more.

Drew da Destroya

08-03-2011, 08:14 AM

You know, I disagree with that article. I voted for both 5 (blondie) and 2 (reds). I like Blondie as a Renegade Shep... something about her looks furious, and vicious. I realize they all have the same face (kinda lame for a "pick Femshep!" contest, but whatever), but for some reason she scared me the most.

I liked #2 as the better "could be good or bad" Shep, but I don't have a problem with blondie, and am in no way ashamed of my vote!

And thanks for the link to the video, I hadn't seen that one yet!

eldargal

08-03-2011, 08:31 AM

Oh, that article is disgusting, a perfect example of how womenare our own worse enemies. Not ourselves, other women, I mean. FemShep is blonde and pretty, therefore she must be a vapid whore and unworthy of being FemShep. I voted for five because she reminded me of me, a little physcailly, but mostly that look of perpetual vicious grumpiness.:rolleyes:

Gotthammer

08-03-2011, 09:51 AM

Good to see all the coments are bashing the article for being stupid - restored my faith in humanity somewhat :D

My biggest issue is that they seem to have de-aged her significantly so she looks more early-mid 20s than 30 something, but they're all like that.

Drew da Destroya

08-03-2011, 12:57 PM

Yeah, all the Femshep contest faces were the same, which seems kinda dumb as far as the contest goes... obviously, people have different faces. The main differences were skin tone and hair color/style. Oh well.

I also disliked how the article started with some pseudo-lesbian attention grabbing. "Oohh, hey boys, I liked to look at a lot of girls... especially in the locker room. Wanna read my article? I'm gonna go all hardcore on blonde Shephard in it. Oooohh, yeah, press that "follow" button, press it hard, baby, please." I get it, sex sells, but come on. Admittedly, it's not like it was a legitimate news item or anything, just some idiot's opinion... oh, wait, what's that? Blogs are now being shown on serious news programs? Daaaaaaaaaamn yoooooooouuuuuu 24-hour news cycle!

Anyway, Mass Effect 3 will be great. Now, it just needs to show up in my mailbox several months early. I promise, I won't tell anyone!

pinchy

08-03-2011, 11:12 PM

Yeah, all the Femshep contest faces were the same, which seems kinda dumb as far as the contest goes... obviously, people have different faces. The main differences were skin tone and hair color/style. Oh well.

I also noticed that- the inner conspiracy theorist part of me wants to think that Bioware were trying to influence everyone to pick a white shepard while still being able to say "look how diverse we are we gave people the choice of who to choose- it's not our fault they chose the skin tone to match the facial characteristics that we gave the character". The more rational part of me however, just sees it as laziness in that instead of changing the facial features to match the ethnicity of the various Shepards' they just reskinned the one they'd made the first time around.

Either way it reminds me of one of those so called "street magicians" (read conmen) in that it really is the classic illusion of choice that most Bioware games give us. There's all these choices... but the response from the npc will be the same no matter which dialogue choice you make... or we'll swap this generic character with an almost identical one... or you miss out on one minor sidequest that had almost no actual gameplay value anyway and which due to the fact that many people won't experience it is pretty much disconnected from everything else- if I'd known all the people who I'd let live in ME1 would pop up in 2 and say "Hi Shepard... you probably don't remember me but I serve no real purpose but am here because we promised actions would have consequences and hence you've run into more people you know in this wide and populous galaxy than most people would returning to their home town of less than 1000 people" then I would have shot them the first time around as they just get in the way of the story and of actually playing the game.

Usually the game's still pretty good anyway but I really wish they'd stop pretending that they are giving people a choice when most the time they really aren't- or at best it's a minor difference... I don't care if you let me choose the type of wine if what I really wanted was a beer. Or a more forum specific comparison- "you can play any 40k army you like... as long as it's a type of imperial space marine".

eldargal

08-03-2011, 11:54 PM

I think that is a bit unfair, a lot of the choices are real even if they don't impact on the main story line.

DrLove42

08-04-2011, 07:07 AM

Apparantly ME3 will have 100's of things that lead on. But you can edit them after importing.

Importantyl there is one "choice" which is bugged. The crazy fan on the citadel in ME1, no matter what you do the game is glitched and reports you were mean (Renegade!) against him even if you weren't

Just finished my play through on ME1! The jump in controls and interface is so much more noticable when you play them back to back.

eldargal

08-04-2011, 07:17 AM

Yep, and as much as I love CRPGS, ME2 is just a smoother, better game to play in my opinion. I'm hoping ME3 bringing back more RPG elements will strike the right balance though. I'd like some more vehicle levels, just not Maka style nonsense. God I hated that. Hit a bump and spend half a minute spinning out of control, grr.

I just reached Ilos with Barbie Shepard. Bit of a speed run, just couldn't face visiting all those planets and slowly chugging around in the blasted Mako again.

DrLove42

08-04-2011, 07:29 AM

On Virmire I hit a little bump and ended up upside down in front of two Armatures. Not my best moment

DrLove42

08-05-2011, 05:27 AM

Bored at work, so flicking through the ME wiki

They've been busy updating the characters! Hadn't seen the change until now

Ashley before (In ME2) - http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110201184914/masseffect/images/thumb/6/64/Ashley_horizon.png/175px-Ashley_horizon.png

And as she will be in ME3- http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110704192451/masseffect/images/thumb/a/a2/Ashley_ME3_Character_Shot.png/150px-Ashley_ME3_Character_Shot.png

Bit of a change! Apparantly shes a Spectre by the beginning of ME3 as well

eldargal

08-05-2011, 06:50 AM

I'd hit it.:rolleyes:

Drew da Destroya

08-05-2011, 10:34 AM

lol. I was sad that Ashley wouldn't join me in ME2, although I was more sad that Wrex was busy. Still, I'm looking forward to Clan Urdnot tearing some Reapers to shreds in ME3.

Ashley as a Spectre, eh? Interesting. I could see Kaiden as a Spectre, but he's dead in my game. Ashley as the second Human Spectre I'm not sure I buy. Miranda, maybe, but she's pretty tainted by her background with Cerberus, and her family stuff. Admittedly, I don't really know what Ms. Williams has been up to since we split company, but I feel like her personal story should've been one of family redemption... redeeming her grandfather's shame and attaining some high rank in the Alliance Military.

Plus, she's at least a bit xenophobic. I helped her with it a bit in ME1, but still, it'd be a concern for me.

eldargal

08-05-2011, 10:43 AM

I always save Ash. I just can't bring myself to save Kaiden, female chauvinist that I am.:rolleyes: I could see Ash becoming a Spectre, she was the only major Alliance member surviving from Shepards team after Shepards 'death'. Bit of transference going on. Xenophobia isn't exactly a drawback for a Spectre, look at Saren.;) I wonde if she will be romancable by girl characters... I'm sure they said there would be no new romances but all existing romances will be open to all genders, and Ash was romancable in ME1 I think?

I think helping save the citadel and getting humanity a seat on the Council would be redemptive.

Drew da Destroya

08-05-2011, 10:56 AM

lol, you've got a point on Saren. And she does work with the Salarians at one point, so it's not like she couldn't put her differences aside to get the job done. At least it isn't Conrad Verner (the Fan)... he'd be a terrible Spectre.

She was definitely romanceable in 1 if you were male.

Humanity already has a seat on the council, I thought, at the end of ME1? And she doesn't need redemption from the Council, she needs it from the Alliance. The Council doesn't care that her grandfather was the first man to surrender to an alien, but Alliance Command clearly does. Admittedly, becoming a Spectre would probably elevate her family's name, but it somehow doesn't seem right. Commander of Earth's forces defending against the Reapers, though, that's a redemption story. Going from the first family to surrender to an alien, to the family that held the Reapers at bay until the cavalry arrived?

DrLove42

08-05-2011, 12:03 PM

Theres deleted footage of Ash and Female Shepard ...enjoying each others company....buried in the PC disk so that was originally an option

I'm always an Ash fan as well. Kaiden whinges too much for me to want to save him.

As a squad I'm a Garrus + Ashely fan. Miranda was a poor substitue in ME2 for my leading lady

Drew da Destroya

08-05-2011, 12:19 PM

If we're talking ME1, I was all about Wrex and Tali. Ashley standing in for Wrex for variety, and Liara thrown in sometimes, too. I didn't much like Garrus in ME1, honestly, but I loved him in ME2. Something about him clicked better... maybe without Wrex around to steal the show, Garrus could look a bit cooler?

