Mass Effect 3 From Ashes DLC Details Released

This week Xbox Live leaked the existence of "From Ashes," a Mass Effect 3 downloadable content pack that will be released on the same date that the game launches. BioWare clarified a few details on the DLC today and reassured gamers that they're not being sold an incomplete game.

"'From Ashes includes the Prothean squad mate, an adventure on Eden Prime, a new weapon, and an alternate appearance for every squad mate," said producer Mike Gamble on the BioWare Social Network. "The Collectors Edition has been advertised from the beginning as containing a bonus character/mission, but we were not at liberty to provide the details. The Prothean is optional content that is certainly designed to appeal to long-time fans, which is why he is part of the CE offering (the version many fans would be likely to purchase)."

"Mass Effect 3 is a complete – and a huge game - right out of the box."

Warning: Series spoilers in the paragraph ahead.

Based on Gamble's brief description, "From Ashes" should definitely be desirable to Mass Effect veterans. Eden Prime was the planet featured in the very first mission of the original ME. Protheans, meanwhile, are a vital part of series lore. They were an advanced species that were all but wiped out by the Reapers. Some survivors were turned into the Collectors, the main villains of ME2.

"The content in 'From Ashes' was developed by a separate team (after the core game was finished) and not completed until well after the main game went into certification," added Gamble. This mirrors executive producer Casey Hudson's comments from yesterday.

"From Ashes" is free with the Collector's and Digital Deluxe Editions of the game. It will cost $10 for everyone else to download. BioWare will release a video and screenshots soon so you can make an educated decision on whether or not to buy the content.