BioWare also offered a first look at the second iteration of the space-opera trilogy Mass Effect 2. The demonstrator asserted that the goal with Mass Effect 2 was to take the first game and “improve every aspect.” With a boast like that, I immediately became skeptical. But the next 15 minutes humbled me as I was blown away by what was in store for the fate of the galaxy.

For anyone not familiar, Mass Effect takes place in the 22nd century, when mankind has mastered interstellar travel and joined the ranks of several other alien races who have colonized the galaxy. But a powerful force of giant robots known as the Reapers threaten to wipe out all organic life, and it’s up to Commander Shepherd to bring them down.

BioWare’s demonstrator explained that Mass Effect 2 was meant to be the darker, bleaker part of the trilogy. Taking a hint from The Empire Strikes Back, perhaps? He also explained that Mass Effect 2 would still be a good entry point for players and that you didn’t necessarily have to have played the first Mass Effect.

One of the most significant improvements I noticed in the demo was in the conversations between characters. In the first game, conversations were usually reduced to two talking heads spouting lines at each other in between the action. Now, the conversations have been integrated into the action, making it much more fluid and cinematic.

Combat looks to have undergone some minor tweaks, though I can’t comment fully on the controls because I didn’t get to play it myself. What I did observe, though, was a more reactive targeting reticule instead of the static circle of the first game, as well as the ability to switch between different types of ammo in real time.

But the most exciting part of the demo, unfortunately, is one that I cannot talk about without giving away some major spoilers. Suffice it to say, when BioWare said this was meant to be the darker, bleaker chapter of the story, they meant it. Depending on actions taken by the player at key points in the story, things could go very, very badly for Commander Shepherd. But players won’t get the opportunity to make those decisions until early next year, when Mass Effect 2 lands on Xbox 360 and PC.