Support NeoGAF

[EatChildren]

The terminator baby really doesn't make sense on any level. Physical resemblance to a human cannot be coincidental, yet serves no function since that's going to be the "core" of a ship. None of its "human traits" in terms of body plan could serve any purpose. Making something out of liquified humans doesn't make any sense because it would be no better than making it out of the raw elements that humans are composed of. The fact that some carbon once belonged to a human is utterly irrelevant and makes it no more suibtable as a building material, nor do any of the "essential properties of a species" get transferred. This is on par with eating the hearts of your victims and thinking it's going to add to their power to yours.

Mass Effect as a series is full of pulpy dumb science fiction and borderlines on outright fiction devoid of science. I simply took it as them utalising the genetic footprint in human DNA to take on a physical form because reasons. Reasons like how biotics are space wizards.

The idea that a species is being preserved through this process is quite bizarre. Are their brains being uploaded to a computer before being liquified? Are we expected ot believe that once dissolved, their mind is preserved in some other capacity? Or is it simply that this intangible "essense of species" magically influences the behaviour of the Reaper's main computer because it's physical body is constructed out of person-goop?

This was almost exclusively added or at least expanded on in Mass Effect 3, not Mass Effect 2, and I didn't like it. Nobody liked the "hurr we're preserving species!!!" excuse. Because it was dumber than the usual dumb. In Mass Effect 2 the implication was that this was their method of reproducing, not preserving, and that the consciousness of the goo-ified species was destroyed.

Furthermore, putting their "worthy species archives" in a combat chassis that gets risked every single cycle seems like a pretty good way to have your achive destroyed. I hope they make backups somehow because we know that Reapers get destroyed in cycles periodically - not just ours, but we've found multiple dead reaper carcases throughout our galaxy. And we know that smaller, weaker, easier to destroyer Reapers exist, whom would presumably be more likely to be blown up in any given cycle.

Again, Mass Effect 3.

 

[Spectral Entity]

Here's those pics of the Ark of the Covenant:

http://imgur.com/a/8l9l3
http://imgur.com/a/1haID

and some weird legs with it:

 

[figadapaura]

That's so cool. I can't believe I completely missed it.

 

[Ralemont]

This was almost exclusively added or at least expanded on in Mass Effect 3, not Mass Effect 2, and I didn't like it. Nobody liked the "hurr we're preserving species!!!" excuse. Because it was dumber than the usual dumb. In Mass Effect 2 the implication was that this was their method of reproducing, not preserving, and that the consciousness of the goo-ified species was destroyed.
.

The idea that preserving was primary over producing was Mass Effect 3, but the bolded was proven incorrect (according to the game) since Mass Effect 2. Here's a convo with Legion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CqtAHNQT3-w#t=60

And EDI comments on the essence of the species being put into the Reaper during the Suicide Mission, though she is largely speculating. Really all that ME3 did - in terms of what the Reapers are - was assert that synthetic species are also Reaper-fied (which doesn't contradict ME2 exactly, since the heretics were offered a Reaper body by Sovereign. Who was probably lying to them, but the concept existed), and that they were controlled by an AI.

 

[EatChildren]

Jay Watamaniuk ‏@JayWatamaniuk
Big story stuff getting decided. Knife-fights all around. #Space!

 

[BrassDragon]

Jay Watamaniuk ‏@JayWatamaniuk
Big story stuff getting decided. Knife-fights all around. #Space!

Apparently, there have been day-long story / character meetings all week (says @annlemay). Hopefully there's more planning ahead in the narrative department this time around.

 

[Caladrius]

Apparently, there have been day-long story / character meetings all week (says @annlemay). Hopefully there's more planning ahead in the narrative department this time around.

I hope you're ready for space-alchemy to go with your space-magic!

 

[Patryn]

Jay Watamaniuk ‏@JayWatamaniuk
Big story stuff getting decided. Knife-fights all around. #Space!

I'm also assuming that if they're still deciding story stuff now, it puts a final dagger into the heart of anyone who expected it to be out this fall, and likely also takes Q1 or Q2 2015 off the table as well.

 

[Fata1moose]

I'm also assuming that if they're still deciding story stuff now, it puts a final dagger into the heart of anyone who expected it to be out this fall, and likely also takes Q1 or Q2 2015 off the table as well.

No way it would come out this year along side Dragon Age. I hope we see something at E3 though. Something concrete about when the game takes place and how the previous trilogy affected the universe.

 

[JeffG]

I'm also assuming that if they're still deciding story stuff now, it puts a final dagger into the heart of anyone who expected it to be out this fall, and likely also takes Q1 or Q2 2015 off the table as well.

But may give hope for people that want a Mass Effect 1/2/3 reboot for XBox 1 and PS4

 

[Mutanthands]

I'm also assuming that if they're still deciding story stuff now, it puts a final dagger into the heart of anyone who expected it to be out this fall, and likely also takes Q1 or Q2 2015 off the table as well.

