Mass Effect Preview

IGN is offering up a new preview of Mass Effect, based on BioWare's demonstration of the sci-fi RPG at this year's Penny Arcade Expo.
Of the six classes available at the start of the game, the class used for the demo was the Vanguard, as it offered a nice balance of both gunplay and biotic abilities, showing everyone in attendance just how formidable Shepard can be. You'll also be able to customize your weapons, creating new items specific to your evolving needs as you progress through the game. As you pick up new parts when exploring, you'll have the option to swap out any part on a weapon, from the barrel of a shotgun, right down to the specific ammunition that the situation calls for. You'll also earn ability points as you advance through the levels, similar to what's found in past BioWare titles, allowing you to specialize in one thing or become a balanced soldier. Equipped with a shotgun, pistol and the lift and barrier abilities, the commander laid waste to the enemies in the zone with relative ease. As small drones draw near, you'll can just take aim and demolish them with your shotgun. If want a balance of your weapons and your biotic powers, you can use your lift ability on an enemy which will pick them up, rendering them helpless, and as they struggle to get free, you can take your shot and dispose of them. It's all your decision in how you play it.