Unfortunately for E3, there wasn't a hands on demo for Mass Effect 2 of any kind, but we did get to see a demo played by one of the Mass Effect 2 team. The first bit of information we were told was the fact that Commander Shepherd is in fact not dead. This is further confirmed by the fact they stated Shepherd will be around for the entire trilogy, which will surely please many fans who didn't want to see all of their efforts from the first game go to waste. When the demo started, it was easy to see that this was a much darker world this time around in Mass Effect. You begin by witnessing Shepherd searching for the assassin, Thane. As Shepherd and his companion were heading through a shuttle, all conversation was occurring in real time. As the demo progressed a bit further, they showcased a new interface icon for seizing conversations. An icon appeared on screen for the player to press the Left Trigger, and we witness Shepherd end the conversation and send the enemy flying through a glass window, falling to his death.
Once the combat began, you could tell the improvements made immediately. First thing I noticed was the aiming mechanics were more fluid and accurate. They also introduced commands for individual party members, instead of one direct order for the squad like the first game. This helped create a more tactical feel in battle. You could also quickly manage and setup powers for each character in real time. The menu system was also a large improvement over the first game as well.
They then revealed more physics based biotic powers. Shepherd easily removed enemies from behind cover and eliminated them as they flew through the air. I quickly noticed that the fights were a lot bloodier. Limbs could easily be shot off, blood shot out depending on the enemy killed, and even stayed on the floor after the enemy was dead. Bioware also mentioned there will be new weapon classes and even a heavy weapon system to add another weapon type your team can carry. They didn't hesitate to show this off via an RPG, and were quickly on their way to dispersing enemies.
Character models and facial movements saw a change as well, with every movement providing a more realistic simulation whether moving or talking. Commander Shepherd mannerisms and speech had a more gritty feel from what we were able to see. Choices will also have more impact during Mass Effect 2 and will impact the ending of the game, as well as Mass Effect 3. Bioware showed us a spoiler with one way of seeing the ending of the game. I will not divulge what this spoiler is, as to not ruin it for anyone looking to find out on their own once the game is released.
Mass Effect 2 looks as if it is shaping up to be an even larger game than the first and is prepared to create an even larger epic this time around. I personally look forward to seeing more and hopefully getting my hands on the game in the near future. Mass Effect 2 will be released Spring of 2010 on XBox 360 and PC.
Images taking from Official Site
