BioWare announces Mass Effect 3: Retaliation, adds all-new multiplayer content for free!

EA and BioWare have announced today Mass Effect 3: Retaliation, upcoming DLC that will expand upon Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode.

Retaliation is described as the "largest downloadable content pack to-date for Mass Effect 3 multiplayer". It "ups the challenge" by adding treacherous environmental hazards — acid, lightning, meltdowns, sandstorms, swarms, and whiteouts — to existing maps, while introducing the Collectors, a new deadly enemy faction consisting of the following units: Praetorian, Scion, Abomination, Trooper, and Captain. Cerberus has also added a Dragoon and the Geth are deploying new Drones to the battlefield.

Don't worry, Retaliation includes a slew of new weapons to help you deal with the deadly onslaught that awaits. New to multiplayer are the following weapons and equipment upgrades: the Collector Assault Rifle, Sub-Machine Gun, and Sniper Rifle. Also included are new characters including the Turian Havoc Soldier and Turian Ghost Infiltrator. Additional class kits will be added in the next few weeks.

Mass Effect 3: Retaliation will also introduce a brand-new challenge system to help create a more competitive multiplayer environment. This new feature rewards you for your accomplishments in multiplayer and gives you the ability to track and compare progress across different multiplayer challenges.

Mass Effect 3: Retaliation will be available for download on October 9 on Xbox LIVE and the Origin client software and on PlayStation Network in North America on October 9 and in Europe on October 10.