ME3: Known Features - Closing Comments - Page 22 - General Discussion

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Platforms: PC, PS3, XBOX 360[15](simultaneous release)/IPhone/iPod Touch ?
Price: 60$
Box Art: TBA
Distributor: Electronic Arts
Release Date: NA: 6 March 2012, EU: 9 March 2012

Countdown to Release Date
30th June.- Features Added: Pre-reqs won't be like you saw them in E3. 114, Everyone will return and you can punch the reporter 115, stealth gameplay with the tactical cloak are improved 116.
30th June.- Manveer Heir says that: "Powers are on a single countdown. There are a few exceptions or powers that have no cooldowns/other reqs instead"113
28th June.- Several locations from ME1 to be revisited. Galaxy map analysis rumours added. 112
27th June.- Dev Promise added: loyalty itself may or may not [have an impact in ME3], but effects of choices made on certain loyalty missions can be HUGE. 111
23rd June.- "Bringing a Giant Mech to Life" Dev Blog, and episode 7 of Bioware Pulse has been added to the videos section. Note: The link directs you to the Bioware Pulse stream page.
22nd June.- Added names of Cerberus enemies 109, percentage of Cerberus enemies 110. Translated to German.
Read news from previous weeks here.

test
Mass Effect 3 Teaser
GameInfomer: The Sound Design of Mass Effect 3
GameInformer: Creating Garrus
Mass Effect 3 Earth Invasion Trailer
Mass Effect 3 Kinect Gameplay
EA Conference Footage
Spike TV Gameplay - Earth and Sur'Kesh
Creating the Atlas Mech Dev Blog (Ep. 7)

Forum Rules currently restrict us from posting magazine scans.Screenshots Gallery (Last Update: 9th June)

Source Notes: [GI]=Game Informer, [ESP]=Spanish Magazine, [PS3M]=Official PlayStation 3 Magazine, [SM]=Swedish Magazine, [F360]=French XBOX 360 Magazine, [PCG]=PC Gamer, [OXM]= Official XBOX 360 Magazine, [XD]=Xbox 360 Dashboard
If any of the links are broken, just remove the "http://social.bioware.com" from their url.

These features have been officially confirmed by the devs. While changes do occur during game development, chances are that you'll see them in-game.

Because of spoilers, the Story section has been moved in a seperate page. Click here to get to it.

Exploration

The mining mini-game won’t be abandoned completely. [3]

Importing/Saves
The import feature will be present, with more variables than ME2 had. [4]
If your Shepard dies in ME2, you won't be able to import your save in ME3[/b].[16]
If you don't import a save game a 'Previously on Mass Effect' comic will allow you to make major decisions. [30]
NG+ will be a hybrid of ME1's and ME2's. You can go back and finish some stuff in the post-game. [GI]
Shepard will have access to all of his personal effects from ME2, the questions is, where are they? [87]

RPG Elements
Skill trees to be larger. [30]
Powers to evolve more times than once. [30]
Weapon mods to make a return. Not all guns can support all kinds of mods. [30] [ESP] [86]
classes can wield all weapons, but only Soldiers can have all of them at once. The rest of the classes will have limited slots. [30]
You start out with the basic powers from ME2. [GI]
New banter systems have been introduced [47]
You will be able to equip of remove helmets. [48]
Every weapon can be customized with up to five modifications. [XW]
You get to keep the weapons that you pick up, like ME2. [60]
The powers of squadmates evolve as well. [71]
Interrupts are back, but with new "tech and methods". [72]
Graphical display of bars and values to the different attributes of weapons and abilities. [91]
Ammo powers will stay as 'powers' a la ME2. [91]
Squad weapons can be selected and customized. [73]
Ammo is fully replenished after every mission. [74]
New ability shown in one of the squadmates' talents tree called Proximity Mine. [91]
The Soldier class has a grenade power. [91]
You will be able to change the colour and camo of your weapons. [91]
The Engineer can build turrets, which will distract but not 'decimate' the enemy. [ESP,PS3M]
There will be more items to loot [ESP]
In a few flame attack, Shepard uses his omni-tool to inflict a burn to the enemy. [PS3M] [86]
There will be a one-hit-kill melee attack, depending on your class. The engineer uses the aforementioned flame attack.[PS3M][PCG]
A tech-blade is the unique killing blow for Soldiers. [84]
"Blades of psionic energy" are the unique killing blow for Adepts. [84]
You can change the colour and camoflage of weapons. [OXM]

