Looks like the infamous will they/won't they relationship between BioWare and Mass Effect 3 multiplayer is heading for a steamy hookup after all. Granted, we've got our hopes up in the past only to have them summarily dashed, but this latest batch of rumors seems a bit more trustworthy than most.
According to a post on the BioWare forums, the latest circular from South African retailer BT Games boldly proclaims that the Collector's Edition of Mass Effect 3 will be shipping with an "online multiplayer pass." As you can see from the below scan, the list of features seems to have been copied straight from the same fact sheet other retailers are using to promote the game, with the multiplayer tease being the only notable addition.
Further strengthening the rumors is the fact that the next issue of Xbox World promises to reveal a "killer new feature" for Mass Effect 3 when it hits newsstands in late October.
In all likelihood, both of these teases are referring to the four-player, Horde style co-op we heard about earlier this year. EA hasn't issued official confirmation yet, but rumors this persistent rarely amount to nothing.
With Mass Effect 3's March 6 release on the PS3, 360, and PC rapidly approaching, outright confirmation or denial shouldn't be too far off.