Holiday 2015 to March 2016 is my guess. I don't think they'll be rushing it this time, unless EA gets into big financial trouble.

 

[Patryn]

Holiday 2015 to March 2016 is my guess. I don't think they'll be rushing it this time, unless EA gets into big financial trouble.

Yeah, I'm still backing the Jan-Mar 2016 train, personally.

 

[Mutanthands]

It would be consistent, and the game could use the spotlight away from the Holiday crunch. No need to do a suicide run straight into Halo 5 and Uncharted 4, and whatever other hype-beasts coming out then.

 

[dr_rus]

But may give hope for people that want a Mass Effect 1/2/3 reboot for XBox 1 and PS4

Re-what? An 'HD' re-release is possible although not very interesting thanks to ME trilogy being on PC. Reboot is out of the picture - unless the new ME is the reboot.

 

[George Oscar Bluth II]

I want the new game to have the same sci-fi feel as ME1. Loved the atmosphere in that game.

 

[Dany]

It would be consistent, and the game could use the spotlight away from the Holiday crunch. No need to do a suicide run straight into Halo 5 and Uncharted 4, and whatever other hype-beasts coming out then.

If they're starting fresh with a new ME series then maybe the fall would be better.

 

[Laughing Banana]

So yesterday, in my 2nd venture towards the world of ME3 MP, I played MP from hmmm, 12 noon all the way non-stop--except for bathroom + eating break---to 2 A.M. in the morning today.

HOLY FUCK this shit is addicting.

I got the Defender trophy in one sitting, hahaha. Surprisingly pleased to see that it's easy to join random games, I thought the scene has dried up!

Scared to go Gold/Platinum though. Even Silver has been pretty rough. Couple of fails already there.

 

[Mass Effect]

I want the new game to have the same sci-fi feel as ME1. Loved the atmosphere in that game.

Agree. It needs to have more of the "stranger in a strange land" feel than whatever we got with 2 and 3. I wouldn't even know how to describe it.

Having this big, unknown galaxy to explore is part of what made ME1 so great.

 

[Mutanthands]

If they're starting fresh with a new ME series then maybe the fall would be better.

Fall launches are crowded and overrated. The hype machine runs 365 days a year. Giving the game time to breath, especially the revenue generating multiplayer, is the way to go. March is far enough away from Christmas that you will have played out your Christmas games, and be itching for something new. Plus, tax return money if you are lucky.

Generational transitions can be a tricky thing. For every Resident Evil 4, there are ten Dino Crisis 3s. I love Mass Effect, but I have no illusions that EA won't punt the series if it underperforms.

 

[Spectral Entity]

That's so cool. I can't believe I completely missed it.

It was easy to miss as it was in the Citadel DLC, and as you approached the holodisplay, it would short out.

I've never seen any pics as close up as mine, but I kept moving closer until I saw the spot it glitches out, and inched back enough for it to pop back in, then snapsnap!

 

[figadapaura]

It was easy to miss as it was in the Citadel DLC, and as you approached the holodisplay, it would short out.

I've never seen any pics as close up as mine, but I kept moving closer until I saw the spot it glitches out, and inched back enough for it to pop back in, then snapsnap!

Oh yeah, I remember that bit. Always wondered if it actually was anything, but never bothered to try and find out. Thanks!

 

[Zantetsuken88]

Here's those pics of the Ark of the Covenant:

So what am I looking at here? Why is it significant?

 

[digoutyoursoul]

I bought one of these last week

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HZ9C5U/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Well pleased with it, bring us that announcement at E3 Bioware

 

[Mindlog]

Well I completed a 10 Waves Survived Platinum solo.
Stupid game has sucked me back in.

Will still be playing when the sequel is finally released in 2016.

 

[Lakitu]

They've been having writers meetings all week going by Twitter.

 

[Spectral Entity]

So what am I looking at here? Why is it significant?

Basically, Earth religions were influenced by the Protheans, much like the Asari.

IIRC, the Ark of the Covenant was created from Prothean tech. There was mention of an object in the archives that heavily alludes to being the Ark, then the pics I posted was included as confirmation, but it was missed by a lot of people due to how it was implemented.

 

[BouncyFrag]

Well I completed a 10 Waves Survived Platinum solo.
Stupid game has sucked me back in.

Will still be playing when the sequel is finally released in 2016.

I'm really looking foward to the next game's multiplayer. Following the ME3 mp on the BSN boards was a lot of fun back when there were still weekly balance changes and events. So much drama over the missile glitching, farming on Geth/Gold/White, weapons/classes getting buffed/nerfed, the random number generator loot system, etc. This is the only mp I've ever gotten into and stuck with for a long period of time. It would be nice if we could import our ME3 mp file in some capacity to the next game.

