quick update. here. Release date is still unknown. (Gamespot is just being ridiculous Jan 2008.) Mass Effect is just the first in a 3 part series. in the game it is a Universe in an upon its self. You ask how? Well as always there is a plot to the game. Deflect/defeat the Geth Invasion. However, as has been stated in various videos. You shape how it works when to interrupt someone talking it is highly advanced. however there is also, side quests and random planets that you can investigate because you are curious, along with this there is also ships which you can come accross in transit. some of these will be related to the main quest, others will be useless wrecks and others still will have Useful weapons, Armour, items etc onboard and there is no way to tell without boarding. (yes, you will be able to return to them.) Also like usual in bioware's latest games you have a Party and choices of who is in the party. (based on skills which you wish yto bring. Some Characters resemble in spirit those of KOTOR 1. Wrex = Canderous Ordo for example). So far we have only a few names for them. Commander Shepard (You). Urdnox Wrex (Krogan Battle Master) Saren Arterius(Turian spectre Agent) Alenco. - unknown mentioned in a Video Assumed to be Human marines. Jenkins. - Unknown Mentioned in Emergency transmission Video at the end assumed to be Surnames of Marines. Ashley - female Engineer L ??? - Mentioned on the party thing.