Mass Effect 3 Preview
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It was easily missed in this combat-heavy demonstration, but there is a deeper statistical process when it comes to assigning and upgrading the various abilities of Shepard's squad. Instead of simply levelling a chosen ability to its limit and then choosing one of two similar bonus perks, players are forced to choose between two different perks at various points in one ability tree. Once one option is chosen, the other is closed off, so players will be forced to make many more tough decisions in progressing the abilities of their squads. Of course, those who care little for the finer details of RPG stat allocation can simply opt to auto-level.
A playthrough of this section was still relatively easy (if fairly underwhelming) without making use of any of the stat points whatsoever, leaving each squad member with just one pre-assigned biotic ability. Mass Effect 3 seems to cater a little more to RPG players, but it looks as though particular care with stats isn't absolutely vital to success in combat.
The combat component was undeniably one of the weaker elements of the first Mass Effect; the latest instalment, however, appears to continue the series' tactic of borrowing proven features from the likes of Gears of War. Shepard can now aim from the left or right sides of cover when prompted by an arrow indicator that appears at the edge, as opposed to the limitation of peeking directly over the top only inherent in the previous game. And if cover is close enough, Shepard can also quickly and safely manoeuvre between objects. The thought of performing commando rolls has also seemingly dawned on Commander Shepard in the time passed since Mass Effect 2, which presents a rather useful evasive manoeuvre in the heat of battle.
