I don't know about you, but the prospect of Mass Effect multiplayer sounded like an apocalypse worse than any Reaper invasion to me. I didn't care how it connected to the campaign – any kind of online mode would undoubtedly take attention away from the story, the primary reason I'm obsessed with the series.

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What strikes me as interesting about it has little to do with the core gameplay. The melee combos, biotic abilities, and significant enhancements to the gun combat certainly help with the enjoyment, but it's the in-between bits that grabbed my attention. Kills, assists, and completing the 10 total waves earns you money and experience points, which you pour into various improvements and unlocks. The fast-paced personal progression means adding a new skill or biotic bonus after almost every match. Earning access to cryo ammo – which slows and freezes enemies – or the biotic ability to knock a group of guys on their asses convinced me to play another round. In turn, I collected more cash to blow on items. Naturally, equipping incendiary ammo, a new shotgun, and a recoil-reducing accessory convinced me to start another match.It's a vicious cycle.The appealing presentation of those item bundles works in Mass Effect 3's favor, too. It's like buying a pack of baseball cards – five random things are waiting for you underneath the wrapper. Maybe it's Medi-Gel to revive yourself, or a new character, or a weapon attachment. It's always good stuff you can use right away.

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The pacing and progression of each match sets Mass Effect's multiplayer apart from similar modes. From time to time you'll be forced to completely change your game plan. Hacking a computer means sticking to a set area rather than hunting enemies as usual. Activating communication terminals presents massive risks – do you take the inefficient route and take one at a time as a team, or split up to do it quickly while leaving yourselves vulnerable?This is a difficult co-op game. It's tough to take down waves and BioWare demands your cooperation. Enemies are strong, coordinated, and know how to get around a good defense. Gigantic mechs and guys with shields can also cause panic within your group. If you're not talking about enemy positions and where you are, chances are you're going to get put down where nobody can swoop in for a revive-and-rescue. I died a lot.There's a lot to get excited about in Mass Effect 3 . I have confidence in the campaign and the co-op caught me off guard. I want to advance through the low-level bronze challenge, turn my Infiltrator into a pink-painted badass, and work my way up to the gold challenges. Suddenly, the conclusion to Shepard's story is part of, rather than the reason, I can't wait for this one.Maybe Mass Effect 3 multiplayer won't be the end of the world.

Mitch Dyer is an Associate Editor for IGN's Xbox 360 team. He's also quite Canadian. Read his ramblings onand My IGN