Mass Effect 2

[Altimus]

Even though not officially announced, I think we all know it is coming.

Though the game has yet to be formally announced (much less as part of a trilogy), BioWare's Mass Effect 2 is set to feature in a 60-minute lecture at 2009's Game Developers Conference, due to be held at the end of March in San Francisco. BioWare project manager, Corey Andruko, and lead technical designer Dusty Everman will treat attendees to a discussion of the EA-owned developer's "new level-creation process, which is focused on maximizing iteration for quality while minimizing rework and cost."

The duo will also discuss the level design lessons learned from the planet-hopping RPG's development -- and how those have led to improvements in the sequel. We imagine at least some of the talk will be focused on the benefits of disabling the "ctrl" and "c" keys on office workstations.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/bi...ign-at-gdc-09/

I'm hoping GDC announcement, E3 screen/gameplay and fall release?

[Cyros]

Re: Mass Effect 2

Could be a big year for Bioware.

Dragon Age in Spring for PC
Mass Effect 2 in Fall (hopefully)
Dragon Age in Fall for consoles

[jfsolo]

Re: Mass Effect 2

If they've found a cost effective way to create lots of variation in the level design and maintaining a high level of quality, then that will be a great boon for them and us as gamers.

I think most of us can agree that the repetitive environments was by far the biggest weakness of ME 1.

My gut tells me that we won't see ME 2 during the 2009 calendar year.

[bkfount]

Re: Mass Effect 2

If they've found a cost effective way to create lots of variation in the level design and maintaining a high level of quality, then that will be a great boon for them and us as gamers.

I think most of us can agree that the repetitive environments was by far the biggest weakness of ME 1.

My gut tells me that we won't see ME 2 during the 2009 calendar year.

I agree. While having all the various planets to travel to was a cool concept, it sucked in execution. All of the planets that had nothing to do with any side story were all the same. I'm sure the 360 and DVD takes some of the blame for that though.

It would be perfect if they could have this ready by the holidays, but I doubt it.

[Altimus]

Re: Mass Effect 2

I agree. While having all the various planets to travel to was a cool concept, it sucked in execution. All of the planets that had nothing to do with any side story were all the same randomly generated terrain crap with minerals to mine or data to gather. It got boring, and you had to ride around in the POS Mako.

It would be perfect if they could have this ready by the holidays, but I doubt it.

Yeah, I would love to see fall 2009 but I think fall 2010 is a better target date because of the story and work it takes to make a game like this.

As far missions, I agree. The buildings and maps were really similar and got boring, sometimes was okay though. I thought worse part was as mentioned navigation. Mako + a mountain/rocky terrain = doom for all. Driving is one thing but I hated being bounced around and going up mountains. And sometimes a planet would just be one huge mountain.

[sportsdude]

Re: Mass Effect 2

I would like to see more major decisions like the one included at the end of the first one involving the council.

I'd also like to see your status (paragon/renegade) play more of a role in how people talk to you and possibly even which missions are available to you.

[mgoblue]

Re: Mass Effect 2

Yeah, I would love to see fall 2009 but I think fall 2010 is a better target date because of the story and work it takes to make a game like this.

As far missions, I agree. The buildings and maps were really similar and got boring, sometimes was okay though. I thought worse part was as mentioned navigation. Mako + a mountain/rocky terrain = doom for all. Driving is one thing but I hated being bounced around and going up mountains. And sometimes a planet would just be one huge mountain.

I agree with you guys, also I'd like more variety in planet level designs...it got damn tiring going into the same type of bunker time and time again...Make some new skins, etc.

[goh]

Re: Mass Effect 2

The end of the first doesn't save after your last descions so I wonder how that'll work.

Also wonder if it'll be on the PS3 now too.

[Altimus]

Re: Mass Effect 2

The end of the first doesn't save after your last descions so I wonder how that'll work.

Also wonder if it'll be on the PS3 now too.

I'd say yes but 360 gets it first as a timed exclusive. I just don't see EA passing up on more sales. They didn't spend all that money so they could limit sales.

[bkfount]

Re: Mass Effect 2

I'd say yes but 360 gets it first as a timed exclusive. I just don't see EA passing up on more sales. They didn't spend all that money so they could limit sales.

Well it depends if MS has console rights to the franchise. They published it on the 360, but EA put it out on the PC. It would have been a simple port from a 360 game, so why would MS just give that up?

[goh]

Re: Mass Effect 2

My understanding was that Bioware owns the game itself so it's up to EA now.

[bkfount]

Re: Mass Effect 2

I would like to see more major decisions like the one included at the end of the first one involving the council.

I'd also like to see your status (paragon/renegade) play more of a role in how people talk to you and possibly even which missions are available to you.

yeah, if you're evil in fable 2, people run away as you walk down the street. If you're beloved, people will gather around you like a movie star. That game had flaws too, but it was really nice seeing your status reflected in the actual game like that.

[Spectre]

Re: Mass Effect 2

If I was in MS's position, I'd do everything in my power to keep Mass Effect exclusive. From what I've read MS owns the rights to the series, but its all hearsay. We'll find out soon enough.

[bkfount]

Re: Mass Effect 2

If I was in MS's position, I'd do everything in my power to keep Mass Effect exclusive. From what I've read MS owns the rights to the series, but its all hearsay. We'll find out soon enough.

Well timed exclusives can be just as good. These games won't appeal to everyone, so the people that want it will probably get it early on. I mean did anyone really care that Bioshock eventually got on the ps3 well after the 360 release? Bioshock 2 will also have a timed exclusivity.

[jmood88]

Re: Mass Effect 2

My most anticipated game ever. I've gone through Mass Effect about 5 times and I still love it like the first time I played it. I really hope that it comes out this year.