Mass Effect is pushing the envelope of what is considered "next-gen" with its graphics, and is highly anticipated for its life-like conversations that are controlled by the player. A release date has finally been announced, November 20th, which places it squarely at the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Jade Empire,” comes an epic space saga for Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining RPG and tactical action elements, “Mass Effect” offers an engaging mix of gameplay set against a deep, multi-directional story.

“With ‘Mass Effect,’ BioWare is delivering an incredible next-gen gaming odyssey. Our fans will journey through a vast, futuristic universe as they are challenged to make impactful decisions that will determine the very fate of the galaxy,” said Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer, BioWare Corp. Added Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare Corp., “The best games bring players into an immersive, realistic world that is fun to explore from beginning to end. We’ve achieved that in ‘Mass Effect’ by putting the player at the center of a compelling, cinematic storyline full of realistic characters and hundreds of exciting locations.”

A $60 game is not an easy purchase for most people, but the RPG elements allow the game to played in several different ways, with varying outcomes. By releasing before "Black Friday" on November 23rd, they guarantee the game will be available to be picked up by boys and men alike that are looking for a quality title to get or give this Christmas.

Realm Media Networks interviewed the man behind the music of Mass Effect, Jack Wall, when he visited Dallas with Video Games Live.

Also visit our Mass Effect Image Gallery