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Archived: Mass Effect Hype Machine getting cranked up

Countdown Begins for Launch of Mass Effect with Exclusive Debut of TV Spot, SCI FI Channel Special, Micro-Site and Official Soundtrack

Microsoft, Yahoo! and SCI FI Channel celebrate the upcoming release of the holidays most anticipated new action role-playing game with two weeks of exclusive special programming and events


As the Nov. 20 launch date for Mass Effect for Xbox 360 draws nigh, the threat of an alien rogue force looms ever closer. To help unlock some of the secrets and mysteries of the vast universe in the highly-anticipated action RPG, Microsoft and Yahoo! will debut the exclusive television trailer for the upcoming game on Thursday, Nov. 8. On Monday, Nov. 12, the SCI FI Channel and Microsoft will continue its countdown for the retail release of Mass Effect by premiering the all-new, two-hour extended episode of Battlestar Galactica: Razor in select movie theaters. For those lucky enough to attend the Seattle premiere, Jamie Bamber, who plays Apollo in Battlestar Galactica, and show creator and executive producer Ronald D. Moore will be in attendance.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the SCI FI Channel will celebrate the launch of Mass Effect with the debut of a 30-minute special entitled Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect. Scheduled to air at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, the special will feature more in-depth information about the game, exclusive interviews and exciting behind-the scenes footage.

In conjunction with the special, fans are encouraged to go to http://www.scifi.com/masseffect to find all the show times and sign up for the Mass Effect sweepstakes, starting Nov. 13, for a chance to win the coveted limited collectors edition of Mass Effect.

Also fueling anticipation for the game is the new Mass Effect micro-site on Xbox.com, which launched today at http://www.xbox.com/masseffect. The micro-site offers a wealth of Mass Effect content in one convenient portal, including the latest news and events on the game, as well as screenshots and special promotional items that no space traveling enthusiast should be without. Music fans will also find the Mass Effect Original Game Soundtrack, now available for presale and at retailers on Nov. 20.

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense sci-fi tactical combat, Mass Effect features an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games.

For additional information on Mass Effect, please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com. Mass Effect is rated M for Mature.

About BioWare
BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire, with next-generation titles Mass Effect and Dragon Age currently in development. Mass Effect will ship to retailers globally in November, 2007. The game has received more than 50 awards, including the 2007 Game Critics Awards for Best Console Game and Best RPG at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on a new title for the Nintendo DS based on Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as several unannounced projects including a massively multiplayer online game. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

*BioWare, BioWare Corp., Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as Age of Empires, Flight Simulator and Zoo Tycoon; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as Gears of War and franchises such as Halo, Fable, Project Gotham Racing and Forza Motorsport; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as Bejeweled and Hexic.