RipTen Videogame Blog » mass effect 2

Steam Begins Autumn Sale: Day 1 Brings Savings on Mass Effect 2, Portal 2

Sam Naylor — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:01:50 +0000

Steam‘s Autumn sale has started, reducing prices on hundreds of games as well as bigger reductions on the daily deals.

As usual the sale brings discounts on a huge amount of games in the Steam catalogue, and you can search through them here. However, take our advice- don’t buy anything until the last day of the sale, just in case it goes on sale in the daily deals section for a bigger reduction. Remember, too, that often the most popular games will be discounted again on the last day of the sale, so just wait and see before buying them at a higher price.

Here are the daily deals for today:

My recommendation for today would have to be Portal 2, clearly the best game on offer. However since you should already have that then why not try out Sam and Max (fantastic sense of humour) or use this chance to see what Duke Nukem is up to these days? I’m not going to risk it, but a braver person than me might want to…

The Top Ten Most Messed Up Mass Effect 2 Mods

Stephanie Gutowski — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:35:08 +0000

Prep the Derp Drive, Joker, and set a course for epic lulz. Things are about to get dumb. Days of YouTube lurking led me to this fantastic collection of unintelligible, side-splitting nonsense. I’m starting to believe that the creators of these videos were on some seriously hard drugs and I am concerned for their well-being. Because they need to keep making these.

Their ranks were originally determined by the amount of time I spent slamming my face into my keyboard while I laughed, yet I discovered sometime later that they really can be viewed in no particular order. Number one just happens to be the video that about pushed me over the edge of reason. It was beautiful.

10. Special Romance

Hello, nightmares.

9. Elcor Romance

Thane gets smothered by an elcor Shepard. Then, he dates it. It’s like watching a frog try to climb an elephant.

8. Tali’s Face Revealed

Shepard does not want.

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Portal Jack

Dylan Duarte — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:00:46 +0000

Hey, I like Mass Effect and Portal, so why the hell not? Jack certainly fits in an aesthetic sense. I like to imagine that these are the wacky antics that she was up to before she was thrown into space jail.

Five O’Clock Fan Art is perfect for wrapping up the work day. You don’t want to think anymore, you just want to look at awesome things. And there’s nothing more awesome than a well crafted piece of videogame fan art. If you don’t agree, what the hell are you doing at a gaming blog?

The crazy mastermind behind this piece is Axl99.

Mass Effect 3 Will Allow You to “Tweak” Your Imported ME2 Character

Catherine Cai — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:50:19 +0000

Mass Effect executive producer Casey Hudson has confirmed via his Twitter feed that your imported character from Mass Effect 2 into Mass Effect 3 will be tweakable:

Casey, mind making that a little more clear? “Tweak” is a little bit vague in my books. Does “tweak” mean that if I feel my Shepard’s nose is a little too big that he can get a nose job? Can my Shepard make the gender transition from male-to-female or vice versa if I so wish? Dammit, 140-character limit for preventing clarity!

Speaking of Casey Hudson, it looks as if he has a message for RipTen’s own Stephanie Gutowski:

Bioware Has Plans For Mass Effect 3 Demo

Chris Carlson — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:50 +0000

Executive producer Casey Hudson of Bioware has hinted at a possible demo for Mass Effect 3.

When a fan of the series asked about a demo, Hudson replied “stay tuned” on his Twitter:

“Stay tuned for news on demo plans in a few months.”

The original Mass Effect never had a demo, but Mass Effect 2 did shortly after it released on Xbox 360 and PC.

Mass Effect 3 is set to release on March 6 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Mass Effect Lead Gameplay Designer Leaving BioWare Before Mass Effect 3 Is Finished

Stephanie Gutowski — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:16:03 +0000

Christina Norman, lead gameplay designer for the Mass Effect series, confirmed today that she is, in fact, leaving BioWare. The rumor of her departure leaked earlier this week when “Evil” Chris Priestly, BioWare’s community manager, posted this update.

I removed Christina Norman from the Twitter information section as Christina has left BioWare (she recently got married and she and her husband moved away from Edmonton). You are still welcome to follow Christina if you want (she is a very interesting person and a lot of fun on Twitter), but she isn’t part of the Mass Effect or BioWare teams anymore, so I removed her info.

Norman confirmed this news on her twitter feed the next day:

I go on vacation for a couple days with limited Internet access and the news I am leaving BioWare got out!

She claimed that she was unable to share any of the details of her departure, but assured her followers that Mass Effect 3 was “fine” and that it would be “way better than ME2.” Norman was responsible for many of the combat changes between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, which many fans criticized during the game’s development. Earlier this year, Norman retweeted posts regarding fans’ hesitance towards Ashley William’s re-design for Mass Effect 3, chastising fans for their fear of change. Preston Watamaniuk is replacing Norman as lead gameplay designer for Mass Effect 3.

You like Mass Effect? Let’s talk Mass Effect. Find me on Twitter @SigmaRue.

Details on L.A. Noire DLC and Rockstar Pass Coming Next Week

Matthew Sims — Sat, 28 May 2011 05:43:15 +0000

Good news for fans of L.A. Noire. Rockstar is gearing up for some announcements that involve everyone’s favorite 1940′s themed crime thriller. The first announcement is that the pre-order content will be available for everyone. That means all the cases, the costumes, and perks will finally be available to everyone.

Of course, there’s also rumored that L.A. Noire will be getting some additional DLC that isn’t related to pre-order content. I’m personally holding out for some cases rooted in real life scenarios.

The rumored Rockstar Pass that was originally announced to come around the same time as L.A. Noire will also finally be detailed. We still aren’t sure what it is yet, or why it wasn’t released with L.A. Noire. My bet is that it is similar to the Cerberus Network for Mass Effect 2 in which you pay a flat rate and receive a wealth of content over time.

We’ll know more when Rockstar makes an official announcement next week.

