Mass Effect heading to new galaxy, the PC, in May

Mass Effect - Limited Edition for Xbox 360Mass Effect, BioWare’s award-winning Xbox 360 role-playing game, is headed to PC this May. Just as previous BioWare games such as Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire were a few months after their release.

The PC version will have a few differences from the Xbox 360 version. It will feature a revamped inventory system (a part of the game often complained about) and decryption mini-games. It will also allow hot key assignments for a more action-oriented “run & gun” style of play. It will also have enhanced graphics for higher resolution PC displays. Unlike the Xbox 360 version, the PC version will be published by EA instead of by Microsoft Game Studios. This is due to EA buying BioWare.

The exact feature list goes like this:
* Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
* High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
* Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
* Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
* New decryption mini-game.
* New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

“Microsoft Game Studios will retain the publishing rights for Mass Effect on Xbox 360 and future downloadable content for this installment,” Microsoft said in a statement. “Microsoft Game Studios and Electronic Arts have entered into an agreement where Electronic Arts will publish all future Mass Effect titles and projects.”

When asked if this opens up the possibility for a Mass Effect 2 to be published on Playstation 3, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has said that his studio would like to finish theMass Effect trilogyon the Xbox 360.

Mass Effect is set in the 22nd century, when, after discovering alien artifacts that allow for faster-than-light travel, humanity bursts onto the galactic scene. Players assume the role of Commander Shepard, a human tasked by the multispecies governing body known as the Citadel Council to track down a rogue agent named Saren. While in pursuit of his quarry, Shepard encounters various races, conspiracies, alien monsters, and interstellar mercenaries before uncovering a conspiracy that could doom all life in the Milky Way galaxy.