Although all of the Mass Effect
media that has been released features a singular hero, the game is in
fact an RPG with all of the character shaping elements you could hope
for. The game begins with you designing your character including sex,
background, appearance and character class. Which character class you
choose will largely shape your character's approach to combat. To get
the lowdown on the classes, we went to BioWare for the expert's
explanation. Then, to top things off we added a bit of our own thoughts
on each class. Read on for the info and then check back in the coming
months as we showcase several locations and specific weapons you'll
find in Mass Effect.
Soldier
What BioWare Says: Soldiers are combat specialists ideal for the
front lines of a firefight. Soldiers begin the game trained with skills
in both pistols and assault rifles, they have improved health and the
ability to wear medium combat armor. As you progress through the game
you can unlock assault training, skills with shotguns and sniper
rifles, become able to perform first aid on yourself and party members,
and wear heavy combat armor.
What IGN Says: If you've seen any footage of Mass Effect where
it looks more like a shooter and less like an RPG, you've been looking
at a soldier. Playing as a soldier, you should have no problem hitting
the front lines and making your enemies get up close and personal with
the business end of your shotgun or rifle. The combat we've seen from a
soldier class is vaguely reminiscent of Ghost Recon Advanced
Warfighter, though you'll be customizing your weapons and improving
skills throughout Mass Effect.
Engineer
What BioWare Says: Engineers are tech specialists. Using the
holographic OmniTool they can decrypt security systems, repair and/or
modify technical equipment, disrupt enemy weapons or shields and heal
their party. Even though they begin the game with only pistols and the
OmniTool, engineers can unlock the ability to wear light armor and to
reverse engineer enemy technology. They can also learn to put up
protective shields and to heal the party.
What IGN Says: Technology marches on so we can only imagine that
engineers are even more valuable in the future than they are today. The
world of Mass Effect is heavy on technology with everything from
security systems to enemies themselves reliant on it. Many of the
enemies we've seen in demos have been mechanical in nature, so we're
sure the engineer will have obvious combat advantages even if they
start the game with just pistols. If the soldier is the master of brute
foce, the engineer will give you the opportunity to play the thinking
man's game.
Adept
What BioWare Says: Adepts are biotic specialists. Starting out
equipped with pistols and light armor, the true strength of the adept
is through the upgradeable implants that give them their biotic powers.
These powers can be used to lift or throw objects, shield the party and
disable or destroy enemies.
What IGN Says: BioWare made themselves known to Xbox fans with
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Think of the powers you had in
that game and then picture that Jedi on crack. Adepts can create their
own cover warping the space around them, attack enemies from a safe
distance, and toss objects around with their biotic powers. This is the
magician class of the future with some of the coolest looking effects
we've seen yet.
