Mass Effect PC First Look
BioWare fulfilled the wishes of many if its loyal fans by announcing recently that a PC version of its Xbox 360 exclusive Mass Effect was in the works. The renowned developer offered a glimpse of the highly anticipated port at GDC this week, which aims to correct some of the original version's flaws while adding some new controls and features with PC gaming sensibility in mind.
According to BioWare, a PC version of Mass Effect had been in the back of the company's mind for some time. It wasn't until the developer was nearly completed with the Xbox 360 version that the game's design team began to work on a PC port. BioWare teamed up with independent developer Demiurge Studios of Cambridge, Mass., to enhance Mass Effect and add new controls, interfaces and other features for the PC port. So what exactly will be different about Mass Effect on the PC? The short answer is, a lot. Unfortunately, new levels and planets to explore will not be among the goodies. Still, there appears to be plenty of changes that will please both RPG fans as well as BioWare loyalists.
Let's start with the graphics. BioWare demonstrated the PC version in action, and it's clear the game's visuals - which were pretty good on the Xbox 360 - are noticeably improved on the PC. After getting a tour of some different planets and environments, it's clear the PC version offers much more details, like dust particles and wind effects, and clarity. In addition, the PC demo had none of texture popping or other graphics glitches that sometimes plagued the original Xbox 360 version.
Mass Effect's PC graphics shine with new clarity and detail.
Mass Effect will also be getting a quick save feature as well as additional save slots on the PC. The loading times will be significantly reduced as well. The PC demo had barely any loading screens, and when they did pop up, they were extremely brief. BioWare and Demiurge also added a new decryption mini-game that is similar to BioShock's hacking mini-game puzzles.
The controls have gotten an extreme makeover. The Mako's vehicle control, which was one of the more frequently cited flaws in the original game, has been revamped so that players can use the WASD keys to direct the vehicle without having to worry about the camera controls. Players can use the mouse to both adjust the camera and target the Mako's weapons.
The PC controls for Mass Effect include customizable hot keys to enable biotics and other abilities on the fly during combat.
The controls for Commander Shepard are even better. Players will be able to use customizable hot keys to enable different abilities and skills on the fly, rather than having to stop the action and jump to an inventory screen. And the inventory screen and GUI have also been redesigned to allow players to scroll through the different types of equipment and weapons.
PC gamers will get a new inventory screen and interface for Mass Effect.
But the best feature for Mass Effect's PC port may be the additional of individual squad commands. Instead of having to order both of Shepard's squad mates to commit the same actions or march to the same destination, PC gamers will be able to point and click commands to send one squad member on a right flank, for example, while having the other squad stay back with a sniper rifle. I have a feeling the individual squad commands will come in very handy for some of the more challenging battles in Mass Effect.
BioWare hasn't said exactly how it plans to release Mass Effect's Xbox 360 downloadable content, dubbed Bring Down the Sky, for the PC. But the developer did say an announcement for Bring Down the Sky should be coming in the next month or so. Mass Effect's PC version is scheduled to arrive in May.
Editor's Note: Stay tuned for an interview with BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka and BioWare President Greg Zeschuk.
Related Articles:
Join our discussion
Click here for more Game Developer Conference News
