Mass Effect golden

BioWare finished with first leg of sci-fi trilogy; limited collector's edition to include art book, backstory primer, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and more.

Mass Effect is an Electronic Arts franchise now, but that isn't stopping Microsoft from pushing the Xbox 360-exclusive sci-fi role-playing game as a big part of its holiday lineup. Today Microsoft announced that not only has the game gone gold in preparation of its November 20 release date, but it will also receive a full-blown Limited Collector's Edition.

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The Limited Collector's Edition of Mass Effect will include a wealth of background on the game. Foremost among the premium package's offerings is a pair of 36-page booklets, one of which offers a primer on the game's universe and timeline, and the other a collection of concept artwork. The set will also include a bonus DVD with documentaries on the making of the game, a look inside BioWare, 18 Xbox Live gamer pics, 16 dashboard themes, 10 songs from the soundtrack, and 600 concept images with commentary from the game's art directors.

On top of that, gamers who preorder either version of the game at participating US retailers will receive a bonus disc with an introductory documentary on the game, a dozen gamer pics, eight dashboard themes, three songs from the soundtrack, and various trailers.

As has become standard for limited-edition packages, Mass Effect's collector's set will be available for $69.99, a $10 premium over the regular edition's $59.99 price tag.

Click here to buy Mass Effect from Amazon.com