A week ago we found out the surprising, yet exciting news that Electronic Arts and BioWare would be launching "handheld/mobile" products alongside the release of Mass Effect 3 that directly tie into the game. Combined with the fact that Mass Effect 3 is shipping with a story-focused multiplayer mode titled "Galaxy at War" and that merchandise - from action figures to art books - would include DLC codes related to that, we figured the mobile apps would also work in some way with the core game.

Yesterday our questions were answered when the Mass Effect mobile apps were unveiled, revealing a third-person action shooter titled Mass Effect: Infiltrator and a 'Datapad' app for iPad users that could be used while playing Mass Effect 3. Today, we have our first official look at Mass Effect: Infiltrator and it's not too different than the console games.

Shack News posted the synopsis of Mass Effect: Infiltrator yesterday that was found in an EA pamphlet about the game. Players take on the role of a soldier in seems like a major side-quest found in any of the Mass Effect games. Players actions earn rewards that they affect their "Galaxy at War" multiplayer experience in Mass Effect 3.

"Inspired by the deep and immersive Mass Effect 3 universe, in Infiltrator players will help to free prisoners from a hostile Cerberus base and will receive rewards for collecting evidence of Cerberus’ crimes along the way. Every completed rescue and intelligence discovery in Infiltrator will increase a player’s Galactic Readiness rating directly through the Galaxy at War system in Mass Effect 3."

Take a look at the screenshots revealed today on the official Mass Effect Facebook page.

 

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As an iOS release, Mass Effect: Infiltrator faces the obstacle of touchscreen controls which have always proven burdensome to players of shooters. With impressive graphics and gameplay offering lasting implications for the Mass Effect 3 experience, players who own an iOS device will no doubt be fighting the good fight on more than one front, on more than one platform.

There's no word on pricing yet, or of any hope of an Android release, but expect Mass Effect: Infiltrator to arrive just before Mass Effect 3 releases March 6, 2012 for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

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Source: BioWare