The fury will not abate over Mass Effect 3's "From Ashes" extension, a downloadable content package available on the day it was released (and within the game's collector's edition). A user has produced a video alleging that one of the characters available in the DLC is actually on the disc.
[UPDATE] This story should have mentioned that "From Ashes" requires a download of 628 megabytes of content that is not on the disc.
The user shows his work, going through the directory, making adjustments, and ultimately unlocking Javik for play, manipulating him in game.
The argument may be semantic, however. All characters may be included on a game disc because the game needs to know how to manage them in modes like multiplayer, or for some other developmental reason, while the narrative content in which they appear is later downloaded.
Regardless, it does damage BioWare's credibility and its argument that this content was developed parallel to the rest of the game and was not completed until after the game had gone into certification. It may be that what BioWare means to describe are the DLC's missions, viewing this character as a game asset and not content itself.
Many gamers disagree with that vehemently, viewing any content on the disc that is not available to them as a underhanded requirement to pay extra for something already owned.
We've reached out to an Electronic Arts representative for comment.
[UPDATE] Electronic Arts provides this statement.
From Ashes is a 600 MB+ download with all new content, including the mission on Eden Prime, new dialogue options and conversations with Javik, new cinematics, the Prothean weapon, and new appearances for all squad members. All of the above content was completed while the main game was in certification and are not available on the disc.
As stated previously, in order to seamlessly integrate Javik into the core campaign, certain framework elements and character models needed to be put on disc. We did something similar with Zaeed and Kasumi in Mass Effect 2.
Thanks to all who sent in this tip.