Clarification of content of PS3 version of Mass Effect 2.

Jesse Houston writes:
"Hey Folks,

For those that don't know, I am the Producer responsible for Mass Effect 2 PS3. Some of you may have read over on the German forums some of the details on Mass Effect 2 PS3's contents. I'd like to provide some clarity as I believe that there was some translation errors in the interview that Casey gave.

Firstly I'd like to talk about what's on the BluRay Disc; Of course Mass Effect 2 will be included. On top of that, Lair of the Shadow Broker, Project Overlord, Kasumi: Stolen Memory and the Blood Dragon Armour.

Also included is, as on Xbox 360 and PC, an access code to the Cerberus Network. This will give you instant access to the same great lineup of Downloadable Content such as Zaeed and Firewalker."

[TOO PAWNED]

Like what i hear. BTW what is "Zaeed and Firewalker."?

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

firewalker is a few mission that first introduced the hover tank. Zaeed is a pretty cool character and I liked the mission.

both are free through the Cerberus network. but you also get teh really good kasumi, overlord, and Shadow broker DLCs free with this version. I got all of these and they are great DLCs that will be awesome to get for free.

From what he said it seem they will release more paid DLC in the future, probably after the PS3 version is out. Im looking forward to that.

[Game-ur]

Is the ending a cliffhanger or complete like ME1? That’s the only reason I held off until now.

[Red_Orange_Juice]

" This interactive comic (...) will be included on the Cerberus Network.
does it mean it won't be free? is the stuff on Cerberus Network whatever it is, free?

[Perjoss]

the Cerberus Network is basically a way to discourage buying games 2nd hand. When you buy ME2 or dragon age you get a scratch card with a code, this code gives you access to cool stuff like extra missions and weapons and armor, even an extra character to add to your team while playing the campaign (like stone prisoner dlc).

Once the code is used and you trade in the game the person that buys that game 2nd hand will not be able to get those things for free. There is an option to buy access to Cerberus network costing 1200 MS points (probably £10 on psn). This option is clearly in place for 2nd hand game buyers and is a way for EA to make some money from 2nd hand games sales (which I 100% agree with). None of this DLC is needed to play the game but it is cool and worth checking out for sure.

[frostypants]

Agreed, it's a brilliant solution. And some of that free DLC adds a LOT to the game. It seems clear that it was part of the original game, but they removed it and made it free DLC for the purposes you describe.

[Simon_Brezhnev]

Zaeed is probably the best co-op ai in the game. The rest of the ai cast was stupid in missions.

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

So, basically PS3 have the GOTY version of Mass Effect 2?

[kaveti6616]

yup. glad i didn't get it yet.

also, off topic, but yesterday assassin's creed 2 for 360 was like 17 bucks on amazon but the ps3 version was 27 bucks or something. lame.

[TreMillz]

new or used?

[kaveti6616]

new for both versions.

[punkpop101]

Sorry but if you could get it but didn't because you're a ps3 fanboy that's sad.

[SonyPS360]

By "have" you would mean that it's available now, which it isn't.

Get it on PC along with the first game.

[frostypants]

I think the difference is this: on the 360 and PC, ME2 is only $20. Even with all the DLC, I don't think it comes up to the $59 price point on the PS3. I'd guess it would be around $30 for all the DLC, so you'd be looking at about $50 (someone correct me if I'm wrong...stupid Live points system...).

The only thing of any true substance that the PS3 version has that the 360 version doesn't is that comic, I think. Other than that, they're really just forcing you to buy all the DLC. It's not a bad thing, as 90% of the DLC is great, but it's not like you're getting an epic deal here, or anything that the 360/PC players will miss.

If I never intended to play ME1, I'd go for the PS3 version just for the interactive comic to fill in the back-story. Other than that, though, I'd say the 360/PC version is probably a very slightly better deal.

[Christopher]

Love that they listened to fan feedback to do the interactive lead-in story. Even better as an animated comic. This is a great way for people new to the storyline to get to make the more important decisions from the first game rather than just the default storyline.

I can't wait to pick this up for my PS3 next year alongside DA2.

[Jaws007]

Zaeed, another badass squad member. Extra mission. Firewalker are just other short quests.

[Silentmerc3nary]

But are fun, too. Firewalker is fun to drive.

[Weaksauce1138]

So PS3 version gets about $24 in content for $35 more than current 360 price? Yea, that's value right there /s

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

I paid 60 for the game and bought all the DLC they are including, and it was worth it for me.

All that content is way more than almost all of the other games that cost 60$.

[Boody-Bandit]

For PS3 only consumers it will be worth every
penny.

I would go on but better judgement tells me it's best to end right there.

[RyuStrife]

@weaksauce

Well it is a better value than buying a 360 just so you can buy ME2 at $20 and all of its DLCs.

[TheBlackSmoke]

Somehow I think if I bought the 360 version for my PS3 I don't think it would work.

