Mass Effect for the Xbox 360 is more Shadowrun than Shadowrun

The galaxy is on the brink of destruction. You are Commander Shepard, the only human Sceptre agent in the galaxy and as this pot begins to unfold, it is up to you to uncover the threat of genocide.

Bioware and Pandemic allowed us a look at their upcoming, epic RPG title, Mass Effect. The demo was presented to us in real time and was not pre-rendered.

Immediately noticeable is the depth of emotions that all characters show in the game. The high-definition graphics allow them to create realistic faces that are capable of clueing in the player to the emotional state of the NPC even with the most alien of species. The combination of this and an intuitive conversation system allows for heated debates between the player and the "digital actors."

Utilizing the analog sticks, conversation choices are arrayed by emotion from aggressive to more diplomatic options. While pulling a gun out and threatening an NPC is viable, it will have an effect on how future conversations will play out and how alien species will begin to view humans-a new race to be exploring the galaxy. It is important to keep in mind that you are not the only participant in the conversation; the two squad mates you choose to bring with you will add into conversations with other NPCs as their personalities demand.

Speaking of squad mates, they will play an important role in the tactical combat system found within the game. Players are given the ability to give their squad-mates orders, enhancing the feel of teamwork. During the demo, the NPC teammates followed orders to flank the enemies and funnel them near a destructible part of the environment, which was used to neutralize them.

During the demonstration the benefits of item modification was shown when a sniper rifle shot caused an enemy to burst into flames. The developers explained that there are a variety of enhancements that can be applied to weapons, such as frost, shatter, fire, electricity, and others in weapons and armor. Items have multiple slots for these modifications, allowing for a variety of combinations.

Combat is somewhat similar to a third-person shooter, but the developers were quick to point out that combat was more highly focused on the rules that make up a role-playing game. For example, the player can lock onto an enemy when returning fire. The character's stats do matter. Similar rules apply when dealing with vehicles.

The ATV is more than just a vehicle, but almost a character unto itself. Players will be encouraged to modify, customize, and utilize the ATV in a variety of ways. The game does not focus much on space combat, but vehicle combat is certainly present. Which isn't to say that you can't explore the vast regions of space. The size of the galaxy is truly epic.

At first glance, the star systems look humble, but on further examination, whole new star systems unfold before the player's eyes. Possible destinations include derelict space ships, satellites, planets, and moons. There are hundreds of locations that expand far beyond the 25 hours of projected core game-play time. Side-quests can be found in these environments that can greatly enhance the character and experience of the game. While the plot lines for these locations are not directly part of the main storyline, they do link back into it. The oncoming threat is ever present.

In such an epic environment, Bioware and Pandemic have worked to allow players to create characters that are their own. There are options such as gender, race, and other options, even as far as the biography of the character. All of which affect how the denizens of the galaxy view the character. As other Bioware titles, players are given control over the character's attributes, skills, and powers. Powers are derived from Dark Energy implants, available in the Mass Effect universe. Even though Dark Energy may sound evil, it is not inherently so. The game-play of Mass Effect is more complex than simply good and evil, but more based on emotions and treatment of your fellow sentient beings.

The developers have stated that they have ambitions plans for multiplayer, but would not go into specifics. However, they did reveal that downloadable content would be available to bridge the gap between installments of the trilogy.

Slated for a winter release as an Xbox360 exclusive title, more information can be found at Bioware's website, http://www.bioware.com.