Mass Effect PC Interview

[GameBanshee News]

Total Video Games has the latest interview with BioWare's Ray Muzyka about Mass Effect's PC port.

TVG: Are there any other features of the PC version that will be different from the Xbox 360 game - any other things that have been tweaked?

One of the big changes is the tactical HUD. It allows individual squad command controls, so you can actually tell your party - individually as opposed to a group - where to go. And then you can give them specific individual orders - again as opposed to a group - for what they're going to do when they get there.

Additionally, we've made it so that the main character can do more abilities in order on PC, so they can chain their abilities. And if you put those two things together, you have more control of your squad and main character, so you can enact more interesting strategies. This adds a lot of tactical depth and makes the combat feel like a brand new game.

We changed the inventory screen so that it's optimised for PC in the process, so that we've made it even easier to use. It's very clear which item you have equipped and which item you want to look at, as well as your categories and upgrades. Everything is really in tune to the mouse and keyboard, and that enables you to double click on a square (as opposed to scrolling over it) and then all of a sudden you bring up the upgrade screen and it feels really good - it's fast; it's accessible.

Spotted on RPGWatch.

[DesR85]

TVG: You also mentioned that there's an improved decryption system in the game which is part of the omni-tool?

Yeah, the omni-tool is worn on your wrist - it's a hacking device - and you'll see it sometimes in the game and during the cut-scenes. It's fun to play. It's a little mini-game on its own.

Reminds me of Bioshock's hacking mini-game based on that interview, if you ask me.