BioWare Expands Mass Effect Universe with New Downloadable Content Pack for Episode 1

Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. today announced the launch of Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station, a new Game Add-on for the original Mass Effect game, the first episode in the epic trilogy. The Game Add-On for the 2007 award-winning Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and downloadable pack for the PC title introduces an intense combat challenge to the epic Mass Effect universe. Picking up where the first game ended, players will enter Pinnacle Station, a top-secret Alliance training facility. Featuring 13 scenarios ranging from fast-paced combat simulations to high-stakes winner-takes-all wagers, players will push their combat skills to the limit. The Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station Game Add-On is available today for 400 Microsoft points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. It is also available for the PC version at $5 and can be found at http://eastore.ea.com.

In Pinnacle Station, players will encounter aggressive simulated enemies and unlock a mysterious new location. In the station players will acquire rare weapons and special armor available exclusively in the Pinnacle Station Game Add-On. With each successful mission, players are rewarded with Xbox 360 Achievement points.

“At BioWare, we’re committed to providing ongoing support for all our franchises. With Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station, you’ll execute challenging new combat missions that will allow you to reenter the Mass Effect galaxy with a bang!” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager and Senior Vice President, Electronic Arts, and co-founder and CEO, BioWare. “Regardless of whether you choose to start Mass Effect 2 as a standalone adventure, or import your Mass Effect saved games, we know that you will enjoy Episode 2 for all of its intense action, dramatic plot twists and memorable characters.”

Pinnacle Station for Xbox 360 is now available for download on LIVE Marketplace for 400 Microsoft points at http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/. To download the PC version visit the EA store at http://eastore.ea.com.

The 1.02 patch for Mass Effect is required for the installation of Pinnacle Station and is available for download today on http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious uncharted planets. Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 and PC in early 2010. Screenshots showcasing Pinnacle Station can be found at info.ea.com. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/masseffect2.