Mass Effect Coming To PC In May

Thought Lars would be interested in this one:

Quote:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading video game developer, BioWare™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS - News) company, has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.

Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:

* Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
* High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
* Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
* Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
* New decryption mini-game.
* New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

“Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline – all set in a compelling new universe,” said Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts. Frank Gibeau, President of EA’s Games Label added, “EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future.”

Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 70 awards including Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080212/20080212005536.html?.v=1

Looks like you won't have to wait all that long, afterall. Smile

Thats definitly something to keep an eye on. I like the current politic to port most games to the PC and even adding something to it. Lets just hope they do it right.

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Well, it's BioWare. They earned their stripes on the PC and the PC port of KOTOR was well received. I trust that they'll put the proper work into it. A game like Mass Effect certainly deserves it.

Hmmm... I think I just repeated some of what I said in the other thread. But still, BioWare always comes through. (Except for Jade Empire, but we won't talk about that. Razz

)

Wasn't Jade Empire also ported to the PC? I think I have read some quite good reviews about it.

Another game I want or hope it comes to the PC when its good is Fable2. I liked Fable. It was simple and maybe not what was promised but still fun to play. I loved it when I got back from a quest into my "hometown" showed my tropheys, was praised and got drunk ^_^

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Haha, yeah. I had a good time with Fable as well. I didn't follow the "hype" for the game though so I didn't know about all the promises the creator made before the game shipped. All I knew was my best friend was all excited about it, and he usually has great taste in video games, so I picked it up as well. I loved it, and of course did the obligatory "good run" and "bad run".

Jade Empire never really interested me. I mean, just the concept of taking KOTOR and shifting it into fuedal China and making it a brawler didn't really appeal to me. I thought about giving it a chance because I enjoyed KOTOR so much, but the aforementioned friend was very excited for the game but quickly grew tired of it once he found the combat not all that challenging.

For some reason I never once had doubts about Mass Effect. Even though I had been hoping that they would make a KOTOR III immediately, now I'm glad they skipped it and moved on to a new IP. I think it's a mix of the awesomely realized and executed sci-fi universe, as well as the "force powers" and third-person-action-shooter combat system.

I'm so happy with this game right now, I just played through it for what must be the 5th time, and I'm about to start my 6th run. It's the only game on the 360 that actually has me wanting to gain all of the achievements for. I just want to explore every little nook and cranny of it.