[jony_dols]

The 1 blu ray eliminates the hassle of changing the disc every 2nd side mission as well

[NYC_Gamer]

always have faith in Bioware

[frostypants]

Well, except for Dragon Age.

That game is a train wreck.

[Motorola]

Good stuff, cant wait to pick this up. Great reviews on PC and 360

[jay2]

Oh booooooo! :(:(:@ no exclusive content, all the expantion packs on the disk as well as 'timed exclusive comics?' I'll stick with the PC virsion. If we'd HAD 6HR of exclusive back-story content that would be another matter.

[distorted_reality]

This makes no sense at all. If you've got the PC version, why would you want to pay for a full priced game for 6 hours of exclusive content when it would make much more sense for Bioware (and for yourself and all us other PC/360 gamers out there) to make that 6 hours DLC and give it to everyone?

I would of been raging if the PS3 got exclusive content before other platforms, as the other platforms MADE this franchise as successful as it is today. I think Bioware has done the exact right thing to make all parties happy.

edit - and by exclusive content I mean stuff that ties ME2 to ME3, not the interactive comic, as cool as that sounds, as that's just to bring the noobs up to speed.

[cmrbe]

there is an interactive comic to help PS3 only users understand and make decisions that affect your game in ME2?. Thats really interesting.

However i do still recommend PS3 only users to play ME1 on PC or their friends x360 if they are able to. In alot of ways i actually liked ME1 more than ME2.

I am a bit surprised though that it seems that a alot of PS3 owners haven't played these games yet as these are the sort of games PS owners really flock too.

[jay2]

No, it's NOT exclusive.
This interactive comic's INITITAL release will be exclusive to PS3 owners who would be otherwise unable to realize the full effect of choice in the Mass Effect universe and will be included on the Cerberus Network.

I.E, timed exclusive. Then, same post
Edit: While I can't go into details all of this content is or was available to Xbox/PC Owners but otherwise wouldn't be available to PS3 owners.
More details about this will be released later. ;)

[cmrbe]

The fact that they are going to all this length so that PS3 only owners would know the backstory from ME1 is admirable but i think its best to play it them selves. ME is only $20 on steam for crying out loud.

I not sure though if PC, x360 owners would be interested in this comic as ME is already avaliable on their platform.

[josephayal]

Calm down KID, are u going to cry?

[Dramscus]

"I am a bit surprised though that it seems that a alot of PS3 owners haven't played these games yet as these are the sort of games PS owners really flock too. "

Many PS3 owners have a steadfast disdain of anything xbox or microsoft.

[BiggCMan]

"Many PS3 owners have a steadfast disdain of anything xbox or microsoft."

This goes all ways man. There are insane fanboys for the ps3, the xbox, the wii, the pc, the psp, the ds, even the long dead dreamcast. Its brand loyalty, not unlike cheering for a sports team.

[Dramscus]

too true.

[frostypants]

I own a 360, PS3, and a PC, but I too tend to back the PS3 in most debates. I just think it's a better piece of hardware, is all.

That said, I have ME1 and ME2 on my 360 and they are FANTASTIC games. Picture Dragon Age, but in the future, better production values, and 10 times more fun.

[ct03]

An interactive comic is a good idea, but it can hardly replace the experience of the first game. Making decisions in a short comic about characters and story elements you hardly know is pretty hit or miss.

Can you grow as attached to Wrex in a comic as you can during hours of actual gameplay? Will it even matter to you what happens to him?

I definitely recommend actually playing the first game before moving on to Mass Effect 2. To me Mass Effect 1 is a 10/10 and Mass Effect 2 is a 8/10.

[frostypants]

Nah, ME1 was fun but driving that rover around was horrible, and everything was a bit too antiseptic and friendly. ME2 is much darker, and there are more morally difficult decisions...i.e., doing the "right thing" can get good people hurt or killed. I'd give ME1 a 9/10 and ME2 a 10/10.

But I do agree that ME1 makes you care about some of these characters. Without that, their re-introduction in ME2 will probably feel shallow, and you'd be less concerned with their fates.

[shikamaroooo]

rentend ME1 on my 360 cant wait to get ME2 on my ps3

[Organization XII]

releasing ME1 on the PS3 would be epic as hell

[Organization XII]

The only developer im starting to really respect this generation...

[Blaster_Master]

I have to disagree Jay2. Just like they do with all (LOL) goty editions and charge full price, adding some kinda exclusive content would have to make sense at this point. Unless it was a beta or demo or something, but adding more on top of what they already worked on and charge full price for, justifies the ps3 version all together.

BTW, I really didn't like ME2. Though I am a big fan of part one, this game really does entice me to get it again just to see all the added new content. Ill probably wait till I see it in the bargain bin cause I bought the game new for the 360.

