BioWare has revealed some more details on what exactly the mysterious multiplayer component featured in upcoming sci-fi RPG, Mass Effect 3, is. As rumoured, the multiplayer will be co-op based missions that up to four friends can play together and choose from a variety of classes and races to form an elite Special Force squad. Victory in the co-op missions will have a direct impact on the single player campaign which will give “players an alternative method of achieving ultimate victory against the greatest threat mankind – and the entire galaxy – has ever faced.”

The developer also revealed information on the game’s Galaxy at War system. Their description reads:

“As a bonus to the campaign, BioWare is introducing the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, a new way for players to manage and experience the galactic war from multiple fronts, including a new 4-player co-op mode. The key to saving the galaxy is the “Galactic Readiness” level, measured by Commander Shepard’s ability to apply
every possible asset – people, weapons, resources, armies, fleets – in the final battle against the Reapers.

Players can impact their game’s Galactic Readiness level in multiple ways via the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, including multiplayer. Other platforms and interfaces will be announced in the coming months. It is important to note that the system is entirely optional and just another way players can have control over your game experience – it is still possible to achieve the optimal, complete ending of the game in Mass Effect 3 through single-player alone.”

Mass Effect 3 is due out March 16 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.