In ME2, I switched it up pretty often, but my favorites were Legion, Thane, Garrus, Miranda, Tali. I would've liked Kasumi more, but I got her after I was already done the game, so I didn't see her in action as much. I'd bring in Legion and Thane or Garrus and go team sniper on anything that moved. So many headshots, so little time.

Miranda was a pretty solid squadmate from a skills point of view. Very versatile. The character herself wasn't bad, although for a genhanced human, she wasn't as badass as you are led to believe. Then again, Shep's a cyborg, so it's hard to beat that.

DrLove42

08-05-2011, 02:27 PM

Just playing through the Kasumi DLC cos it came out so much later thna the game I never bothered with it or played it.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty head isn't something I was expecting

Also have say Hock (the bad guy) in this DLC has one of the worst accents ever

eldargal

08-05-2011, 10:42 PM

I mean saving the Council was redemptive, she didn't need to do anymore after that, she was promoted after ME1 afterall.

Idid most of ME1 with Tali and Liara, see above re: female chauvinism.:rolleyes: I liked Wrex though, could never bring myself to let him die either.

I loved the Kasumi DLC, and Liara's. The whole vault breaking scene and doing it subtly or violently was really enjoyable, encouraging to hear they were using it as a testbed for ME3 gameplay. Hope to see more such missions.

That would be a South African accent, genuine. Not too fond of it myself, as Anglosphere accents go it is the most garbled.

I liked Miranda, annoyed they switched her from blonde so she was more 'femme fatale'. Plenty of noir femme fatales had blonde hair. I loved her loyalty missions, the renegae option cinematic with the shooting and the explosions was just beautiful.

I don't like Thane, he annoys me for some reason. Garrus is much more interesting in ME2, I loved the recruitment mission.

eldargal

08-06-2011, 05:35 AM

Multiplayer confirmed (http://videogamewriters.com/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-confirmed-by-uk-mag-cover-19126), apparently.

A lot of people are whining, but I have no problem with this. It isn't like they are getting rid of the single player portion of the game. If more people will play because they can play with their friends that is agood thing for the franchise.

DrLove42

08-07-2011, 02:21 AM

They did a good job keeping that quiet this long

eldargal

08-07-2011, 10:15 AM

Is is bad that I find this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3or9lrQ2_ms) incredibly amusing?:rolleyes:

In other news, check out the latest Bioware Tv thingy on the official ME website, it has an interesting bit about level design.

That they did, though there was lots of speculation that multiplayer was the secret feature mentioned a month or so ago.

They did a good job keeping that quiet this long

Drew da Destroya

08-07-2011, 12:50 PM

Hmm, I've kinda thought Multiplayer would be fun. I'd love to play a Krogan.

Morgan Darkstar

08-07-2011, 05:00 PM

Is is bad that I find this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3or9lrQ2_ms) incredibly amusing?:rolleyes:

that was so bad it became good again :D lol

DrLove42

08-08-2011, 01:52 AM

Hmm, I've kinda thought Multiplayer would be fun. I'd love to play a Krogan.

See I don't think it would? All the biotics and Tech might be interesting a deathmatch situation, but games that focus on single players that add multiplayer traditionally suffer.

Bioshock is a great example of that. 1 was a brilliant game, in my top 5 games of all time. In 2 they added multiplayer. The single player wasn't as good, and the multiplayer sucked. So the game suffered. I'm willing to see how ME3 would work with it, but I don't think its a good idea. It smacks of a compan bolting it on to appease some people and increase their market.

Drew da Destroya

08-08-2011, 07:49 AM

I'll agree that they're adding multiplayer to increase their market, for sure. I just think it could also be pretty fun. I mean, shooters have been incorporating RPG elements more and more recently, from clear damage modifiers in Gears, to leveling up in Reach or CoD unlocking different character perks (sure, in Reach, it's just cosmetic, but I think CoD let you do airstrikes and ****). If done well, ME3 could be a pretty fun RPG-FPS.

I thought Bioshock 2 was pretty fun, although it's been a while since I played either one. Admittedly, I never played the multiplayer on it, so I don't know how that stacked up against the main story. Still, the main story was an interesting exploration of some of the leftover mysteries in the first game. It's been a while since I played either Bioshock, though, so I'm not really effectively comparing.

However, if they flub ME3's main story, I'll help light your torch on our way to Bioware's main office.

eldargal

08-08-2011, 08:00 AM

Bioware hasn't let me down yet, and plenty of their previous RPGs had multiplayer in some form or another and they managed it without messing it up entirely. I trust Bioware to do it right, they know the most compelling part of the game is the story. I wouldn't be surprised that is why they delayed it for, what, six months?

DrLove42

08-08-2011, 08:25 AM

Bioware have let me down twice in the history of me buying their games

1) Dragon Age. That game I did not like. Might be on my own there, but I did not like that game

2) They made KOTOR "3" an MMO not another top notch Jedi RPG game. So I'll never get to play more :'(

Drew da Destroya

08-08-2011, 09:02 AM

I liked Dragon Age, but that's likely personal preference. Dragon Age 2 was good, too, although I was sad to be locked into one particular character. I didn't play the expansion-thing for Origins... Awakening?

I haven't played any of the KOTOR games, much to the chagrin of my friends. A friend of mine was on the TOR beta, and he said it was fun. But, still, it's an MMO, and I just don't have time for one of those anymore.

eldargal

08-11-2011, 12:26 AM

ME3 to be 'single player only' (http://www.gamebandits.com/news/mass-effect-3-latest-title-to-be-single-player-after-all-11803/) afterall, according to Bioware.

No reference to where Bioware said it though, though it was apparently a forum mod so it may not be accurate. Nice to see GW isn't the only company having rumour issues though.:rolleyes:

eldargal

08-16-2011, 09:44 AM

New combat reveal video here (http://kotaku.com/5831304/the-new-mass-effect-3-trailer-proves-mass-effect-can-be-a-pretty-shooter).

Looks pretty nifty, if they manage to do both the shooter and RPG elements well I'll be such a happy girl.

DrLove42

08-16-2011, 11:08 AM

LOL Was about post the same thing...

Looks awesome

Although I think Liara just got snapped into 2 pieces :O

eldargal

08-16-2011, 11:18 PM

Yep, demonstrating the Atlas walker things new crunch attack. It's funny a lot of people are going 'omg Liara iz ded!' like none of us accidentally blew up our squadmates with mini-nukes in ME2.:rolleyes: Apparently it happened to Garrus earlier than it should have during some demonstration so the Bioware chap playing it had to reload. Oh anc according to one of the Bioware peoples twitters, Shepard can get picked up an squished by it to, so it definitely isn't some scripted Liara death scene.

Better version of the video on the Mass Effect site here (http://masseffect.bioware.com/me3/media/videos/489).

DrLove42

08-17-2011, 08:56 AM

Well I just finished through my ME2 play through all set up and ready for March

Council saved, Wrex alive, Kaiden dead, Committed to Ashley, Collector Base destroyed, all crew and team alive, Shadow Broker overthrown, flithy rich, rolling in planetary rescources....and many other things, all of which are the goody-two-shoes options.

Now we just play the waiting game.....

eldargal

08-17-2011, 09:12 AM

Congratulations.:) I'm in the middle of a new playthrough as an infiltrator, enjoying one shotting almost everything with the Widow sniper rifle. I managed to make a good renegade, saved lives and destroyed the collectors base but did it in a 'badass' fashion.:rolleyes: Some of the renegade options are just too fun, like the interrupt to shoot the exploding container at the start of Mirandas' loyalty question, or shooting the fuel tank in Mordins.

Drew da Destroya

08-17-2011, 10:32 AM

I loved me the Infiltrator. Rock that eyepiece "helmet" option, I think it's another 5 or 10% headshot damage.

eldargal

08-17-2011, 10:38 AM

I wish I'd tried it sooner, it is great fun. This is my first non-soldier playthrough in a dozen playthroughs.:rolleyes: I like one shotting those irritating Asari Eclipse Vanguards. Though I feel a bit bad about shooting Asari, always think 'that's one less blue baby I could be producing when this is over'.

DrLove42

08-17-2011, 11:02 AM

The one thing thats stuck with me through my playthrough is the Loyalty missions.

Some are completly irrelevant at the end of the day...missions like Jacobs, Jacks and even Garrus and Miranda are basically pointless in the overall story arc.

