Xbox 360 loses Mass Effect 2 exclusive, PS3 version coming 2011

Gamescom 2010: Sony bags popular EA game

Xbox 360 loses Mass Effect 2 exclusive, PS3 version coming 2011

17 August 2010 21:48 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Microsoft has lost its exclusive rights to the Mass Effect franchise, with the announcement from EA at Gamescom in Cologne that the second outing of the hit game will be coming to the PS3 in January 2011.

The PlayStation 3 edition will include the full Mass Effect 2 game and hours of bonus content, making this the perfect introduction to BioWare’s award-winning action RPG franchise, claims EA.

In Mass Effect 2, PlayStation 3 players will step into the role of Commander Shepard for the very first time, leading a crew of the most dangerous special operatives from across the galaxy on a mission to save mankind.

Mass Effect 2 was released on the Xbox 360 at the beginning of this year with our reviewer giving it a 9/10.

At the time he summed up the game by saying:

"Whether you completed the first game or not, Mass Effect 2 is unmissable. By streamlining and polishing its RPG/shooter mechanics, Bioware has produced a game that will feel just as satisfying to the Gears of War crowd as it will to those who loved Baldur's Gate or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the dialogue-driven story is superb. RPG purists might snort at the more action-friendly bias, but anyone with sense will realise that this is a magnificent effort that sees Bioware back at its best".

Read our Mass Effect 2 - Xbox 360 review.

Are you a PS3 owner excited about this news? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Full tags

Gaming, PS3, Sony, Xbox 360, Mass Effect 2, BioWare, Gamescom, Gamescom2010