Mass Effect 1 DLC cut due to corrupted source code

Legendary Mass Effect Edition is fast becoming the definitive version of the original Mass Effect Trilogy. In addition to multiplayer, Legendary Mass Effect Edition will come with almost all content and DLC except one piece of DLC from Mass Effect 1 which may be lost permanently.The DLC is Pinnacle Station, an add-on for the first Mass Effect which was originally released on Xbox 360 and included a new map and 13 combat scenarios to help players hone their skills. Unfortunately, in an interview with Game Informant Legendary Edition Project Director Mac Walters reveals that despite the best attempts by the developers, the DLC source code is corrupted beyond repair.

The source code woes of Word of Pinnacle Station actually date back to the release of the Mass Effect trilogy on the PlayStation 3, as in the legendary edition, Pinnacle Station was not included in the PS3 trilogy and at the time the developers shared it, it was due to source code corruption.

This problem persists today when Walters revealed that attempts to bring DLC ​​into the Legendary Edition were “an emotional roller coaster.[.]”

Pinnacle Station was actually developed by an external studio called Demiurge. BioWare has contacted Demiurge to see if they can get the original Pinnacle Station files from that team instead of the files from BioWare. And while Demiurge managed to find the source code, theirs was also corrupted.

Walters says the only way to fit the DLC into the Legendary Edition of Mass Effect is to completely redo it from scratch, which he says is impractical because it “would take us another full six months just to do it. with most of the team we have[.]”

“I wish we could do it. Honestly, just because it’s supposed to be everything the team has ever created, brought together again,” Walters said. “And so, leaving it all on the cutting room floor was heartbreaking.”

Walters strictly refers to solo content. Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer mode won’t be in the Legendary Edition either, which Walters told IGN was ultimately “knowing where to draw the line.”

Walters cites challenges such as integrating cross-play and bridging into the small number of players still playing the original multiplayer mode. And finally, Walters said the team needs to focus on creating a definitive solo experience.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available for pre-order now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It will be compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X, although there is will not be a version dedicated to new generation consoles, and he will understand almost everything even the extended end of cut.

Matt TM Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter @lawoftd.