Mass Effect: Andromeda - A New Universe, A New Direction.

Developer Bioware
Publisher Electronic Arts
Distributor Prima Interactive
Where we got our copy Prima Interactive
Genre RPG, Third-Person Shooter
Game modes Single Player, Multiplayer, Co-op
Players 4
Reviewed on PC, Xbox One

Available on Playstation 4

Where to buy Xbox Store , Origin Store , Playstation Store

Stunt

Published April 11, 2017

As the fourth major instalment in the franchise, Mass Effect: Andromeda shares some elements and themes from the original games as it’s equally as packed with sci-fi awesomeness, generous doses of action and the thrill of planetary exploration. The story taking place between the second and third games, so the Mass Effect connoisseurs will feel right at home with the fiction of the game world, the alien races and endless references that evoke the events of the trilogy. For that reason, Mass Effect: Andromeda can be difficult to digest for the newcomers to the franchise, since they’re unfamiliar with the context of certain interactions and political stances between the various space-faring races. However, this delivery works as a reboot to build upon a new fiction with new protagonists, antagonists and events for a new and returning generation of players.

Following the successful 633 year journey of the Ark Hyperion, a colossal frigate playing host to thousands of human settlers of the Andromeda Initiative, who’ve travelled within 6 different arks these 600 years with the sole mission to explore and establish a new home for the Citadel Council Races. Upon awakening from hibernation, the Hyperion crew is threatened by a monstrous cluster of dark energy that brings everything to a halt.

It is here that we say hello to our new protagonist, Scott or Sara Ryder (dependant on your choice of gender), in the role of a pathfinder – one of the most important designations within the Andromeda Initiative. Tasked with the mission to explore this new galaxy and establish outposts on planets considered optimal to host life; That is, a new home for the human race.

As Pathfinder, Ryder is not only entrusted to establish first contact with new alien civilisations, but to explore alien planets, found outposts for advancement and colonisation, appease threats and assign human resources to these new establishments. #nopressure

Luckily for Ryder, this is BioWare and BioWare protagonists don’t walk alone – well in Andromeda’s case it’s more like never. Accompanied always, but SAM (Simulated Adaptive Matrix) a versed and well adapted AI to assist Ryder on his pathfinding journey. More versatile and personal than EDI, SAM itself is a part and parcel of Ryder, seeing and feeling everything Ryder does. Founding a stronger sense of being for SAM itself, it directly assists Ryder with problem-solving, advanced situational awareness and tactical enhancements that can alter Ryder’s class on the fly.

Along with SAM, Ryder will come to meet his crew of diverse individuals, some of whom Ryder can slug along on missions and even meet and befriend new companions along the way. Some companions are a little too-Kaidany, while others are phenomenally well written. PeeBee and Vetra Nyx are of the latter. Relatable and individualised, both PeeBee and Vetra encapsulate what we’ve come to love of BioWare’s characters. Vetra, a female Turian, is strong of character and portrays a protective spirit. Her origins, as vague as she tends to prefer it, define her personality and add volume to what is already a striking and formidable character. While PeeBee is an adventurous spirit, lone wolfing her way through an inspired and apparent yearn for the unknown. Direct and somewhat of a recluse, PeeBee brings with her youth and intelligence. A character you can witness grow in wisdom through discovery. Each of the companions you meet along your journey is acceptably fleshed out, some far more than others, but as is accustomed to BioWare games there are a few odd ones.

Squad selection is in many ways not as vital as with the previous games. Relying more on your companions’ ability to fend alone and survive longer battles, direct intervention with relation to their abilities is limited to their skill trees. No longer can you attempt to pull off synchronised ability bursts as the power wheel has now strangely been replaced by a weapons wheel, lacking a ton of functionality and purpose fans have become accustomed to. This is a massive issue for me as I enjoyed the tactical timing and often near death saves that came with the strategic use of the power wheel, not to mention how directly in influenced my choice of companions. Being a rich feature with a lot of complexities – if there is one feature I hope BioWare reintroduces to the franchise it’s the power wheel.

