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Earlier this week, BioWare revealed that Mass Effect 2’s downloadable content will be delivered via the in-game “Cerberus Network.” Access to this network — and the promised launch-day DLC — is granted free via a one-time-use code included with each new copy of the game.
You can still access the Cerberus Network if you purchase the game used, but you’ll have to pony up a fair amount for the privilege — 1200 Microsoft Points ($15) to be precise.
Click“read more” to see the Cerberus Network membership card and screenshots from the network itself. Click any screenshot to see a larger version.
Why is it so expensive? Well, most used-game outlets sell the most recent games for $5-$10 less than the cost of a new game. Now add $15 to the price tag if you want the same experience out of the box as someone who purchased a new copy. Voila! It’s now cheaper for you to buy the game new, which makes BioWare and EA very happy.
I fired up Bitmob’s shiny, new copy of Mass Effect 2 to see what the Cerberus Network currently has to offer. The computer display in the main menu immediately informed me that new content was available. I was able to download the Normandy Crash Site mission, but was unable to download the Blood Dragon Armor and the bounty hunter, Zaeed. This could be because I had yet to start a new game, or because the game doesn’t come out until next week and the content simply hasn’t been added to the network yet.
Check out the gallery below for a look at the Cerberus Network membership card and screenshots from the network.
