All you Shepard fans can now rejoice. Thanks to BigRedBarrel, I gained early access to the Mass Effect 3 demo; without further delay, let’s examine the single and mutliplayer aspects of this game. I’ve heard that some of the multiplayer features of Mass Effect 3 are isolated to demo codes and some type of Battlefield 3 promotion. Either way, let’s get down to business:
Single Player:
You begin by constructing your own version of Shepard. All of Mass Effect’s face customization options are available. Race and history options are also open to your selection, as well as who may or may not have perished in previous games.
When jumping into the story, you find Shepard being requested to meet with the council. You’re being escorted in by newbie James Vega when you run into Admiral Anderson, who once again tells tales of the Reapers. That is, until they blow the Council away. From here you fight your way to the Normandy.
Bioware took lighting, movement, and scale cues from Epic and this demo is better for it. Shepard looks, moves, and is more nimble than ever. Enemy AI also taken some cues from more advanced shooters; so much so that a respawn became a common thing for me.
As a Vanguard, the recharge time on my biotics was very short,which helped me make good use of the intense combat pace. Targeting assist is still absent in ME3 though; I wish it was here. After reaching the Normandy, Shepard is off to gather forces from every race to ensure civilization’s existence.
The next mission features a little fan service by bringing all the old squadmates and faces together from Mass Effect. It’s a joy to hear Wrex again. I won’t disclose everyone you meet, but you will hold the line with some old favorites while attempting to rescue a female Krogan. She is essential in helping end the genophage, and Wrex will ensure that she is protected.
Unfortunately, Cerberus drops in and takes over. The stage is beautiful, featuring awe-inspiring lighting effects and sound. This area is the same one demoed at E3 so we’ve seen the Cerberus-powered mech. It is tough to take down, but very rewarding.
Multiplayer:
I’ve heard many people doubt the relevance or quality of multiplayer in Mass Effect, but worry not. The multiplayer side of the game features all the available classes; with just human races being playable in the demo. Bioware managed to implement sticky grenades into a class power; it’s really an eye opening experience. Honestly, it feels a lot like the Gears of War 3 horde mode.
As I picked my class, race, loadout and customizable armor color, I felt excited. When the “Wave 1″ text appeared on the screen, I squealed with joy a little bit. The framework never seemed affected despite ever-increasing enemies on-screen. If one feels so inclined, private matches are available and you can even run through the MP solo. Well, you can try.
As I mentioned earlier, Mass Effect 3 is difficult. My first playthrough of Mass Effect 2 was on Veteran so I thought I could play on the difficulty one step above normal. After five consecutive deaths, I moved the difficulty gauge back to normal and found that more balanaced, especially at the lower power levels.
Your multiplayer character levels, allowing you to upgrade your class-based skills as if you were in the single-player story. You unlock different weapons, races, and a host of other features. This multiplayer is a full experience and should hush the naysayers out there.
Download the demo now for your system of choice on Xbox Live or the PSN. You can pick up Mass Effect 3 when it releases on March 6th in the US.