But some...particularly Legion's and Grunt's, and theoretically other choices like Kasumi's and Zaeed's have serious overarching bearing on the story in ME3.

Did Legion destroy all the "heretics" in the Geth or re-write them?
Did Grunt kill a Thrsesher Maw and then the other rival to Rex?
Does Kasumi destroy the data that could end the Alliance?
Does Zaeed manage to kill the head of the Blue Suns?

Compared to "Does Garrus get revenge?" or "Does Jacob rescue his father?" some loyalty missions could be as important to the overall story as actual main game quests

DrLove42

08-17-2011, 12:14 PM

Also just seen this;

http://www.facebook.com/masseffect#!/media/set/?set=a.10150264015271645.327924.85811091644

The Mass Effect Facebook has re-opened FemShep voting in round 2. But it just appears to be the same model, down to hair design...the only difference in hair colour. So might not got Blondie Shep after all!

Gotthammer

08-17-2011, 12:24 PM

Redhead's in the lead by 2,000! If she wins it will prettymuch be my Shep on the cover - woot! :D

eldargal

08-17-2011, 10:36 PM

This really pisses me off. The onyl different about the previous FemShepards was the hair and skin colour, now we are voting on hair colour again? What, did Bioware get spooked by all the sexist filth that was being spewed about blondes and decided to give in to it? Really, really low. Not that that I would have minded if RedShep had won in the first place, but this just seems like voting until we get the result most amenable to the sodding vocal minority.

Also just seen this;

http://www.facebook.com/masseffect#!/media/set/?set=a.10150264015271645.327924.85811091644

The Mass Effect Facebook has re-opened FemShep voting in round 2. But it just appears to be the same model, down to hair design...the only difference in hair colour. So might not got Blondie Shep after all!

Drew da Destroya

08-18-2011, 08:50 AM

eldargal

08-18-2011, 09:00 AM

I'm hoping they end this second stupid poll actually, there is a huge fuss on the official forums, an awful lot of people feeling lied to. I mean the first poll was 'vote for the femshep you wan't to see in the game'. So people voted, now we have to vote again. Also, more than a little odd that RedShep has received, in 18 hours, more votes than BlondeShep got in a week. In fact more votes have been cast in the last 18 hours than on the entire previous poll apparently.

At this point I would rather there not be a canon Femshep at all if we have to put up with a week and a half of sexist rantings about blondes only to have the hair colour changed at the last minute in a second poll no one knew was coming.

DrLove42

08-18-2011, 09:02 AM

I don't get why we need to "vote" for a default FemShep anyway.

If the male poster boy is the defauly guy, why not just use the default girl?

eldargal

08-18-2011, 09:40 AM

Fair point, it would have been easier than all this fuss. As it is they stirred up a storm of sexist vitriol aimed at blondes then backed down when the 2nd place RedSheps threw a monumental hissy fit. First time I've ever been dissapointed with Bioware, let alone pissed off.

I'm not so idiotic as to say I'm not going to buy the game or anything, but this whole thing has left me quite hurt. First with being indirectly labelled as idiotic because of my hair colour, then having what good came out of the whole thing stripped away.

pinchy

08-18-2011, 07:38 PM

They probably are right in that there most likely were people who liked a certain hair-style but not necessarily the colour- otherwise blondie would still be winning. Personally if I had to choose I like the darker blonde more-unfortunately my biggest problem all along wasn't the hair colour but the style.

eldargal

08-18-2011, 11:16 PM

True, but they should have done it from the start. If they had said we were voting for the hair style and face it would have been ok, but they didn't, they said we were voting for the canonical FemShep. Then the supporters of the redhead threw such a hissy fit on twitter, Bioware Social and facebook that all of a sudden a new poll appears, completely unheralded. This is what is annoying, all the anti-blonde fuss and nonsense that was stirred up has all been for nothing. They should have just stuck with the default FemShep appearance from the games and not bothered.

pinchy

08-19-2011, 02:08 AM

They should have just stuck with the default FemShep appearance from the games and not bothered.

Would have been totally happy with that- she looked the part and unlike the male shepard doesn't look perpetually confused (for some reason every time there was some sort of cutscene where something blew up I couldn't help but picture him going "Dude").

On a brighter note I wonder if I complain loud enough whether Bioware will make some boxart with no Shepard's on for those of us dumb enough to kill off our entire party in ME2 (which ironically took a rather incredible amount of forethought and planning)? They could put Ashley/Liara/Joker on the box seeing pretty much everyone else is dead.

eldargal

08-19-2011, 02:20 AM

That would be funny, they could call it the Survivor Guilt edition.:p I've never lost a crewmember I'm pleased to say, can't fight the Reapers if the best soldiers in the galaxy are dead.

eldargal

08-19-2011, 08:29 AM

Good interview with a Bioware chap here (http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/872833-mass-effect-3-hands-on-preview-and-interview-a-moral-war).

DrLove42

08-24-2011, 02:15 AM

Guest appearance from a Geth in todays Questionable Content

http://www.questionablecontent.net/

Gotthammer

08-27-2011, 01:55 PM

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/RedShep.jpg

:D

Morgan Darkstar

08-27-2011, 03:08 PM

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/RedShep.jpg

:D

I like.

However they really should have just gone with this from the beginning rather than have the voting

as it was nothing short of. well awful!

eldargal

08-27-2011, 11:04 PM

She looks great, I just wish we hadn't had to have all the filth aimed at blondes dredged up in the sily vote thing to get it.

I just see her saying "I don't need no ******* Doctor to save this galaxy".:rolleyes:

Oh, and, the Reapers can win (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112571-Shepard-Can-Lose-in-Mass-Effect-3).

Drew da Destroya

08-28-2011, 12:54 AM

Yeah, the double voting thing was pretty silly. If they had been up front about that as their plan from the start... well, that would assume that this has always been their plan, and not a reaction caused by seeing all the screaming on the internet.

Anyway, I'll admit that I like me some ginger action.

The Reapers winning is pretty sweet. A bit more powerful than having your whole team die in 2.

eldargal

08-28-2011, 04:23 AM

Yep, saying 'vote for the Shepard you want in the game' then having another vote with no warning was disgraceful.

Just started my first Vanguard playthrough. Pull + Biotic Charge + shot in the face with a shotgun= best fun ever. Seriously.

Morgan Darkstar

08-28-2011, 04:42 AM

I just see her saying "I don't need no ******* Doctor to save this galaxy".:rolleyes:

Amy Pond FTW! :D

eldargal

08-28-2011, 08:05 AM

Indeed, might have to make an Amelia* Shepard for my next playthrough.;) Which will be on Insanity difficulty, last achievement before I have them all.:cool:

*Amy Shepard just sounds so... common.:rolleyes:

DrLove42

08-29-2011, 03:17 AM

The idea of reapers winning is cool.

However I hope its down to decisions made in game 3. If it comes down to decisions in ME1 then it'll suc for a lot of people

DrLove42

08-29-2011, 07:23 AM

Don't know if anyones seen this up to now

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9411-BioWare-and-Dark-Horse-Unveil--The-Art-of-the-Mass-Effect-Universe--Book.html

The official ME trilogy hard back art book, containg sneaks at ME3, a month before it comes out

Also mentioned is another new ME comic series

eldargal

08-29-2011, 07:25 AM

Shall certainly be buying that, and the new comic when it is released.

eldargal

09-08-2011, 12:49 AM

This is very amusing.

Busty Liara figure irritate fans (http://www.thinq.co.uk/2011/9/7/mass-effect-fans-divided-over-liara-figurine/).

I'm not irritated, I think it is hilarious.:rolleyes: Hope they reduce their size a bit, it looks absurd:
http://media.thinq.co.uk/photos/liara-figurine_1_big650.jpg
C to F, must be all that foreign food.

Oh and a screenshot from ME3 with normal sized devils dumplings:
http://cdn.gamerant.com/wp-content/uploads/Mass-Effect-3-Squad.jpg

DrLove42

09-08-2011, 08:36 AM

My immediate though on seeing that was that it had to be Japanese.

And i was right.....no offense to them, but theres something not entirely right in their heads....

Psychosplodge

09-08-2011, 08:42 AM

But more importantly where can you buy that model?

eldargal

09-08-2011, 09:13 AM

I like the Japanese. Last time I visited Japan I was treated like a goddess. :rolleyes:

My immediate though on seeing that was that it had to be Japanese.

And i was right.....no offense to them, but theres something not entirely right in their heads....