Combat
Melee attacks will gain more focus [GI]
Shooting specific armor parts can have certain effects, and the AI of the enemies will have them routing Shepard and will coordinate with each other[GI]
Enemy Weapons may be used. Bioware is currently testing whether they should drop weapons or not. (June 2011) [GI] [86]
The cover system has been improved [GI]
You can still dispatch squadmates to waypoints and have access to their class-based powers. [OXM]
Cover is still assigned to "A". [86]
Partial Leaning has been introduced. [OXM] [86]
ME3[/b] will use thermal clips, not ME1-style regeneratable ammo. [65]
You will be able to pilot the heavy mech, Atlus as long as you kill the pilot first.[62]
ME3[/b] will include heavy weapons. [66]
Just like ME2, squadmates will be using only 2 weapon types. [70]
You will have one heavy weapon, like in ME2, but there'll be more variety. [77]
Most pistols reload quickly, hit harder, but have less ammo. [78]
You can reload while aiming out of cover. [79]
Directed energy weapons are around, one of them is a laser gun. They, may however, not be shipped because they are too expensive, performance-wise. [42] [86]
Grenades are making a return. [84]
Shepard can jump and roll [GU,ESP,OXM]
Abilities such as Concussive Blast will now take into account the ammo power you have added, so you can have a Cryo Concussive Blast [PCG]

Enemies - somewhat spoilerific
The Reaperised krogan (Brute) wears heavy plates, while the Reaperised asari (Banshee) "has a bit of a potbelly" [PCG] [86]
Various enemies have 'built-in' melee weapons. The Assault Troopers for example, will be equipped with 'shock sticks', Shepard will be unable to use them. [32]
Cerberus troops include: Troopers, Centurions, Phantoms, Guardians, Combat Engineer, Nemeis and Atlas. [86][ESP] [109]
A female Cerberus operative that you'll face in the game, will be one of the most elite troops, but not a boss or a unique character. [45]
You can shatter the glass of the Cerberus mech, Atlas, and throw the pilot out. [OXM]
Guardians are holding shields, which affect the enemy's gameplay tactics. [90]
There will be multiple types of husks, human, turian, batarian, Rachni, Harvester and more [GI]
Cerberus Troops account to around 40% of the enemies. [110]

Other
ME3[/b] was fully playable during Christmas 2010 (Possible 'Hardening' development stage? (4/5) ) [22]
No Multiplayer for ME3[/b] [30]
ME3[/b] will support Kinect [87], but it is not required. [88]

