Part of what makes the Mass Effect series, which next month with culminate in the release of Mass Effect 3, is its ability to craft a compelling story amidst some stunning visuals. Case in point, these new screenshots released for the game.

Obviously, since these are screenshots there is no dialogue to bolster the dramatic tension that one must assume exists in some of these scenes, but the pictures sure look pretty don't they?

For Liara T'Soni fans these screenshots are going to be extremely welcome since they feature her not only acting disinterested in what Shepard has to say, but also in bad ass form ready for action. Also, take careful note of the half oxygen mask she is wearing --- that is something that is BioWare approved for the Mass Effect universe, something the Mass Effect: Deception writer never quite grasped.

On the Shepard side of things, we see him doing what he does best: shoot aliens in the face, and then ask questions later. James Vega, who we now know is voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr. of "I'm married to Sarah Michelle Gellar" fame, also makes an appearance looking particularly brooding and contemplative.

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Honestly, we're reaching a tipping point where screenshots and trailers for Mass Effect 3 will inevitably start to spoil important story points for the game. Part of the reason this game is getting a concurrent launch stems from its trilogy-ending status — EA wants to keep every gamer pure of spoilers (and to make as much money as possible). These screenshots are relatively tame, but at some point the really good stuff is going to go on display, and those might be the ones to avoid for die-hard fans.

However, there are some who are well aware of the story of Mass Effect 3, after some of the script leaked out online, and for them these details are the best way to determine if BioWare made key changes to the layout of their plot. For the rest of us, it's all eye candy.

What do you make of these Mass Effect 3 screenshots? Is it about time the marketing people go dark with these promotional pieces to preserve those important story beats?

Mass Effect 3 releases March 6, 2012 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Source: Kotaku