[huzzaahh]

I agree. I bought it new for 360 and while I enjoyed it, it isn't nearly as good as everyone was saying it is.

I might pick it up for PS3 when it hits the bargain bin. For Trophies. I love my Trophies.

[Moonboots]

I already own it but I will be buying it again on PS3. It is just that good and I love Bioware that much. Will be nice to all the DLC on one disc. Shame EA is their pimp, not a fan of giving them even a dime of my money..

[yewles1]

WHAT DID I TELL YOU ALL???

http://n4g.com/news/640880/...

[Jaws007]

Only thing is.... PS3 users are missing out on Mass Effect 1. So can it 36o nutt huggers.

[thebudgetgamer]

i own a ps3 and a copy of of mass effect on my 360 elite.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

crazy right?

[Moonboots]

Kapow! thebudgetgamer with the knock out

[JonnyBigBoss]

The DLC for ME2 is practically the best part. Lair of the Shadow Broker is incredible. I'll be pre-ordering this just for trophies alone!

[clrlite]

My PS3 is waiting for this. Probably a day one purchase!
Niceeee... http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[DigitalRaptor]

I'm glad they're bringing it to PS3, but what a waste of HDD space.

Why can't they just pile everything onto the Blu-ray disc?

[huzzaahh]

They want money. PS3 owners aren't getting everything for free.

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

I don't see a waste if this will include all DLC:

''Firstly I'd like to talk about what's on the BluRay Disc; Of course Mass Effect 2 will be included. On top of that, Lair of the Shadow Broker, Project Overlord, Kasumi: Stolen Memory and the Blood Dragon Armour.''

[Charmers]

@ ALFAxD_CENTAURO - not all the DLC will be on disc. The statement clearly says that the comic and the Cerberus content will be available for free download if you have a Cerberus code.

It is being done this way to combat used game sales. If you buy the game new you will get free access to the comic and some of the DLC (such as zaeed, firewalker, Normandy) However if you buy the game used on the PS3 you will have to pay an extra $15 to get a new Cerberus code.

The other DLC such as Kasumi, Overlord, Shadow Broker will be included on the Blu-ray disc. As for the Dragon Armour it is unclear whether that will be available to ALL PS3 owners or only those that have Dragon Age.

[KaiokenKid]

They didnt specify if all the Cerberus Network DLC would be free to PS3 owners though, did they? I think only the Shadow broker, Overlord, dragon armor, and Kasumi DLCs will be free, and any other DLC that was free for 360 owners. Everything that they charge for on 360 thats on the network that they dont include on disc for PS3 probaly will require you to buy it.

[SSKILLZ]

As long as this game isn't only on the 360, i could care less , 2011 exclusives will rape and that's all I'll be buying expept for Dead Space 2 !

[-Gespenst-]

So excited. I don't think I'd ever be able to afford a PC that'd run this game as good as the Ps3 will.

[distorted_reality]

It's not exactly a taxing game over in PC land....

I'm pretty certain any half decent computer (i.e anything from an early C2D and up) could run it pretty decently.

[DarkBlood]

hmmm damn it i wonder if i will be able to replicate my shepard very well for the ps3 version even though i already own the limited edition of mass effect 2 for 360 which is what i bought it a 360 for,

now im having trouble deciding if i want to get the shadow broker dlc or just cut it loose and wait for the ps3 version to come out

definitly buying the third one for the ps3 instead this time

[PandaJenkins]

well doesen't sound like I am missing out on anything new. If there ends up being anything I don't care if I have to pay for it on my 360 version, I just don't want to miss out on any big content.

[SeraphimBlade]

Honestly, I own ME2 on 360, but if that interactive comic's decisions have impact on the rest of the game, I may just rent the PS3 game and see what could have happened had I made different choices. My biggest (and maybe only) gripe with ME2 was being stuck to one default version of ME1's events if you made a new character. Then again, if you speed through it, ME1 is only 12-15 hours.

[KaiokenKid]

Wait, so all the DLC wont be on disc, just the three (Overlord, kasumi and Shadow Broker)? Then youll have to downlaod the rest off of cerberus network for a fee or if theyare free?

[RevXM]

I would be more worried about my HDD space than having to pay for them.
_____________________________ _________
I want this game, but I'm not sure if I should get it on the 360 instead.
Because then I could play ME1 and continue whatever I did in ME2.

Ill have too wait and see...

[KaiokenKid]

Id be more worried about the port then HDD space. I fully expect a install though, which is fine by me since itll improve load times more then likely. Im renting the PS3 version if anything.

[CommanderShepard]

As Commander Shepard, it is my sole duty to play and defeat the Reapers on all platforms, and soon to be the Playstation 3 :)

[TheColbertinator]

lol

He is Commander Shepard and that was his best comment on N4G

[NeloAnjelo]

Man I cannot wait for this...!

[ZBlacktt]

The Blu-ray disc strikes again.