The mining mini-game won’t be abandoned completely. [3]
The import feature will be present, with more variables than ME2 had. [4]
If your Shepard dies in ME2, you won't be able to import your save in ME3.[16]
If you don't import a save game a 'Previously on Mass Effect' comic will allow you to make major decisions. [30]
NG+ will be a hybrid of ME1's and ME2's. You can go back and finish some stuff in the post-game. [GI]
Shepard will have access to all of his personal effects from ME2, the questions is, where are they? [87]
Skill trees to be larger. [30]
Powers to evolve more times than once. [30]
Weapon mods to make a return. Not all guns can support all kinds of mods. [30] [ESP] [86]
classes can wield all weapons, but only Soldiers can have all of them at once. The rest of the classes will have limited slots. [30]
You start out with the basic powers from ME2. [GI]
New banter systems have been introduced [47]
You will be able to equip of remove helmets. [48]
Every weapon can be customized with up to five modifications. [XW]
You get to keep the weapons that you pick up, like ME2. [60]
The powers of squadmates evolve as well. [71]
Interrupts are back, but with new "tech and methods". [72]
Graphical display of bars and values to the different attributes of weapons and abilities. [91]
Ammo powers will stay as 'powers' a la ME2. [91]
Squad weapons can be selected and customized. [73]
Ammo is fully replenished after every mission. [74]
New ability shown in one of the squadmates' talents tree called Proximity Mine. [91]
The Soldier class has a grenade power. [91]
You will be able to change the colour and camo of your weapons. [91]
The Engineer can build turrets, which will distract but not 'decimate' the enemy. [ESP,PS3M]
There will be more items to loot [ESP]
In a few flame attack, Shepard uses his omni-tool to inflict a burn to the enemy. [PS3M] [86]
There will be a one-hit-kill melee attack, depending on your class. The engineer uses the aforementioned flame attack.[PS3M][PCG]
A tech-blade is the unique killing blow for Soldiers. [84]
"Blades of psionic energy" are the unique killing blow for Adepts. [84]
You can change the colour and camoflage of weapons. [OXM]
The power pre-reqs in the form that you guys have seen at E3 aren't around anymore. They're level based unlocks now, but from what I understand it's fairly generous in that most of the abilities unlock over the first handful of levels or so. [114]
Melee attacks will gain more focus [GI]
Shooting specific armor parts can have certain effects, and the AI of the enemies will have them routing Shepard and will coordinate with each other[GI]
Enemy Weapons may be used. Bioware is currently testing whether they should drop weapons or not. (June 2011) [GI] [86]
The cover system has been improved [GI]
You can still dispatch squadmates to waypoints and have access to their class-based powers. [OXM]
Cover is still assigned to "A". [86]
Partial Leaning has been introduced. [OXM] [86]
ME3 will use thermal clips, not ME1-style regeneratable ammo. [65]
You will be able to pilot the heavy mech, Atlus as long as you kill the pilot first.[62]
ME3 will include heavy weapons. [66]
Just like ME2, squadmates will be using only 2 weapon types. [70]
You will have one heavy weapon, like in ME2, but there'll be more variety. [77]
Most pistols reload quickly, hit harder, but have less ammo. [78]
You can reload while aiming out of cover. [79]
Directed energy weapons are around, one of them is a laser gun. They, may however, not be shipped because they are too expensive, performance-wise. [42] [86]
Grenades are making a return. [84]
Shepard can jump and roll [GU,ESP,OXM]
Abilities such as Concussive Blast will now take into account the ammo power you have added, so you can have a Cryo Concussive Blast [PCG]
Powers are on a single countdown. There are a few exceptions or powers that have no cooldowns/other reqs instead. [113]
The Reaperised krogan (Brute) wears heavy plates, while the Reaperised asari (Banshee) "has a bit of a potbelly" [PCG] [86]
Various enemies have 'built-in' melee weapons. The Assault Troopers for example, will be equipped with 'shock sticks', Shepard will be unable to use them. [32]
Cerberus troops include: Troopers, Centurions, Phantoms, Guardians, Combat Engineer, Nemeis and Atlas. [86] [ESP] [109]
A female Cerberus operative that you'll face in the game, will be one of the most elite troops, but not a boss or a unique character. [45]
You can shatter the glass of the Cerberus mech, Atlas, and throw the pilot out. [OXM]
Guardians are holding shields, which affect the enemy's gameplay tactics. [90]
There will be multiple types of husks, human, turian, batarian, Rachni, Harvester and more [GI]
Cerberus Troops account to around 40% of the enemies. [110]
ME3 was fully playable during Christmas 2010 (Possible 'Hardening' development stage? (4/5) ) [22]
No Multiplayer for ME3 [30]
ME3 will support Kinect [87], but it is not required. [88]
[*]Clint Mansell to join as a music composer. [23][*]The PS3 version of ME2 will use parts of ME3's engine. [18][*]The Normandy has been refitted [GI][*]Mass Effect 3 will be using the same audio engine as ME2. [33][*]Bioware partially co-operated with DICE in order to develop the sound effects. [33][*]Reapers have different sizes, ranging from 500-600 meters of the smaller ships to the 2km for Harbinger [ESP][*]Bioware is attempting to reach photorealism by trying out new lighting techniques [ESP][*]Customization will be more extensive [PS3M][*]Jack's appearance will be redesigned and will be more mature. [PS3M][*]You won't be able to feel a sense of security, because the enviroment changes all the time.[38][*]New designers have been working on some of the models. [SM][*]Combat areas are now multi-layered. [PCG][*]Water physics in ME3 are advanced. [OXM][*]Shepard armour will be different. [XW][*]Bioware is attempting to achieve seamless loading. [49] [76][*]Bioware has fixed limitations that hair had in the previous games. [52][*]Removable helmets for some armours and conversations.[55][*]You blow the top of a Husk's head off... but he keeps on coming. That makes the creature feel more relentless, and also makes it a little harder for you to get headshots on him.[67][*]Improved technolodgy allows for longer hairstyles. [68][*]ME3 will be using a heavily modified version of the Unreal 3, March 2010 edition. 75[*]By pressing 'Y', the camera turns in mini-cutscenes [90][*]There will be more squad banter, possibly more than in any ME game. [95][*]You can turn helmets on, off, and off in only conversations. [94][*]The field of view during combat will be larger. [96]
[*]You can change your imported characters facial features,hair etc as well as class and skills. [106][*]There will be very few loading screens in ME3. The narrative has been designed in a way for them not to be necessary. [107][/list][*]Renegade scars and red eyes will pass on to ME3. [108]

