Mass Effect - PC Release in May

To confirm and consolidate the recent rumors, here's the official PC release information on Bioware's space-themed rpg, Mass Effect as given in a press release today:

Chertsey, UK – February 12, 2008 – Leading video game developer BioWare™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) company, has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.
Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
• Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
• High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
• Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
• Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
• New decryption mini-game.
• New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.
“Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline – all set in a compelling new universe,” said Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts. Frank Gibeau, President of EA’s Games Label added, “EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future.”
Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 70 awards including Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

More information.

Cool.

Make millions of bucks selling it as a console and release a polished version for the PC. It's a good way to use the strong console market to benefit PC gaming.

Many others would look at it from another way and complain that the console kids get the title first and then the PC folks get a dumbed down version with stupid controls.

But it looks like BioWare will fix it right up for PC. I'm very interested in seeing what they'll cook up for the inventory management!

Judging by the initial screenshots, they have indeed streamlined the inventory management to be more suited for the PC's high resolutions and mouse controls, while still looking not that much different.

The same goes with the hotkey based biotics/skills controls. It looks quite nice actually.

Definetly looking forward to it.

I love it when they advertise "customizable controls" as if it's some kind of special feature.

Originally Posted by doctor_kaz
I love it when they advertise "customizable controls" as if it's some kind of special feature.

It is to console gamers.

And to a lot of old time PC gamers, too.

Actually, most (all I've played recently) allow you to customize the controls.

Most console games, too, although the amount of customisability is usually very limited. Things like Y-axis inversion and sensitivity.

Where's Dragon Age, BioWare?

After that, I guess.

This is great - we only have to wait 6 months! I think most of us assumed 18!