Despite its comfortable new digs at Electronic Arts, it looks like BioWare plans to keep its Mass Effect trilogy exclusive to Xbox 360 - for at least the time being.
"I believe we'll be Xbox 360 exclusive for at least a short period of time," BioWare senior manager Matt Atwood revealed to CVG on the subject of the sequel's release plans.
"We're still working out the details on that, but we've had a great relationship with Microsoft and done very well."
It had been speculated that following the Electronic Arts buyout, the Microsoft-published RPG would take a multi-platform route with its two announced sequels.
Atwood's words seem to be the first indication that Microsoft isn't yet willing to let its front-running action-RPG drift to the competition (if, indeed, it has handed over cash for the sequel).
And after the exclusivity deal ends on 360, it looks like it's (expectedly) onward to PC for Mass Effect 2: "I think you'll see a PC version not too far away," said Atwood, confirming that the sequel will also be making its way to mouse and keyboard users.
"We haven't solidified the plans yet but we're headed in the direction where we want to be as close as possible [on PC]," he said.
So far we don't know much about the second Mass Effect, though BioWare boss Greg Zeschuk shared a few words with MTV:
"We look at Mass Effect 2 as incredibly exciting," he said. "Just the amount of effort and knowledge and know-how that went into building the technology for the first one is huge, and [we now have] the chance to actually make things a little bit richer."
After having cleared the 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC this week, we're gagging for more.
Limited time exclusives are normally a rubbish deal for whatever console they wind up on, as the developers often wind up adding new content or other gameplay improvements to compensate when they move it over to a new platform.
I suppose though that the PC is a special case in this sort of situation...
The 360 needs to hold on to these games to keep competition going. Even letting so many of its big hitters make it to the pc is a big risk. There are few games you can buy on a 360 that you can't find else where.
Couldnt get into this game, played for about 5 hours got the ship landed somewere and kept getting killed. So went of and played cod4, 5 months later still playing cod4 lol.
Probably a wise move. I'd be upset if I had to start a game somewhere in the middle of the story. Sure, they're all self-contained but the people who played through the first don't need all the character introductions and stuff.
But with the size of Blu-ray, it seems like a logical step to get ME1 & 2 down, stick on some DLC and at least make the effort to fill a single-layer disc.
Probably a wise move. I'd be upset if I had to start a game somewhere in the middle of the story. Sure, they're all self-contained but the people who played through the first don't need all the character introductions and stuff.
But with the size of Blu-ray, it seems like a logical step to get ME1 & 2 down, stick on some DLC and at least make the effort to fill a single-layer disc.
It would be nice if they did what Shenmue did on the Dreamcast - it checked your saved game, and enabled you to carry your character over. That would be ACE.
Probably a wise move. I'd be upset if I had to start a game somewhere in the middle of the story. Sure, they're all self-contained but the people who played through the first don't need all the character introductions and stuff.
But with the size of Blu-ray, it seems like a logical step to get ME1 & 2 down, stick on some DLC and at least make the effort to fill a single-layer disc.
It would be nice if they did what Shenmue did on the Dreamcast - it checked your saved game, and enabled you to carry your character over. That would be ACE.
That would be fantastic! (but, you have just made me feel sad by mentioning Shenmue...sigh - will we ever see the final part???)
I just can't wait for the second installment - loved the first and the mind boggles as to what they'll do with the next one.
That would be fantastic! (but, you have just made me feel sad by mentioning Shenmue...sigh - will we ever see the final part???)
I just can't wait for the second installment - loved the first and the mind boggles as to what they'll do with the next one.
In BioWare we trust.....
I know, I absolutely LOVED Shenmue 2 on the Dreamcast, and I felt the subtitles and lack of dubbing just made it even better. It's truly depressing to think that, as more time passes, the chances of seeing a Shenmue 3 get less and less.
I still cling to the hope that it comes out, and comes out for the DC too (assuming mine still works) - carrying your character across was simply brilliant.
And I think it would work great in Mass Effect. Increase the level cap to 100, keep the same character and a few more funky skills that get unlocked. Job done. It'd give a real feeling of continuity. Unless, of course, you don't play Shephard in the sequel...
I think what he's saying is that the sequel will end up on PC 6 months after original release on 360. This is hardly a bad thing as it's keeping the game exclusive to one console while also giving PC owners a chance to experience this great series.
That would be fantastic! (but, you have just made me feel sad by mentioning Shenmue...sigh - will we ever see the final part???)
I just can't wait for the second installment - loved the first and the mind boggles as to what they'll do with the next one.
In BioWare we trust.....
I know, I absolutely LOVED Shenmue 2 on the Dreamcast, and I felt the subtitles and lack of dubbing just made it even better. It's truly depressing to think that, as more time passes, the chances of seeing a Shenmue 3 get less and less.
I still cling to the hope that it comes out, and comes out for the DC too (assuming mine still works) - carrying your character across was simply brilliant.
And I think it would work great in Mass Effect. Increase the level cap to 100, keep the same character and a few more funky skills that get unlocked. Job done. It'd give a real feeling of continuity. Unless, of course, you don't play Shephard in the sequel...
To be fair, I'd take Shenmue 3 on any platform - as long as we get it (and my Dreamcast still works).
Just seems a real shame that such an amazing game never reached its full conclusion - it's still unique, even today.