Spoiler

I just want to have something to show for the insane amount of time i put into it unlocking and maxing out almost everything,lol

 

[RedSwirl]

Never realized there's a planet in Mass Effect called Carcosa.

 

[derFeef]

I might have to buy this...
http://www.gamingheads.com/index.php?option=com_myphp&Itemid=3&product=150

 

[figadapaura]

Wow, that's way over my budget.

 

[Mindlog]

In related news, Arc Pistol. I get it now. It's a top tier pistol.

 

[Ralemont]

That's a lot of extractions. Good for them, they really converted a lot of people from "MP doesn't belong in Mass Effect" to "jesus this is fun."

Been doing some MP again on PS3 this week. Quarian Infiltrator with the Widow is so boss.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

In related news, Arc Pistol. I get it now. It's a top tier pistol.

Nice

 

[Bisnic]

So... did anyone tried to ask some Bioware Montreal guy on Tweeter or whatever about the chances of seeing the first teaser trailer of their Mass Effect game at E3? I know that they'll probably never answer that, but eh... one can dream.

 

[Reese-015]

this is all I will reveal about this morning... http://twitter.com/jhaletweets/status/471374431856914434/photo/1

JENNIFER HALE IS BACK?!

edit: pic:

I mean... Those are N7 colors. Kinda. Right?

 

[Patryn]

More looks like the top of a black V with a red stripe through it. The picture is just sideways.

 

[Dany]

That looks like the armband of Sheparrd armor.
Haha, what a tease

 

[Bisnic]

She does more than voice acting for Shepard, so it could mean anything.

 

[Exploratory]

I hope in the next game they seriously work on the AI of your squad. I don't want to baby sit NPCs next gen.

Also what's the word in the street about an E3 reveal?

 

[Patryn]

I hope in the next game they seriously work on the AI of your squad. I don't want to baby sit NPCs next gen.

Also what's the world in the street about an E3 reveal?

Rumored to be teased.

However, given that they seem really early in development, it's likely a 2016 title. In fact, given that they seem to still be hashing out the basic story of the thing, I wouldn't be shocked to have it slip to 2017.

 

[prag16]

Rumored to be teased.

However, given that they seem really early in development, it's likely a 2016 title. In fact, given that they seem to still be hashing out the basic story of the thing, I wouldn't be shocked to have it slip to 2017.

I'm still looking for early 2016 (possibly delayed from late 2015). I don't see why it would need an almost 5 year dev cycle. It's not like Bioware has a history of things like that. A 2017 launch.. the wait would be soul crushing.

 

[Nirolak]

Rumored to be teased.

However, given that they seem really early in development, it's likely a 2016 title. In fact, given that they seem to still be hashing out the basic story of the thing, I wouldn't be shocked to have it slip to 2017.

Given this is Montreal, I wouldn't be surprised if they made a bunch of content and gameplay systems prior to finalizing the plot.

I didn't get the impressions from Omega that the plotline was the leading edge of how they do things at the studio.

 

[Bisnic]

Given this is Montreal, I wouldn't be surprised if they made a bunch of content and gameplay systems prior to finalizing the plot.

I didn't get the impressions from Omega that the plotline was the leading edge of how they do things at the studio.

Was Omega entirely done by Montreal though? Even the story?

 

[EatChildren]

Was Omega entirely done by Montreal though? Even the story?

Yes. Edmonton may have supported in some capacity but Omega was lead, directed, designed, and written by Montreal.

 

[Nirolak]

Was Omega entirely done by Montreal though? Even the story?

I believe it was their first run at making a piece of singleplayer content entirely internally.

Ann Lemay (BioWare Montreal) wrote Nyreen: https://twitter.com/annlemay

I don't see any other immediate results googling for writers for Omega though.

 

[Bisnic]

To be fair, there wasn't much they could have done with Omega. You get a pissed off Aria that sounds bored(was she ever different anyway?) and that want Cerberus out of her station. That's what the Edmonton team set up with ME3 at launch. Create a few new characters that make things a little more interesting, and bam, you got Omega DLC.

At least it was useful for one thing : Create the look of the female Turians.

 

[Patryn]

I believe it was their first run at making a piece of singleplayer content entirely internally.

Ann Lemay (BioWare Montreal) wrote Nyreen: https://twitter.com/annlemay

I don't see any other immediate results googling for writers for Omega though.

Weren't they also responsible for Arrival?

 

[Nirolak]

Weren't they also responsible for Arrival?

I think you're right, though I believe they were basically a skeleton team at that point still with a fair amount working the downloadable multiplayer FPS title at the time.

 

[EatChildren]

Dumb ending and weak Aria speech aside Omega is great. This is an EC Fact.

 

[Bisnic]

Dumb ending and weak Aria speech aside Omega is great. This is an EC Fact.

The levels were also big, numerous and nicely detailed too. Too bad most people probably didn't realize it because they were too busy shooting and running, and not look around.