14 DAY TRIAL // BioWare used Dragon Age: Origins to take a stab at the concept of multiplayer and community interaction, and it looks like it has learned quite a bit from it. Or at least it has learned enough to upgrade the function and integrate into its next game, Mass Effect 2. The developer has just unveiled the "The Cerberus Network," an in-game portal for news and DLC. Cerberus will be activated "exclusively by original purchasers," through a one-time-use code that will be included in the retail and digital releases of the game.
The official picture of Cerberus is that of "a conduit for players to receive bonus content as well as daily messages and news on upcoming releases for Mass Effect 2 for no extra charge." But, if you've purchased ME2 as a second-hand item, you won't have access to it unless you unlock it with a one-time, in-game purchase of a new activation code. This code will be bound to your EA Online account and cannot be given away.
Ray Muzyka, the co-founder of BioWare and group general manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA, detailed Cerberus as well as the day-one DLC that Mass Effect 2 would get. "The Cerberus Network augments and extends the rich universe of Mass Effect 2," he said. "We're thrilled to be able to reward loyal BioWare and Mass Effect fans with ongoing, high quality content and provide a direct channel for our players to dive deeper into the intriguing lore of Mass Effect."
As for the DLC, he explained that, "Players who access 'The Cerberus Network' will receive the first DLC pack on January 26 (launch day in North America) featuring new missions and in-game items. Included in this pack is a mission that introduces Zaeed, a rugged and deadly gun-for-hire who is recruited to join Commander Shepard's mission to save mankind." DLCs will continue after launch as well, with the first one adding the Hammerhead, an "agile hover tank [that] features improved handling on rough terrain and manoeuvres deftly in combat."
Muzyka concluded the Cerberus tale by stating that, "In addition to this new vehicle, BioWare will release new missions and unique in-game items, including Cerberus Assault Armor which boost[s] shields, health and heavy weapon ammo and the M-22 Eviscerator Shotgun." Now, if this isn't enough to get your mouth watering for Mass Effect 2, then nothing could be.