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If you found The Illusive Man just a bit too illusive, the upcoming Mass Effect: Evolution seeks to shine some light on the galaxy's mysterious puppet master. BioWare has posted a seven page preview from the four issue comic.

ME: Evolution was written by Mass Effect 2 & 3 lead writer Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic), with Omar Francia, who drew the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 comic adaptation, handling art duties. The series will cover The Illusive Man's role in "humanity's first deadly days on the galactic stage."

The previous Mass Effect comic series, Redemption, concluded with The Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC.

In its first annual "High Scores" ranking, our friends at Kill Screen broke down 2010's releases into two main categories: "Big Games" (including blockbusters, full retail releases and subscription-based MMOs) and "Small Games" (including indies, downloadables, DLC and expansions, mobile, social, free-to-play and completely free titles). Then, a whole gang of critics, Joystiq's Andrew Yoon and myself included, were elected as judges, each allotted 100 points per category and able to award any game 2-40 points. (Yes, a judge, for example, could have totally given 1 vs. 100 all 40 points it rightfully deserved!)

Taking home the top spot in each category were two games that also appeared in our own Top 10: Mass Effect 2 (the "big" game) and Limbo (the "small" one). Notably, Minecraft landed in the #3 "Small Games" position, just below Super Meat Boy, showing how much critical love there's been for the just-in-beta world-building game. Also of note: BioShock 2's "Minerva's Den" and Mass Effect 2's "Lair of the Shadow Broker" charted, representing the only DLC to earn a "High Score."

"I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite free DLC on the PlayStation Network." When you start the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2, you'll be able to start off looking sharp -- as sharp as someone who pre-ordered the original versions of the game from GameStop, in fact.

The Terminus armor (which increases running speed and shields, and augments ammo capacity) and the M-490 Blackstorm Heavy Weapon (which creates tiny black holes), offered with Xbox 360 and PC pre-orders of ME2, will be distributed to PS3 Mass Effect 2 players for free via PSN through February 23.

Mass Effect 2 be released for PS3 on January 18.

Cerberus Daily News taking a break.

Cerberus Daily News taking a break.

You've seen our "best of 2010" and (some of) our "best of the rest" for 2010. What were your favorite games this year, and will you be playing any of them this weekend?

The Advertising Standards Authority on The Citadel greets every visit from Commander Shepard with a deep, disgusted sigh and a disdainful eye roll. The moment that guy sets foot inside the galactic nexus -- home to millions of aliens and bustling market to many more -- is when all the complaints start rolling in. Yeah, he's saved a planet or two, but the man's obviously a duplicitous douchebag who loves nothing more than inflating his ego through endorsement. Seriously, how can every single store on the Citadel be his favorite?

The simplest explanation is that it's a video game, and giving the store a highly marketable nod of approval is something that comes up on the dialogue wheel whenever Shepard talks to a clerk. In return, you receive a discount on your purchases. It's obviously sensible and entirely beneficial to endorse all space shops. The video game you're playing simply does not care.

#toys Alien vigilante Garrus is not pretty. He wasn't pretty before his face got shot up, and now, he's even less pretty. Lucky for the kids, then, that this plush based on the Mass Effect gunslinger is so adorable. More »

If you've been holding out for the inevitable "Game of the Year Edition" of Mass Effect 2 to get the DLC, you'd best look away. As part of the "Countdown to 2011" promotion on Xbox Live, all three of the game's mission add-ons -- "Lair of the Shadow Broker," "Overlord" and "Kasumi - Stolen Memory" -- haven be slashed to just 200 Microsoft Points ($2.50) each for discounts ranging from 64-75 percent off.

But maybe you'd rather spend tonight watching someone in a movie control another person, as if it were a video game? The Zune Marketplace totally has Gamer on sale for 960 points today, as well. Finally!

If we were given the choice of turn any character from the Mass Effect universe into an adorable plush doll, we'd probably lean towards the Elcor, or one of the Krogan -- you know, one of the cuddlier species. Prickly protagonist Garrus Vakarian? Way, way down on the list.

It's another day and you know what that means: more ludicrous Steam deals. Today's highlights include 50% off both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, along with reduced prices on Blur, Alpha Protocol, Dead Rising 2 and many more. Hit the jump for the full list.