Psychosplodge, I don't know, but I've decided I have to have this one if they sell it. So wrong but it just makes me happy looking at it.:p

DrLove42

09-08-2011, 09:36 AM

I like the Japanese. Last time I visited Japan I was treated like a goddess. :rolleyes:

Probably something to do with the height thing :p

eldargal

09-08-2011, 09:42 AM

Probably a combination of the height, blonde hair and being built like that statue of Liara*.:rolleyes:

*slight exaggeration, thank god.

DrLove42

09-08-2011, 10:23 AM

Do you have big googly anime blue eyes as well?

Drew da Destroya

09-08-2011, 11:34 AM

This just in... 6' tall blonde amazon terrorizes Japan. Residents are still recovering from the savage, unprovoked attack. Top scientists are speculating that the creature was created when a normal girl was exposed to a massive dose of radiation due to clandestine nuclear weapons testing by a shadowy government agency.

Also, someone gave Liara a whole lot of plastic surgery... not even her face is the same anymore, and it looks... off.

Gotthammer

09-08-2011, 12:20 PM

My problem with it is she doesn't look like Liara - the chest size is niether here nor there, I mean between ME1 and Shadow Broker she certainly seems to have taken more after her mother shall we say.
But c'mon Bioware, no Liara merch yet and the first you give is so... generic. How 'bout a litho or poster or something.

Ugh.

But hey, FemShep Tshirts (http://biowarestore.com/mass-effect/mass-effect-mens-tshirts/femshep-illustration-tee)!

eldargal

09-08-2011, 11:01 PM

Well I have blue eyes, not sure about googly. I hope not.

The problem with the Liara statue, as amusing as it is, is that it doesn't lok like Liara as people have noted. Face is completely wrong, bust size increase exacerbates it. Pose exacerbates that.:rolleyes:

DrLove42

10-10-2011, 03:17 PM

Mass Effect 3 will have online multiplayer content...not deathmatches, but stand alone co-op missions

More info to come on October 12th.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9796-Mass-Effect-3-Co-Op-Officially-Official---It-s-Nothing-of-What-You-ve-Feared-.html

eldargal

10-11-2011, 12:06 AM

Nifty, I like the idea of co-op missions much more than deathmatches.

Psychosplodge

10-11-2011, 06:16 AM

Once you've played a death match they're all the same really, hence why I still play TF2 rather than buy the latest rehash of moderncallofbattlefiled 2182....

But a campaign co-op would be interesting...

Gotthammer

10-11-2011, 10:10 AM

Multiplayer FAQ (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/8481789/1)

Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War

As a bonus to the campaign, BioWare is introducing the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, a new way for players to manage and experience the galactic war from multiple fronts, including a new 4-player co-op mode. The key to saving the galaxy is the “Galactic Readiness” level, measured by Commander Shepard’s ability to apply

every possible asset – people, weapons, resources, armies, fleets – in the final battle against the Reapers. Players can impact their game’s Galactic Readiness level in multiple ways via the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, including multiplayer. Other platforms and interfaces will be announced in the coming months.

It is important to note that the system is entirely optional and just another way players can have control over your game experience – it is still possible to achieve the optimal, complete ending of the game in Mass Effect 3 through single-player alone.

It's basically create a new character to fight the Reapers on other fronts. You can play as Krogan, Asari, Turian and more. Saved games have no impact on the co-op,

lattd

10-11-2011, 04:27 PM

Now that is a cool multiplayer feature.

DrLove42

10-12-2011, 08:45 AM

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9814-Here-s-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Mass-Effect-3’s-Co-Op-Mode.html

A lot of info, all about the different co-op modes, how they play, and how they interact with the single player

eldargal

10-12-2011, 08:57 AM

Yay, I'll be able to be an Asari at last.:cool:

DrLove42

10-12-2011, 03:30 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTJUYv05hVU&feature=player_embedded

Trailer/Video!

eldargal

10-13-2011, 01:08 AM

Looks promising.:) I wish they would hurry up and release the female Shepard trailer though.

Drew da Destroya

10-13-2011, 11:02 AM

I call Krogan. I call Krogan so hard it hurts.

Also, I sorta hope the Volus are in the game more... either as a multiplayer race (extremely unlikely) or as a party/crew member (more possible, at least). I always liked the little *******s.

eldargal

10-14-2011, 03:46 AM

I too like the volus.

I'm currently debating whether or not to start a new ME2 playthrough on Insane difficulty or whatever to get the one remaining achievement. Hardcore was challening but verging on frustrating at points, not sure if Insane would be pleasant or not.

DrLove42

10-14-2011, 04:18 AM

I like Elcor. But i highly doubt i'm going to get one on my team...love the advert on the citadel in ME2 for "the 14 hour Elcor Hamlet"

But seeing as I won't get them, probably be a Drell online

As for Insane....i'd imagine most of it wouldn't be too bad. But some of it would be evil. The bit where you get ambushed on the Collector ship halfway through the game was hard enough on Hardcore....

eldargal

10-16-2011, 01:38 AM

Bah Insanity is boring. First colony level, empty clip into an enemy, reload in cover, empty clip, reload, let shields recharge, move onto next target. Sloow pacing, not sure I can be bothered with it. I get that the enemy have to be tougher but spending 30 seconds killing a single security mech is tedious.:(

Drew da Destroya

10-18-2011, 12:45 PM

So, I was at NYCC this past weekend, and I got to play the demo for ME3. I went with the Engineer class... the melee attack for the Engineer is crazy. He forms the blade, then uses it to sweep towards the enemy's leg... when it contacts, it makes a big fiery explosion that kills the dude.

I also really liked the new power upgrade method... there are 3 "basic" upgrades at first (The power itself, then usually a Damage, Cooldown, or other similar upgrade, then usually a different one after that), then then 3 "choice" upgrades after that. Choices were usually a choice between, say Damage and Radius, or similar stats. So you can really specialize how your powers will work as you level up. The weapon upgrades table was a little strange... basically, each weapon can get 2 upgrades (not sure if this is expandable), which is a little more similar to ME1's upgrade system, instead of ME2's "Mass Upgrades". Kinda cool, though, each upgrade changes the appearance of your gun, so that was neat to see.

I kinda wish there was a multiplayer demo up, but sadly, there was not. It was a good long demo, too, pretty much that whole demo video you've already seen online, where you protect the Krogan Female until the giant mechsuit drops through the roof. Apparently, the Mechsuit's AI was not prepared for the Engineer's Turret, btw... it tried desperately to fight the thing I had thrown right next to it, while the rest of us stood around and blew the suit away.

I can't wait for this game.

eldargal

10-19-2011, 06:10 AM

Sounds very promising, I hope they release the damned demo soon. And the female Shepard trailer.

Psychosplodge

10-19-2011, 11:33 AM

As long as it has hats....

Kieranator K82

10-19-2011, 08:25 PM

Yes... if it has hats then it will be even more awesome. :D

eldargal

10-20-2011, 07:48 AM

Is this a euphemism for something?

Morgan Darkstar

10-20-2011, 08:07 AM

I prefer ladders, ME3 needs more of them.

DrLove42

10-20-2011, 08:30 AM

What Mass Effect needs?

More Lifts. Long long lifts.

I refer once more to the great ones at Penny Arcade

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/221858835_PP6z6-L-2.jpg

eldargal

10-20-2011, 09:03 AM

I liked the way they poked fun at the lifts in ME2, in Mirandas loyalty mission having the muzak play and then she rips the control panel open and makes it go faster. Then if you have Garrus and Tali together on the citadel he starts to tease Tali about the conversations they would have in the elevator and Tali denies all knowledge and threatens him with her shotgun.:rolleyes:

Psychosplodge

10-20-2011, 01:20 PM

Is this a euphemism for something?

This (http://youtu.be/V0Nw96eI5g0) doesn't really explain anything.
And also neither does this (http://youtu.be/0om2qAiI9Ik)

I prefer ladders, ME3 needs more of them.

Ladders are important, but hats are serious business...

DrLove42

10-21-2011, 04:38 AM

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9898-Mass-Effect-3-Demo-Planned-for-January.html

Mass Effect Demo, both Single and Multi player due out in January

eldargal

10-21-2011, 05:48 AM

Hurray, not as soon as I'd like though given the game is coming in March. Not complaining though just happy to get a demo at all.

DrLove42

10-21-2011, 06:10 AM

Think the demo for 1 & 2 came out after the release itself, so its definently better!