Characters still represent individualism on missions, token to their unique banter and talks giving you insight into their personal lives, views and opinions, fleshing them out even more. I’m a fan of such trivial talks as they’re presented well depending on which two companions are accompanying you. Ryder himself (I played only as the male twin) reminds me a lot of a young Captain Kirk, particularly the one portrayed in the new series of movies. Doubtful but confident, naïve but wise, Ryder is a breath of fresh air even from my custom, laid back Commander Shepard I hauled through the previous trilogy. Ryder’s interaction with his team even though directed by your is well written enough to make his personality seem natural and not schizophrenic every time you diverge from your routine responses. Interactions are now better represented by 4 different tones, namely emotional, logical, casual and professional. Pulling away from the Paragon and Renegade trees allows character and companion growth to feel more genuine as well and not so sudden. Flirting too has been improved, romancing companions and crew members flow more naturally, creating a sense of progression each time. Which I prefer over the old formula where you instead careful chose the right responses in hope that a romance option would appear down the line. So even though interactions with potential mates do happen abroad, you’d typically get to know them a lot better aboard your interplanetary spacecraft, the Tempest, where each one resides in their own comforts.

The Tempest itself is a good change to the Normandy we’ve all come to love. Some might dispute my appreciation of the Tempest but I find that it being a smaller, more intimate ship makes for a good change and fits the bill as well. The Tempest reinforces the importance of your role as pathfinder key, by placing you at the bow of your ship when navigating the galaxy map. These finer details make the experience seem more immersive and separates shifts Andromeda out from underneath the trilogy’s shadow.

Making a beloved and much-hated return is a new Mako. Known as the Nomad, you’ll be doing the bulk of your exploration within this all-terrain vehicle. Sporting some decent linear and vertical thrusters, the Nomad features two distinct mobility profiles: A speedy low-profile mode to get around fast and a 6-Wheeled, High-torque mode to traverse the tougher terrain you’ll encounter. The Nomad also brings with it a series of possible upgrades, allowing you to improve the boost thrusters, general speed and defence fortification. Sadly, the Nomad is also the tool now used to mine… Our favourite part of Mass Effect, the one thing they brought back instead of the squad power wheel. Yay.

Mining in Andromeda still lends itself a lot to finding, scanning and collecting resources while on foot. Rocks (They’re called minerals, Marie!) that seem very out of place is a sure sign of a resource that can be mined on foot, but the majority of resources will be mined in the Nomad as it takes collection up a notch. Using a built-in scanner, you can joyously spend hours driving over and over through designated mining grounds in hope of collecting Element Zero because you remember it was cool and rare, but instead just find opulent quantities of beryllium and copper while you summon in probes. It’s like Mass Effect 2 mining all over again, but now you’re there! On the planet! In a Tank with no guns!

Yes, I wanted to avoid that bit, but really? The Nomad has no weapons at all? Not even a probe of its own? General exploration would’ve benefited heavily in the snoredom area had the Nomad had at least a pulse cannon of some sort. But no, peaceful exploration calls for armed to the teeth squads within non-threatening vehicles. I miss Mako. At least the ragdoll physics make running over enemies’ fun.

At the command of the defenceless Nomad, you set out to explore and navigate highly detailed and beautifully designed planet-scapes. Andromeda, without a doubt, is a milestone for the construction of outdoor environments because they are finely detailed and showcase the impressive power and scale made possible with the Frostbite 2 engine. Immersion is well captured in these beautiful environments, making it extremely easy to get lost in the shoes of the protagonist as you feel the scorching heat of Elaaden while you move across its extensive, arid dunes; or freeze in the frigid environment of Voeld which deserves a brief pause to appreciate the mountainous landscape as it peers out from the blanketing snowstorms. The environments in Andromeda are unique and endearing, and each function as a character within themselves with history and a story to tell.

Speaking of stories, Andromeda has a great tale to tell, even if BioWare does stick to their guns in the telling thereof. To remain spoiler free I will only touch on the opening, tutorial part of the game and its mechanics.

So after the encounter with the scourge, the dark energy mentioned earlier, which damages the Hyperion, its team find themselves off course and unable to establish communications with their destination Ark, the Nexus. Being the heart of the Andromeda Initiative, the Nexus is the flagship of the Arks. The Multi-species space station was set to arrive 14 months ahead of the first Ark to prepare for their arrival. Opposed to wasting time on the Ark as it is repaired, Ryder, as pathfinder, rather sets out explore the golden world the Hyperion ark was tasked with investigating for possible future colonisation.

