• Mass Effect HD trailer walk through

This game still looks (graphics, gameplay, fluidity) to be amazing, and I'm struck by how hard it must be to time the release of something like this video.

Arguably, the game was delayed from the end of this year to the first part of next year. And there's been nary a peep since X06.

But think about it.

First, Mass Effect shouldn't go up against Gears of War, because that would hurt both games.

Second, if your release date gets pushed out, you need to dribble out assets in a spaced-out manner (no pun intended) to keep interest up (Bungie does this for Halo to a maddening degree).

Third, if you're innovating in big ways in a game, or setting new bars in a genre, writing, dialog, interface, or mechanics, you don't want to show stuff too far in advance of your game's release, or someone may scalp what you did. Sure, it may be obvious to many that they took your idea, but if they're first to market, they get recognized for the feature first -- especially in the mass market.

So, check out the game, enjoy the walkthrough description. Gasp in amazement at the still-slick dialogue tree. Shake your head in pleasant puzzlement at the robustified yet simplified Star Wars Republic Commando / Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (esque) squad interface. Be dazzled by the customization options for your weapons and buildout, for you and your squadmates.

Good stuff, and I'm even more stoked for this game next year.