My only complaint is its out in January....which is already a busy time with post christmas launches....but thats just me

DrLove42

10-28-2011, 01:52 AM

Posting quickly, havent read this yet (about to go into my 9 month PhD viva....think i might have to throw up first though. ****ing hate presenting)

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9954-Mass-Effect-3-Co-Op-Hands-On-Preview-–-For-the-Good-of-the-Galaxy-.html

Hands on preview of the co-op mode

DrLove42

11-01-2011, 06:27 AM

Wow triple post, sorry about that

But as no one else has pointed it out i will. Those people who have Battlefield 3 will get early access to the ME3 multiplayer Demo in January

Psychosplodge

11-01-2011, 06:29 AM

Wow triple post, sorry about that

But as no one else has pointed it out i will. Those people who have Battlefield 3 will get early access to the ME3 multiplayer Demo in January
OMG triple post? what you doing man...

better?

eldargal

11-01-2011, 08:48 AM

Poo, I don't want to buy a game I've no interest in playing so I can ge early access to a demo but I'm tempted to do so.:(

Eldargal, Bioware wh*re.

DrLove42

11-01-2011, 09:31 AM

I Imagine it'll be like the MoH "ealry" access to the BF3 beta....they got in 2 days early, and most of that time the servers were broken.

If not it'll only be a week or so...or just find someone who wants Bf3 but not ME3

eldargal

11-03-2011, 08:38 AM

Well that wouldn't be too bad, a few days or a week early. I would be a bit miffed it was a month or something.

I wonder if there is any news on that hilarious Liara statue? Wonder if they decided to redesign it to make it more 'Liara T'soni' and less 'omg bouncy devils dumplings'.

Psychosplodge

11-03-2011, 09:11 AM

They scrapped it and just reskinned her with a lara croft file...

eldargal

11-03-2011, 09:16 AM

I'm not sure it is that easy to re-skin physical sculptures.:p

Drew da Destroya

11-04-2011, 02:43 PM

I'm not sure it is that easy to re-skin physical sculptures.:p

Clearly, you have not tried hard enough.

Gotthammer

11-06-2011, 10:28 PM

Whole bunch of leaked pics of the closed Beta (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=451016). Interesting thing is the "action mode, story mode, RPG mode" selection. Only one with info is Action, which has pre-chosen dialogue options.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6313390679_9a1ece3996_z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/R4gTR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1GWW5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ILQsH.jpg

DrLove42

11-07-2011, 03:33 AM

Apparantly Story makes combat simple and talking and interactions more important,

Combat gives full action and preset conversations

And RPG is full on both (AKA ME1 & 2)

eldargal

11-28-2011, 06:50 AM

No mining (http://www.inentertainment.co.uk/20111126/mass-effect-3-news-lack-of-mining/) in ME3. I didn't mind mining in ME2 (it was a real pain in the bottom in ME1), but it did strike me as odd that you are on this race against time to save the galaxy and whatnot but you can still take time off to shoot probes all over some poor planet.

Oh and head to the Mass Effect official site (http://masseffect.bioware.com) and watch the new Collectors Edition unboxing video they just put up recently. So arousing.

Gotthammer

11-28-2011, 08:33 AM

No mining? But it was my favourite part of ME2. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvbmKWMhjb0)

Art book looks so good... why isn't it here now?! If you freeze-frame you can see Jack's new look, reaperised Asari and a few other fun things.

eldargal

11-28-2011, 08:48 AM

I like her new look, ditto for Ashley (though we knew about her look for ages) and the repurposed Asari look really creepy.

Damn I'm so excited, I can't wait six months.:(

DrLove42

12-11-2011, 06:48 AM

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10326-Mass-Effect-3-VGA-Trailer-Sees-the-Reapers-Rise-Again.html

New trailer. Ever wanted to see a full grown thresher maw give a full size reaper a hug? Nows your chance!

Also at the VGA's last night Bioware announced their next game is C&C Generals 2

eldargal

12-11-2011, 06:55 AM

I am totally not aroused by that trailer, no sir. Nooo...:o

Oh my goodness that thresher maw was fantastic! And all the shooty laser bits and explodey bits, I need a drink.:rolleyes: Want this game now.

scadugenga

12-11-2011, 10:07 AM

In a word? Damn...

Drew da Destroya

12-12-2011, 01:12 PM

Man, I can't wait to have Wrex on my team again.

eldargal

12-12-2011, 11:44 PM

Is he going to be a companion in ME3? I hope so, I forget if they have confirmed it or not.

DrLove42

12-13-2011, 04:19 AM

According to the ME Wiki (which is suprisingly complete) the only confirmed team mates (thu far) are Liara, Ashley, Garrus, Kaiden, Tali and the new guy (Vega).

There apparantly upwards of 10 characters who are "temporary" team mates for one misson or planet or so

eldargal

12-26-2011, 04:27 AM

Screenshot of Ashley Williams in her new Spectre armour:
http://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/mass-effect-3-vga-screenshot-01.jpg
In all my fourteen or so playthroughs I have never once saved Kaiden.:rolleyes: Female chauvinist ftw /fistbumps Ashley.

DrLove42

12-26-2011, 05:26 AM

7 playthroughs, ashley everytime *male hormones ftw*. Very much looking forward to this.

Also ashley looks even more sexy as hell now. look forward to the me3 cosplay now :-P

eldargal

12-27-2011, 01:35 AM

I like her new look a lot, seems to be saying "I'm confident enough in myself and my abilities to be more feminine in a male dominated environment rather than looking like a tomboy to try and fit in". I may be over-thinking it.:)

DrLove42

01-05-2012, 04:25 PM

Pre-order benefits are up for the UK. Definnetly worth going to GAME for it

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10474-UK-Pre-Order-Bonuses-for-Mass-Effect-3-Revealed--GAME-Get-Retailer-Exclusives.html

eldargal

01-06-2012, 12:23 AM

Neat. Huh, only two months to release when did that happen? I'm not sure I'm ready emotionally.:rolleyes:

DrLove42

01-13-2012, 06:19 AM

ME demo likely to be released before February 10th

Also...play the demo for KoA Reckoning and you get exclusive stuff in ME3. (on the 360 at least, not sure about PC)

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10520-KoA--Reckoning-and-Mass-Effect-3-Demos-Each-Bring-Exclusive-DLC-[Updated-with-Trailer].html

Psychosplodge

01-14-2012, 04:34 PM

Looks like won't be getting it if the origin accessing files bit is true...

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/8975536/1

eldargal

01-15-2012, 04:32 AM

I don't see the problem, I've never had a problem with Origin spying on me and my brothers set up some pretty fancy security to detect and stop that sort of thing.

Psychosplodge

01-15-2012, 04:21 PM

I'd have to build a new machine to have enough ram to run a virtual machine to run origin.
Nobody should have to go to the effort of taking "measures" to protect their privacy from what should essentially be anti piracy software. Hopefully they'll go the way of ubisoft and lose 90% of their pc sales without any corresponding increase in console sales...

eldargal

01-15-2012, 11:41 PM

Well Bioware are denying it is invasive anyway, and my computers protection isn't specifically aimed at Origin, it is just regular high levle protection.:) It has never detected Origin trying to do anything nasty.

Psychosplodge

01-16-2012, 03:33 AM

They're hardly going to say otherwise are they? And have mine set to a paranoid level of security, I just intensely dislike the idea of a program behaving like malware in scanning file names and send them elsewhere.

Chronowraith

01-16-2012, 12:27 PM

A lot of programs do this actually. Steam? Yup. World of Warcraft? Yup. Any Adobe software beyond Reader? Yup.

Most software these days have DRM utilities that scan your system and report back to a license server elsewhere. Blame China for their extremely poor (next to non-existent) anti-piracy laws.

Also, most internet security and anti-virus programs also scan and submit files... that's how they report, track, and develop remedies for a lot of viruses these days.

Psychosplodge

01-16-2012, 05:52 PM

Steam gives you an opt out at install. If steam was doing this I'd have seen it in the log files, and uninstalled it.
Apparently anti-virus companies are the ones that originally singled origin out as behaving like malware.

DrLove42

01-17-2012, 04:05 AM

Simple solution

Buy it on 360 :P

Psychosplodge

01-17-2012, 04:48 AM

Simple solution

Buy it on 360 :P
Not really as they'd still be making money off it, and also 360? lmao as if paying to play online beyond the cost of internet.

Morgan Darkstar

01-17-2012, 04:31 PM

Not really as they'd still be making money off it, and also 360? lmao as if paying to play online beyond the cost of internet.