It would be nice if they did what Shenmue did on the Dreamcast - it checked your saved game, and enabled you to carry your character over. That would be ACE.
I'm not talking about having to go through it all though, I'm meaning just the conversations taking up space on the disc that you don't really need if you've been through it on the first. No point having like an hour's worth of recorded dialogue if you've already heard it
But in a story like this I'd definitely hope for a character transfer option. I imagine that's what we'll get too. It'd suck to have to create and start over again.
It would be nice if they did what Shenmue did on the Dreamcast - it checked your saved game, and enabled you to carry your character over. That would be ACE.
I'm not talking about having to go through it all though, I'm meaning just the conversations taking up space on the disc that you don't really need if you've been through it on the first. No point having like an hour's worth of recorded dialogue if you've already heard it
But in a story like this I'd definitely hope for a character transfer option. I imagine that's what we'll get too. It'd suck to have to create and start over again.
Oh gods yeah - I am not talking about a 10 hour 'movie' of the first game like they did when they put Shenmue on the Xbox, merely a character transfer, so all your skills remain and you can work on the same character.
Honestly, I'm surprised more game devs don't do this anyway...
I'm currently playing Mass Effect (itching to play this evening!) and already think its great. Naturally, I'm looking forward to the sequels.
I'll be buying them for the 360 because I'm impatient and can't wait (and I don't have a PC). The PC conversion is expected, given that the first Mass Effect is already due out on PC (is it this May?). Thinking about it, isn't it the exact same situation we saw with the first game?
IF they appear on the PS3 (and bear in mind, this is unclear at the moment), it will be interesting to see whether it is a good port, or offers any enhancements. We know what EA did with the Orange Box PS3 port (is there an emoticon for vomit?). I say the more people that can enjoy the series, the better, as it's a great game, but from MS' perspective, Mass Effect is a v. important franchise for the Xbox...
I'm gagging for more of this quality game as well. The sequel can't come quick enough imo. Hope they manage to surpass the original in terms of game size and more interesting side plots.
It would be nice if they did what Shenmue did on the Dreamcast - it checked your saved game, and enabled you to carry your character over. That would be ACE.
I'm not talking about having to go through it all though, I'm meaning just the conversations taking up space on the disc that you don't really need if you've been through it on the first. No point having like an hour's worth of recorded dialogue if you've already heard it
But in a story like this I'd definitely hope for a character transfer option. I imagine that's what we'll get too. It'd suck to have to create and start over again.
Didn't they already announce that you could transfer your character throughout each game? I'm pretty sure they did...
Couldnt get into this game, played for about 5 hours got the ship landed somewere and kept getting killed. So went of and played cod4, 5 months later still playing cod4 lol.
i couldnt kill the last boss so it's been rejected to the kids room while i stamped up and down on the box....cod4 is now the only game i play eveyday too.
Couldnt get into this game, played for about 5 hours got the ship landed somewere and kept getting killed. So went of and played cod4, 5 months later still playing cod4 lol.
i couldnt kill the last boss so it's been rejected to the kids room while i stamped up and down on the box....cod4 is now the only game i play eveyday too.
That's because you've both treated it like a FPS and not the RPG that it is. Load up a save file and do some side quests. Level up your character a bit, and then head back to the last boss later with a buffed up power house! Go in all guns blazing and you’ll likely find you’ll die very very quickly.
I don't know what the legal wheelings & dealings are, but if it is to stay a console exclusive for the 360, that'll be down to some deal MS has made with EA, probably from when EA (presumably) bought the publishing rights from MS?
Dunno, but if left to EA alone, they'd be bringing it out on everything, PS3 included.
I couldn't really give a crap about Mass Effect being 360 exclusive for a while, being a PS3. Contrary to all the digs, we're not exactly short of games, it's a good laugh over at Sony, unless you mean the Playstation forums...
But if it makes it's way to PS3 or something i am glad it is a timed exclusive, i think it gives all people the chance to play the game but makes it so 360 gets it first.
If only the same happened to DMC Though i still wouldn't give a crap, over-rated series...
I dont think MS will allow Mass effect onto another console platform PC yes PS3 I would not think so they have invested a huge wedge into this as a trilogy for the 360 to let a PS3 version happen but now obviously EA are involved so who knows, but if MS had a deal with Bioware before the EA buyout then surely Bioware & EA will have to honor that agreement?
Still playing through ME, but so far I'm loving it (well except for the that damn MAKO, damn crap thing)
Bioware are still the King's of the (Western)RPG, and ME shws ppl how it's done. I definately look forward to ME2.
As for ME no longer being a 360 exclusive, well I kinda expected that since Bioware got bought by EA ( I can barely bring myself to say that). Its gonna be the same with Dragon Age wich is meant to be a PC exclusive (ME = 360exclusive) bt now who knows with EA.
If you're going to release a game on both the PS3 and the Xbox 360, it's a lot easier to create it on the PS3 first, and then port it to the 360, than to do it the other way around.
360 to PS3 costs a lot of time and money, and usually leaves a crappy game at the end of it.
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(and I don't have a PC). The PC conversion is expected, given that the first Mass Effect is already due out on PC (is it this May?). Thinking about it, isn't it the exact same situation we saw with the first game? 
I can barely bring myself to say that). Its gonna be the same with Dragon Age wich is meant to be a PC exclusive (ME = 360exclusive) bt now who knows with EA.