Mass Effect Series, Men of War Pack On Sale Today Only

Sam Naylor — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:40:41 +0000

Steam‘s week of EA sales continue today with Mass Effect, and Men of War is 66% off this weekend.

As part of EA week, Mass Effect is 75% off, with Mass Effect 2 and the Digital Deluxe Edition both at 50% off. You can also grab Men of War: Collector’s Pack for 66% off here.

We all know our own Stephanie loves Mass Effect with all of her heart, but I think I ought to interject- Mass Effect, the first one at least, is bloody awful. I just could not get into the dull story and hideously bad combat. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Dragon Age 2 Owners Now Get Free Copies of Mass Effect 2!

Danielle Cantrell — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:27:26 +0000

Today, BioWare earned some awesome points.

Dragon Age 2 has been massively successful with it’s sales — selling an astounding one million copies in two weeks. Instead of simply scoffing and saying, “Well we’re awesome, duh” (which I actually wouldn’t hate them too much for, since it’s true) they are giving everyone who buys a copy of Dragon Age 2 a copy of Mass Effect 2 on PC. It’s called the Bioware Sequel Celebration. It’s awesome.

“Thanks to gamers like you, Dragon Age 2 is off to a great start – breaking the one million mark in less than two weeks and faster than Dragon Age: Origins. We appreciate your support. As a special thank you for helping with the game’s early success, BioWare would like to present you with a download code for 2010′s Game of the Year, Mass Effect 2 on PC.”

Of course, there are a few restrictions. You have to activate its online pass by the end of April, and the fact that it’s only on PC is kind of lame… But you can buy Dragon Age 2 on any platform, so if you prefer to have at least one of them on a console, you can.

After you activate the online pass, a code is sent to you to enter into the BioWare Social Network, which then makes a digital copy of Mass Effect 2 available to you on the EA Download Manager.

Even if you weren’t planning on picking up Dragon Age 2, this is a great opportunity provided by BioWare to get you into their games, and it’s a great chance for any of you to get two great games for the price of one.

GET IT HERE

(Also, thank you for the tip CitrusPOP!)

RipTen DLC Review: Mass Effect 2 – Arrival (Xbox 360)

Stephanie Gutowski — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:38:08 +0000

March 29th marked the release of Mass Effect 2′s final piece of DLC, a mission that BioWare stated would create a “bridge” between the second installment of the series and Mass Effect 3. After gradually coming down off my Lair of the Shadow Broker high, I was hungry for more. BioWare had just delivered a piece of digital excellence, resetting the bar for what we should expect from DLC. Yet Arrival worried me with its significantly smaller price tag and file size.

I thought that, surely, a bridge could not be built from such a small foundation.

I was not wrong.

I’ll spare you the spoilers- you’ll see them coming from a mile away anyhow. Things kick off like any other mission for Shep. Someone’s got a problem and yo it needs solving, but they’re far too busy to dirt their own hands. So Shepard drops whatever he or she’s doing to high-tail it over to the galaxy’s back door and rescue Dr. Amanda Kenson as a favor to Admiral Hackett, a name finally granted a face in ME2. This DLC is more like fan service- an excuse for BioWare to finally give Lance Henrikson’s godly voice a digital body. Just like old times. Except for the part where you play the whole damn thing alone.

A good portion of my Mass Effect obsession was born of the party combat. I worked my ass off to assemble the best and brightest of the galaxy’s convicts, crazies, and crab people, so I think I’ve earned the right to use them whenever I damn well please. Those of you without biotic abilities or crowd control tech may find yourselves wrestling with an urge to rage quit. The level design is nothing to boast about and there’s nothing really new that could hold a candle to Liara’s sky car chase scene from Shadow Broker. You’ll instead be forced to tough it out in a scenario nearly identical to the final level of Halo Reach. Reach made it work for me, but Arrival? Not so much.

BioWare delivers the killing blow at the very end, committing an offense that even I thought they wouldn’t dare attempt. Mass Effect has been an experience built around pivotal in-game choices. They might not necessarily alter the final outcome drastically, but the journey changes. The Collector base could blow, or continue to exist as an object of untapped power. How could Arrival be any different?

Here we are, presented with a moral dilemma- then BioWare chooses for us.

Regardless of your Paragon or Renegade score, you will make this choice. You’ll feel little to no remorse/pleasure due to a complete void of interest in the subject matter, but it will happen.

If BioWare actually intended for us to care about the sacrifice, then they did an abysmal job garnering sympathy.

Admiral Hackett will commend, then warn you of the consequences you’ll face come judgment day. Fade to black. End scene.

This was no bridge. Lair of the Shadow Broker didn’t offer a choice either, but it didn’t need to. It was too busy telling a story fans wanted to hear. It was creating a new chapter, paving the way for a new galactic order.

Shadow Broker was ten times the bridge that Arrival was, shifting the paradigm and building off the Liara story arc that fans wanted to see. It offered up generous amounts of story and content in the end, giving each recruited character another dimension.

Yet at the end of Arrival, not much changes story-wise between the beginning and end of the mission. It might have helped if the mission itself was more enjoyable to play through, but it just wasn’t.

BioWare had the opportunity to do something extraordinary- they could have given players the most profound choice of all, one that would have drastically altered the sequel. Instead, they buried it. Yes, this is their story and yes, they have every right to deny me the things I want. But when you have something wonderful, powerful, loved by millions, you want it to stay wonderful. You may even want it to be better- you know it has the potential.

BioWare, you had that chance to do something bold. You could have taken that risk and changed everything. Yet you didn’t. I forgive you, and I’ll be first in line at the midnight launch of Mass Effect 3, but I will always expect more. I know you’re capable. As for Arrival, though…

I am disappoint.

Here’s The Rundown:

+Didn’t fix what wasn’t broken

+More achievements for you

-Over-hyped, under-delivered

-One of the least enjoyable missions

This bit of DLC was developed by BioWare and published by EA. It was released on March 29th, 2011 across all necessary platforms for about $7 or something. After Steph bought it herself, it was played to completion on fangirl difficulty. She was disappoint.

