Mass Effect Galaxy was a mobile game for iOS developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Galaxy follows former Systems Alliance soldier Jacob Taylor as he works with his colleague Miranda Lawson and other allies to foil a terrorist conspiracy against the Citadel Council, an executive committee consisting of several politically dominant species who hold great sway in the galaxy and are recognized as an authority by most of explored space. Both Jacob and Miranda would later appear as recurring characters in the science fiction action role-playing video game series Mass Effect, most notably as companion characters in Mass Effect 2, where they are revealed to be members of the anthropocentric paramilitary organization, Cerberus. A spin-off tie-in prequel to Mass Effect 2, Galaxy was released on June 22, 2009. It received mediocre reviews from video game journalists, who criticized the controls and uninspired gameplay. The game had been removed from the Apple Store and is no longer available for purchase. Gameplay Mass Effect Galaxy has been described as a "top-down shooter" and contained about two hours of gameplay. Players assume direct control of Jacob Taylor by tilting the iPod Touch or iPhone, and firing is done automatically. The game is played from a top-down perspective and the levels become more maze-like as the player progresses. Enemies can be locked on to, and additional moves can be performed by pressing buttons on the heads-up-display. It is possible to use Jacob's Biotic stasis ability to freeze enemies in place, or use an omni-tool to Sabotage enemy shields. Finally, Jacob can fire a missile that can take out multiple enemies within its blast radius. Conversations are depicted in comic book style panels and there are some opportunities for multiple-choice dialogue. Cutscenes are shown via animated comic book panels. According to BioWare, it is not necessary to play Galaxy in order to understand or enjoy Mass Effect 2, much like the companion novels released as part the expanded media of Mass Effect. Galaxy was removed from the iOS App Store as of 2012 and is no longer available for purchase. Plot Jacob Taylor is on vacation aboard a cruise ship when it is suddenly boarded by batarians, a four-eyed humanoid species who are often hostile to humanity. Jacob fights off the batarian pirates and travels to the Citadel to meet his former commanding officer, Major Derek Izunami. Taylor's trip coincides with the arrival