From the Far East to a galaxy far, far away, BioWare is once again crafting a genre-defining role-playing experience. Mass Effect represents the pinnacle of next-generation gameplay with an impressive presentation, sophisticated customization features, and fast-paced action elements. With a slate of role-playing games expected to hit Xbox 360 later this year, it’s hard not focus on what promises to be a amazing game.

Mass Effect jumps to a period of time 200 years in the future, in which humanity is desperately grasping for legitimacy among a score of skeptical alien races. Banded together in a loose coalition known as the Alliance, humanity is ardently attempting to achieve an active role in shaping intergalactic policy. A failed attempt to colonize the planet Eden Prime has given reason for the Alliance to question the potential of the human race, whereas the failure has only strengthened humanity’s resolve to secure a role within the governing body.

You’ll start off on the starship Normandy, a massive vessel that serves as your mobile base when exploring the expanse of space. From the ship’s deck, you’ll learn of the recent discovery of an unknown artifact on the ruined surface of Eden Prime. Taking on the role of Commander Sheppard, you’re tasked with extracting this unusual artifact from the planet’s surface; unfortunately, the mission on Eden Prime ends up being the farthest thing from a walk in paradise. Following the game’s thrilling introductory sequence, you’ll be able to explore the galaxy aboard the Normandy pursuing the main arching narrative or uncovering side missions. Mass Effect features several different endings, each based on your path through the game, so there’ll be plenty of variety and incentive to play through multiple times.

At the onset of the game, you’ll have full freedom to customize your version of Commander Sheppard from gender to a wide range of physical attributes to class. Moving beyond the typical character creation parameters, you’ll also be given the choice to set the back story from a select few options. Like any role-playing game, Mass Effect features experience points rewarded for defeating enemies. Accumulating enough experience allows you to increase in level, which not only grants bonuses to your core attributes but also gives you talent points. Akin to ability points, you can assign talent points to new skills, particularly those specific to your class.

Six classes define your focus through the game, with three officially divulged: soldier, sentinel, and adept. Soldiers specialize in weaponry and armor, taking an aggressive approach to situations. Sentinels differ in using technical abilities to engage enemies and solve problems. Adepts are dramatically different from both soldier and sentinel classes in utilizing biotic powers for attack and defense. As an example, soldiers may wield firearms with ease but are unable to use biotic powers such as warp barrier, which instantly creates a temporary defensive shield. Utilizing the skills of each character classes will be challenging, but the depth the system provides goes well beyond any previous role-playing effort. Complementing the class system, you’ll also be able to customize your weapons using x-mods; even more, ammunition is capable of modification. Between the huge amount of variety enabled by the character classes and the ability to modify the game’s weaponry, Mass Effect promises a mind-blowing array of development options.

Along your intergalactic journey, you’ll be accompanied by companions who provide information, advice, and support in combat. In the introductory sequence we viewed, Commander Sheppard was joined by two young humans named Ashley Williams and Kaiden Alenko. Much in the style of Jade Empire, you’ll find numerous non-player characters willing to join up as companions on your adventure, each with distinct abilities; however, you’ll only ever control Command Sheppard. Through the course of the game, you can consult with your companions or tactically direct them in combat using the directional pad to shout orders, but the computer at all time handles their actions. In one battle, Commander Sheppard issued tactical commands to his companions in order to take out a squad of security drones. Having his companions saddle up against large rocks for cover, they were able to intelligently defeat the drones.