According to a post over the weekend on EvilAvatar, some of the astute NeoGAF forum users have apparently gotten hold of leaked information regarding BioWare's upcoming sci-fi sequel, Mass Effect 2. The following bulleted list is supposedly what will be revealed in the next issue of OXM.
  • You will play as Shepard, but for how long is unknown

  • There is a new species called the Drell and Thane is a new character who is an assassin and may join your party

  • Planets - There will be a Krogan planet, and Illium, an Asari planet, that is like Coruscant from SW. Also there is "Omega" with is like an anti-Citadel in that it's huge and it's the bottom of the barrel whereas the Citadel is the height of civilization. Also a Cerebus mothership will act as a location of significance.

  • Story - The ultimate story is still civilization fending off the Reapers, but this chapter will deal with this Cerebus corporation and it's enigmatic leader. There are human civilizations disappearing and it's up to Shepard to investigate, it's termed as a "suicide mission" which may lead to the details of the teaser.

  • New vehicle that controls better than the Mako…a "new" control scheme.

  • Totally revamped inventory system

  • Elevator system revamped where you will get the sense of scope of where you're at and where you're traveling.

  • No more texture pop in.

  • Secondary races like Volus and Elcor are much more mobile, giving more depth and makes things more interesting.

  • Choices are more meaningful and there is a real risk that major support characters (i.e. anyone not Shepard) can and will die.

  • Also on the story, they're super-hyping the ending, saying that it's much more grand meaningful in ME2.

  • More weapons, more species, more/new team members.

  • Returning team members, locations, weapons.
    • While the legitimacy of the leaked information can't be officially confirmed until the next edition of OXM hits the streets, there's definitely some food for Mass Effect thought.

    BioWare's collective head explodes over leaked information.



    Bryn says: A new control scheme for a new vehicle sounds pretty good too me. I never really liked how the Mako handled in the first game, but I guess it wasn't really that big of deal -- it's not like we were all playing Halo or something.

    I'm pretty curious to see how the whole "play as Shepard" thing works out. Perhaps it won't be dissimilar to Metal Gear Solid 2: Play as Snake and then experience the crushing realization that you're stuck with Raiden. That was a low blow, by the way.