Mass Effect 2 Gets “Arrival” DLC March 29th (Screens)

Matthew Sims — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:19:34 +0000

Now we all knew this was coming due to a PS3 glitch that revealed details for the upcoming DLC; it was only a matter of when. EA of UK has officially confirmed that the latest Mass Effect DLC “Arrival” will release March 29th.

The content sees Shepard being sent to the “border of the galaxy” to rescue a female undercover agent that might have evidence of an upcoming Reaper invasion. Admiral Hackett, yes the one from alliance command, is also set to have a major role in the DLC.

“All year, we have been extremely honored and humbled by the reception we have received for Mass Effect 2 from players around the world, including our post release DLC,” said series producer, Casey Hudson.

“Mass Effect: Arrival is an exciting extension to Mass Effect 2 and will show players just how close the Reapers are to returning and completing their deadly harvest.”

The DLC will be priced at 560 MS points or $7 for PSN and will be the last Mass Effect 2 DLC before the holiday season sees the release of the final chapter in the Mass Effect series.

Here are all of the screens that have been released so far.

Cosplay Spotlight: Mordin Solus (Mass Effect 2)

Stephanie Gutowski — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:05:25 +0000

I don’t know what is about PAX, but it always seems to lure out some of the greatest cosplay. On the west coast at PAX Prime, we ran into the Turian sniper Garrus Vakarian. Now, in the wake of PAX East, we have found another hero of Mass Effect 2. He talks fast and kills even faster. He’s a walking medical guide book for space STDs. His xenospecies studies range from urban to agrarian – He’s the very model of a scientist Salarian. He’s Mordin Solus!

The hardest part of this costume is clearly the mask – which was painstakingly created by hand:

Hard Work... But Not For A Salarian.

Impressive.

Hats off to the dedicated cosplayers who continue to bring the world of Mass Effect into our own. There’s no challenge too great, no character too small. From Cerberus crewman number two to Shepard him/herself, fans have no qualms tackling monstrous projects – All in the name of fan love. The man behind the mask, Danosuke, created N7 armor and Tali’s envirosuit for PAX Prime 2010, but this alien was a whole other undertaking. From the impressive latex work to the intricacies of the hard armor, it’s difficult to keep yourself from staring.

I Hope He's Not About To Sing...

"Will Be Here If You Need Me"

Danosuke has also issued an unofficial challenge to all other costume aficionados, claiming that Mordin’s lack of popularity and the obvious difficulty of the costume construction will ward off those faint of heart. I, however, have faith in you, internet. Give it your best shot and see if you can come with anything even half as accurate as this latest piece of living fan art.Latex is nobody’s friend.

Except for Danosuke.

"Quite Tired Now. Much Posing. Should Rest"

Know of a great video game costume that’s worthy of the spotlight?

Send a Twitter tip to @RipTen @SigmaRue or @DaveOshry. There may be a cookie in it for you.

Be sure to check out the rest of our Cosplay Spotlights!!

Back To RipTen

Gaikai’s Cloud Gaming Arrives With 4 EA Games Demos

Matthew Sims — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:35:24 +0000

Gaikai has announced that it’s cloud based streaming game service is now available as a public beta. The beta includes 4 EA demo available for players to play directly in their browser.

If you have the latest versions of flash and java and a broadband internet connection, you too can play these demos in your browser. The demos are no slouch either including some of EA’s biggest titles such as Dead Space 2, Mass Effect 2, Spore, and The Sims 3.

Gaikai’s service works a little bit like Netflix or Youtube, meaning that the content is stored remotely on a server many miles away and sent to your computer. This streaming component takes all of the stress off of your home PC allowing almost any computer to handle the task of playing high end games. The company has said that so far it has managed to get 30 to 40 different titles to transfer over to the service in the test phase.

Gaikai also claims that the service is live in 12 countries and has 24 data centers, not too shabby for a beta. The firm is also set to prove these claims at GDC showing “high-end, high-performance games running at 60hz with no work needing to be done by the publishers / developers” and Mass Effect 2 running inside Facebook.

I have to confess that I haven’t tried the service, but I’m going to head to the site to check it out. Stayed tuned to Ripten for my impressions and feel free to check out the website and register for the beta.

Mass Effect 2 PS3 Patch Accidentally Leaks Details for New DLC “Arrival”

Matthew Sims — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:12:35 +0000

Oh snap, Bioware. You dun goofed. In releasing the first patch for the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2, they have unwillingly (or maybe willingly) leaked the names of some trophies that reveal all sorts of details of what will reportedly be the last DLC for the critically acclaimed Mass Effect 2.

The trophies, or achievements in the Xbox 360 version, will be titled ‘The Ultimate Sacrifice’, ‘Covert Action’ and ‘Last Stand’ and make reference that the title for this DLC will be “Arrival”. Of course, this isn’t all wild speculation; some folks over at the NeoGaf forums (which is where all the cool people hang out) have posted a screenshot of the trophies, and their descriptions.

Dude, Spoilers are below. It may spoil some stuff if you scroll past this picture. Seriously I don’t want to hear bitching.

The descriptions for the trophies reveal a little more interesting information. Here they are, in full:

The Ultimate Sacrifice - Complete the Arrival DLC
Last Stand - Survive all five waves in the battle for Object Rho
Covert Action - Rescue Dr. Amanda Kenson without attracting hostile attention.

Dr. Amanda Kenson has been mentioned once before in Mass Effect 2 – in the final Cerberus News Network update right before the service was shut down for good.

