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.

Mass Effect 3 Extended Endings Available Tuesday

Bioware recently announced that the extended endings for Mass Effect 3 will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC this coming Tuesday.

After some serious backlash from fans disappointed with the seemingly, simple endings, Bioware responded with this free to download DLC which will go more in depth to explain the endings and give players a better idea of what other ramifications their choices throughout the series had on the galaxy. The DLC is not meant to change the current endings or add new ones but is rather meant to expand and elaborate on the current endings with new scenes and dialogue. Bioware promises the extended cut will "provide more of the answers and closure that players have been asking for. It gives a sense of what the future holds as a result of the decisions made throughout the series. And it shows greater detail in the successes or failures based on how players achieved their endings."

I was initially somewhat disappointed with the endings of Mass Effect 3 but over time, I have come to respect them and actually embrace them. I am however interested in seeing what the extended cut will reveal. What do you think of the idea of these extended endings? Are you one of the players that was looking for more closure or were you fine with the endings as is?
Source [Gameinformer]

Skyrim: Dawnguard trailer revealed

Bethesda gave us a glimpse of the first DLC pack for Skyrim entitled Dawnguard today. The plot gives players a choice of joining a vampire cult that plans to eclipse the sun eternally or you can align with Dawnguard, a clan of vampire hunters who seem to be longtime rivals of the vampire cult. Bethesda is also making good on their promise that the DLC for Skyrim won't simply feature more gameplay, but will change different aspects of the game. Vampires (enemies and players alike) look like they'll be getting some kind of beast form capable of flying or hovering above the ground. The beast form looks much more bat-like or something similar to a demon with bony wings protruding from its back.

Also present in the trailer was the addition of the rumored crossbow weapon which players can use to take down some new enemies. A look at a troll looking creature, new vampire monsters and some goblin looking enemies seem to be new additions to Skyrim's bestiary. Skyrim doesn't have a set release date as of now but I'm sure one will be available soon. Check out the trailer below and feel free to share your thoughts.