So PS3 then? :p ^^

Psychosplodge

01-17-2012, 04:46 PM

Maybe 2nd hand when it's a tenner lol

DrLove42

01-18-2012, 04:30 AM

Mass Effect Demo

14th February

I hope you don't have any significant others. Cos they're going to be ignored.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10575-Mass-Effect-3-Demo-Hits-on-Valentines-Day.html

eldargal

01-18-2012, 05:04 AM

Yay! Want it now.:rolleyes:

eldargal

01-23-2012, 01:27 AM

Found some interesting titbits about Me3 from this two (http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Interesting-Mass-Effect-3-Details-38850.html) article.

BioWare is fixing up a few of the issues from the previous two games while also adding in brand new gameplay mechanics for the third game. For instance, space travel will now include territorial consequences, such as passing into Reaper territory will see them tracking down the Normandy and players must engage in a mini-game of sorts to thwart their pursuers.

Also, the Normandy will be directly affected by the progress (or lack of progress) in the war effort. How the ship will be affected was not revealed but I imagine it will undergo some sort of change to reflect decisions directly affecting the Normandy and its crew.

There is also an action figure range with some element of DLC (http://www.justpushstart.com/2012/01/22/mass-effect-3-figurines-bundled-with-dlc/), no Liara figure though which is irritating.

Also check out this Asari cosplay:
http://www.gameranx.com/images/gallery_assets/mass-effect-cosplay/13182848939.jpg

And Samara/Morinth (http://www.gameranx.com/images/gallery_assets/mass-effect-cosplay/131828499312.jpg). Very well done, pictures from here (http://www.gameranx.com/gallery/mass-effect-cosplay/?utm_source=crowdignite.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=crowdignite.com).

DrLove42

01-23-2012, 05:42 AM

That is pretty impressive. At first looks I thought it wasn't real

New stuff!

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10612-Freddy-Prinze-Jr-Lends-Voice-.html

The video attached is a bit of a mix.

Mass effect is on from the beginning to 3:06 (includes a brief flick over the opening of the game and the return of the Illusive Man). 4:58 to 6:50 (including new stuff of Ashley and the first footage of Shepard on the surface of Mars to find the Prothean Archives where you meet Liara). 10:24 to 12:15 (first stuff for the new character - Vegas) and finally 14:43 to 16:55 (first footage of the multiplayer and demo info - its both single and multiplayer demo)

Damn. I'm gonna have a hard time picking a 2 man squad in the game...

eldargal

01-23-2012, 06:20 AM

And I thought I couldn't get any more excited.:rolleyes: Ooh and they mentioned that amusing statue of Liara, I'm going to get one just because it is so hilarious. Plus I have a thing for Asari.

eldargal

01-24-2012, 05:10 AM

Speaking of the Liara statue, they hjave given her a breast reduction:
http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/files/2012/01/liara_after.jpg
So considerably less silly now.

Gotthammer

01-24-2012, 07:35 AM

Her facial proportions are a bit better too. Considering getting one now- just have to figure out if my girlfriend will let me ;)

Psychosplodge

01-24-2012, 08:15 AM

Her facial proportions are a bit better too. Considering getting one now- just have to figure out if my girlfriend will let me ;)
As long as you don't put it in the kitchen or bedroom she shouldn't notice

sorry couldn't resist

eldargal

01-24-2012, 08:50 AM

I was going to buy one before because it was just so amusing, but now it actually looks rather nice so I'll still be getting one.:rolleyes: Anyone know how much these things usually cost, I'm assuming around seventy to eighty pounds?

Gotthammer

01-24-2012, 09:54 AM

$60us on the Bioware store (http://biowarestore.com/mass-effect/mass-effect-accessories/liara-tsoni-statue) (out of stock though).

BigBadToyStore has her for $54.99 (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT10804&mode=retail&picture=aux1), but not available til June.

The bioware shirts are really nice too, I'm actually wearing the Liara one (http://biowarestore.com/mass-effect/mass-effect-mens-tshirts/liara-pin-up-tee) at the moment.

eldargal

01-24-2012, 11:33 PM

Hm 60USD is very reasonable, pity shipping from the US is another 50% from BigBadToyStore. I wonder if Bioware will get more in stock. Bit odd to run out of stock for a pre-order. Bioware doesn't sell lady t-shirts?:( Not that I wear t-shirts anyway mind you.

Gotthammer

01-25-2012, 12:18 AM

They do sell womens gear, but not as big a selection (http://biowarestore.com/mass-effect/mass-effect-ladies-apparel) - some of their lines seem to be running out across the range, likely in preperation for ME3 gear being released.

The pre-order was probably just the first batch they're getting in, sort of like what Forge World did with IA11.

eldargal

01-25-2012, 01:24 AM

I'll wait for them to get it back in stock then.:) Are these statuettes supposed to put on display or kept in their packaging? I don't want to commit a kotobukiya faux pas.:rolleyes:

Psychosplodge

01-25-2012, 02:27 AM

Buy one for display, and one for saving....

eldargal

01-25-2012, 03:59 AM

I like the way you think.

Psychosplodge

01-25-2012, 05:08 AM

It's what I do with the limited edition models, one for painting one for saving....

eldargal

01-27-2012, 07:38 AM

Two new ME3 team mates revealed here (http://thegamershub.net/2012/01/two-new-mass-effect-squad-mates-discovered/). No pictures though. I totally predicted the second one.:cool:

Found pictures, needless to say, spoilers:

Crewmate One (http://i.imgur.com/1vPVo.jpg)
Crewmate Two (http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/chassan1/scan0001.jpg)

DrLove42

01-27-2012, 08:11 AM

Wait what?

How...a *insert race of new guy 1 here*? He just turns up? Surely thats not sensible from a timescale point of view? That doesn't make any sense

But he does look pretty bad ***

And the 2nd one? What? That makes even less sense! I can 100% predict that she will stay on the ship unless I have to take her. Also top left picture? Shes a Twi-lek surely :P

*Sigh* have to see what *new guy 1 here* is like but this is going to make choosing a team of 2 quite hard...

Gotthammer

01-27-2012, 09:07 AM

Hey, Doc, mind editing that so those of us who didn't want to be spoilered won't be spoilered.

DrLove42

01-27-2012, 09:20 AM

Done. Sorry...i was just slightly mistified by the choice of species...

So to balence my little spoilerific post, heres the new multiplayer trailer

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-10671-Mass-Effect-3-Special-Forces-Vid-Goes-Multiplayer-Mad.html

The Asari in multiplayer look amazing. Also the "gore" seems to be up from previous games, where the sniper round explodes its targets head

Gotthammer

01-27-2012, 09:37 AM

Don't worry bout it, I'm not too fussed about the squadmates, but someone might be.

It was rumoured for a while supposedly:

[click and highlight below]
They found some DNA and cloned them, or found on in cryostasis, depending on the rumour

The multiplayer looks awesome - is it bad I want the to be Conrad at 0:34? He'd make a great SpecFor soldier, for he knows what it is to be truely extreme.

eldargal

01-27-2012, 10:08 AM

Highlight:

I've had a feeling a prothean could turn up, we don't know what happened to the Prothean scientists who returned to the citadela after the near extinction of their species. They had repgrammed the Keepers by then, while the VI on Ilos assumed they had starved need it be the case? The Keepers may have looked after them, maybe they built a stasis pod or bred. Or both.

Alternatively, as Gotthammer mentioned, it could be a clone. They did mention Prothean DNA in ME2. But why a clone of a Prothean would be some help without specialist knowledge is hard to say.

As to EDI, I thought this could happen ever since she described the Normandy as her body. I like the idea though the reception on the forum I found the pictures was less than positive. But nerds are whiny little sh*ts so I'm not taking any notice.:rolleyes:

The multiplayer trailer does looke excellent, particularly the Asari. You're right too, the sniper totally makes that girls(?) head pop. I'm all for multiplayer I must say, with development being outsourced to a different studio it won't impact the quality of the single player game as is usually the case.

Just beat the Shaodw Broker DLC on Insanity difficulty, rather pleased with myself. So far the worst fight has been the collector ship platform fight.

Also, when on earth is the FemShep trailer coming out? Grr.

eldargal

01-29-2012, 03:25 AM

Well I just finished ME2 on Insanity, and wasn't it fun.:rolleyes: Honestly I think the hardest bit in the whole game was the first visit to the collectors ship. This will probably be my final ME2 playthrough, which is a little sad.