Here’s that update, perhaps it may shed some light on events to come:

“Historians and astronomers alike are abuzz tonight over a new paper published by Dr. Amanda Kenson of the University of Arcturus. Her team claims that by testing the dust trapped in the gravity wells around a mass relay, and comparing its composition to that of dust clouds in the same system, scientists can create a timeline of when the relay passed through the dust. Her conclusion? “Only a small fraction of the mass effect relays date back 50,000 years,” she writes, “The majority are far older, indicating they were created by a species predating even the Protheans.” Dr. Aurana T’Meles of the University of Serrice met the information with skepticism: “While Dr. Kenson’s methods appear sound, the asari tried a similar procedure centuries ago and discounted it. What civilization could have spanned the galaxy for not thousands, but millions of years? If this were the case, we should have found mountains of evidence of their passing. Where is this species now?”

I, for one, hope this is legitimate. I’ve been itching for some more Mass Effect 2 content.

Source [ RPGsite ]

Ripten Review: Mass Effect 2 (PS3)

Stephanie Gutowski — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:51:20 +0000

For those of you PS3 owners who are completely new to the Mass Effect scene, you have some required reading ahead of you. Please refer to my original review of Mass Effect 2 on Xbox 360 for an in-depth look into what you‘re getting with this legendary space opera.

Now that you’re caught up, let’s get right to it.

On the surface, this is a perfect port. The hype about Mass Effect 3’s engine supporting the PS3 version has died down with good reason: there’s not much of a difference. Combat still feels great. Even with the standard controller’s triggers, each firefight is fast and smooth. I almost prefer the dualshock3 to the 360 controller. The addition of facial construction codes to the character creation menu offers a nifty little tool that will help other players recreate pre-existing faces, though there doesn’t seem to be a way to upload these codes to a universal hub. For now, you’re left snapping pictures of the code or writing it down, which seems painfully archaic for a game set so far in the future.

That's Commander Tron. He fights for the users.

There’s plenty to gush about, though I think I did plenty of that a year ago. The facial textures and animations seem to be a little smoother this time around and it sure is nice not having to juggle two discs. Yet there’s nothing groundbreaking about this port- the aesthetic changes are subtle, though most may have to take a look at a side-by-side comparison in order to truly understand the differences. Though there was a moment when I found myself truly impressed by how unbelievably smooth the facial animations were when speaking to Grunt in the cargo hold. I couldn’t remember if the scene had been that crisp on the 360, but it didn’t matter. It still looked fantastic.

There’s been no improvement with load times, despite the install, but this is an issue most fans should have already come to terms with. I experienced some annoying sound delays that I never noticed on the 360 version, but these were infrequent. There were a few character model glitches during the opening cut scenes that repeatedly caused awkward cut scenes.

Oh yeah. Aliens.

Mass Effect: Genesis, Dark Horse’s comic substitution for the first Mass Effect, does its best to make up for the lack of the real deal. Those who never knew the first game may find themselves feeling let down by the rather tedious introduction, but I was fortunate enough to have Jennifer Hale entertain me with her narrative and couldn’t complain much. It’s not fantastic, but it gets the job done. Players use the conversation wheel to make the pivotal choices from the previous game and the paper plot progresses. As a veteran of the first Mass Effect, I can say in all honesty that I did not mourn my inability to play the first game on the PS3, despite my undying love for the game.

But it’s the lack of the first installment that left me wanting as I returned to the alien worlds I’d first visited on the Xbox 360. Quests appear just as they did before, prompted by choices made in the comic. Yet something was missing. There were several quests left out simply because of how much that comic didn’t cover. BioWare is such a proponent of player choices and that’s what makes plot progression so rewarding- you are constantly dealing with the consequences of your actions. You may never deal with Conrad Verner, the die-hard fan, or Gianna Parasini, the woman who helped you deal with Anoleis on Noveria- you’ll never kiss her, and she’ll never, ever buy you that drink. These names mean nothing to players who are experiencing the Mass Effect universe for the first time, but those returning for another round will notice that quests they took for granted are nowhere to be found. That damn reporter you punched in the face forgot all about that last encounter. Why? Because it never actually happened. As far as the big picture is concerned, these quests mean little; they’re just missed.

For first-time players, it’s an excellent port that needs to be in every PS3 owner’s collection. For those who knew it once before on the Xbox 360, think twice. I advise only die-hard fans of the series to own it on both consoles, if only for the free DLC. Yet if you’re as dedicated as I hope you are, you already bought that content on Xbox Live. And now you’re sitting there, reading this review while wearing your N7 hoodie, N7 wrist bands, and your custom-made N7 scarf. You reach into your N7 wallet and pull out your sixty dollars. Let’s face it. I’m Commander Shepard and this is your favorite game on the Citadel.

Here’s The Rundown:

+Amazing game on Xbox 360 is just as amazing on PS3

+Bonus content contains some of the greatest DLC of all time

+Graphics are a bit more polished on the PS3- especially facial textures

-No major improvements over Xbox 360 version

-Lacks depth that can only be experienced if saves are imported from Mass Effect.

-Occasional sound glitches/weird-ass hair issues

Mass Effect 2 – PS3 Trophy Guide

Garrett Hartman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:46:36 +0000

Mass Effect 2 is finally on the PlayStation 3 and it’s bigger and badder than ever before. So you want to Platinum the game? Let our trophy guide get you there.

There are 47 bronze, 6 silver, 2 gold and 1 platinum.

