Mass Effect 2 is going to come with a nice surprise: "The Cerberus Network," an in-game content delivery system that will be your place to grab new missions, new equipment, and even characters. You'll be able to download the Network with a one-use code that comes with the game... as long as it's new. If you buy the game used, the pipeline will be able to be activated by buying another code from EA.

Players who buy the game new will have a nice surprise on the first day. "Players who access ‘The Cerberus Network’ will receive the first DLC pack on January 26th (launch day in North America) featuring new missions and in-game items," EA explained. "Included in this pack is a mission that introduces Zaeed, a rugged and deadly gun-for-hire who is recruited to join Commander Shepard’s mission to save mankind."

There is even more content planned for after launch, including a hovering tank called the Hammerhead, new missions, and new in-game items. EA also notes that these downloads are tied to your EA Online account, which is non-transferable.

After launch, when GameStop is pushing that used copy of the game for a few bucks less, gamers now have a reason to go with a new copy, as they won't have to buy the Cerberus Network separately. Mass Effect 2 is coming to the Xbox 360 and PC on January 26.