Will Mass Effect 2 have co-op?

Co-optimus, a website dedicated to the pursuit and enjoyment of mutual-assist gaming (ok, co-op play), has potentially sparked a rumour-based frenzy of Internet-wide proportions.

This might be an exaggeration, but their report on Mass Effect 2 perhaps having a five-player co-op mode is exciting to those who enjoyed the space-based action of the first game.

According to Co-optimus then, there was a post on the Colony of Gamers forum that referenced a Norwegian message board that claimed there was a Gamespot article with the co-op features mentioned in it.

And breathe...

Anyway, after that long-winded and rumour-tastic web of links, allegations and assumptions, it has emerged that Mass Effect 2 will see the size of one's squad increase to five (at bloody last - Baldur's Gate fanboy Ed) and that there will be a full five-player co-op.

Other rumours that Co-optimus has posted include a level cap of 120, the opportunity to import a character from the first Mass Effect game and weapon customisation.

There will also allegedly be a timed exclusivity deal with the Xbox 360, before it comes out on other systems (the PC, presumably).

As Co-optimus states, it is all just conjecture and speculation at the moment, so if it turns out to be a hoax, don't come our way and attack us with blowpipes.