A defining trilogy, finally in one launcher

There haven't really been many series that try to do what Mass Effect does. Other games have certainly carried choices across individual entries or even multiple games, but Mass Effect threads the various decisions your C??ommander makes throughout three full games and their myriad DLC.

It stands out as a major piece of what the PS3-360 generation was, and what hasn't been attempted since, except by other BioWare games like the Dragon Age series—and even then, those games swap their protagonists, rather than carry a? single one through. It isn't just a hero, but a Commander Shepard, your Commander Shepard.

The result is a series with divisive takes and differing preferences, ranging from which romance and squadmate is the ultimate best to which choices are the right ones to make. I'm still taken aback when people say they killed Wrex on Virmire, or Mordin on Tuchanka, or escaped the Collector's Base without a perfect run. For some folks??, these are their canon playthroughs, preserved in amber as the way they experienced this trilogy for the first time.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PC [reviewed], PS4, Xbox One)
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Released: May 14, 2021
MSRP: $59.99

It's nigh-impossible to separate those experiences from playing Mass Effect. They're essential to the experience. And thankfully, the Legendary Edition doesn't make too much effort to change any of that. What's amazing about the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is simply what it is: this entire trilogy,?? with (almost) every single piece of additional content, gathered into one unified launcher. That alone is enough reason for anyone who enjoys storytelling in games, tough choices, big space epics, or just some good R??PG-shooter hybrid fun to take note.

For those who haven't played or heard about these games, Mass Effect follows the story of Commander Shepard, a human soldier who becomes embroiled in a galaxy-spanning conflict after activating a beacon left behind by an extinct alien race, the Protheans. As you embark on your journey to hunt down a rog??ue special agent, you meet and befriend aliens of many different spec?ies, all with their own backstories and cultures; you fight synthetic battle platforms called the Geth and dozens of mercenary armies; recruit a team, get to know each other, and maybe even fall in love. And eventually, you uncover the greater threat: a fleet of life-forms called the Reapers, who are going to eventually invade the galaxy.

I've spent the last few weeks putting another 100-plus hours into all three games, in an effort to see exactly how the trilogy has changed, and in some cases, how it hasn't. All three of the Commander Shepard-led Mass Effect games are here, and the only DLC left out is Pinnacle Station, which isn't a tough loss when ?compared to other, more plot-relevant side stories. It is the full trilogy, accessible from a launcher that lets you easily carry one save—in my case, Jareth Shepard—through all three games.

Of course, there are still changes made to the individual parts. This isn't a 1:1 recreation, but it's also not a full-on remake. The first Mass Effect received the most attention, and it really does show. Character models are noticeably different, mostly to? positive results (though maybe not for Udina), and environments look fairly different compared to their original counterparts. There isn't a magic switch to flip to see the old look, but the changes range from aesthetic—espe?cially in the lighting department—to a few arenas here and there that have been moved around.

There are also some gameplay adjustments made, mostly to smooth out the experience of Mass Effect 1. The Mako is a little weightier and stickier, though I still found myself defaulting back to the legacy controls. The combat tune-ups feel pretty good though; as I wrote before, this is definitely still Mass Effect 1, with all the good that entails but also some of the jank?? that can never be fully removed (and depending on who you ask, that's a good thing).

Journaling our way through the Milky Way

• Mass Effect: Legendary Editio?n - impressions of Mass Effect 1
• Mass Effect 2's intro still absolutely rules
• Mass Effect: LE's photo mode lets me see the trilog??y in a new way

Overall, it means Mass Effect 1 is a pretty big draw for both newcomers and old fans alike. The former get an easier onboarding process, and the latter get a new and improved version of the old game which, aside from some lighting qualms, is probably the best representation we've had yet of what the first Mass Effect is. That isn't the core of what this is, though; it's the whole tri?logy, all gathered into one.

Launching into Mass Effect 2 feels just like it did back in 2010, which is to say it rules. The second and third Mass Effect both look nicer, though the change is less drastic compared to the first Mass Effect game, but Mass Effect 2 retains a lot of its ambiance. Omega still feels like the shady haven for t?he scourge of the galaxy, Illium is an Asari-built corporate bastion with ?practically zero oversight, and man, do I love visiting Tuchanka.

