More Mass Effect Previews
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Speaking of the main game, you can expect to find a similar structure to KOTOR, in that you'll be alternating between set linear segments to move the story along and broader free-play-style segments, such as the free-form exploration. As far as combat goes, you'll find some KOTOR-style touches under the hood, but this time out, the Bioware gang is aiming to try something a little different. Combat will be in real time as you guide a trio of characters, including yourself, in to battle. Surprisingly, the combat will draw on squad-based shooter elements that will force you to think tactically in the heat of battle. Besides using weapons, the characters in your party will use a mix of biotics- artificial-intelligence-enhanced superhuman abilities and tech skills that can be as useful as a weapon. The different enhancements your party members will have will eventually force you to confront how you think about the definition of life during this conflict. It sounds as if some of the members of your team will be cybernetic to some degree, putting them a bit too close to the creatures you'll be pitted against.
And the second is at Boomtown:
We also had a glimpse of the character creation system, which, according to BioWare, is one of the best yet in any RPG. The look you choose for your character is not simply of cosmetic significance, but will also affect the way you play the game. For instance, it looked like you could choose between a range of different visors, each of which would lend you different skills or bonuses. The graphics team has done complete 3D scans of real actors, including motion capture and facial animation. This will mean a lot for the overall sense of immersion, because players will encounter NPCs that can do far more than we're used to seeing.
