Why Mass Effect 3 voice control is Xbox 360-only

When sending squad members to their certain death in Mass Effect 3, the least you can do is deliver those final orders in your own words, a kindness you’ll only be able to perform in the Xbox 360 version.

Though the PC and PS3 versions certainly have the capacity to support audio input via USB microphone or headset, only the Xbox 360 will be getting voice control in BioWare’s upcoming sci-fi sequel. This is because Kinect’s internal hardware is handling the tricky task of voice recognition, according to executive producer Casey Hudson, making it easier to develop commands. And of these there will be plenty.

Players will be able to utilize Microsoft’s motion and sound-sensing controller in both dialogue and combat situations, chatting with aliens, calling out orders to your teammates and cycling through your one-man or one-woman armory.