The adjustment to Paragon and Renegade morality feels really good, so even if I was making the same choices I've always made (how else are you supposed to play Mass Effect), I wasn't hanging on the edge of my seat to see if I had enough points to settle squadmate differences. Mass Effect 2 largely stands the test of time on its own, and its incredible DLC—namely Lair of the Shadow Broker and Arrival—are perfect bridges to the trilogy's grand f?inale.

Where Mass Effect 2 feels the least affected by Legendary Edition changes, and the first game clearly got the most direct attention, Mass Effect 3 feels the most different thanks to what isn't there: multiplayer. As the Reapers invade and the galaxy goe?s to war, there is only one bar to manage that ultimately determines what ending options you have and how devastating the conflict is to?? the united galactic forces.

I was worried it might be a little more difficult to get all the resources this time around, but importing a save, doing most of the crewmate-related side stories (and saving them when given the option), and doing some DLC like Leviathan and Omega still got me to high enough ??War Assets to get the achievement. It mostly feels like importing a save, and carrying a single Shepard through the trilogy versus starting in one place, is more rewarded.

And that's the magic of it all: the simple ability to carry ??a single character through three games and their myriad DLC, creating a cohesive version of this trilogy. Even playing through this on PC via Origin not too long ago, I still had to buy the DLC as separate pieces, and ensure my save was carried over properly between each game.

The Legendary Edition makes it easy. Every piece of content is packed in and doled out. I can literally see my Shepard moving through each game, culminating in the end of their journey at the conclusion of Mass Effect 3. There are some lingering relics of the time—the game distributes its DLC a little haphazardly, so new players might end up playing content like ME2's Arrival before they really should—but this is, quite simply, all of Mass Effect (sans Andromeda) in a single package.

It's incredible to have. Across three games, you can essentially see an entire console generation's approach to cover-shooters and RPGs, as well as a studio's internal design philosophy, evolve over time. At times, even despite the fairly lengthy adjustments made to Mass Effect 1, the Legendary Edition feels like a time capsule?? of its era of game development.

That also means some aspects and issues of the time have lingered as well, especially its lacking romance options for queer characters until the third game, though modders are already working to implement some of that again in the Legendary Edition.

Those issues aside, it doesn't usually feel dated to its detriment. This trilogy has some great combat and gameplay, but it's always had its cast of characters as its strongest pillar, and that hasn't changed as the years have gone on. Liara, Tali, Garrus, Wrex, Thane, Mordin, Legion, Grunt, and everyone else who sets foot on the Normandy are as memorable as ever, with plenty of loving attention paid to making them look good across the series. Seriously, Wrex's Mass Effect 1 appearanc??e is something else; I literally let out a vocal "woah" wh?en I first saw him in-game.

If we're setting off to new horizons and, eventually, a new Mass Effect, then Mass Effect Legendary Edition serves as a solid collection of this trilogy. This is everything these three games were, and still are to many fans, preserved for time. Just like the capsule Liara makes during Mass Effect 3, this is what can hopefully stand the test of time and carry what thi??s trilogy is—its characters, its worlds, and its stories—forward for ages?? to come.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Shepard.

While things have been very quiet on the Mass Effect front as of late, fans will be pleased to hear that publisher Dark Horse has opened pre-orders on a surprise release in its range of video game tomes: The Art of the Mass Effect Trilogy: Expanded Edition.

As spotted by Eurogamer, this new coffee-table tome is a bumper edition of the original art book released by Dark Horse back in 2012 and will boast 272 pages crammed full of sketches, design concept, spe?ed-paintings, and portraits of the characters and locations that mad??e BioWare's holy trinity such a memorable and indelible RPG experience.

The Expanded Edition will feature all of the art from the original release, but will also include new chapters featuring latter-day DLC expansions such as ME 2's Lair of the Shadow Broker and ME 3's amusing Citadel. I'm a big fan of the original release - currently staring at me from my bookshelf as we speak - and I'm definitely in the market for a revision. Penguin House currently has listed a release date ??of February 23, 2021.

