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‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ Details Teased At Sony’s PlayStation Meeting 2016 Event

By Bryan Star
Published on: 20:52 PST, Sep 7, 2016

Bioware continues to give minor details in regards to Mass Effect: Andromeda, the upcoming action role-playing third person shooter.

Much controversy has surrounded the Mass Effect series, especially with the ending. However, that hasn’t stopped Bioware from pursuing another entry in the Mass Effect installments. Commander Shepard doesn’t appear to be making his way to the new game. Instead, a new protagonist will be stepping up to the plate.

In a report by Polygon, we see new details from Bioware about Mass Effect: Andromeda at PlayStation Meeting 2016. The game was first unveiled at E3 2016. Largely a surprise by many a fan of the series, it was thought that Mass Effect 3 would have wrapped up all loose ends and closed the book on space exploration and combat. The unveiling of new information begs the question of what Bioware has in store. Hopefully, the next installment will have a far more positive reception than the last.

Perhaps the most notable thing about Mass Effect: Andromeda is what looks to be the new protagonist Ryder. There was speculation as to what the name of the main character would be this time around, but Bioware’s hints and references seem to all but confirm Ryder’s identity. With Commander Shepard nowhere in sight, Andromeda will most likely see a host of new characters and worlds.

Alongside the new footage, BioWare general manager Aaryn Flynn took the stage at PlayStation Meeting 2016 to talk Mass Effect: Andromeda. An interesting note to the unveiling is the fact that it was presented in HDR (high dynamic range) with the PlayStation Pro’s graphics. The graphics showed the rich environments that the game has to offer, as well as real-time movement by Ryder.

According to a report by ARS Technica, Bioware has confirmed that Mass Effect: Andromeda takes place in the Helios Cluster. Aptly named, the game’s setting takes place in the Andromeda galaxy. With this information known, we’ll be seeing new content in regards to places and people.

Flynn had this to say in regards to Mass Effect: Andromeda, more specifically what the player can expect while exploring the world and getting to know the characters therein.

“You’ll be totally immersed in Andromeda,” Flynn began, “discovering all new alien worlds, brought to life with sharper graphics and high dynamic range lighting. We’re also able to create more lifelike characters, which will continue to allow you to experience the best stories you can play.”

Mass Effect is known for its multiple races of characters. The Hanar, Krogan, Geth, and Quarians are just a few of them. There’s no telling what we’ll see when Andromeda releases, though Bioware is seemingly headed in the direction of an entirely new cast.

Unfortunately, there’s no in-game battle footage to show. Ryder looks to be sporting a weapon, but more information about combat mechanics will most likely be discussed at a later time. Mass Effect allows players some customization when it comes to how they’ll combat enemy forces. From Soldiers who utilize guns as a primary weapon to Adepts that act as battle mages, the possibilities have been high in previous installments. Hopefully, Mass Effect: Andromeda will continue with this trend.

All in all, fans can expect a unique experience. Whether this is a good or bad sign will depend on speculation. It’s too early to tell whether or not these changes will prove fruitful.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is set for a release in 2017 to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC systems.

How do you feel about the new Mass Effect: Andromeda? Do you believe that Commander Shepard should have made a return? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Image via Bioware]

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