Digital Foundry has placed its exacting eye upon Mass Effect 2's PlayStation 3 incarnation, addressing the big talk from both BioWare and Sony about the game utilizing the Mass Effect 3 engine and ultimately being the "definitive" version. DF's takeaway was that the PS3 version, as far as the PSN demo is concerned, turned out to be "different as opposed to definitive."

Directly comparing the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, DF found the former to be a "a curious mixture of improvements, downgrades and swapped out effects." To give you an idea of how minor some differences are, however, the hexagon pattern on Miranda Lawson's comes out as looking "flat." There's also discussion of shadows looking more realistic, and biotic effects being of lower fidelity.

Also, the PS3 version's framerate appears to be unlocked, which lets the game breathe a little when it can, but DF noted that "tearing is much more apparent in the new game - both in-game and in the cut-scenes." So, perhaps the PS3 version isn't quite definitive, but we're not hearing anything you could still use as an excuse to skip Mass Effect 2 next month.

Digital Foundry has placed its exacting eye upon Mass Effect 2's PlayStation 3 incarnation, addressing the big talk from both BioWare and Sony about the game utilizing the Mass Effect 3 engine and ultimately being the "definitive" version. DF's takeaway was that the PS3 version, as far as the PSN demo is concerned, turned out to be "different as opposed to definitive."

Directly comparing the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, DF found the former to be a "a curious mixture of improvements, downgrades and swapped out effects." To give you an idea of how minor some differences are, however, the hexagon pattern on Miranda Lawson's comes out as looking "flat." There's also discussion of shadows looking more realistic, and biotic effects being of lower fidelity.

Also, the PS3 version's framerate appears to be unlocked, which lets the game breathe a little when it can, but DF noted that "tearing is much more apparent in the new game - both in-game and in the cut-scenes." So, perhaps the PS3 version isn't quite definitive, but we're not hearing anything you could still use as an excuse to skip Mass Effect 2 next month.

#ps3 Mass Effect 3 is landing on the PlayStation 3 a year after the 360 and PC versions. So does it look better? The short answer is "no". The long answer is "it's complicated". More »

Once more to the Normandy.

Finally! Mass Effect! On the PS3! As a huge fan of the franchise, I was waiting for another excuse to play through Mass Effect 2. New and exclusive to the PS3 version of BioWare's RPG is an interactive comic that summarizes the events of the first Mass Effect. It's a clever workaround to Microsoft's publishing rights to the first game, and considering the importance of these choices in subsequent games, the effort is much appreciated. Unfortunately, after "playing" the comic, I couldn't help but wonder if it was enough to ease newcomers into the franchise.

Although most of the game's expansions are included on the Blu-ray disc, you'll have to download and install the free comic from the PlayStation Store before starting the game. The comic is also not the first thing you experience in the game -- you'll have to play Mass Effect 2's impactful intro sequence first. The comic book sequence takes place in-between Shepard's first encounter with the enigmatic Collectors and his arrival at the Cerberus station. (If you opt not to download and install the comic DLC, the game will continue as it did in the original version.)

While its position is unexpected, the interlude offers a perfect place for Shepard's life to flash before his (or her) eyes. (Both voice actors of Shepard provide narration for the comic, so don't be afraid to create an Oprah Shepard of your own!) The pace of the comic is incredibly swift, jumping from one crucial event to the next.

If you had asked me a year ago if I thought we’d ever experience the Mass Effect universe on PlayStation 3, I’d have said “I sure hope so.” One year and dozens of accolades and Game of the Year nominations later, Mass Effect 2 is coming to PS3. And from what I’ve learned, you’re not going to want to pass on this “definitive” experience.

After a recent hands-on session, I spoke with Bioware’s Casey Hudson. In this video, he tells us what bonus features are included on the Blu-ray, what the power of PlayStation 3 lends to the game, and how the PS3 version is using the latest-and-greatest graphical technology and gameplay updates.

So, you might be wondering, will you be lost if you never got to play the original Mass Effect? From my experience, the answer is: not particularly. For the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2, Bioware has teamed with Dark Horse Comics to summarize the first game in a 15 minute comic-style adaption, completely voiced by either the male or female Commander Shepard (your choice).