Now... about that trilogy remaster...

Art? of the Mass Effect ?Trilogy: Expanded Edition book pops-up for pre-order [Eurogamer]

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Finish the galactic war on Xbox One

N7 day is a pretty big deal, despite me not hearing a damn thing about it. I guess fans are really crazy for Mass Effect; I liked the first two games (especially?? the second), but I checked out when EA went crazy with Origin and?? making its games exclusive. I guess I missed out, but maybe not for long.

Mass Effect 2 and 3 are now backward compatible on Xbox One. Major Nelson let the world know through Twitter and fans are pleased (despite one guy calling the series trash). Anyone who grabbed the Mass Effect Trilogy bundle will definitely be ecstatic. All of the downloadable content is also available for the entire series which means you no longer need to hold on to that 360. I wonder if this means that extended ending for Mass Effect 3 is available?

Major Nelson [Twitter]

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Only on PC, though :(

Subscribers to Origin Access on the PC can now play the entire Mass Effect trilogy as part of their subscription. 

EA’s subscription service initially launched on Xbox One, but recently expanded to included PC, too.

For now, the Mass Effect games are only available on PC; Xbox One subbers can play NBA Live 16, though.

Also available now is Trine 1, Trine 2, and Medal of Honor. 

For more about the service — including the full list of what’s available in The Vault — head over to the official website.

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I like 'Josh Homme Shepard,' but that's kind of dumb, I guess

BioWare has published player data culled from Mass Effect 3 to determine the five most popular names chosen for Commander Shepard, and the top names might surpri?se you. Sarah and Jack are at the top of the list for both female and male Shepards, respectively.&?nbsp;

Female players chose, in orde?r from most to least popula??r: Sarah, Kate, Alice, Jessica, and Alex. For the guys, we have Jack, James, Chris, Alex, and Michael.

Sarah remained a popular choic?e throughout the world as well: Italian, German, and French-speaking players chose Sarah for their playthroughs. Interestingly, Jack was only massively popular for English-speaking players, with Alex taking home the distinction for the most popular name across non-English-speaking players. What did you name your male or female Shepard?

What's in a Name? [BioWare Blog]

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Snap up some additional Mass Effect goodness

If you've been holding off on purchasing additional Mass Effect DLC because of the sticker shock, today's your lucky day -- if you're a PS3 player, at least. The Mass Effect 3: Omega DLC pack is currently fr?ee via PSN for US player??s only. That's $15 you don't have to pay! Sweet.

Omega follows Aria T'Loak's return to her old haunting grounds and offers some interesting squadmates, new weapons, and engaging content as a follow-up to the Leviathan DLC. As a Renegade for life (my tattoo deems it a requirement), I can get b??ehind Aria's character, so it wa?s a good bit of fun for me.

It's no Citadel, but it's a hefty helping of Mass Effect if, say, you just finished off the trilogy and you're jonesing for more. Pick it up while you still can, as this is likely a glitch t??hat'll be patched up soon.

Mass Effect 3 Omega DLC FREE on PSN [NeoGAF]

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The fifth, final, and free multiplayer expansion

Reckoning, the last and largest multiplayer pack for Mass Effect 3, will release tomorrow on all platforms except Wii U. Th??e pack includes six new characters, seven new weapons, and new equipment.

On March 6, BioWare will release the final singleplayer DLC, Citadel.

For more information on Reckoning's contents, take a look at the summary provided by NeoGAF's EatChildren:

Characters

• Geth Juggernaut Soldier: Huge Geth unit. Cannot dodge or take cover. Cannot be staggered. Powers: Assault Pulse, Hex Shield, Geth Turret.
• Turian Cabal Vanguard: Female biotic Turian, as introduced in Omega. Biotic abilities for dodge. Powers: Poison Strike, Nightshade Blades, Biotic Focus.
• Alliance Infiltration Unit: EDI-like cyborg. Can uppercut because reasons. Powers: Tactical Cloak, Snap Freeze, Repair Matrix.
• Krogan Warlord Sentinel: Gigantic hammer wielding Krogan. Cannot take cover or dodge. Rage regenerates health. Powers: Tech Armour, Biotic Hammer, Electric Hammer.
• Talon Mercenary Engineer: Human mercenary armed with a tech bow because 2013 continues the "Year of the Bow". Powers: Trip Mines, Armor-Piercing Arrows, Concussive Arrows.
• Awakened Collector Adept: Yes, a Collector. Assumed to be controlled by Leviathan. Powers: Dark Sphere, Seeker Swarm, Dark Channel.

