It's actually not too bad, though I can see some people disliking it. For those who don't know, ME3 multiplayer uses a kind of "Booster Pack" format.

Basically, there are 6 different classes, with a few different racial varients of each class. Each class has three abilities.

So there's the Human Adept (magic-user), with its abilities, but Asari adept might have one or two slightly different ones. Still a magic user, just different "spells."

There are also different types of weapons (sniper, shotgun, assault rifle, sub-machine gun, pistol) that all have different stats, weights, and add-ons.

Finally, there are consumable items- medkits, ammo packs, a few other things. You use one, it's gone from your account, forever.

Here's the key: When you first buy ME3, you only have access to basic weapons and classes. (and a handful of consumables).

Lowest-tier weapons, basic races, etc. They're not BAD, but they're not too great.

As you play multiplayer, you earn points. These points can be used to buy what are essentially "booster packs:" A collection of about a dozen different random consumables, weapons and classes. There are a few different levels of booster packs; the more expensive ones are guaranteed to have at least one rare item. So, there's an addictive metagame element involved in getting these packs.

And, for the coup de grace? These packs can also be bought with Microsoft Points, AKA "Real Money." And they're not expensive, and what's spending a couple of bucks to hopefully get that sweet new race...


Anyway, yeah. It's an addictive model, one that Team Fortress 2 uses quite well (though, since TF2 is free to play, I find it a little inappropriate that ME3 does this).

I don't know the details, but I'm assuming that these free items won't all be automatically placed in everyone's account? I'm guessing they'll show up in those booster packs. Am I correct?

(Even if I'm not, I bet they've made a ton of money off of multiplayer, that they can spare some extra items to keep the train going)