• On TechRepublic: 10 cool USB flash drive tricks

Gaming preview: Mass Effect Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
Gaming preview: Mass Effect
Created: 12/15/2006
Video description: BioWare, creator of such classics as Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate, and Knights of the Old Republic, brings its expertise to the Xbox 360 with Mass Effect, a sci-fi action RPG set to hit in 2007.

Gaming preview: Mass Effect Video Transcript

^M00:00:05 [ Music ] ^M00:00:26

>> In the first Mass Effect video, we took you to the Citadel. A vast space station populated with the most realistic digital characters we've ever created. We saw that its Commander Shepherd, an elite specter agent, you'll command a star ship called the Normandy that allows you to explore the far reaches of space. In this video we're going to show you an example of where those travels might take you. The universe holds a terrifying secret. Thousands of years ago a machine race cut a swath of destruction across the galaxy annihilating all civilization. They're about to return. The galaxy map is full of places to explore, like outlaw space stations, planets with harsh environments and derelict spacecraft, but we've received covert intel that may lead us closer to understanding scholactic threat. So we're going to go across the galaxy for a hostile planet called Kalastan [phonetic] in pursuit of this lead. Kalastan is a mining world that has been attacked by sentient machines called Gef [phonetic]. All contact with the colonists of this planet has been lost. [ Crashing sound. ]

>> Looks like a clean drop, Commander. The Gef don't know we're here.

>> They over ran a mining facility a couple clicks to the north. They're bunkered in.

>> We got civilians trapped in the mines, one of the excavations teams couldn't make it out.

>> Mass Effect is a truly next-gen experience. Rather than force you to read through piles of text, we want to put you in the moment. Now, this may look like a cut scene, but this entire sequence is actually real-time game playing.

>> ... priority one, but keep an eye out for those miners.

>> The mission objectives didn't say anything about civilians, Shepherd.

>> You're just saying that because...

>> Watch what I'm able to do when I lose patience with my squad member.

>> ...You'd want to get them out.

>> We can't endanger the mission for a bunch of...

>> I'm in charge here, Garris, not you. I gave you an order and you damn well better follow it.

>> Understood, Commander.

>> We hit them hard and fast, catch them off guard.

>> Move out.

>> We got trouble ahead. [ Weapons firing ]

>> In Mass Effect, you can fully customize your characters' abilities and equipment. I've upgraded my shotgun with a plasma mod to disintegrate enemies. I'm going to use it in combination with one of my biotitic powers. [ Weapon firing ] In this next battle I'll use an interface that allows you to control every movement and action of this squad, such as what position to take, who to attack, and what equipment, weapons or powers to use in the fight. This level of tactical control over your team will allow to you handle battles that would otherwise be overwhelming.

>> Hoppers! [ Weapons firing ]

>> First, I'll have the squad take cover. [ Weapons firing ] Now I'll use my tech specialist to take down the [unclear] shields. [ Weapons firing]

>> There could be more inside the mine. The Gef wouldn't send an [unclear] to kill a few minors. There's something important down there. We're going to get to it.

>> That was just a small part of one of planets in the Mass Effect universe, so with all these places to explore, the incredible deft of character interaction, and the level of control you'll have over your experience, you'll feel like you're living inside a classic science fiction movie. Your story will truly span the galaxy. ^M00:05:09 [ Music ]

Related Videos

Gaming preview: Crysis

Crysis is a sci-fi shooter for the PC due in the fall of 2007 from Crytek, the creators of Far Cry. The game's CryEngine 2 graphics engine--as shown in this demo--could definitely make you shed a tear or two.

Gaming preview: 'Nights: Journey of Dreams'

'Nights: Journey of Dreams' is the highly anticipated sequel to the Sega Saturn's 'Nights into Dreams,' a decade-old game that has become somewhat of a cult classic. In the game, you'll experience the thrill of flight as you make your way through various

'60 Minutes': J Allard

J Allard, creator of the Xbox, challenges Bill Gates and Bob Simon to a game of "Fusion Frenzy."

Gaming preview: Fight Night Round 4

The quintessential boxing simulator from EA Sports has secured the likenesses of two legendary boxers, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Incredibly realistic graphics and gameplay are back, along with other dazzling special effects. Fight Night Round 4 will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The bell rings June 30.

Gaming preview: 'Rainbow Six Vegas 2'

Tom Clancy takes us back to Vegas in 'Rainbow Six Vegas 2.' The follow-up to the 2006 classic promises more action, new weapons, and improved online multiplayer gameplay. 'Rainbow Six Vegas 2' gets dealt into stores on March 18 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Gaming preview: 'Grand Theft Auto IV'

Originally scheduled for a fall 2007 release, the latest chapter in Rockstar Games' crime opus is now set to hit the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2008.

Gaming preview: 'Timeshift'

'Timeshift' is a first-person shooter that lets you slow down time, giving you the upper hand over countless enemies. After numerous redesigns, 'Timeshift' is finally shaping up to be an engaging action game for the Xbox 360, the PS3, and the PC. What w

Gaming preview: 'Conan'

'Conan' is a new single-player action game based on Robert E. Howard's fantasy stories--but be warned, this isn't Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan. Scheduled for release on October 23, 'Conan' will be available for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Gaming preview: 'F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin'

"F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin" is the sequel to the terrifying first-person sci-fi shooter. This time around you must continue the battle against a supernatural force that threatens to destroy an American city. Back again is the game's signature affect, the ability to slow down time during gunfights. "F.E.A.R. 2" creeps into stores on February 10 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Gaming preview: Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, the latest entry in the classic strategy series, once again pits the Global Defense Initiative against the Brotherhood of Nod. The PC-only game is scheduled to hit stores in mid-2007.