Mass Effect 3: Leviathan DLC Revealed

Bioware recently announced the first single-player DLC (aside from the extended endings) for Mass Effect 3, entitled "Leviathan". Bioware says the DLC will add about 3-4 hours of gameplay featuring new environments, more cinematic scenes, new characters and two new weapons. Leviathan will provide more insight regarding the origins of the Reapers as Shepard and the crew of the Normandy travel to the darkest reaches of the galaxy in search of the Leviathan.

Leviathan takes place during the events of Mass Effect 3 and can be played from a new game or on your save before the assault on the Cerberus base. An email in Shepard's inbox initiates the search for the legendary Leviathan; a mysterious creature, centuries old, that has never before been seen but is apparently capable of killing Reapers. The Protheans were the first to suspect the presence of the Leviathan when they discovered a Reaper corpse. The creature is believed to be so powerful that it instills fear in even the Reapers.

The search takes Shepard to the distant uncharted reaches of the galaxy. A mysterious planet covered in vast oceans serves as the home for the Leviathan and much of the DLC's setting. In a race against time, you'll explore a derelict ship and even access the Triton; an Atlas that has been modified to explore the ocean floors. Bioware promises the all new underwater sequences will provide breath-taking visuals as you discover never before seen alien life that lurks beneath the water.

Bioware has stated that the Leviathan DLC will have a nice balance of exploration and combat. Bioware has always prided themselves in developing a compelling story driven by charismatic characters and Leviathan will be no exception. The DLC will encourage players to investigate clues to unravel the dark history of the Reapers even further and following leads to discover the extraordinary Leviathan. While uncovering artifacts and learning the history of the beast will be fun, a slightly modified combat experience will spice things up as well. Bioware reports the combat has been amped up to provide more challenging fights against hordes of reaper mutants.The new AT-12 Raider shotgun and the M-55 Argus combat rifle will be able to provide a hand these tougher battles.

Aside from the new planet, players will also be able to explore new areas of the citadel; hopefully this will unlock some side quests to play through. So far no release date has been set but the DLC is reported to be available this summer, so the wait shouldn't be long. Look for Mass Effect 3: Leviathan in the next coming weeks for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 for $9.99 or 800 Microsoft points.