Mass Effect 2 will reset Shepard's skills

One of the most interesting features of Mass Effect and it's upcoming sequel is the fact that Bioware has laid down plans that allow players to carry their savegames over across the sequels and watch how choices play out on a multi-game basis. Unfortunately though, while Bioware still recommends that fans keep hold of their Mass Effect savegames, it seems that the main character will still be reset at the start of Mass Effect 2.

Speaking to Computerworld, Mass Effect 2 producer Casey Hudson confirmed that all of Shepard's abilities and skills will be completely reset at the start of the second game, though decisions you made in the first game will still be carried over.

The move has doubtlessly come about to help put fans of the original game on a level playing field with those making new characters and to stop players starting the game with every skill already maxed out. Still, it's a little disappointing to know that Shepard is going to have to retrain in biotic and weapon skills all over again, even if Bioware says the reset is incorporated into the story.

"There's something that's happening with the story that explains what happens with your abilities," said Casey Hudson. "It's something we can't go into detail about for obvious reasons."

Whatever the reason for the reset is, it'll probably tie into the darker and grittier tone that Mass Effect 2 is said to be taking.

Mass Effect 2 is currently down for a 2010 release and looks to be a departure from the style of the original game, possibly even with a multiplayer mode of some sort. Let us know your thoughts in the forums.