E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 Collector's Edition detailed

LOS ANGELES--Mass Effect 3 fans were given two surprises as part of today's Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference extravaganza. At Microsoft's media briefing, project director Casey Hudson confirmed the rumored Kinect support for the title. Shortly thereafter, EA took the liberty of announcing a March 6 release date for the multiplatform action-oriented role-playing game.

Now, EA has one more minor detail to offer about Mass Effect 3. When the game arrives in March, it will come in both a $60 standard edition and an $80 collector's pack. Titled Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition, the premium package is available to preorder now for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Those who pick up Mass Effect 3's limited-edition SKU will receive a bevy of in-game and tangible perks. Within Mass Effect 3, collector's edition purchasers will gain instant access to the N7 Arsenal Pack, which includes four tactical weapons that are exclusive to the premium package. N7 Collector's Edition buyers will also receive "in-game appearance packs." Promotional art for the package also indicates that gamers will receive an additional downloadable mission and character.

As for out-of-game content, collector's edition purchasers will receive a Mass Effect 3-themed Dark Horse comic book, a hardcover art book, and an N7 patch, as well as an exclusive extended soundtrack and lithograph. Those who buy the downloadable edition of Mass Effect 3's collector's package on the PC will receive all of this content in digital form, save for the N7 patch.

For more information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage of Mass Effect 3.