New video showing off the combat.
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27419.html

First review is out...GameInformer gives it 9.75/10.
US release date: Nov 20th
Europe: Nov 23rd
GI's snippit:
It's an adventure that is so captivating that you'll be counting the days for the sequel. It takes interactive storytelling to new heights, and brings the player closer to content than ever before. It's easily one of the year's best titles and one of the most impressive games to date. [Nov 2007, p.151]
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"The issue is there are still many people out there that use religion as a crutch for bigotry and hate. Like Ben."
Ben Kenobi: "That means I'm doing something right. "

New video showing off the combat.
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27419.html
Last edited by flash9286; November 4, 2007 at 09:26.
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try. -Homer
It does look good.![]()

The aliens can levitate and climb walls, but apparently they never think of dodging and weaving when they move, or hiding. No wonder guys with pitiful 21st cen human tech can take them out like hunting duck.
![]()
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Some awesome screenshots/impressions here: http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.p...&postcount=167
"The issue is there are still many people out there that use religion as a crutch for bigotry and hate. Like Ben."
Ben Kenobi: "That means I'm doing something right. "
A sniper rifle against slow and dim-witted Bioware baddies doesn't seem very fair.
I looks good, despite the somewhat generic sci-fi setting. Am I the only one here who has a been-there-done-that feeling each time he or she hears something about that game? It seems to me that Bioware has been doing the same game over and over again, but each time with a different setting.
Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy – Lessing

I wasn't aware bioware made a game that felt like Rainbow 6.
Last edited by Asher; November 6, 2007 at 21:46.
"The issue is there are still many people out there that use religion as a crutch for bigotry and hate. Like Ben."
Ben Kenobi: "That means I'm doing something right. "

bioshock makes games?![]()
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try. -Homer
The gameplay footages I saw reminded me more of KOTOR than Rainbow 6. Unless I missed something, it will not be as realistic (one hit one kill) as Rainbow 6. Maybe there will be more tactical depth this time around. That would be nice.
Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy – Lessing
Aside from the KotoR games not sure what you mean. NWN was certainly very different.Originally posted by Nostromo
I looks good, despite the somewhat generic sci-fi setting. Am I the only one here who has a been-there-done-that feeling each time he or she hears something about that game? It seems to me that Bioware has been doing the same game over and over again, but each time with a different setting.
KOTOR (not 2, as that's obsidian), Jade Empire, and Mass Effect all sound rather similar in concept to me also ...
That said they were both rather good so I am not complaining![]()
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.
Ah yes Jade Empire (which I have but haven't played through yet). I don't recall it being similar in scope to KotOR though.
I'm not entirely sure how you define 'scope', but it was a very similar game, although of course with a different setting, and some substantial differences in execution of smaller points. It's not that they're the same game by any means, but they're fundamentally the same big-picture design; you could tell that the basic gameplay was similar, in the sense that d20 games have similar gameplay even if quit different in the small details. That's what makes them all great (or good depending on your pov) - the small picture elements that make the game unique.
They're similar in the sense that they're essentially a subgenre of RPGs, that only Bioware makes games in.
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.
That's a gameplay point though, and not what Nostromo was saying.
I can't help but feel that when I play KOTOR or Jade Empire, I'm basically playing the same game, but with different settings. And Mass Effect sounds like yet another variation on the same game. There are differences, of course, but at the core they feel like the same RPG. They're great games, obviously, but it does get a bit boring. Anyway, I hope I'm wrong about Mass Effect. It sure looks sweet.
Last edited by Nostromo; November 7, 2007 at 19:14.
Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy – Lessing
This is exactly what I was (trying) to say, although I think I presume somewhat more variation than Nostromo does. Perhaps my ability to say is inadequate...
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.

"Yay Apoc!!!!!!!" - bipolarbear
"At least there were some thoughts went into Apocalypse." - Urban Ranger
"Apocalype was a great game." - DrSpike
"In Apoc, I had one soldier who lasted through the entire game... was pretty cool. I like apoc for that reason, the soldiers are a bit more 'personal'." - General Ludd

