Combat is where Mass Effect really got interesting. The game will feature light melee elements, but most arsenals will be consist of high-energy, futuristic weapons. BioWare loaded up a jungle area to show off a battle. The scenario was populated with towering sheer rock structures, ringed with dark green vines. On the ground a heavy mist hung, shrouding the metallic walls of structures built into the rock faces. Before any fighting began, we were shown how each character's in-game appearance was entirely dependent on the gear they wore. No characters in Mass Effect have a stock armor appearance. If you equip a huge, hulking helmet, it'll show up in real time. Same thing with weapons, which appear strapped to characters' backs and legs. This allows for a huge variety of character appearances, reinforcing the game's already impressive customization options.
Moving through a ravine between two large stones, the three man team came upon a lone mechanical enemy standing amidst swirls of fog. Instead of bringing up an attack menu to issue commands, the main character simply zoomed in his rifle. From the third-person over the shoulder perspective, he blasted a few energy bolts the bot's way, crumbling it to the ground. This introduces a significant action element into
Mass Effect, as you actually have to aim at the enemy to hit them. Once you're aiming at them, which is aided by a soft lock-on when you get your reticule close, character statistics take over. Some things considered in whether or a properly aimed gun will make contact with its projectiles are your own statistics, how many mods you've applied to your weapon, and how specialized you are with that type of gun.
Every one of your three person team is fully controllable and can be switched to at any time, moved around, and used to attack. When not in directly in control of squadmates, they'll operate on their own, trying to take down enemies with whatever abilities are most appropriate. The option also exists to issue tactical commands to your team. To set up a tactical assault on an enemy position, the game can be pause and individual move orders can be issued to each teammate. Move locations can be used in conjunction with target and attack orders, meaning you need only pause the game once to tell your squad to move and then start attacking. In addition to the guns, BioWare showed off a dark energy attack, one of the game's many magical options. Though the energy abilities can be used for a wide range of purposes, this particular one was entirely offensive; a magical blast of purplish rippling energy that shot forth from a character's arms to explode when it impacted. We also got to see the effects of an incendiary round. When aimed and fired, the blast set an enemy ablaze, and sent him tumbling off the bridge he was patrolling.
In a surprising twist, we were shown how Mass Effect's destructible environments could be used to defeat enemies. After approaching a group of enemies in the jungle, BioWare issued a few move commands, sending two teammates to opposite sides of the group. They then moves the controlled character directly at the group, firing at they went. Seeing themselves surrounded, the enemies backed up toward a bridge to take up positions and return fire. BioWare then made the controlled character toss out a tiny grenade, which resembled an energy Frisbee as it cut through the air. Instead of detonating the enemies' feet, the grenade flew behind them, striking the center of a bridge support. The ensuing explosion crumbled the support, sending jagged shards of rock tumbling down, crushing the group of enemies and ending the fight. With these kinds of strategic options built into the game, it certainly seems like Mass Effect could offer up particularly unique, engaging battles.
As you defeat enemies, discover new areas, and complete quests you'll gain experience, after which you can level up, as well as achieve higher military ranks. Leveling up will allow you to augment a variety of skills. Some examples include stability of your aiming reticule and accuracy of your shots, as well as options for conversation. In this way, each character can be built up with highly specialized skill sets that can be further enhanced with the armor pieces and weapons you choose to equip.
As mentioned in previous write-ups, Mass Effect lets you take your party anywhere in the galaxy, which is easily accomplished with a user friendly map system. From the galaxy view you can zoom into clusters, solar systems, check planet statistics, and immediately drop onto surfaces with your six-wheeled exploration vehicle. This land rover can be customized as well, including several weapon options for clearing out foes on the surface. When asked, BioWare said there were no plans at the moment to include ship to ship space battles as well.
