A whole load of info about Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360, PC) has apparently been leaked from an OXM interview with developer Bioware. Since we haven't seen a hard copy yet, let's treat this as a rumor for the time being.

Among the details revealed in the OXM feature is confirmation that Commander Shepard is alive and well -- for a goodly chunk of the game anyway. Whether or not Shepard survives until the end is still up in the air. Here's a summation of the details:

• You will play as Shepard, but for how long is unknown
• There is a new species called the Drell and Thane is a new character who is an assassin and may join your party
• Planets - There will be a Krogan planet, and Illium, an Asari planet, that is like Coruscant from SW. Also there is “Omega” with is like an anti-Citadel in that it’s huge and it’s the bottom of the barrel whereas the Citadel is the height of civilization. Also a Cerebus mothership will act as a location of significance.
• Story - The ultimate story is still civilization fending off the Reapers, but this chapter will deal with this Cerebus corporation and it’s enigmatic leader. There are human civilizations disappearing and it’s up to Shepard to investigate, it’s termed as a “suicide mission” which may lead to the details of the teaser.
• New vehicle that controls better than the Mako…a “new” control scheme.
• Totally revamped inventory system
• Elevator system revamped where you will get the sense of scope of where you’re at and where you’re traveling.
• No more texture pop in.
• Secondary races like Volus and Elcor are much more mobile, giving more depth and makes things more interesting.
• Choices are more meaningful and there is a real risk that major support characters (i.e. anyone not Shepard) can and will die.
• Also on the story, they’re super-hyping the ending, saying that it’s much more grand meaningful in ME2.
• More weapons, more species, more/new team members.
• returning team members, locations, weapons.

The feature also mentioned new DLC for the original Mass Effect (Xbox 360, PC). It wasn't detailed as much as the sequel, but Bioware is in the process of finishing it up. The DLC will supposedly be "the last thing between Mass Effect 1 and #@%!5
6#@%! in terms of content."

You can find more info at the source.

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Related articles:

• The devs and the coming expo - the Mass Effect 2 pre-E3 video
• BioWare promises big Mass Effect 2 stuff at E3, Shepard not dead