The first bit of Mass Effect 3 information has come in from the latest issue of Game Informer, detailing the game’s opening scene, returning squad mates, RPG elements, and more.
The game begins on planet Earth. Commander Shepard is on trial in regards to the events of Mass Effect 2‘s ‘Arrival’ downloadable content, which is interrupted midway by a Reaper invasion. Shepard escapes to the Normandy, goes off to find allies, and fights Reaper troops the entire way through.
Returning squad mates include Liara, Ashley/Kaiden, Garrus and James Sanders, if they’re still alive. Wrex, Mordin, Legion and Anderson are all confirmed for a reappearance (not as squad mates), (once again) if they’re still alive.
All versions of the game will include a “previously on Mass Effect” comic to make the decisions from both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 if the game is being started without a save from Mass Effect 2.
The Illusive Man, your boss from Mass Effect 2, will play a prominent role in Mass Effect 3. For reasons unknown, Cerberus is out to kill Shepard.
RPG elements are receiving a particular boost. Larger skill trees and evolving powers offer players more freedom in character development. Weapons have a set list, like Mass Effect 2, but modifications are available. These include attaching new barrels, scopes and other add-ons to your weapon, boosting its performance and affecting its appearance.
Unlike Mass Effect 2, every class can wield any weapon. The only difference is that each class has limited slots to carry them. The solider, for example, is the only class that can carry all weapons at once.
Mass Effect 3 will have numerous endings, some good and some bad. Depending on who you have in your squad and which allies you recruit can have a drastic effect on the allies yet to be recruited.
The game will not feature a multiplayer component. BioWare is talking about future spin-offs involving multiplayer, but there will be none present in Mass Effect 3.
Thanks, NeoGAF.