Everything you need to know about Mass Effect

Additional content

A ton of supporting material has emerged to flesh out the Mass Effect universe. Strictly speaking, you don't need any of it to enjoy the sequel, but here are a few salient points about each.

Bring Down the Sky (DLC)

The first DLC released for Mass Effect, Bring Down the Sky has Shepard trying to stop an asteroid that's been diverted to strike a colony world.

Pinnacle Station (DLC)

Pinnacle Station is an invite-only deep space training facility for elite soldiers like Shepard. It functions as a sort of Danger Room or holodeck for your Mass Effect character.

Mass Effect Galaxy (iPhone)

Mass Effect Galaxy is a cartoonish top-down shooter starring Mass Effect 2 characters Jacob Taylor and Miranda Lawson. Its events take place between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

Mass Effect: Revelation (novel)

Mass Effect: Revelation is a prequel to the games. It covers the exploits of a young Captain Anderson, and also introduces more of Saren's backstory.

Mass Effect: Ascension (novel)

Mass Effect: Ascension follows the trials of a young biotic who was part of Cerberus' Project Ascension.

Mass Effect: Redemption (comics)

Mass Effect: Redemption is not a discount coupon, but rather a 4 issue run of comics published by Dark Horse that functions as a prequel to Mass Effect 2. It follows Liara's efforts to discover what happened to Shepard after the destruction of the Normandy. It introduces a slew of new people, places and races that play a vital role in ME2 including Omega Station, The Illusive Man, Miranda, The Drell, The Blue Suns, and The Collectors.

So now you're ready for Mass Effect 2, which hits store shelves next week. The fate of the galaxy is in your hands, Commander!

Jan 22, 2010

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