Adds narrative, ties into Mass Effect 3

Electronic Arts has revealed that will soon be bringing a tie-in version of its Mass Effect sci-fi game series to iOS devices with a new game, Mass Effect Infiltrator. The game is an all-combat version of the console Mass Effect games, and ties into the current version, Mass Effect 3, by having the main character feed intelligence to Commander Shepard, the protagonist of ME3. Despite the combat emphasis, MEI will still feature some of the "decision points" of the console games.

The game is designed for the iPad and players take on the role of Randall Ezno, a Cereberus soldier who tracks down alien species and whose loyalty to the humans-first organization wavers between Paragon and Renegade depending on decisions made within the game. Intelligence gathered in MEI will actually be available for Shepard to use in ME3, but is not essential to gameplay. Players use analog-based touch controls and tap on enemies to aim.

The company will also be releasing Mass Effect: Datapad, an informational iPad-only app covering the first two entries in the Mass Effect series and acting as a reference guide and "codex" for players of the ME games, including ME3. Players can use the app to check their progress in Galaxy at War, the meta-game that is part of the larger ME universe, and manage at least some aspects of their status.

EA has not yet announced a release date for the Datapad, MEI or ME3 but has said the programs should be released more or less together. The apps can also log into Origin, EA's online community gaming service. Requirements have also not yet been released, but the advanced graphics of the game will likely require latest-generation iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch models.

by MacNN Staff