Mass Effect 3 multiplayer

Mass Effect is set to feature a four-player co-op online mode, according to various sources.

Eurogamer reports that the much-rumoured multiplayer feature will include "competitive elements" and "will not compromise" the single-player portion of the game.

A reliable development source has since said that the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer feature will be built around "original missions made for online", which will be totally unique from the solo campaign. 

The source added there would "only be a handful" of co-op missions which have been created with the intention of being "played and played again". Sound boring?.... Sure does, which makes us doubt it's solid fact.

Reports have suggested that the online offering will come in the form of a Horde-style mode, but sources was quick to play down the notion, play down, but not deny. 

Bioware's Montreal studio is said to be behind the co-op side, and was seen to be recruiting for "multiplayer" staff last year.

"Mainstream penetration is a major goal for Mass Effect 3 and those high up feel online co-op is the answer they're looking for," our source said. "EA's keen to push the multiplayer side of the game to help spread word of mouth - so it's not just going to rehash stuff from the campaign. It's going all out."

Officially BioWare's refusing to confirm the Mass Effect 3 online antics, but when pressed on the matter last week, co-founder Ray Muzyka said that the studio is "exploring" multiplayer for all of its games.