Did you know there are six distinct character classes in Mass Effect, each with a different package of starting and unlockable talents? In addition, if you play well enough to survive the physical and political dangers of the galaxy, you will gain the ability to unlock six more specialization classes later in the game. Your elite recon squad must win an impossible race to stop the return of a brutal enemy. It is imperative that you build and play your character to the best of your ability.

One of the first choices you will make as you play Mass Effect is, "What character class do I want my Commander Shepard to be?" To help you make an informed decision, we're giving you the class backgrounds with explanations of their strengths and abilities, including their starting talents and unlockable future talents.

In part one of the class backgrounds, we reveal the details of the Soldier, the Engineer and the Adept. Watch for future updates featuring more Mass Effect character classes.

Soldier

Soldiers are combat specialists ideal for the front lines of a firefight. Soldiers begin the game trained with skills in both pistols and assault rifles, they have improved health and the ability to wear medium combat armor. As you progress through the game you can unlock assault training, skills with shotguns and sniper rifles, become able to perform first aid on yourself and party members, and wear heavy combat armor.

Starting Talents:

• Pistols
• Assault Rifles
• Combat Armor (medium to start,
  upgrading to heavy)
• Fitness

Unlockable Talents:

• Shotguns
• Sniper Rifles
• First Aid
• Assault Training

Engineer

Engineers are tech specialists. Using the holographic OmniTool they can decrypt security systems, repair and/or modify technical equipment, disrupt enemy weapons or shields and heal their party. Even though they begin the game with only pistols and the OmniTool, engineers can unlock the ability to wear light armor and to reverse engineer enemy technology. They can also learn to put up protective shields and to heal the party.

Starting Talents:

• Pistols
• Electronics
• Decryption
• First Aid

Unlockable Talents:

• Basic Armor (light only)
• Reverse Engineering
• Shielding
• Medicine

Adept

Adepts are biotic specialists. Starting out equipped with pistols and light armor, the true strength of the adept is through the upgradeable implants that give them their biotic powers. These powers can be used to lift or throw objects, shield the party and disable or destroy enemies.

Starting Talents:

• Basic Armor (light only)
• Throw
• Barrier
• Warp

Unlockable Talents:

• Pistols
• Lift
• Stasis
• Singularity