I checked on the forums and the FemShep trailer is supposed to be coming 'soon', and some have suggested it may come with the demo. Curious fact, the ME3 forums make Warseer seem like a warm, fuzzy nest of love and joy.

DrLove42

01-30-2012, 09:55 AM

Warseer is a hole of wargaming nerds.

Any video game forum...you get interplatform fanboys, wierd fanfiction authors, people who get disturbingly attached to one character, etc etc.

Video games forums are among the darkest holes of the internet society. And thats coming from someone who used to run a medium sized one, not to mention post on a few more....

eldargal

01-30-2012, 11:19 PM

Sadly true, its kind of odd when the best place I've to talk about Mass Effect is BoLS.:rolleyes:

So Mass Effect: Deception, the fourth novel, is on sale now and early reviews are not promising. In fact there is a crowd sourced document (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XBpMF3ONlI308D9IGG8KICBHfWKU0sXh0ntukv-_cmo/preview?pli=1&sle=true) detailing all the errors found so far. It sounds pretty terrible, glad I didn't pre-order it. I actually enjoyed the previous three (written by one of the ME series writers), they may not be high literature but they were entertaining. In fact the only error that bugged me was the mention of the claim that naturally blonde hair would be nearly extinct by the time Mass Effect it set, it is complete pseudoscience. Anyway, os far with Deception around 80 major errors have been identified, I've included some below.

Potential spoilers:

6. Deception claims the asari found the Citadel first and learned to use mass effect technology after that - How did they get in the Citadel first without using mass effect technology? [Error: Lore]

10. Batarian pirates slave-raid on the turian homeworld of Palaven - while not impossible, this is incredibly unlikely due to the militaristic nature of turian society, one consequence of which is possession of one of the largest military fleets in the galaxy. And even if there had been a raid on Palaven, the turians would have likely responded with overwhelming military force. [Error: Lore]

14. Batarian Slave Ship released to Gillian and company by quarians - Quarians view ships as one of their most precious resources, and they would not be so willing to part with a fully functional ship by giving it to Gillian, especially when it has what appears to be a “Tantalus drive core”. [Error: Lore]

27. Two volus are described as wearing masks that don’t completely cover their faces - This would result in instant death for a volus, as they must wear completely sealed environmental suits that provide both the ammonia atmosphere and high pressure they require to survive, and keep them isolated from the oxygen-nitrogen mixture breathed by other species, which is poisonous to them. [Error: Lore]

Oh, and highlight:
Gillian Grayson, a young, less angry Subject Zero, a powerful biotic who mysteriously knows how to do every biotic power in the games even though only Asari can do Reave and some powers are impossible for a single biotic to learn, gets killed with a sharpened toothbrush.

Having read a bit of it on my brothers Kindle, I can safely say that William Dietz is the C.S. Goto of Mass Effect, except not as good. Going to go start another ME2 playthrough to take my mind off it. There is a petition starting to get Bioware to declare Deception non-canonical given that is defecates all over the canon, I think internet petitions are stupid but I might actually sign this one.

Psychosplodge

01-31-2012, 02:36 AM

Surely nobody can be as bad as cs goto and actually sell books?

eldargal

01-31-2012, 03:14 AM

You wouldn't think so would you? But no. I've not read any other books by Dietz so I don't know if he is a food author or not, but I can safely say Gotos' books had more redeeming qualities than ME: Deception.

Edit: Also I just lost all faith in humankind (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12875849/talisweat.jpg).

DrLove42

01-31-2012, 08:15 AM

Remember what I said about video game forums and people getting disturbingly attached to one character? I think trying to synthesise a fictional species sweat so you'd know what she smells like is one good example there...

New info on demo BTW. It comes out on the 14th as everyone knows. The single player will be free for everyone at the outset. However the multiplayer part of the demo will only be available for people with Battlefield 3 for the first 3 days. it opens up for everyone else on the 17th

eldargal

01-31-2012, 08:21 AM

True. My favourite idiocy on the Bioware forums at the moment is 'ME3 will suck because Deception sucks despite the author of Deception not being at all involved with ME3' followed by 'omg Bioware are making it up as they go along because one of the writers talked about evolving and changing the story as they go along'.:rolleyes:

Also on 7th of February they will be announcing what items and whatnot you will earn for ME3 by playing the demo. I'm hoping for a pink gingham circle dress for civilian wear.:p

Oh, and there is a new video about the voice cast up on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG9otVyV6GI&feature=player_embedded). It's really rather good.

DrLove42

01-31-2012, 09:11 AM

Apparantly if you buy the artbook you get a code for exclusive in game DLC...

Also yaey for FemShep finally making an appearance in a trailer

Cant' come soon enough. I have the day its released off....cos its in the week I have off for my donoring.

Why couldn't it have been out a few days earlier? I'm going to be sat around at home doing nothing waiting for it now :P

eldargal

02-01-2012, 03:49 AM

I've already pre-ordered a collectors edition art book. I just can't resist anything with 'Mass Effect' and 'Collector's Edition' in the title.

Someone on th Bioware Social forums made a collage of all the in-game FemShep moments:
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7739/femshepingamecollage.jpg

There are also some nicen ew screenshots up on the Mass Effect 3 website:

Diana Allers
http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/screenshots/screenshot-046-p.jpg

Liara looking cute
http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/screenshots/screenshot-050-p.jpg

Anderson looking 'ard
http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/screenshots/screenshot-047-p.jpg

Gotthammer

02-01-2012, 11:00 AM

I've already pre-ordered a collectors edition art book. I just can't resist anything with 'Mass Effect' and 'Collector's Edition' in the title.

Damn straight. So addictive... :D

Liara looking cute

I prefer to think of it as "B!tch please. Mark who? Mark Vindaloo? Never heard of him."

eldargal

02-01-2012, 11:39 PM

Hehe, Mark Vindaloo.

Chris Priestly of Bioware posted a rather nice thing on the official forums about the voice actors:

Glad your (mostly) liking the video. I do think the cast is pretty damned fine and they all do a great job in ME3.

I've loved Martin Sheen ever since Apocalypse Now and I've said before that The Illusive Man is my favorite character across all 3 games.

I would follow Keith David into battle just to listen to him shout orders at me. Forget the fact that he was Childs or that he fought Roddy Piper in the alley. Anderson is THE man.

I got to meet and talk to Jennifer Hale at SDCC and PAX last year. She is possibly the most charming and friendly actor I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Plus, when I met her at PAX after SDCC, she remembered who I was which inflated my ego 10 points that day.

Let me tell you my Ali Hillis story. She was at SDCC and did a signing on our stage for fans. Eventually here handler (an agent, friend or someone) had to remind her she was late for an appointment and she had to go immediately. As she was leaving, a fan in a Liara costume was talking to me and Ali stopped and came over exclaiming how great it was to see her character. When her handler reminded her she was late, she said "but this is ME, I have to get some pictures" and she took the time to have pictures taken with the Liara fan and signed some dedictaed autographs to her on the way out. It isn't every celebrity that would take the time to appreciate a fan like that.

I know there are still people who just don't "get" James Vega. All I'll say is wait till you actually meet him. Freedie Prinz Jr will change your mind.

Jessica Chobot is a Mass Effect fan and has been since the first game. I'm glad they used her not only because she does a great job in the role, but someday I may get to meet her now.

So many awsome cast members. Seth Green/Joker, Tricia Helfer/Edi, Carrie- Ann Moss/Aria, etc.

{smilie}

The Ali Hillis story is nice. I want her autograph now.:rolleyes:

Also, teehee:
http://i.imgur.com/x95lE.jpg

eldargal

02-02-2012, 11:38 PM

Just read a nifty thing on the Bioware forums. Spoiler re: Liara's parentage:

Highlight
Matriarch Aethyta, the Asari bartender on Ilium, is strongly implied to be Liaras' 'father', she mentions fathering a pureblood child she had no contact with and in Shadowbroker surveillance footage of her she is seen drinking and staring at a photo of Liara.

Also some more teasing about FemShep trailer from ME3 Facebook page:

Some clever folks saw the FemShep Easter Egg we had in our Cast Announcement Trailer and took some screenshots! Keep your eyes posted for more from our favorite redheaded N7 marine coming up!

eldargal

02-03-2012, 07:34 AM

'Enough ideas for a Mass Effect 4' (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/334474/bioware-on-mass-effect-4-potential-still-plenty-of-stories-to-tell/),says Bioware chap. Not really we hadn't heard before, we knew there would likely be future games set in the ME universe. Talk of a possible prequel is new though.