Weapons

• Geth Spitfire Assault Rifle: A portable Geth Gatling gun.
• Venom Shotgun: Explosive round firing shotgun. Charge to have rounds fragment into more explosives.
• Lancer Assault Rifle: New assault rifle.
• Blood Pack Executioner Pistol: One-shot-per-clip high damage Magnum-like pistol.
• Chakram Launcher Assault Rifle: Explosive disk launching rifle.
• Blood Pack Punisher SMG: Heavy submachine gun, good against armour.
• Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle: Electric based rifle. Shoots travelling electrical rounds (no hitscan).

Equipment

• Geth Scanner: Enhances radar
• Assault Rifle Ultralight Materials: Lowers weight of assault rifles.
• Pistol Power Amplifier:
• SMG Power Amplifier:
• Shotgun Ultralight Materials: Lowers weight of shotguns.
• Batarian Gauntlet: Replaces any class heavy attack with the Batarian's falcon punch. Looks great on a Volus.

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Let's hope it's better than Omega

The fact that BioWare isn't quite done with Mass Effect 3 has been known for some time. Today however, we have our first set of screenshots which include a casino, apparently on the Citadel, and a krogan with what looks to be a fu??turistic interpretation of a mace.

Executive producer Casey Hudson sent these pics out on Twitter, with a few tantalizing words but little else. Given some of the other things the writers have said, though,?? I'm wondering how they're going to stitch together a casino, a raging krogan warrior, and something that might be emotionally gripping. Only time will tell, I s'pose.

BioWare producers tease ?potential Mass Effect 3 DLC [Joystiq]

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Buzz, your girlfriend... WOOF!

It's nearly "late November," which means that it's almost time to dive into the latest bit of Mass Effect 3 DLC, Omega. Aria looks so excited, doesn't she?

To hype you up a bit, two new screenshots have been shown by All Games Beta (which are viewable in the gallery below), detailing the look of female turians -- something that's oddly never been shown in the Mass Effect games before.  As for other media, Abrudas is pretty much your only other confirmation.

Like most DLC packs these days for high-profile games, Omega will run you $15 (1200 MSP) co??me November 27th. Whenever you decide to head to Omega, make sure you bring Garrus! That guy is always so damn lonely.

First look [All Games Beta]

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Who will step up? The Asari? The Turians?

Today, we lose one more ally in the fight against all those who would encroach upon our basic right for inter-dimensional peace. When the new war for galactic freedom is waged (Salarian historians are poised to potentially call this conflict Mass Effect 4), there will be a ?new leader: and it will not?? be Commander Shepard.

The corporate entity known as "Bioware" has stated that “There is one thing we are absolutely sure of – there will be no more Shepard, and the trilogy is over. This is really our starting point. Now the Mass Effect?? universe is vast, and very, very rich. So at this point in time, we don&rs??quo;t even know what kind of time frame we’re going to be in.”

RIP Shepard: 11/16/07 - 10/19/12

Mass Effect 4 ??star: ‘we don’t w??ant Shepard 2′ [VG247]

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Early details emerge from NYCC

More details have come out of New York Comic Con regarding Mass Effect 3's Omega downloadable content that we briefly heard about back when Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk announced their departure from BioWare. In sh??ort, it'?s gonna be a big one.

This single-player expansion, priced at $15 / 1200 Microsoft Points, will be available on November 27 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, while Europe will get it a day later on PS3. Producer Mike Gamble noted at NYCC that Omega will be "double the size" of the game's largest DLC relea?sed so far, reports Eurogamer.