This to the disfavour of some of the crew, but as pathfinder, his role outranks all in respect of progression. It’s not long until you find yourself transported to a hostile planet where the tone of the story is set and the game mechanics become evident. Surrounded by carefully groomed landscapes, detailing the raw beauty and dangers of Nature. You step into a world of discovery and outstanding levels of detail. The theme of exploration and freedom of choice is evident with the almost immediate appearance of secondary targets and points of interest on your map, overwhelming you at first as you try to make sense of the various markers, all the while trying not to miss anything as you take the vast, alien environment in. Making your way through the world you’ll be prompted to scan various objects of interest, like new plant life, wildlife and even artefacts. Most activities in Andromeda require the scanning of arbitrary objects that drives the development of missions and also fuels curiosity by feeding back brief details and data onto your HUD of all the items you scan. This also feeds into a various civilisation resource pools in the form of research points. The origin of the objects you scan will decide which research pool receives the research points. There is one pool for each race in Andromeda, though a single pool I reserved for the combined races of the Milkyway galaxy. Stimulating research and development of schematics, armours and weapons make scanning feel like less of a chore than mining does. Even though you need the resources from both activities, scanning comes more natural and has a further purpose. Often required to investigate objects, bodies and many other items given the mission at hand, the scanner is an easy to use tool and a cool addition to the game.

As the primary focus of Andromeda is exploring, quests rely heavily on travelling about. A flood of map markers overlays your once blank compass every time you reach a new area or hub. Each holding either repetitive missions of data collection, object scanning or data pad reading we’re accustomed to, or more interesting side quests with depth and lore that gives life to the alien worlds you find yourself on. Rich diversity and detail fuelled my exploration, like interacting with the first alien race I found allowed me to learn about their customs, beliefs and the moral direction of their values. Other encounters included negotiating delicate situations between bands of outlaws and pirates, solving murders and on more than one occasion helping troubled individuals on our mutual adventure towards colonisation. Although most missions follow a familiar and overused formula the details behind each are the life-sustaining vehicle that encourages progression.

Overall I found the story to have a good amount of mystery, controversy, action and puzzles to keep me hooked for the duration of it, where it fell short it went unnoticed due to the awesome combat system.

Combat is where Andromeda truly shines. Character movement is key to the success of this element, Andromeda is by far the least carrot-in-butt Mass Effect game to date. As agile as Shepard eventually became in Mass Effect 3, Ryder just outpaces him on every platform. The addition of the jump jets (which don’t have a cooldown btw) makes movement flexible, agile and remarkably easy to get used to. You’ll by zipping and boosting all over the place like a pro in no time. Cover is automatic this time around as well, coming in as possibly the most natural cover system I’ve experienced to date (eat your heart out Wildlands) I was capable of pulling off some really risky combat plays and making it back into cover without a scratch to boot! Add to that intricate gunplay featuring a plethora of weapons and attachments for each type reinforced with fierce tech and biotic abilities and you have a very dynamic and rewarding combat experience.

What really separates Andromeda from previous titles is the removal of classes, to a degree. Instead of tying yourself down to a specific class, your AI, SAM, can tactically adapt your skill set on the fly in the form of class profiles. Providing you with all three skill trees to develop: Combat, Tech and Biotics, you can now unlock numerous “profiles” which are a mix of the 3 core skill trees each with their own passive characteristics and boosts. This allows you to adjust your playstyle to your circumstances and feed skill points into skills you deem more necessary at the time.

For example, combining biotic and tech powers is a feast. Freezing targets along with strategic use (by strategic I mean reckless abandon) of Biotic charge and Nova, you can quite literally make it snow icy, enemy flakes. Biotic combos have seen a massive improvement by including tech effects in the mix. Igniting an enemy now places him in a state of instability that you can trigger a biotic explosion by using a biotic power on him.

Combat feels more refined by the inclusion of profiles. It adds a layer of depth to an old recipe. Allowing us to create hybrid profiles further enhances this by technically allocating numerous abilities to a dynamic, ever-changing class. In a single fight, you can very easily Overload, incinerate and Biotic charge a single enemy without changing a thing, then switch it up and infiltrate by using cloak and make use of drones to take out another. It is a very satisfying system that encourages you to explore and mix up your play style which is by far the biggest step up from previous iterations in the franchise.

Finally, Andromeda also has multiplayer. It is clear that multiplayer did well in Mass Effect 3, as BioWare very obviously follow the belief that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

The multiplayer is unlike it was in Mass Effect 3. Still featuring a horde mode with dynamic objectives where survival is first and foremost the ultimate objective. 4 players take to surviving progressively stronger waves of enemies as they strive to complete various objectives, some as simple as merely surviving a wave to others securing certain objectives. With a pantheon of various characters to choose from – strict class types apply here – you have the option of different races in these familiar roles. Each influencing their roles differently, just as an Asari biotic features better biotic passives than a human Biotic, so will a Krogan soldier be a better tank than a Salarian soldier. Completing missions rewards you with experience and credits. Experience feeding into you character skills to improve your abilities and thus chances of surviving the rather tough MP missions, and credits to buy loot cases that come in varying value. You can also make use of micro-transactions to acquire these loot cases.

