Mass Effect 3

The Reapers loom large—literally and figuratively—over the landscape of Mass Effect 3. Figuring out these giant creatures' vulnerabilities, and the necessary tactics for getting close enough to fight them, is a huge part of the game.

Reapers come in all sizes. This Brute is one of the largest (and most dangerous) you'll face on a regular battlefield.

One of the more unsettling Reapers you can fight is the Banshee, which wields a terrifying sonic weapon and the ability to kill you with a single touch.

Luckily, you have a lot of powerful weapons on your side in the fight against the Reapers. Among them: personal shields that can guard you against enemy fire or even block whole passageways from enemy progress.

Involved, exciting battles are common occurrences in Mass Effect 3.

In order to successfully fight off the Reapers, you'll need the help of as many alien races as you can get. Unfortunately, they're not inclined to get along...

The armored Atlas is one of the deadliest weapons the paramilitary faction Cerberus has to use against you. It will take many hits to destroy, but if you can find an empty one you can turn its considerable power to your advantage.

Customization and choice have been among the most appealing aspects of the Mass Effect series. You can play as any type of officer, with a wide range of personalities and powers at your disposal. You can even play a female Commander Shepard.

Many characters from previous games in the series make return appearances in Mass Effect 3. The relationship between Commander Shepard and Asari researcher Liara shows why fans flock to the series.

Commander Shepard (center) can take two people with him on most of his missions. James Vega (left, voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.) is a powerful fighter; Liara (right, voiced by Ali Hillis) boasts powerful biotic powers.

Another character returning from previous games is Joker, the pilot of Shepard's ship, the Normandy; actor Seth Green returns as well to supply Joker's voice.

The Illusive Man (voiced by Martin Sheen), the leader of Cerberus, remains a threat throughout Mass Effect 3.

Kaidan Alenko (voiced by Raphael Sbarge) has also returned to Mass Effect 3—assuming he's still alive for your Commander Shepard.

Vega is a major character in Mass Effect 3, but a newcomer who will help orient players who are just starting the series. He's also a rough one: Here he gets to know Commander Shepard by way of a fist fight. Whether you're playing as a Paragon or Renegade will determine what happens between the two of you.

Diana Allers is a reporter who can join you on the Normandy to provide humans all across the galaxy with up-and-close-and-personal look at the most important battle of the age. She's voiced by (and modeled on) IGN writer Jessica Chobot.

Admiral David Anderson (voiced by Keith David) is Commander Shepard's primary contact back on Earth—and may factor in to the future of the galaxy as well.