Mass Effect 2 - PlayStation 3

Mass Effect 2 is the sequel to BioWare's hit space-based role-playing game (RPG), Mass Effect. The first release in the Mass Effect franchise available for play on the PlayStation 3 platform, Mass Effect 2 is a single player third-person oriented adventure that allows players to experience the adventures of the fully customizable series hero Commander Shepard, as you take on a whole new adventure and a new cast of supporting characters. PS3 specific features include: a digital comic providing backstory and customization details related to the first game in the series which was not available for PS3, six hours of bonus missions in the form of three previously released DLC releases and access to all additional game content published to date on the Cerberus Network.

Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new enemy has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy's most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, most say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong.

Mass Effect 2 is a space-based third-person oriented RPG revolving around the player's particular version of the game's hero, Commander Shepard, and their continuing development of this character. As the game opens a variety of character classes are made available to the player, with talents, both exclusive and general, associated with each. With experience these talents are leveled up, resulting in the unlocking of related abilities and/or entirely new talents. The player has the ability to customize their Commander Shepard in a number of ways including physical appearance, gender, and certain aspects of their personal history, with the rub being that these choices can influence things like available missions, dialogue choices with non-player characters (NPCs), and character background.

Accompanying this main character are a number of preset supporting characters that the player can direct and develop relationships with, which again, will alter the outcome of the story. All the characters from the original game -- for PS3 players referenced via the included digital comic -- make an appearance in Mass Effect 2, but the immediate characters surrounding Commander Shepard are new. Additional new features that players can expect to experience include new alien races, a more realistic damage system, a new heavy weapons system allowing for maximum damage, a regenerative health system, a dramatic increase in the number of character animations available to Shepard and updates to the dialogue mechanic used when conversing with NPCs.

Mass Effect 2 for PlayStation 3 includes a digital comic backstory created by BioWare and Dark Horse comics. This 15 minute interactive experience allows PS3 players to make the key choices relevant to the events and situations seen in the original Mass Effect game throughout the story which will result in the creation of a save file. This brief retelling will allow players to have their backstory choices reflected during their play through of Mass Effect 2.

Beyond the Mass Effect 2 game disc, PS3 players are also provided with access to more than six hours of bonus mission play in the form of the three previously released DLC packs: "Kasumi: Stolen Memories", "Overlord" and "hiding the Shadow Broker." In addition to this, players will also receive a one time use code allowing access to the "Cerberus Network," where players can download additional DLC missions and other content related to the Mass Effect universe.