Jade Empire wasn't a d20 game IIRC.Originally posted by snoopy369
I'm not entirely sure how you define 'scope', but it was a very similar game, although of course with a different setting, and some substantial differences in execution of smaller points. It's not that they're the same game by any means, but they're fundamentally the same big-picture design; you could tell that the basic gameplay was similar, in the sense that d20 games have similar gameplay even if quit different in the small details. That's what makes them all great (or good depending on your pov) - the small picture elements that make the game unique.
They're similar in the sense that they're essentially a subgenre of RPGs, that only Bioware makes games in.
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try. -Homer
Hot.
I didn't mean to imply it (or KOTOR, which if it was d20 it certainly hid it well) was d20, but to say Jade Empire:KOTOR::a d20 game:another d20 game.
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.
KOTOR was a stripped-down d20. I thought that was immediately obvious from the skill system, the stats, the equipment screen, etc...
I don't play d20 intentionally (i might play a game like KOTOR that uses it, but I don't seek out d20), so I don't think about it all that much...I know 'how' d20 works big picture (ie, how games are based on it) more so than I know the actual details of it, from talking with coworkers and friends who actually do play it.
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.
I think you could make the same argument about any games using the same or similar engines, unless you are arguing that the plots have similarities.Originally posted by Nostromo
I can't help but feel that when I play KOTOR or Jade Empire, I'm basically playing the same game, but with different settings. And Mass Effect sounds like yet another variation on the same game. There are differences, of course, but at the core they feel like the same RPG. They're great games, obviously, but it does get a bit boring. Anyway, I hope I'm wrong about Mass Effect. It sure looks sweet.
I'm not talking about the engine, but the games themselves, the gameplay if you will.
Last edited by Nostromo; November 9, 2007 at 10:32.
Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy – Lessing
Well they are all RPG games so perhaps not too surprising?
They are all specific types of RPG - discussion based adventure RPG with 3rd person single controlled actor combat, and an emphasis on party dynamics (more so in JE than KOTOR but there in both).
<Reverend> IRC is just multiplayer notepad.
I like your SNOOPY POSTER! - While you Wait quote.

Looks like K-mart broke the release date, I'm heading to K-mart tomorrow to see if I can grab a copy early.
http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/sho...t=39347&page=5
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try. -Homer

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/833/833640p1.html
9.4/10
In a year that has seen the Xbox 360 library finally round itself out with a series of quality Japanese RPGs, BioWare has shown just how far ahead of the curve it is with Mass Effect. The cinematic design is nothing short of masterful. This is a game that takes the aspects of film that make cinema so compelling and crosses it with the interactivity of games with unprecedented success. Linear storytelling feels quaint by comparison.
Mass Effect is game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Technical issues abound, but the majority of Mass Effect is so expertly delivered that it can transcend its weaknesses. Applying number ratings to a game like this doesn't do it justice because there is no way you can ignore its technical flaws. Simply put, Mass Effect is a game that must be played. Then it must be played again. Don't pass this one up.
"The issue is there are still many people out there that use religion as a crutch for bigotry and hate. Like Ben."
Ben Kenobi: "That means I'm doing something right. "

http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/.../836239p1.html
GameSpy: 5/5
BioWare's space opera is one of the greatest role-playing games ever made.
It's a rare thing when a game comes along with the power to move a player emotionally. Warts and all, you'll want to experience Mass Effect if you have any interest at all in enjoying one of the greatest efforts that modern videogaming has to offer. Mass Effect takes interactive entertainment to breathtaking new heights and is wholeheartedly recommended. This is one of the best games of the year, and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made.
http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360...ass-Effect/p1/
TeamXbox: 9.6/10
Despite it's flaws, there's no denying that Mass Effect is one of the best games of the year, and is certainly the best RPG on the Xbox 360 (sorry Blue Dragon fans!). It's also one of the most cinematic games of all-time, something that's definitely helped by a fantastic story, great writing, movie-quality direction, and strong voiceover work. We can only hope that it really is the first part of a trilogy, as we can't wait to see where the story goes next. We've heard people say that Mass Effect could be Star Wars for a new generation. If the first chapter is any indication of what BioWare has planned for the future, the sky's the limit.
GameZone: 98/100
I can honestly say that the universe Bioware created is the best I have encountered since George Lucas created Star Wars. Never have I been compelled to find out everything there is to a storyline as I did with Mass Effect.
EGM: 92/100
Far from being a ponderous sci-fi exposition, Mass Effect boasts a dynamic, well-constructed story with a broad emotional range. [Holiday 2007, p.82]
Seems to be a bit buggy out of the gate. Not that surprised, given how dynamic the game is making it a ***** to test. They seemed to have rushed it a bit to make it out in time for the holidays. Nothing a few patches won't fix.
Last edited by Asher; November 19, 2007 at 12:49.
"The issue is there are still many people out there that use religion as a crutch for bigotry and hate. Like Ben."
Ben Kenobi: "That means I'm doing something right. "
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