News about a Mass Effect novel and anime movie is good and fine, but what everyone's really interested in is the core franchise. You know, the games that make our most anticipated lists and win our game of the year awards.

We've waited quite some time since BioWare's official announcement at the Spike VGAs and now the first real look into the story, characters and gameplay of Mass Effect 3 comes later this month. And as such, our hero Commander Shepard is gracing the cover of the latest issue of Game Informer.

One of several promised "first looks" this month for major game sequels, Mass Effect 3 is set to end the Commander Shepard story arc and the first of hopefully many Mass Effect trilogies.

This issue of Game Informer includes 12-page exclusive preview of Mass Effect 3, including screenshots and information we haven't year heard. Would any of that involve the introduction of Mass Effect multiplayer I wonder?

Take a look at the one and only Commander Shepard standing, ready for battle. Actually, your Shepard may look nothing like this guy [Click to enlarge]:

Shepard is sporting his standard N7 armor from the series. Remember the days when you could pick up and upgrade a variety of armor sets for you and your team? Mass Effect 2 destroyed that RPG element so here's hope for more details like that brought back for the third go.

We don't know what information this preview will unveil, but we do know that like Mass Effect 2 (for the Xbox 360 players, anyway), it will draw from your previous actions and decisions using your save files, making use of at least 1000 different variables. We also know that Mass Effect 3 is scored by Clint Mansell (Black Swan, Requiem For A Dream).

If you're a fan eager for this game, read our guide on everything we know about Mass Effect 3 and share your thoughts, desires and expectations. [Update: New information from this Game Informer preview is available - see below]

Mass Effect 3 releases Q4 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

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Source: Game Informer