Promises made by developers go here. While they may appear in-game, always remember that marketing works in strange ways, and that sometimes, devs can't do whatever they planned initially.
Somewhat spoilerific
~~Uber-Collector’s edition will come with a special bonus item. [source rip]~~
The uber edition has been cancelled. [91]
Richer RPG elements[7]
Conversations will be more cinematic. [9]
Vehicle Based Exploration is currently considered and might return in ME3.[11]
Vanguard charge will 'definitely' be in ME3. [20]
Tricia Helfer, who voice acted as EDI in ME2, will be back for ME3. [25]
Mass Effect 3 will have big levels. [26]
Dr. Pepper DLC items to make a return in ME3 [27]
Seth Green to voice act Joker in Mass Effect 3. [28]
Music to be designed in very close co-operation with the game developers. [29]
ME3 will be more difficult than ME2 [GI]
The cinematic sense of scale will be greater. [GI]
Some squaddies will return as permament ones, while others as temporary. [GI]
The sound effects will be more immersive [33]
Game speed improved by 10-15%, you won't stay in cover for too long. [ESP]
Writers are discussion about how to resolve the Liara/Aethyta storyline in ME3. [34]
Cerberus Troops will include 'Phantoms' and 'Assasins' [PS3M]
The Vanguard will be the same, but improved. [36]
The Tech Armour will return, but the visuals may change. [36]
We will see more from RPG systems and customization, in the ME2 style. [38]
You have more to buy in stores and loot. [38]
Jack will be wearing a shirt, and her hair "won't be as shaved". [F360]
Mass Effect 3 will not end like a traditional war story (Kick enemy's ass, proceed to celebrations) [PS3M]
In ME3's story structure, the objective will not be clear, you will be gathering clues in order to solve a puzzle. [PS3M]
Bioware is hoping to add an audible effect on the modding system. [40]
Occlusion and obstruction of projectiles to be sorted out, audio-wise. [41]
Biotics are more potent in combat. [PCG]
All weapons from ME2 will return. [PCG]
Liara's AI in LotSB will help in writing squadmate AI in ME3 [43]
Changes based on the results of the heavy weapon poll may happen. [44]
ME3's economy will be much bigger and there will be more choices in weaponry and armour. (Casey Hudson's twitter)
ME3 will have a deeper exploration system. [XD]
There will be intros to LIs for new players, and a final resolution for previous romances. [46]
Bioware is trying new ways to build more of an emotional connection to Shepard's experience as they head to the finale. [51]
ME3 is aimed to have the same length as ME2, but with more replayability. [53]
All weapons will be available in ME3. [59]
Squad armour customization will have more options than ME2. [63]
Non-romance interactions to be breaking the mold. [57]
Game choices from ME1 and 2 will affect the war in ME3. [61]
ME3 will have a gore system, but not for a shock effect. [67]
There will be more animations for combat, movement and character interactions. [69]
There will be more personality to each weapon.[78]
There will be a replacement for Carnage. [80]
Every class will have a specific set of powers, including at least one new power, plus you can add a bonus power of your choice[81]
Shepard will have the ability to select a single bonus power, if you already have one it will replace the one you have [82]
More squad armour customization. [91]
PC specs should be around the same as ME2's. [91]
Shepard will be more responsive and combat animations will be quicker. [97]
Transitions will be smooter. [98]
Sprinting and steering controls will be refined [99] [100]
There will be more variety on weapon classes. [101]
Shotguns are being reworked across the board. [102]
There will be great rewards for importing your Shepard. [103]
Squadmates won't necessarily work like the ones in ME2. [104]
Keybindings for the PC should be fully remappable with a few exceptions from the Options menu. [105]
Loyalty itself may or may not have an impact in ME3, but effects of choices made on certain loyalty missions can be HUGE. [111]
Due to AI improvements, stealth play with the tactical cloack will be better. [116]

Rumours, with little to no basis go under here. Don't get your hopes up, folks, not everything that's listed here will even appear in-game.
LotSB may have set the standards for ME3, gameplay and dialogue-wise.
ME3 might have 3D [17]
ME3 may have timed decisions [19]
London will be featured. [14]
Attention is given to Tali's popularity [31]
Space battles [ESP]
Mac Walters hints that Conrad Verner will make a return. [34]
Some of the bosses will need to be lured into specific locations in order to be destroyed. [PS3M]
We will see more alien species in ME3. [37]
Wrex will be a temp squadmate, not a permanent one. [PCG]
IMDB says that Emily Hopkins will be voice acting a vigilante. [64]
Emily Hopkins may be voicing a squadmate, the "Vigilante".
Rumour: Mass Effect 3 to support Kinect? [83]
Multiple locations from ME1 are rumoured to have been found in the galaxy map of ME3. [112]

And don't forget:
Chris Priestly wrote...
Keep in mind that nothing "quoted" is 100% guaranteed. We are still developing the game and features change, we adapt, refine and improve. Just because you think it is there now based off an old interview (or even a new one) that doesn't mean it will or will not be in the game.
I only point this out so people don't say "But I saw in a thread that "X" feature was confirmed". NOTHING is confirmed until we ship.

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Other sites you should check:Everything You Need to Know about Mass Effect 3 - Google Docs