PS3 Mass Effect 2 "not a simple port"

The belated PlayStation 3 release of Mass Effect 2 is much more than a straightforward port of the PC and Xbox 360 original, developer BioWare has boasted.

Community coordinator Chris Priestly told the US PlayStation Blog, "What I think Mass Effect fans on the PS3 will be most appreciative of is that this is not a simple port.

"The Mass Effect team has taken the time to utilise the PS3 hardware to the fullest in order to maximize your gameplay experience. It was also extremely important for the team to make sure playing with the PS3 controller worked and felt good. You will also see that the in-game graphics and cinematics are clearer and more vibrant on the PS3.

"As an added bonus, the PS3 version includes previously released DLC missions: Overlord, Lair of the Shadow Broker and Kasumi."

Priestly also confirmed that BioWare's GOTY will be available as a PlayStation Network download as well as a standard disc release. It hasn't been yet officially confirmed whether the digitally-delivered version will be offered in Europe too, or how much it will cost.

The game is finally due to arrive on these shores on 21st January, nearly a year after it touched down on PC and Xbox 360.