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For some, space may be the final frontier, but for those who will be playing Mass Effect 2 space is only the beginning.

In 2007 Bioware released an RPG of epic proportions to Microsoft’s Xbox 360, then to PCs in 2008, and on January 26th Mass Effect 2 will be the first of many great sequels coming this year.

Last time we saw Commander Shepard, he had just pushed back the invading Reapers, a machine race attempting to destroy all organic life in the galaxy. Now, two years after those events, a mysterious new ship has appeared and entire human colonies are disappearing. Commander Shepard must once again defend the galaxy, with the help of a pro-humanity extremist organization known as Cerberus.

Beyond this, Bioware has not given much detail on the story of Mass Effect 2, but luckily they have released plenty of information about the new and updated features.

Remember Shepard’s biggest fan, Conrad Verner? He’ll be back and the way you treated him in the first game might make things easier or harder for you the next time you run into him thanks to arguably the most outstanding and unique feature – the option to carry-over your save-game file from the first Mass Effect and continue your own Commander Shepard that you have grown to love. Although you start out at level one with basic abilities due to the overhaul of the gameplay, you will begin with more experience, credits, and Paragon or Renegade points depending on your level, and the choices you made in the previous game will have the potential to effect the way the story will play out in Mass Effect 2.

The combat system has received a major overhaul. You will no longer have to use medi-gel to heal. Instead your health and shields will regenerate when you’re not taking damage. Special ammo has been replaced with new combat abilities that will change your ammo into incendiary, cryo, and other types. There will also be a larger variety of weapon classes, and new biotic, tech and combat abilities. You’ll choose from a range of weapons, from heavy pistols to submachine guns, and even heavy weapons that can turn enemies into dust or unleash a nuclear fire. Instead of cooling down, weapons will dissipate heat into thermal clips that must be reloaded like ammo clips in other shooters – but these thermal clips are universal and can be used with any weapon.

Even the way armor works has been upgraded; Players can now modify armor and even build custom N7 armor from parts they purchase, or collect from missions. There will be special parts and mods that can be researched for armor and weapons if the player has recruited a scientist to work on them.
Bioware has said they will be much more focused on downloadable content for ME2 than they were for its successor and is planning on developing weapon and armor packs, new characters, worlds, and full campaign expansions.

All of the amazing qualities that made the first game great are enhanced by improved features, and an even deeper immersion in the world of Mass Effect. So, if you’re looking for a space-age epic that combines the best qualities of roleplaying games and action-shooters, look for Mass Effect 2 arriving in stores January 26th.