The comic loads up right after the opening sequence of Mass Effect 2, where you’d be re-creating your character. You’ll make the same key decisions that Shepard makes in the first game, such as how to handle a (seemingly) malevolent race of creatures, which of your crew to save or sacrifice in a life-or-death scenario, and who to pursue a personal relationship with. Think of it as the most in-depth character creator ever, while getting background on the first story as well.

The in-game database is also a boon to those getting caught up on the Mass Effect universe; it contains detailed (and well-narrated) background info on every race, planet, and event you come across in your travels throughout the galaxy.

Other facts I thought might wanna know but which didn’t make the interview cut:

• There’ll be a demo on PSN this coming Tuesday, December 21st
• The game includes all of the available DLC already on disc. Yay for Blu-ray!
• Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 has been upgraded to a more advanced graphical engine being implemented in the (just-announced) Mass Effect 3
• Bioware has swapped the shooting/aim-down-sight buttons to R1/L1, as most PS3 gamers seem to prefer. You’ll sort through your skill/weapon wheels via R2/L2.
• There is an install to aid load times.

The PS3 edition of Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be the best rendition of the game yet, and well worth the wait. And with Mass Effect 3 confirmed for PS3 for next Holiday, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with Commander Shepard.

#ps3 The PlayStation 3 gets Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 in 2011. Getting Mass Effect 1 as well would just be too ridiculous. But PS3 gamers will be able to speed through a short version of the 2007 game. More »

BioWare explain the PS3 port's improved graphics.

To celebrate the holidays, we're kicking off twelve straight days of giveaways from now through Christmas day. And while we say it's to celebrate, really ... we're simply getting rid of some of the larger packages around the ol' office.

Which gets us to our second prize: A fancy Cerberus-branded tin full of Mass Effect 2 goodies. Want Collector's Edition copies on both Xbox 360 and PC? You got it. How about three Mass Effect novels, to further immerse you in the world of BioWare's space opera? Also in there. Lastly, if none of that manages to tingle your fan-ny bone, we're pretty sure the print of the Normany SR2 will do the trick. Ogle it all in the gallery below, and enter to win in the comments below that.

#art For the wee Mass Effect fan in your life who prefers coloring inside the lines and navigating mazes, as opposed to making hundreds of dialogue tree choices, give them the Mass Effect Coloring and Activity Book. More »

The former Xbox and PC exclusive is even better on Sony's console.

In collating the top ten of everything in 2010 (excluding the top ten recursive jokes about top ten lists), Time has picked some of its favorite video games from the last twelve months. Among the top ten are science fiction stalwarts Halo: Reach and Mass Effect 2, the elegant and creepy Limbo, and iPhone finch fling-em-up, Angry Birds (which just makes it in, having launched at the very end of 2009).

Time's top choice is Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake, which is praised by writer Evan Narcisse for its mature craft and metaphoric gameplay. "Its mix of meta-awareness and Hitchcockian suspense make Alan Wake a unique and fun experiment and one of the best games of the year."

Alan Wake's devoted fans are likely to agree: Time couldn't have picked a better game, and the game couldn't have picked a worse time.

Give Shepard a test drive.

#ps3 Next week, the PlayStation Store will be graced with something PS3 owners have been waiting quite a while for: a demo for sci-fi role-playing game Mass Effect 2. More »

#ps3 The Mass Effect series will be making its first, long-awaited appearance on the PlayStation 3 in 2011. Question is, just when will it be out? More »

#pc While controlling shooters on the PC is made easier by the precision of the mouse, that's not enough for some people. Some people want it even easier than that. For them, there is the Dragon Gaming Speech Pack. More »

#nsfw Ukrainian artist Protsenko Pavel has a thing for Mass Effect 2, leaving us with this..interesting gallery, where men look like fire-proof war machines while women look like sexy little pin-up models. More »

#bioware I'm a guy, and I seldom play games as anything but a guy. I play Mass Effect as a female character, though, for some reason. Very few of my fellow Mass Effect gamers do. Fewer than one of five. More »