Microsoft announced today that Mass Effect has gone gold and will be on shelves in November (the 20th if I recall correctly). This is the game that I`ve been waiting for since it blew me away at the 2006 E3. Between the amazing visuals and extraordinary plot of the game it`s a Bioware game so you know it`s going to be a quality product.

Microsoft also announced that they will be selling a Limited Edition version of the game which will include (I`m quoting here):
"· A “Mass Effect” fiction book titled “Galactic Codex: Essentials”

o A 36-page guide to the “Mass Effect” universe, including a Citadel timeline and a guide to all non-human races, biotics and the key locations in the Perseus arm of the galaxy

· An additional “Mass Effect” art book titled “A Future Imagined”

o A 36-page collection of BioWare’s concept art for the game

· A bonus DVD of exclusive “Mass Effect” background material and additional content including:

o “The Vision of “Mass Effect” documentary

o “The Making of “Mass Effect” documentary

o “Interactive Storytelling” documentary

o “Inside BioWare” documentary

o 18 “Mass Effect” themed gamer pics (three unique sets of six)

o 16 dashboard themes (four unique sets of four)

o Ten songs from the “Mass Effect” soundtrack

o Five historical “Mass Effect” trailers from X05 through E3 2007 and the official TV trailer

o A demo for “Blue Dragon” and videos for “Lost Odyssey,” “Halo 3” and “Halo Wars”

o Design galleries featuring 600 concept images fully commented by the Art Directors



The exclusive bonus disc will be offered to consumers who pre-order either edition of the game at participating retailers and will include the following contents:



· A short documentary on DVD introducing the game

· 12 “Mass Effect” themed gamer pics (two unique sets of six)

· Eight dashboard themes (two unique sets of four)

· Three songs from the “Mass Effect” soundtrack on a CD

· Four historical “Mass Effect” trailers from X05 through E3 2007 on DVD

· A demo for “Blue Dragon” and videos for “Lost Odyssey,” “Halo 3” and “Halo Wars”


Doesn`t seem like a bad deal if you can get your hands on it.