Mass Effect Takes Up Space

After designing the 2004 Game of the Year Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, BioWare proved they were far from a one-hit wonder with the extravagant Jade Empire™, going from the Force-infused galaxy of George Lucas' space opera to the mystical history of ancient China.

BioWare is aiming for the stars again with their newest project, Mass Effect™. We haven't gotten our hands on it yet, but we can barely contain our excitement. Casey Hudson, project director for Mass Effect, was able to spare us a few moments to answer some burning questions. Space and BioWare were a good combination before and, from the sounds of things, it's only going to get better …

Good or bad, he's the guy with the gun. The big gun.

Xbox.com: What was the genesis for Mass Effect? What was the original idea, and how has the framework for that idea evolved over time?

Hudson: The original concept was to build an adventure of tremendous scope, with locations and story elements of the largest possible proportions. We wanted to create an epic story based on the most horrific threat imaginable to all life as we know it. The idea was to put players at the center of that story by creating an immersive RPG experience where they faced morally challenging decisions to save the galaxy.

Xbox.com: What can players expect from the advancement/leveling system? Is it similar to what you established in Jade Empire?

Hudson: Mass Effect is actually closer to Knights of the Old Republic in terms of the advancement and leveling system. As characters gain experience, the player will be able to increase numerous stats, talents, abilities, and powers. Increasing these attributes will directly impact the performance of the character throughout the game.

This little dude is supposed to help you save the galaxy?

Xbox.com: Prior reports have alluded to a vast open-ended world with adventure possibilities quite apart from the main story line. Can you elaborate on the types of experiences players can create for themselves?

Hudson: Mass Effect takes place within a vast galaxy full of uncharted planets for players to discover and explore. In addition to the main story arc of the game, players can visit many unexplored planets in an all-terrain rover. They may discover new alien life, resources, ruined civilizations, and powerful technologies …

Xbox.com: How do you anticipate using Xbox Live® Marketplace for Mass Effect? Is there any plan to use the game as a foundation to build on with downloadable expansion packs?

Hudson: We see tremendous opportunities to use Xbox Live Marketplace to enrich the Mass Effect experience. We'll be talking more about that later this year.

Xbox.com: Can you offer any details regarding the story line? For example, what's the foundation of the story when you first start the game?

Imagine one of these is your ship. And you can go anywhere.

Hudson: It's a pretty cool concept, and we summarize it this way:

Among those who study ancient alien ruins, a horrific legend is told: that every 50,000 years a gate opens in space, and a race of machines pours through—harvesting organic civilizations and all that they have created. It is the year 2183, and the gate is about to open …

Xbox.com: How is the combat being handled in Mass Effect? Is it purely real-time or more of a mix like Knights of the Old Republic offered, where you could pause at anytime and set up your next set of commands?

Hudson: Mass Effect employs a real-time, squad-based, tactical combat system. It will look and feel like a third-person shooter, but it's definitely an RPG in that it includes a target-lock system based on your character's abilities. In addition to the use of advanced, high-tech weaponry, combat also incorporates the concept of "Biotics," a science-based form of superhuman abilities, offering endless possibilities in combat.

Next-gen power in fine form, definitely a giant leap forward.

Normally you can blast through the battlefield letting your squad members support you using their own tactics, but you can also pause the game and issue very specific movement and targeting commands to really coordinate well in battle.

Xbox.com: How do you control or influence other party members during combat? Are they mostly controlled by A.I., or can you set specific commands for them?

Hudson: Players have a very deep level of control and customization in combat. You can choose your squad members and equip them with weapons and armor as you like. You can adjust their preferred tactics on the fly, and even issue specific orders for movement, targeting enemies, and more.

Xbox.com: Can you build the look of your character, or is it predetermined?

Explore fantastic new worlds with your squad of Specters.

Hudson: A deep character-customization system will start the game, allowing players to choose from a variety of stunning, photo-realistic character appearances. You can be male or female, and go into great detail in adjusting facial features.

Xbox.com: Both Jade Empire and Knights of the Old Republic are known for their good/evil system. Can we expect something similar in Mass Effect and, if so, how has it evolved?

Hudson: In Mass Effect, we're taking a more mature approach to good and evil choices. The danger you face is so definitive, you are absolutely motivated to stop it. But humans are new on the galactic scene, and everyone is watching you to learn what we're like. So as you're fighting to save the galaxy, you can make choices to do things harshly, selfishly, or with compassion­—and those choices will determine humanity's ultimate position in the galaxy.

Xbox.com: Is spaceship battle available and, if so, can we expect to be able to buy/upgrade our own ship throughout the game?

Hudson: Players will be in command of their very own starship, the Normandy. This ship will allow players to explore the galaxy both in terms of solving the mysteries of the main plot as well as discovering—and landing on—uncharted planets, asteroids, and derelict spaceships. This installment will not include ship-to-ship combat, but there will be opportunities to customize vehicles—including the planetary rover that is used to explore the surfaces of uncharted worlds.

Xbox.com: What core set of features can you point to and say "that's next-gen"? Beyond graphical prowess, what are you doing with Mass Effect that just wasn't possible in current-gen systems?

Hudson: Mass Effect features a huge cast of in-engine "digital actors" that all have lifelike facial and body movements, as well as an advanced dialogue system that gives them engaging personalities. You will be able to interact with other characters in ways never before possible, especially with a new interface for conversations that allow you to react instantly to other characters while maintaining the pace of a real-life conversation.

For the first time, you can have a real-time conversation (or argument) with people in the game. This unprecedented realism helps draw players into the story experience, where interactions with other characters happens on a visceral and emotional level.

Xbox.com: Thanks for your time, Casey!