Mass Effect 3 details revealed

New plot, party, and gameplay details of Mass Effect 3 have emerged via Game Informer (read via a poster on NeoGAF).

Notably, RPG elements have been expanded from the second game – the third game occupies the middle ground between Mass Effect 1 and 2. Skill trees will be larger and have more options, and powers can evolve multiple times as opposed to once.

Weapons will also be customisable and include modifications such as underbarrels and scopes – the changes are cosmetic as well as affecting the behaviour of the weapon. Classes can now wield every weapon type, too, but only the Soldier will be able to carry them all at once.

The game will include multiple endings, with some good and some bad. These will be influenced by the choices you make and also the members of your party.

Returning squadmates include Garrus Vakarian (provided he didn’t die in Mass Effect 2), Liara T’Soni, and either Kaidan Alenko and Ashley Williams – depending on which one you didn’t send off to the slaughter in Mass Effect 1.

Also making an appearance, but not necessarily as squadmates, are Urdnot Wrex, Mordin Solus, and Legion. This all depends on whether or not they were killed off in former games, of course. David Anderson will also show his face in some capacity.

The game starts on Earth, with Shepard on trial following the events of the recent Arrival DLC for Mass Effect 2. The Reapers will launch their assault on the planet during the proceedings, and Shepard will flee to the Normandy, blast off into the Milky Way, and look to gather a pack of allies.

The Reapers are attacking more than just Earth, however – out in the galaxy you’ll be fighting Husks made up of every race. Up until now we’ve only seen human husks in the series.

You’ll also be up against The Illusive Man (voiced by Martin Sheen, and responsible for Shepard’s resurrection in Mass Effect 2), who is now gunning for Shepard and his team. Reasons why are unknown at this point.

If none of that means anything to you, the game will also ship with a “previously on Mass Effect” comic that both gets you up to speed and allows you make crucial decisions from former games.

BioWare also quashed earlier rumours and confirmed that Mass Effect 3 would not feature multiplayer, although it is something they’re looking into for future games and spin-off titles.

Earlier this week I pledged that I would quit my job and protest non-stop outside of BioWare’s offices if Garrus wasn’t included in Mass Effect 3. Thankfully our Turian friend looks like he’ll be making his third appearance in the series, which is a huge relief.

Meanwhile, here are some of the other things we’d like to see in Mass Effect 3.