Unwinnable

I have, as my phone’s background, a stylized and quite noticeable “N7” logo — “N7”, of course, being the military designation of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series. The logo reportedly comes from a type of skiing equipment — a designer at Bioware owned a pair of Look Nevada N77 ski bindings and simply removed the third digit. In Mass Effect’s Systems Alliance military, the letter stands for a branch of service, while the number represents a level of proficiency. “N” means special forces, and “7” represents the highest level of proficiency.  I know all this because I am an absolute fool for this series. (more…)

Maybe now you will see an Exogorth!

Bioware has announced the Standard, Digital Deluxe and Collector’s Editions of the highly anticipated Star Wars MMO, The Old Republic, with pre-orders beginning today. Aimed toward fans of both MMORPGs and Star Wars alike, the respective editions offer varying levels of gameplay, add-ons and purchase incentives to complement potential gamers of all stripes. Prices range from $59.99 – $149.99. (more…)

When I found out back in 2009 that Mass Effect 2 was going to focus on a suicide mission into an unknown sector of space with an entirely new crew led by a recently resurrected Commander Shepard and featuring a fully rebuilt game play interface, I admit my expectations sank pretty low.

I mean, just look at that description. There are so many things potentially wrong with that statement, I can scarcely believe Bioware managed to produce a title that not only is one of the best games of 2010, but also a game that boasted some of the most emotionally engaging set pieces I have encountered in videogames to date. And even then, I still don’t really buy into Shepard’s Deus ex Machina death and resurrection, or Martin Sheen’s voice acting or Miranda’s practically painted on body suit.

And now, with the Mass Effect 3 announcement trailer, they’re putting me through that dread all over again.  (more…)

That is, assuming Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t simply take over your first one. Which is extremely unlikely considering its about several million hours long and has some of the best developed characters in the history of video games…