Yes, we all knew it was in development and it should be no big surprise considering the series is planned as a trilogy, but Electronic Arts and BioWare has now officially announced Mass Effect 2, saying that it should surpass the original in every way.

Mass Effect 2 has been announced along very familiar lines - Xbox 360 and PC are the only confirmed platforms, with EA explicitly saying the game is not in development for the PS3. The game is currently set for release in early 2010.

"Saren's evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, still struggling to make their mark on the galactic stage, are now faced with an even greater peril," says the press release, which doesn't offer much enlightenment regarding the previously leaked teaser for Mass Effect 2.

BioWare has again suggested that it might be a very good idea for players on both platforms to hang on to their save games from the first game if they want to get the most out of the sequel, suggesting content and characters can be carried over across the games. BioWare attempted something similar with Baldur's Gate a while back, too.

"[i[We're going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect by delivering intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally engaging story,[/i]" said BioWare CEO Dr. Ray Muzyka in the announcement.

A major theme for this new game is supposed to be an exploration of what it means to be alive and whether artificial or robotic beings can ever truly be alive. Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the forums.