Mass Effect 3's Galaxy at War Co-Op Multiplayer Mode Gets New Details

Mass Effect 3's Galaxy At War cooperative multiplayer mode has received some more details coming from previews organized by BioWare, the game's developer, and Electronic Arts, its publisher.

Mass Effect 3 is set to conclude the story of the sci-fi role playing shooter franchise created by BioWare, putting an end to the adventures of Commander Shepard, but, as we found out earlier this month, a special four-player cooperative mode is also going to be included, called Galaxy at War.

In it, players will have to create a whole new character, choosing between six races, Human, Krogan, Asari, Drell, Salarian or Turian, and six classes from the three main categories, infantry, biotic or technician.

After that, they'll be able to jump into the variety of scenarios from Galaxy at War, which basically focus on the players holding off the invading Reaper troops, while also trying to complete objectives like uploading computer files or disarming bombs. Enemies range from regular troops to giant hulking mechs and teamwork is crucial if players want to survive the waves, so people should choose companions that have complementary powers.

There's the same type of progression in the co-op mode as in the single-player one, with players advancing in rank up to level 20 and unlocking new powers, weapons and mods for them that should help with the killing of the Reapers.

BioWare still emphasizes that the cooperative multiplayer is just an optional component for Mass Effect 3, so longtime fans shouldn't feel too worried about its inclusion in the upcoming game, as it doesn't have an immediate effect on the story.

However, the studio still mentions that, as players progress through the Galaxy at War mode, certain things will happen in the single-player story through different ways than just by going through it alone.

Expect lots more details about Mass Effect 3's different gameplay modes as we approach its March 6, 2012 release date for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.