Platinum

N7 Elite – Acquire all trophies

Bronze

Highly Trained – View all advanced combat training videos at Shepard’s private terminal. When you enter the Normandy SR2 after meeting Joker, go to the private terminal in your private cabin. Watch all three videos to earn the trophy.
Missing In Action – Save your crew from an overwhelming attack
Very Elusive – Return to active duty
Colony Defense – Defend a human colony from attack
Friend or Foe – Obtain geth technology
A House Divided – Hack a geth collective
Ghost Ship – Complete the investigation of a derelict alien vessel
Suicide Mission – Use the Omega 4 Relay
The Convict – Successfully recruit the biotic Convict
The Krogan – Successfully recruit the Krogan
The Archangel - Successfully recruit Archangel
The Professor – Successfully recruit the Professor
The Quarian – Successfully recruit the Quarian
The Justicar – Successfully recruit the Justicar
The Assassin – Successfully recruit the Assassin
The Prodigal - Gain the loyalty of the Cerberus Officer
Ghost of the Father – Gain the loyalty of the Cerberus Operative
Catharsis – Gain the loyalty of the biotic Convict
Battlemaster – Gain the loyalty of the krogan
Fade Away – Gain the loyalty of Archangel. Must let Garrus shoot Sidonis and have sufficient alignment to rectify the situation.
The Cure – Gain the loyalty of the Professor
Treason – Gain the loyalty of the quarian
Doppelganger – Help the Justicar resolve her mission
Cat’s in the Cradle – Gain the loyalty of the Assassin
Head Hunter – Perform 30 headshot kills with any weapon on humanoid targets
Brawler – Shoot and kill 20 enemies while they’re knocked back by a punch
Big Game Hunter – Thresher Maw defeated
Tactician – Hit 20 different targets with multiple biotic powers to combine the effects
Master at Arms – Kill enemies with 5 different heavy weapons during the game
Merciless – Make 20 enemies scream as they fall or are set on fire
Overload Specialist – Disrupt the shields of 25 enemies
Warp Specialist – Warp the barriers of 25 enemies
Incineration Specialist – Incinerate the armor of 25 enemies
Operative – Complete a mission discovered by scanning an unexplored world
Agent - Complete 5 missions discovered by scanning unexplored worlds
Prospector – Retrieve mineral resources by scanning and probing a planet in the galaxy map
Explorer – Visit 100% of the planets in an unexplored cluster
Scholar – Unlock 15 new Mass Effect 2 codex entries
Technician – Obtain 10 technology upgrades
Weapon Specialist – Fully upgrade a weapon
Scientist - Complete any research project in the Normandy’s laboratory
Fashionista - Personalize your armor
Power Full – Evolve any power
Broke, Blind and Bedlam – Gain the loyalty of the thief
Data Hound – Collect 6 Cerberus data packets scattered across Aite
Digital Exorcist – Successfully shut down the rogue VI in Project Overlord

Silver

Mission Accomplished – Save humanity throughout the galaxy from certain annihilation
Against All Odds - Survive the suicide mission
Long Service Medal – Complete Mass Effect 2 twice, or experience the interactive backstory (Cerberus Pack downloadable content) and complete Mass Effect 2
Paramour - Successfully pursue a relationship with a teammate
Power Gamer - Reach Level 30 with one character
Heart of Darkness – Confront the Shadow Broker

Gold

Insanity – Complete the game in the ‘Insanity’ difficulty level without changing the setting
No One Left Behind – Keep your team alive through the suicide mission

DLC Trophy (Bronze)

The Price of Revenge – Gain the loyalty of the mercenary (‘Cerberus Pack’ downloadable content)

US PlayStation Store Update 1-18-11

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:43:45 +0000

It’s time for another PlayStation Store Update! Commander Shepard with Mass Effect 2 is now ready to be purchased as a hefty 12 GB Download.

Other big games include Spare Parts and Modern Combat: Domination.

From the PlayStation Blog:

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial

Mass Effect 2 (Free and Exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers)
Entire Human colonies across the galaxy are vanishing. As Commander Shepard, you must assemble the galaxy’s deadliest team to save mankind against impossible odds. They call it a suicide mission. Prove them wrong. Now enhanced for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system with bonus content!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 12 GB

Featured Games

Hero of Sparta (Free to PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $4.99)

Discounted Games & DLC

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PlayStation Plus price $5.00, regular price $9.99)
Modern Combat (PlayStation Plus price $5.99, regular price $7.99)
Juiced 2 (PSP) (PlayStation Plus price $10.00, regular price $19.99)
R.U.S.E. – The Chimera Pack (PlayStation Plus price $7.49, regular price $9.99)

Featured Themes & Avatars

Mega Man 10 Avatar Bundle (Exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers for $1.99)
Argyle Girls Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)
Hockey Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)
Sonic 4 Dynamic Theme (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Updates

TV Show King – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $4.99)
Metal Gear Solid: PSP Bundle – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $24.99, original price $29.99)
Record Of Agarest War – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $29.99, original price $44.99)
Battlefield: 1943 – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Resident Evil Director’s Cut (PS3/PSP) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Downloadable Games

Mass Effect 2 ($59.99)
Entire Human colonies across the galaxy are vanishing. As Commander Shepard, you must assemble the galaxy’s deadliest team to save mankind against impossible odds. They call it a suicide mission. Prove them wrong. Now enhanced for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system with bonus content!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 12 GB

Spare Parts ($9.99)
Spare Parts tells the story of courageous robots Mar-T and Chip, dumped with the rubbish on a strange planet. Working together in co-op mode (local or online), the mechanical duo must search the hostile environment for parts to repair an abandoned space ship and escape the planet before the evil Lord Krung can destroy them.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 884 MB

Modern Combat: Domination ($7.99)
With Modern Combat: Domination, teamwork, skill and fun are back with frantic gameplay in a top-notch game for the PlayStation 3 system. Square off in 16-player battles in 6 modes and complete your objectives to rule the leaderboards! Experience the first shooter to use the PlayStation Move motion controller for an unprecedented level of combat immersion. Enlist in this fun, challenging & realistic modern-war FPS for an amazingly low price.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 697 MB

Game Demos (free)

Spare Parts Demo
Spare Parts tells the story of courageous robots Mar-T and Chip, dumped with the rubbish on a strange planet. Working together in co-op mode (local or online), the mechanical duo must search the hostile environment for parts to repair an abandoned space ship and escape the planet before the evil Lord Krung can destroy them.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 884 MB