DrLove42

02-03-2012, 10:09 AM

Interesting

Depending on the end of 3 what could it be? Continued wars of the Geth? A civil war a few hundred years later?

Or maybe a prequel? First contact war maybe? Or even the Prothean war against the Reapers (even though we know how that one ends)

Edit - They've also suggested that you should keep your ME3 saves, like you did for ME2 and 1. The only problem I see there is given the gap between games, if a systems used those saves, it'd be one of the last games of the generation, with the new xbox tipped for reveal next year

eldargal

02-03-2012, 11:50 PM

I think something along the lines of conflict while the galaxy rebuilds after the Reaper invasion would be nifty. The galaxies militaries will be mobilised but authority will (I assume) be somewhat in dissaray and the economy will be shot to pieces. Could be a lot of scope for various things, think the Cold WAr post WWII. Krogan might get uppity if they get cured, or the Geth, or the Batarians.

DrLove42

02-04-2012, 08:49 AM

Mass Effect Acheivements have gone public

I'm gonna call the list spoiler free...they give very vague references to parts of the story, but nothing too serious.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/mass-effect-3/achievements/

Seems a doable list.... ranging from the crazy hard (insane playthrough (condiering they say they've made it harder)) to the retardely easy (visit a shop)

eldargal

02-04-2012, 09:10 AM

Hopefully it will take me less than two years to get around to doing it on Insane difficulty.:rolleyes: Actually it made ME2 much more tactical, something I think the people who complained about simplified combat should have checked beforehand.

The anticipation is really building and from the sound of some of the previews (of the first ouple of hours of the game) we won't be dissapointed.

Wow, I'm really impressed, Bioware actually apologised for the problems with Deception and said they would be fixing them in futur editions:

Mass Effect fans have been asking for a comment on recent concerns over Mass Effect: Deception. We have been listening and have the below response on the issue.

The teams at Del Rey and BioWare would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the Mass Effect fans for any errors and oversights made in the recent novel Mass Effect: Deception. We are currently working on a number of changes that will appear in future editions of the novel.

We would like to thank all Mass Effect fans for their passion and dedication to this ever-growing world, and assure them that we are listening and taking this matter very seriously.

Teehee:
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2043/bluekn.jpg

Gotthammer

02-04-2012, 09:47 AM

The cold war style game could be interesting, as would something of a prequel - the Skyllian Blitz maybe?

Good move by Bioware to actually fix the gigantic errors in the book - would be good if more companies (or Forge World in particular) would do that sort of thing.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/ME2LotSBDM.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/motivator595754abf2bafa3954ceac3d5b71f3eb96f6a15e. jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Gotthammer/40k/motiv797.jpg

eldargal

02-04-2012, 10:02 AM

Skyllian Blitz could let us see a 'green' Shepard which would be pretty nifty. First Contact War as DrLove suggested would also be good. Poppin' caps in turians and whatnot.

Bioware apologising is rather unusual, people over at BSN are whining that it isn't enough but really, it is much more than anyone could have expected. It also means I might be able to maintain my 100% record on collecting ME literature eventually.:)

Speaking of which, new 'wtf is wrong with these people' topic from BSN 'Shepard gets his/her *** kicked by Vega because he/she has a blood nose in the trailer where they are sparring'. Because blood nose = *** kicking. I give myself blood noses walking into things, I don't consider it that that door kicked my ***.:rolleyes:

eldargal

02-07-2012, 11:57 PM

Apparently the first ME3 DLC name was accidentally released (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/mass-effect-3-from-dust-dlc-purchased-at-gamestop-before-launc/), 'From Dust',

Also we should be hearing about what items and such we get for completing the ME3 demo soon, they were supposed to be announced yesterday but weren't. Might be a timezone thing, no idea what time it is in Canada and too lazy to google it.:rolleyes:

Psychosplodge

02-08-2012, 02:36 AM

Do you not feel cheated when you spend £40-£50 on a game, only to have DLC almost immediately available? It's like buying half a game....
Anyway fallout:vegas game of the year is out soon lol....

eldargal

02-08-2012, 02:42 AM

Not really, given how expensive games are getting to develop I'm all for developers using DLC as an alternate income stream. In my opinion the biggest problem with video gaming right now isn't DLC, DRM or whatnot but the fact games are being deliberately dumbed down to go on consoles as well.

Psychosplodge

02-08-2012, 02:51 AM

Yeah I can agree with that, I just feel it should be done after the games released to extend it's lifespan not on initial release when they should be working the bugs out the game...
The difference between Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Dragon Age 2 is appalling, and yet they're all RPG's with a similar fantasy setting....but the dumbing down... OMG like totally!!1!

eldargal

02-08-2012, 07:24 AM

Like I said, games are a lot more expensive to develop now than they were back then. Dragon Age 2 did have its issues but I till enjoyed it for the story and ironically the dlc was one of the best parts. Standards are higher now. Don't get me wrong, Baldurs Gate (1&2) is still my all time favourite pc game but going back to play it now is hard, I have trouble immersing myself in a game where NPCs mostly only have a single line of dialogue. A lot of it is nostalgia, too, BG one had quite poor balance. Have a mage or two with summon animals and everyone with bows/slings and you could win almost any encounter without being touched. Ditto for BG2, there was a nifty exploit of the time stop spell which let you insta-kill anything in the game.

People love complaining about the dumbing down of rpgs but often fail to explain exactly why it is dumbing down vs streamlining. Take Mass Effect 1&2. A lot of people complained ME2 dumbed down the game mechanics, and while in some ways they went too far with the streamlining (weapon customisation and skills were dissapointing) ME2 was a much faster paced, exciting rpg.:)

Psychosplodge

02-08-2012, 09:06 AM

I still think the secondhand market is damaging developers, when you see forty copies of a game in cex or game or somwhere it's hardly a stunning advert, then the retailer re-sells the it for nearly full rrp and deprives the developer of funds....tbh imo its nearly as bad as piracy

Mage? what is this mage you speak of, the mighty Boo and his guardian Minsc can destroy anything, Bwahaha.

but seriously it was a straight port of ad&d rules i think, so balance was as it was in that, i suppose the encounters difficulty depended on your level when you had it. But considering I just hit everything with a sword, I never experianced the mage overpower issue...

Dumbing down to me is along the lines of not getting stuck anymore trying to figure something out, games literally push you along, and practically shout at you if you ignore them....

eldargal

02-10-2012, 01:15 AM

Bioware have updated the ME3 webpage with four new shortish videos (all quite decent) and some new information and whatnot. Also I read somewhere that the FemShep trailer is supposed tobe released tomorrow, and the demo is coming in four days.:) Edit: Actually it is 'FemShep Friday' so one imagines the femshep trailer will be released sometime today not tomorrow, yay.

DrLove42

02-10-2012, 03:43 AM

Holy christ I'm looking forward to this....

And the good news is my better half is work the 14th so I can play it all day :p

eldargal

02-10-2012, 04:55 AM

My anticipation levels are reaching ridiculously high levels also, and the story telling and gameplay trailers aren't helping. God knows how I'm going to feel after watching the FemShep trailer.:rolleyes:

eldargal

02-10-2012, 05:52 PM

Femshep Trailer (http://www.masseffect.com/videos/video/5d6f875a5de4b36f2ecb0e7fa5698b09) is up on the Bioware website, yay. It's a nice trailer, too. Samara and Miranda make brief appearances which is nice.

Gotthammer

02-11-2012, 12:51 AM

You can also catch Mordin, Jacob, Legion and Kaiden in the snippets.

And when Miranda does her thing, there's someone who looks suspiciously like Shepaloo in the background instead of FemShep.

Great trailer though :D

eldargal

02-11-2012, 03:58 AM

I noticed Mordin, Legion and Kaiden in my second and thid playthroughs but I keep missing Jacob.:rolleyes: It is a great trailer, glad they didn't do anything silly like not having her beating up on Vega when MaleModelShep does. Heaps of people on the forums talking about how they weren't comfortable having a woman and a man sparring. They all need to (wo)man up in my opinion, I've been sparring with my brothers since I was five, nothing wrong with the odd blood nose.

I like the new FemShep screenshots Bioware put up, too:
http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/screenshots/screenshot-053-p.jpg
http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/screenshots/screenshot-054-p.jpg