Mass Effect 2 Packs Free DLC When Bought New

Joining the likes of Dragon Age: Origins, The Sabotuer, The Sims 3 and other games, Mass Effect 2 will be the latest Electronic Arts-published game to bundle free downloadable content with new copies, the company announced today.

"Retail and digital versions" of BioWare's PC and Xbox 360 shooter-RPG come with a "single-use unlock code" to activate "The Cerberus Network," described as "a conduit for players to receive bonus content as well as daily messages and [Mass Effect 2] news."

Accessing "The Cerberus Network" on or after the game's January 26 release will grant players the first downloadable add-on, which includes "new missions and in-game items" and a new character named Zaeed, described as "a rugged and deadly gun-for-hire who is recruited to join Commander Shepard's mission to save mankind."

More downloads packs coming post-launch will bring an "agile hover tank," more missions and addition items, including "Cerberus Assault Armor which boost shields, health and heavy weapon ammo and the M-22 Eviscerator Shotgun."

Those that buy Mass Effect 2 will be able to access "The Cerebus Network," and thus obtain the game's downloadable add-ons, for an as-yet-undisclosed price.