Modern Combat: Domination Demo
With Modern Combat: Domination, teamwork, skill and fun are back with frantic gameplay in a top-notch game for the PlayStation 3 system. Square off in 16-player battles in 6 modes and complete your objectives to rule the leaderboards! Experience the first shooter to use the PlayStation Move motion controller for an unprecedented level of combat immersion. Enlist in this fun, challenging & realistic modern-war FPS for an amazingly low price.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 697 MB

PSone Classic

Metal Slug X ($5.99)
Feel the heat of battle without having to live with the scars from shrapnel in this run and gun shooter where heavy artillery and deadly vehicles are aplenty. Download this PS one Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 71 MB

PSone Classic Imports

Mega Man ($5.99)
Experience the game that started it all! Play as cybernetic hero Mega Man as you battle to stop the evil scientist Dr. Wily and his Robot Masters from taking over the world! A classic platformer in every sense of the word, Mega Man features timeless 8-bit graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and balanced but challenging gameplay that combine to create one of the most iconic video games of all time.
File size: 156 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet 2 – Rare LBP2 T-shirt ($4.99)
Dress Sackboy up in this rare shirt that’s only available for 1 week for LittleBigPlanet 2!
File size: 1.02 MB

ModNation Racers – Unlock All Key ($2.99)
Don’t have time to unlock everything in Career mode? Use this Key to unlock everything in ModNation Racers including all races, karts, mods, accessories and track props. Over 2,000 creation items available instantly. Unlock key will also instantly unlock all current and future content that comes with purchased career extentions like the Far East Track Pack.
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Super Fan Mod ($0.99)
When it comes to rooting for their team, no one beats SUPER FAN. This crazy Mod will stop at nothing for his home team to win. NOTHING. Use 3 different Mod parts to create your very own sports fan and have a your own tailgate party when you win the race! Download this mod today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – “Are we there yet?” Kart ($0.99)
Have a your own tailgate party with your new RV “Are we there yet?” kart body! Customize your own karts with 2 additional accessories. Download this kart today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Super Fan Mod AND Kart ($1.75)
When the RV Kart rolls into the starting gate, SUPER FAN is in the house. This crazy Mod will stop at nothing for his home team to win. NOTHING. Use 3 different Mod parts to create your very own sports fan, and have a your own tailgate party with your new RV “Are we there yet?” kart body! Download this mod and kart today!
File size: 200 KB

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Animus Project Update 2.0 (free)
The new Pienza Map provides the perfect free-running playground where predators and targets can blend and disappear. In the new Chest Capture Multiplayer Mode two teams comprised of three players each partner with fellow Templars to either defend or capture Chests. Also included is the new Templar Score feature to reward diligent work by Abstergo recruits.
File size: 192 MB

R.U.S.E. – The Chimera Pack ($9.99)
The Chimera Pack breathes new life into both multiplayer and solo skirmishes. First, players will be challenged in 3 new multiplayer maps, with a real change of scenery. Solo mode has not been forgotten, with 3 exclusive challenges. Bir Hakeim drives your army into the Libyan desert, where the Free French Forces resisted the Axis Advance in 1942. You will also play a part in a fight at Majaz al Bab as well as the Zapad operations.
File size: 1.24 GB

DJ Hero 2 – Trance Anthems Mix Pack ($7.99)
Downloadable Mix Pack featuring ‘Imagine’ by Armin Van Buren VS ‘Punk’ by Ferry Corsten, ‘Not Over’ ft Ryan Tedder by Paul Oakenfold, and ’9PM (Till I Come)’ by ATB VS ‘For An Angel’ by Paul Van Dyk. For all song credits, please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 63 MB

Tron: Evolution – Multiplayer Map Pack ($4.99)
The Tron multiplayer map pack contains 5 NEW and mind blowing maps. This pack contains a classic light bike map inspired from the Original 1982 Tron movie. The other 4 maps provide new, never before seen, ways to play the game. Enjoy!
File size: 316 MB

EA Sports Active 2 – Nike Low Impact Starter Pack ($4.99)
The EA Sports Active “Nike Low Impact Starter Pack” is a 2 week fitness program with 6 all new exercises that focus on lower impact fitness while building core stability, strength, and cardio.
File size: 106 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Cerberus Pack ($14.99)
Connect now to receive: Zaeed, a lethal gun for hire who will join your squad, bonus armor and weapons, a series of vehicle missions, the Dark Horse interactive Mass Effect comic “Genesis” and more.
File size: 676 MB

Mass Effect 2 – N7 Complete Arsenal Bundle ($7.99)
The ultimate in combat readiness – includes all six weapon and armor packs: Aegis, Appearance, Equalizer, Firepower, Recon Ops, and Terminus.
File size: 116.38 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Aegis Pack ($1.99)
For when you need to dish it out as well as take it, the Aegis Pack is here! Decimate enemy shields with the Incisor sniper rifle, or perfect your melee beat-downs in the Kestrel Armor!
File size: 14 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Appearance Pack ($1.99)
Purchase alternate appearances for Garrus, Thane and Jack!
File size: 53 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Equalizer Pack ($1.99)
Even the odds with the Equalizer Pack! Get back into the fight quicker with new helmets that recharge shields and powers, or suit up in Cerberus’ devastating Inferno Armor!
File size: 22 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Firepower Pack ($1.99)
The name says it all! The Firepower Pack adds three of the meanest guns in the ME universe: the Phalanx hand cannon, the Mattock heavy rifle, and the geth’s dreaded Plasma Shotgun!
File size: 5.38 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Recon Operations Pack ($1.99)
Take the fight to the enemy with their own tech! Includes Collector armor and assault rifle, and three pieces of unique head-gear for Shepard.
File size: 11 MB

Mass Effect 2 – Terminus Pack (free)
The M-490 Blackstorm gun encases particles of matter within a mass-increasing field. Terminus armor is environmentally sealed for use in space and extreme conditions.

Storm speed +10%.
Shields +15%.
Reserve ammo +10%.