Multiplayer also plays host to Apex missions, which is a link between the Multiplayer and Single Player portions of the game. Apex missions count as infiltration, defence and reconnaissance missions not too different than the usual mission, only now rewards gained also include loot redeemable in Single Player. Now I must warn you, the multiplayer is tough, I have only ever completed bronze missions and then with a lot of effort and a formidable team of randoms. To better your chances at completing Apex missions and reaping the sweet rewards in Single Player, I implore you, get the Apex HQ Mobile app. Available on both iOS and Android it can be used to recruit up to six AI lead Apex squads you can rather send on these missions. I’ve had greater success in completing Apex missions this way than I have had in Multi Player. Yeah, it might not be as fun, but for the little effort it takes, you get massive rewards.

I could really just carry on about Andromeda, but I feel I’ve rounded her up well.

In conclusion, I find that Andromeda does right by itself in establishing a new adventure separate from the previous instalments. This especially in a well-established franchise. Without a doubt, many hardcore fans will be polarised by the differences introduced by Andromeda, either loving the new direction as I do or disliking it like they did the ME3 ending. But it’s undeniable that the story, even though it initially feels slow paced, comes well into itself and makes for an engrossing experience. Coupled with robust, well fleshed out characters in a new universe with enough mystery and lore to keep even the fussiest RPG fans interested is a mark of a great game. Would I suggest you buy Andromeda? Yes, I bought it twice.

Mass Effect is a key franchise, a milestone in gaming and specifically the RPG genre. It’s a Sci-Fi opera that had us on the edge of our seats in constant eagerness. From the moment we stepped into the shoes of Commander Shepard, we were spoiled with a unique combination of engrossing narrative and revolutionary gameplay mechanics, but most importantly, the relationships we nourished or abused between characters we met and the universe we were in. For many of us, the original trilogy is a milestone as companion relationships, unimaginable feats, suicide missions, loss and so much more is immortalised in our memories. I like to think that it’s a milestone for BioWare as well. But can Andromeda lead to more success in the Mass Effect Universe? Well, I set out to get that answer. As the fourth major instalment in the franchise, Mass Effect: Andromeda shares some elements and themes from the original games as it’s equally as packed with sci-fi awesomeness, generous doses of action and the thrill of planetary exploration. The story taking place between the second and third games, so the Mass Effect connoisseurs will feel right at home with the fiction of the game world, the alien races and endless references that evoke the events of the trilogy. For that reason, Mass Effect: Andromeda can be difficult to digest for the newcomers to the franchise, since they’re unfamiliar with the context of certain interactions and political stances between the various space-faring races. However, this delivery works as a reboot to build upon a new fiction with new protagonists, antagonists and events for a new and returning generation of players. Following the successful 633 year journey of the Ark Hyperion, a colossal frigate playing host to thousands of human settlers of the Andromeda Initiative, who’ve travelled within 6 different arks these 600 years with the sole mission to explore and establish a new home for the Citadel Council Races. Upon awakening from hibernation, the Hyperion crew is threatened by a monstrous cluster of dark energy that brings everything to a halt. It is here that we say hello to our new protagonist, Scott or Sara Ryder (dependant on your choice of gender), in the role of a pathfinder – one of the most important designations within the Andromeda Initiative. Tasked with the mission to explore this new galaxy and establish outposts on planets considered optimal to host life; That is, a new home for the human race. As Pathfinder, Ryder is not only entrusted to establish first contact with new alien civilisations, but to explore alien planets, found outposts for advancement and colonisation, appease threats and assign human resources to these new establishments. #nopressure Luckily for Ryder, this is BioWare and BioWare protagonists don’t walk alone - well in Andromeda’s case it’s more like never. Accompanied always, but SAM (Simulated Adaptive Matrix) a versed and well adapted AI to assist Ryder on his pathfinding journey. More versatile and personal than EDI, SAM itself is a part and parcel…

Video Game Review: Mass Effect: Andromeda – A New Universe, A New Direction.

2017-04-11

Stunt

Total - 8.5

85 8.5

Mass Effect Andromeda creates a new chapter in the Space Opera franchise we've all come to love. Seemingly not quite living up to it's predecessors, it brings with it enough uniqueness and originality to surpass the trilogy in time.

User Rating: 3.88 ( 2 votes)

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Stunt

Gaming Editor / Tech Author at Geek Node

Some say that he sees the world at 144 frames per second and his thumbs are actual analog sticks. All we know is he's called Stunt.