Mass Effect 3 is to be a launch title for the Wii U console, which is set to be released late this year. Recently, seven newly released screenshots show the game looking pretty damn good on Nintendo’s new console hardware — which we unfortunately still don’t know the true capabilities of. Either way, it seems as if the Wii U will be, at the very least, as powerful as the current generation Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles.
One of the images even gives us a (proverbial) window into how Bioware has incorporated the Wii U’s tablet-like controller mechanic. One mode will allow abilities and the map screen to actually appear on the controller screen itself, complete with clearly marked enemies and allies, and with all of the main action occurring on the main screen. The other mode is called “Off TV Play” and allows the entire game to literally be played on the controllers 6.2 inch touchscreen. Word on why anyone would actually want to do something like this, however, is still yet to be revealed.
All this news comes shortly after the Mass Effect 3 ”Leviathan” and “Firefight” downloadable content, and the Wii U version has already been confirmed to come equipped with the recently released “Extended Cut” DLC. The latter of which was created to expand on Bioware’s original, highly-controversial ending. This new Wii U version will also possess the multiplayer modes, which will essentially allow Bioware to take advantage of the Wii U’s significantly improved online multiplayer capabilities.
In addition, it was also announced that the Wii U version of Mass Effect 3 would ship with an interactive comic to help new players get caught up in regards to the Mass Effect lore while also allowing them to make most of the major choices from the previous two titles. This is no doubt likely to be similar to the Genesis interactive comic from the Playstation 3 version of Mass Effect 2.
EA also announced that Madden NFL 13 and FIFA Soccer 13 will also be launch titles, because we all know that Nintendo surely needs more sports games.
A connoisseur of all things Geek and Nerd, Mark can often be found hunched over the latest issue of Teen Titans, engrossed in his 435th viewing of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Blu-Ray, or searching diligently for the elusive Spiderman 2 for PS2. It is said that he attends Comicon each year, but only after dark, and dressed as Catwoman.
I am looking forward to this console, for Pikmin 3 and Smash Brothers
“Off TV Play” would be used if someone wanted to use the tv for something else, ie watch cable/satellite. they could do that while the other person plays their game on the controller.