File size: 11 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – Greatest Hits ($4.49)
“Dance Dance Revolution” was the first release of the DDR series in 2001. 5 songs from the game have been recorded with new step sequences! Be sure to try out these tracks.
File size: 23 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – Premium Pack (free)
Celebrating the first release of “DanceDanceRevolution”, 3 of the most popular tracks have been selected from the game to provide the full-length version of the songs to you for free!
File size: 34 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – DDR SuperNOVA Greatest Hits 1 ($4.49)
5 songs from “DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA”, released in 2006 are included with new step sequences! “DDR SuperNOVA Greatest Hits 1″ includes the most popular and greatest tracks!
File size: 24 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – DDR SuperNOVA Greatest Hits 2 ($4.49)
5 smash hit tracks from “DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA”, released in 2006 are included with new step sequences! Try out this song pack with challenging dance steps.
File size: 25 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – DDR SuperNOVA2 Greatest Hits ($4.49)
5 hit songs from “DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2″, released in 2007 are included in this song pack with all new step sequences! Anybody can have fun dancing to this line-up!
File size: 25 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – DDRMAX2 Greatest Hits ($4.49)
5 hit songs from “DDRMAX2 Dance Dance Revolution”, released in 2003 are included in this song pack with brand new step sequences! Dance the night away to this hot line-up.
File size: 24 MB

DanceDanceRevolution – KONAMIX Greatest Hits ($4.49)
5 smash hit songs from “Dance Dance Revolution KONAMIX”, released in 2002 are included in this pack with new step sequences! Try these 5 representative songs from the DDR series!
File size: 25 MB

Def Jam Rapstar
(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Expand your DEF JAM RAPSTAR library with these songs. DEF JAM RAPSTAR game disc is required to play this downloadable content:

“Luv U Better” – LL Cool J ($1.99)
“Beamer, Benz, Or Bentley” – Lloyd Banks ($1.99)
“Papa Can You Hear Me” – N-Dubz ($1.99)
“Plies” – Shawty ($1.99)
“Robbin Cru” – Nitti Beatz ($1.99)

File size: 4.84 – 52 MB (singles)

Rock Band 3
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visitwww.RockBand.com.

“Made Of Scars” – Stone Sour ($1.99)
“Say You’ll Haunt Me” – Stone Sour ($1.99)
“Through Glass” – Stone Sour ($1.99)
Stone Sour Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Stone Sour Pack 01. This pack includes “Made Of Scars”, “Say You’ll Haunt Me”, and “Through Glass” by Stone Sour.

Rock Band Network

“Arcaedion” – Children of Nova ($1.99)
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” – Iron & Wine ($1.99)
“Nosophoros” – Evile ($1.99)
“Song About An Angel” – Sunny Day Real Estate ($1.99)
“Thank You, Pain” – The Agonist ($1.99)

File size: 20 – 42 MB (singles), 94 MB (track pack)

Applications

Medal of Honor – Multiplayer Strategies and Videos ($6.99)
Packed with extensive multiplayer strategies, detailed level maps revealing every spawn point, overwatch position, sightline, and choke point and Combat Mission mode videos!
File size: 939 MB

Avatars

Rival Schools Avatars (x4) ($0.49)
File size: 100 – 103 KB

Game Videos (free)

nail’d Music Trailer
File size: 37 MB (HD)

Back To The Future: The Game Behind The Scenes Part 1
File size: 89 MB (1080)

Back To The Future: The Game Network Trailer
File size: 68 MB (1080)

Ricochet HD Trailer
File size: 49 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Animus Project Update 2.0 Trailer
File size: 50 MB (HD)

Auditorium HD Network Trailer
File size: 93 MB (1080)

LittleBigPlanet 2 – Genre Vids – Adventure
File size: 62 MB (HD)

LittleBigPlanet 2 – Storyline Featurette
File size: 123 MB (HD)

LittleBigPlanet 2 – Music Sequencer Featurette
File size: 82 MB (HD)

LittleBigPlanet 2 – Genre Vids – Sports
File size: 74 MB (HD)

LittleBigPlanet 2 – “Endless Fun” Trailer
File size: 93 MB (HD)

Dead Nation – Housemarque Launch Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD), 97 MB (1080)

ModNation Racers – DLC Preview Trailer
File size: 191 MB (HD)

Music

Super Stardust HD Soundtrack
File size: 166 MB

PS3 Themes

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.88 MB

Dynamic Gun Theme ($2.99)
File size: 13 MB

Vampire Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 11 MB

Grand Canyon Theme ($1.49)
File size: 3.17 MB

Hockey Theme ($1.49)
File size: 1.27 MB

Tokyo Shrine Theme ($1.49)
File size: 3.87 MB

Scenic Seagulls ($1.49)
File size: 3.96 MB

DP Celebration of Fire Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.91 MB

Wallpapers (free)

Beat Sketcher Wallpaper 1
File size: 738 KB (HD)

Beat Sketcher Wallpaper 2
File size: 464 KB (HD)

Beat Sketcher Wallpaper 3
File size: 907 KB (HD)

Beat Sketcher Wallpaper 4
File size: 275 KB (HD)

Explodemon!: Wallpaper 1
File size: 184 KB (SD), 920 KB (1080)

Explodemon!: Wallpaper 2
File size: 194 KB (SD), 925 KB (1080)

Explodemon!: Wallpaper 3
File size: 177 KB (SD), 840 KB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Alpha Mission II ($6.99)
ALPHA MISSION II, a classic shooter from the early days of the NEOGEO, blasts off once again from NEOGEO STATION! Equip up to three pieces of armor, which also serve as weapons, for a variety of attacks such as the laser and flamethrower. Use them to defeat the evil “Fulvar” and save mankind!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 14 MB

Art Of Fighting ($6.99)
ART OF FIGHTING, the fighting game that redefined the genre, also the first 100 Mega Shock title, is back on NEOGEO STATION! Its innovative spirit gauge and super attack moves, combined with exhilarating effects and dramatic event scenes, make it a must-play for all fighting fans.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 18 MB