The basic premise is said to involve taking control of Omega back from Cerberus with everyone's favorite asari, Aria T'loak. "New enemies," a female turian, and Oleg Petrovsky from the Mass Effect: Invasion comics will also play a role in Omega. I'm feeling s?trangely eager to go back to that st?ation. Even if it is filthy.

Date for Mass Effect 3's Omega DLC, th??e biggest and most expensive yet [Eurogamer]

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Mass Effect 3: Retaliation looks like another tempting bit of downloadable content intended to keep us ?playing the multiplayer mode. In addition to bringing the Collectors into battle, this will include a new persistent challenge system which offers unlockable titles and banners for your characters.

Did I mention this stuff is all free to download? When Retaliation launches on October 9 across all platforms in North America, followed by a European release a day later, you'll be able to play remixed "Hazard" ve?rsions of existing multiplayer maps.

The Collector forces include the Praetorian, Scion, Abomination, Trooper, and Captain, and there's also weaponry -- an assault rifle, sub-machine gun, and sniper rifle -- as well. Cerberus is picking up the Dragoon, while the Geth will now have new Drones. I really don't have time to keep playing Mass Effect 3, but I might just have to once this is out.

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Won't be making it into your N7 stockings this Christmas

During my Mass Effect 3 experince, Lieutenant James Vega never really caught my attention. It could have been Freddie Prinze Jr's voice acting, the character's backstory, or just his design. Dude just gave my FemShep the creeps. I can't say I was too bummed to hear the anime prequel, Mass Effect: Paragon Lost was going to miss its November 13th launch date.

The Production I.G. feature follows the exploits of big man Vega and his tough guy exploits, prior to the events that transpired in Mass Effect 3. Never really having Vega in my party, I can't say I know ?much of his story from the game. I also have to mention, Production I.G. has done some amazing, beautiful anime in the past, but the art work and character design here just don't sit well with me. Things dont look anime-y or Mass Effect-y enough for my tastes, they're just sittin??g right in some neutral middle.

For those of you interested in completing your James Vega backstory, Mass Effect: Paragon Lost will be released by FUNimation on December 28th.

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After so many multiplayer-centric updates to Mass Effect 3, the single-player "Leviathan" add-on for the game is a welcome sight indeed. Especially since, well, it looks great. Then again, I'm a total s?ucker for underwater sequenc?es when done well.

Having physically and emotionally completed ME3 already, though -- I'm no entirely sure I want to go back, no matter how good or bad the new content turns out to be. Perhaps once BioWare is done releasing downloadable content, I ??can commit to another full playthrough. Anything less would feel wrong.

"Leviathan" will be available on PlayStatio??n Network, Xbox Live, and PC on August 28.

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When Mass Effect 3 was announced as a launch window title for Wii U, players understandably wondered how Nintendo owners would be able to catch up on the story and see the effects of their choices from the previous two games. Without ME1 or 2 on the Wii U, how will they unde??rstand the impact of choice?

During their Summer Showcase, BioWare and EA mentioned that the Wi?i U build will include some kind of abri??dged interactive recap mode that'll bring players up to speed on the past adventures. In addition, there seems to be a way to make decisions within the recap similarly to how you would in the main games themselves.

I think we're gonna need more details on this. From just this bit of info, does it sound adequate? Oh, and yes, ME3 will be a launch day title.

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If you're still taking the fight to the Reapers with your friends in the multiplayer for Mass Effect 3, you'll be happy to know that the new "Earth" downloadable content has been released today for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 (Europeans ??with the PS3 version will get the update tomorrow, July 18; all other versions release worldwide today). The free update adds new characters, weapons and maps as well as the new "Platinum" difficulty setting.

I haven't played the multiplayer since shortly after the game's launch, but I don't think it was ever going to be a long-t?erm love? affair with me. And this isn't going to get me to come back either, but it does seem like a rather healthy amount of content and you can't argue with the price.

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Rabble rabble retcon! It looks like BioWare is earning the ire of their fans yet again, as they are making the new "extended cut" DLC the only available endings on the Wii U version of Mass Effect 3.

