Back when Mass Effect 2 was a single-player only experience, fancy armor and special weapons didn't count for very much. Sure, they helped you in the game's campaign mode but that was a finite, non-competitive experience.
But, now that co-op multiplayer's coming to BioWare's sci-fi threequel, the usual slate of pre-order bonuses may give you an actual advantage. The M55 doles out rapid-fire bursts of pain to enemies and is available for pre-order from all retailers. Exclusive to Gamestop are the stat-buffing N7 Defender armor and the high-caliber N7 Valkyrie (both of which also come with the collector's edition). PC gamers get their own pre-order exclusive AT12 Raider shotgun, if they plunk down cash in advance on EA's Origin digital distribution service.
You and your buddies will get the chance to take down the Reaper's invasion of Earth when Mass Effect 3 hits on March 6th.