BioWare reveals soldier class for Mass Effect 2

BioWare has released bits and pieces of information pertaining to the solider class in Mass Effect 2 for a while now, but today is the first time a "complete picture" has been painted for the fighter.

According to lead combat designer Christina Norman, the Solider is a "weapons master" and will be packing around an exclusive light machinegun.

"In ME1 mastering weapons and armor required leveling up and spending points", Norman told IGN. "It was impossible for a soldier to fully master all of his weapons and armor, because you never had enough points.

"In Mass Effect 2 you start the game with full mastery of all your weapons. With our dramatically improved weapon and cover, you'll find playing a soldier feels like playing a shooter right from the start.

"He carries more weapons, and better weapons, than any other class. He has access to all three special ammo types, so he can customize his guns to take down any enemy. A properly played soldier out damages any other class in the game.

"The soldier is also our toughest character, with more health than any other class and the soldier has less active powers than other classes, but the two he has are really good and well suited to real-time play. Concussive shot fires a blast that quickly takes down a single target. Adrenaline rush boosts the soldier's speed, reflexes, and weapon damage dramatically increasing his offense. It's also a great defensive ability for getting safely to cover.

"The light machinegun, is also a soldier exclusive weapon. It's my favorite weapon in the game, and if you want it, you have to be a soldier."

The game's out in just a few shakes this month, and a video of the solider in action can be found through here.