For you non Mass Effect fans out there who have been living under a rock, BioWare basically was under extreme scrutiny with the original endings to Mass Effect 3 -- many felt that they were unsatisfactory conclusions to an adventure that they spent years completing. Months later, BioWare offered free "Extended Cut" DLC, which augmented the original end?ings with some extra cutscenes and even added a few new endings to the mix.

Some ??fans were satisfied, and others thought it was too little too late. Now, the "new" endings are going to be the Wii U's default option -- meaning, the original endings effectively do not exist on the upcoming console.

As for myself, I still can't believe they're bringing Mass Effect 3 to the Wii U at all. I assume the market is already fairly saturated (who hasn't bought ME3 who didn't want it already?), and considering the first two games aren't on any Nintendo system known to man, that's eve?n less of a market.

Mass Effect 3 Extended Ending on Disc for Wii U [Nintendo Life]

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"Mass Effect 3: Earth" is an appropriately titled upcoming add-on for the game that brings multiplayer to Firebase Rio, Firebase Vancouver, and Firebase ??London. Fatigue might be kicking in by now, but this content? will be free to download when it arrives on July 17 in North America and in Europe a day later.

In addition to those locations, "Earth" includes a selection ??of N7 characters -- the Demolish??er Engineer, Destroyer Soldier, Fury Adept, Sentinel Paladin, Shadow Infiltrator, and Slayer Vanguard -- plus new modifications and upgrades. The N7 Piranha Shotgun, N7 Typhoon Assault Rfile, and Acolyte Pistol are being added to the weapon list.

Perhaps more interestingly, this DLC introduces a Platinum difficulty to Mass Effect 3's multiplayer and also a new mission ob?jective centered around protecting and escorting a designated target.?? That'll appear randomly on waves 3, 6, and 10, going forward. Are you still enjoying this stuff?

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BioWare has slapped a release date on the "Extended Cut" downloadable content for Mass Effect 3, and it's right around the corner. The free, 1.9GB download will be available for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in N??orth America on June 26, followed by a European PlayStation 3 launch ??on July 4.

According to the studio, "'The Extended Cut' expands on the endings of Mass Effect 3 through additional scenes and epilogue sequences. It provides more of the answers and closure that players have been asking for. It gives a sense ? of what the future holds as a result of the decisions made throughout the series. And it shows greater detail in the successes or failures based on how p?layers achieved their endings."

They also point out that, despite all of the aforementioned things the DLC does, it won't "fundamentally change" Mass Effect 3's endings. Instead, "it expands on the meaning of the ori?ginal endings, and reveals greater detail on the impact of player decisions." I don't want to be on the Internet next week.

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The fallout from Mass Effect 3's controversial ending still? hasn't dissipated from some corners of the Internet, and those still angrily believing they were misled by Electronic Arts have suffered a dint in their argument today -- Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has sided with the company.

While a significant number of players felt that their choices in the game did not influence it as promised, the ASA (which was contacted along with other groups) found all three of ME3's endings "thematically quite different," certainly different enough to lend credence to EA's pr?omise that the choices influenced the conclusion. 

The ASA said it does understand why some customers felt lied to, but that the advertising, as presented, was not false. This decision runs counter to the Better Business Bureau's decision, which concluded EA told a naughty fib. 

While I personally get several of the problems people had with Mass Effect 3, the thought of getting EA caught on false advertising charges always seemed a bit too far of a stretch. At the end of the day, the company said you could make choices that changed the ending, and that is what you got. The endings weren't that great, and to dislike that fact is legitimate, but EA's marketing folks didn't exactly lie. They just didn't stop people taking what they said and imagining somethi??ng grander. 

Mass Effect 3? advertising was not misleading, determines ASA [Gamasutra]

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Mass Effect 1 and 2. You're welcome.

There's not much of a review here.  Well, these were never really reviews..??.just opinion pieces with yelling. But this time, it's more of an outlet for video and game productions frustrations.

I promise to hit all of the points of interest in Mass Effect 3, which?? ?of course is the ending, the only point of interest since one week after launch.

Als?o, I hope none of this makes me sound like an asshat.

