May 27, 2008

GameZone speaks with Demiurge’s Al Reed about the PC version of Mass Effect
By: Steven Hopper

“We have a very talented team here, who have worked hard to make the PC version of the game as good as it can be.”

2007 was a huge year for video games, thanks to several high profile games that launched, not the least of which was BioWare’s Mass Effect. Mass Effect was a sci-fi RPG title that offered excellent gameplay and a deep storyline with tons of possible arcs throughout. Now the game is getting ready for its PC debut, courtesy of Demiurge. For the PC version, the game will have a new user interface, controls developed with PC gamers in mind, and the great added content of the Xbox 360 version. PC gamers will finally get a chance to enjoy what Xbox 360 gamers have been gloating about since last year.

GameZone recently had a chance to ask Demiurge studio director, Al Reed, a few questions about the development of the PC version, as well as working with BioWare on the project.

What is Demiurge bringing to the table for the PC version of Mass Effect?

Al Reed: Demiurge has been working closely with BioWare to craft the PC version of Mass Effect, even before the Xbox 360 version hit the shelves. We have a very talented team here, who have worked hard to make the PC version of the game as good as it can be.

What can you tell us about the new user interface in the game?

Al: It's awesome! One major area that you'll immediately notice a difference is the squad controls, where you can now give orders to individual squad members. You can check out Dan's developer diary on the subject. We've implemented a new HUD, we've reworked the inventory system, we have an entirely new minigame, and there are a few more surprises for players as well.

How does the new control scheme work for the PC?

Al: Probably the single biggest design change is to perfectly accommodate the PC's mouse and keyboard. With all those extra buttons, we were able to add quick-slots that let players map abilities to the number keys. Being able to use the mouse made it possible to introduce the new Tactical HUD which enables more fine-grained control over squadmates.

Will the game feature the Xbox 360 downloadable content?

Al: BioWare has just announced that the first downloadable content pack “Bring Down the Sky” will be available for Mass Effect PC. Not only that, but it's available for free!

What kind of graphical enhancements will the PC version see over the 360?

Al: I'm going to pick out one example here. An options screen might not be the most exciting thing in the galaxy, but Demiurge has made sure that the game supports a variety of resolutions for different computers. There are also a number of other improvements that fans will be glad to see.

Will fans of the 360 version want to reinvest into this version?

Al: Definitely! The ability to give orders to individual squad members provides a different tactical feeling, and the new minigame is a lot of fun. This is also a game that you can replay many times in different ways and see new interactions emerge.

Will there be a way for fans to create mod content in the PC version?

Al: We have nothing to announce on that subject right now.

Seeing as how EA recently purchased BioWare, has that had any effects on the development of the PC version?

Al: That's been a smooth transition. Demiurge was always working closely with BioWare, and Mass Effect PC has always been a priority for everyone involved. EA knows what they’re doing – they’re encouraging BioWare to keep making BioWare games the way BioWare makes games!

What were some of the difficulties or strengths to developing the game on the PC?

Al: Of course, it's always a challenge to convert a game to a different platform. However, it's a big plus that the PC allows for different and interesting character controls.

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