Mass Effect Andromeda looks like Bioware’s most ambitious game yet. It also looks to be a departure from Mass Effect norms in significant ways. All of that, coupled with the fact that Bioware have been on shaky footing of late which have led a lot of players to be afraid that Andromeda may be a misstep too.
However, according to Game Informer’s impressions of the first four hours (via NeoGAF), it doesn’t look like we have much to worry about on that count- the gameplay impressions are largely positive, with Game Informer praising how the game still feels like Mass Effect, in spite of changes like no classes, no paragon or renegade system, and less of an emphasis on linear play. Mass Effect Andromeda feels the most like the original Mass Effect– the skill progression is like the first Mass Effect, with there being a broad spectrum of abilities that players can choose from, leading to more nuanced player builds.
There will also be vast, open, playable areas- space itself is its own level, leading to a sort of continuity as you travel between planet to planet, and each planet presents the player with large playable areas. There are a lot of optional quests on planets, including loyalty missions (which don’t affect the ending any more), and planet exploration is a lot like Mass Effect 1, but better and more refined.
All of this gives me hope for the game, and I can’t wait to see what Bioware are planning with the final version. Mass Effect Andromeda releases in Spring 2017 on Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