Baseball Stars Professional ($6.99)
BASEBALL STARS PROFESSIONAL, a title that launched with the NEOGEO in 1990, suits up for NEOGEO STATION! Inspired by big league ball, it features a VS Mode and a Tournament Mode, dynamic animation, voiced commentary, and an array of up-close action shots for the complete baseball experience!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 14 MB

League Bowling ($6.99)
LEAGUE BOWLING, a simple yet exhilarating bowling game, rolls onto NEOGEO STATION! Players select their own ball and which arm to use. Then it’s just choosing a direction and how much power to apply! Features three game modes and hilarious, over-the-top animations when you get that strike!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 11 MB

Magician Lord ($6.99)
MAGICIAN LORD, a platformer from ADK and a NEOGEO launch title, is resurrected on NEOGEO STATION! Set in a mystical realm, players go on a quest to defeat the evil wizard Gal Agiese and his horde of monsters. Use magic attacks and combine elemental orbs to change between six different forms!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 13 MB

Super Sidekicks ($6.99)
SUPER SIDEKICKS, SNK’s first soccer game, takes to the field on NEOGEO STATION! Dribble, pass, and shoot your way to victory as you go head to head with powerhouses from around the world in the SNK Cup. Come out on top and enjoy a toast worthy of a champion!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 16 MB

The King Of Fighters ’94 ($6.99)
THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’94, the first game hailed as a dream match of SNK characters, makes its way to the NEOGEO STATION! Still beloved by countless fans, its revolutionary three-on-three team battle system sets it apart from all other fighting games.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 28 MB

Game Demos (also available from PS3 Storefront) (free)

Jikandia: The Timeless Land Demo
In Jikandia: The Timeless Land Demo, help guide your friends through the perils of Jikandia and traverse dungeons with the time limit of your choosing to help restore time back to Jikandia.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 45 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Prinny 2: Netherworld Radish ($0.99)
Grab this item and get free Delivery Samurai deliveries, dood. The Hero Prinny’s main attack will become rapid-fire. In Asagi Wars, Asagi’s weapons will be replaced with close-quarter attacks like the Drill. Aren’t gun better, dood?
File size: 474 KB

Prinny 2: Super Netherworld (free)
Fight Pram at the end of this brutal stage to get the Super Invite, dood. It opens the Almighty Boss Battle Fierce Rocket facility, which will let you skip right to any eligible stage’s boss. Isn’t that called cheating… dood?
File size: 5 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Pipe Madness – minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6.2 MB

5 in 1 Solitaire – minis ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6 MB

Karimogi – minis ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 9 MB

Shift Extended – minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 9 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Vampires 7 PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 520 KB

Grand Canyon PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 592 KB

Tokyo Shrine PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 584 KB

Scenic Seagulls PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 533 KB

Haunted English Castle PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 529 KB

PSP Wallpapers (free)

Legends Of War: Patton’s Campaign Wallpaper 3
File size: 115 KB

RipTen Radio Down Under – Episode 10

Aaron Alexander — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:49:21 +0000

We finally hit the double digits as RipTen Radio finally hits it’s tenth episode. As usual the terrific threesome consisting of Aaron Alexander, Bryce Wilson and the monotonous silk that is Shaun Hammond, spit talk about the latest in video game news.

This time however it’s an American invasion as RipTen’s own Dave Oshry gets amongst the Oceanic Warriors to talk about Amazons $40 Playstation 3 escapade, some Mass Effect 2 demo woes, CCP doing space drugs and taking a shit on civilian tables in the latest Elder Scrolls game.

Sit back, relax and get ready to listen to a good damn conversation about video games! Make sure to check out the Australian Cyber League, our Official Show sponsor, for Australia’s premier online e-Sports league.

Meet the Crew:

Bryce Wilson: Facebook – Twitter: @DrjftGaming.
Aaron Alexander: Facebook – Twitter: @iamaaronalex.
Shaun Hammond: Facebook – Twitter: @iisshaunhammond.

RipTen Radio Down Under – Episode 10
40MB – 40 Minutes

Mass Effect 2 PS3 Demo Used Old Build

Aaron Alexander — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:52:45 +0000

Like most people, when I booted up the PlayStation 3 demo of Mass Effect 2 I was left wanting for more graphically, especially with all the hype surrounding the supposed ultimate version of the game. The Xbox 360 version looked superior in spots, but this is not by design. According to Bioware’s own Chris Priestly, the demo used a two month old build of the engine;

The demo was, for certification and testing reasons, about a 2 month older build than the final “what you will play when you get it home” version. I think you’ll see that the game is noticeably better at launch. =)

This does my heart good, as I myself bought into the hype building around the Playstation 3 version of the game. Whether this is just smoke-screen or not remains to be seen, however the wait won’t be long until the final product is shipped, as Mass Effect 2 for the PS3 releases in North America on January 18th.

Stay tuned to RipTen for our review of this upcoming version of Mass Effect 2, as well as news regarding the franchise. As always you can find me on twitter -@iamaaronalex

Source: PlaystationFuture

New Game Releases: 1/17 – 1/24

Garrett Hartman — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:14:11 +0000

Sackboy and Commander Shepard highlight the biggest gaming week yet this year. Both for the PS3 along with Modern Combat: Domination. Mindjack is the big muliplatform release coming on on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. The DS finally gets a version of Plants Vs. Zombies. Meanwhile, both the Wii and PSP come up with nothing.

Release of the Week: LittleBigPlanet 2.

PlayStation 3

LittleBigPlanet 2: Collector’s Edition
LittleBigPlanet 2
Mass Effect 2
Mindjack
Modern Combat: Domination

Xbox 360

Mindjack

Wii
nada

The Ball
Venetica
Reel Deal Slots Adventure III World Tour

Plants Vs. Zombies

PSP
nothing