BioWare, EA Confirm Mass Effect 2 For January 2010

BioWare and owner Electronic Arts will launch the anticipated sci-fi RPG sequel Mass Effect 2 in January 2010, and offer pre-order bonus content, the companies said Friday. Mass Effect 2 for Xbox 360 and PC will arrive more than two years after BioWare's original Mass Effect, which consumers and critics praised for its epic space odyssey storyline and strong presentation. Microsoft said the game sold 1.6 million units in its first six weeks. Mass Effect 2 will be on North American store shelves on January 26, and on January 29 in Europe. BioWare co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka reiterated that Mass Effect 2 is the second installment of a planned trilogy. He promised that the sequel "will be of amazingly high quality." BioWare's Greg Zeschuk recently told Gamasutra that Mass Effect 2 will be a "much, much better game" thanks to feedback from players. He added that BioWare is excited to continue its original properties through sequels. Edmonton-based BioWare also said that it will be offering North American customers who pre-order Mass Effect 2 bonus content via downloadable codes. Pre-order incentives include access to "special-ops armor and weaponry."