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Discovered last week (but officially announced today) is the next DLC pack for Mass Effect 3 called the Rebellion Pack. As we heard before, the pack will include two new maps and three new weapons. Yo??u will also be able to unlock an ex-Cerberus character who has? two wicked looking electric whips and a Vorcha. Lastly, the missions will now have a new random objective occurring on waves 3, 6, and 10 and a new gear slot will be unlocked in your equipment that will allow you to use an ability that never expires at the end of the match.

You know what the best part is though? All this will be absolutely free to download next Tuesday, May 29th! BioWare has been too good to us lately. Sort of makes you want to put that time you raged at BioWare for the ending in Mass Effect 3 beh??ind you, huh? You're not still mad ??about that, are you?

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Sony's Hong Kong website put up a listing for new Mass Effect 3 downloadable content called "Rebellion" that hasn't been announced by BioWare yet. As you might expect, it's an expansion of the game's rather enjoyable multiplayer mode: more maps, classes, and gear. Like you do.

The Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion opens two new fronts ??against the Reapers: Firebase Jade's jungle reservoir and Firebase Goddess on Thessia. In-game reinforcement packs now include three new weapons as well as equipment, consumables, and six new classes: Quarian Engineer and Infiltrator, Vorcha Soldier and Sentinel, Phoenix Adept and Vanguard. The battle continues – hold the line!

Vorcha, eh? For as much mileage as I've gotten out of the core set of maps, it'll be nice to see new environments and characters to lessen the re?petition.

Sony Site Reveals New Mass Effect 3 DLC [Kotaku]

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Well, BioWare and Sony finally provided access to the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer missions after a bit of a hiccup recently, and now Mass Effect 3 players on PS3 will be getting a couple of the Commendation Packs that they missed out on. BioWare announced today that the rewards players will be getting are from the "Operation Goliath" and "Operation Raptor" missions, and they be wil??l provided to PS3 pl?ayers absolutely free. They should be available to you in your stores soon, if not already.

I wouldn't get too excited though, the only cool thing I've ever unlocked from those weekend challenge packs is a playable Geth. He's bright pink and I named him Ronnie Roadrash. Anyway, it's nice to see BioWare going out of their to make mends wherever they see fan disappointment. Not only that, but so far everything they're fixing or adding post-launch is free of charge.?? I can get used to that.

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Despite (or perhaps in part thanks to) the controversy surrounding BioWare's latest game, Electronic Arts is sitting pretty with $200 million in sales. Yep, Mass Effect 3 made some premium cheese amidst the rage and outcry. Truly, the Star Wars for a new generation.

EA didn't break down sales figures, but one can reasonably assume we're past three million, given the monetary amounts involve??d. 

Mass Effect 3 was credited alongside Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and FIFA Street and SSX ??for giving EA strong financial results this quarter. All four games have been classified as "successful" by the publisher's standard as it boasts of an "All-Time High Non-GAAP Net Revenue of $4.2 Billion in Fiscal 12."

It may be voted the worst ?North American company of the year, but it's looking to be one of the richest publishers of t??he industry. Again.

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PlayStation 3 players have been left out in the cold when it comes to Mass Effect 3's multiplayer event weekends, unable to earn bonus experience and take on special objectives while Xbox 360 and PC players get to have all the fun. That period of loneliness is over now and, starting with this week's "Operation Exorcist" mission, future events will ??be available on ??all platforms.

Glad to hear that BioWare, EA and?? Sony got it all worked out. Ready to fire up the fight against ??the Reapers again and earn some bonuses?

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Apparently there's another Multiplayer Weekend coming up in Mass Effect 3. It's called Operation Exorcist and will run from ?Friday, 27 April?? at 6PM PST until Monday, April 30 5AM PST. If players kill a combined total of 1,000,000 Cerberus Phantoms then everyone gets a Victory Pack. If you manage to survive any map until extraction on gold difficulty, your squad gets a Commendation Pack.

I still see ME3's multiplayer as a horribly dull experience BioWare threw at me just so I could experience my optimal ending and fully enjoy an otherwise cracking game. It's not unforgivably bad, just completely and utterly uninspired and devoid of any interesting features or mechanics. Anyone still playing deserves some ki?nd of reward. BioWare obviously agrees.

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