WHAT I SAW:

Bioware presented a new demo for Mass Effect 3, the finale of their epic sci-fi saga.

WHAT I EXPECTED:

Coming off the nearly-perfect heels of Mass Effect 2, it was hard to imagine Bioware changing much for their trilogy's finale. As a fan of the series I walked in expecting to see more of the same, and would have walked away happy if that's what had been shown. I wanted to be reassured that the studio hadn't done another Dragon Age II-style redesign considering how much I loved about the last game.

WHAT THEY SHOWED:

With Garrus, Shephard and Liara on a mission to save one of the last fertile Krogan females, our little squad had to push through Cerberus minions who were intent on executing her. Right from the get-go the demo had a strong focus on short-range and close quarters combat, particularly highlighted the new cover system. It's immediately clear that the game has gotten a lot smarter about sticking Shepard and company to cover when appropriate, feeling almost Splinter Cell-like at times. The new system also offered a whole bevy of new actions to take from behind cover like diving rolls or the ability to bound over terrain, all of which made every battlefield more dynamic.

In addition to the new maneuvers, it seems Shepard has finally figured out how to throw a punch. The new melee attacks are far more visceral and exciting to watch. As you wind up for the swing, the camera slides close for a David Fincher-worthy action shot while a dangerous looking orange blade pops out of your omni-tool to ensure you won't need to hit your enemy a second time.

It was when Cerberus brought in a hulking war-machine that we finally got to see just how useful the new abilities were. Adrenaline Rush let me slow down time to help me get to good vantage points while Liara's Singularity worked like a black hole grenade, sucking smaller enemies in with its intense gravity. Unfortunately the battle didn't need much strategic thinking, the boss was ultimately a damage sponge and the game quickly became about just sinking bullets anywhere on its mass rather than firing for effect.

WHAT I THOUGHT:

Walking away from the demo, I got a good sense that the stronger emphasis on action is going to make Mass Effect 3 a much more enjoyable experience for everyone who loved the last games but wanted more punch. The game feels faster and hits harder, which amplifies the sheer joy of the fighting. It's tactical combat taken to its logical conclusion and has given me plenty of reason to believe that Bioware won't be holding anything back as they release the richest Mass Effect experience ever.