Mass Effect: Andromeda

[Rocker]

The long awaited 4th title is just over a month from release. For those of you planning on picking it up; there is a piece of "exclusive" gear you can unlock by watching a series of short videos describing the story, ships, planets, and compatriots within the game.

masseffect.com/andromeda-iniative/training-hub

There's also a skin for the nomad that can be unlocked by either watching a trailer or confirming pre-order; can't remember which one.

[terrytate]

A sure day one buy for me. The first ME game was great but unrefined, the second and third were utterly fantastic.


I am a little concerned about how they stretch a 4th game though. Part of what made the first 3 great is that they told a story with a definitive ending. Guess I'll have to look at that link.

[Nano]

A sure day one buy for me. The first ME game was great but unrefined, the second and third were utterly fantastic.


I am a little concerned about how they stretch a 4th game though. Part of what made the first 3 great is that they told a story with a definitive ending. Guess I'll have to look at that link.

Andromeda isn't a 4th game in that trilogy though, it's the start of a whole new series.

[The Outsider]

Oh, hey, someone that isn't me made a Mass Effect thread.

I preordered in December.

For those wondering how it connects to the first trilogy:

Started in 2176 and launched in 2185, the Andromeda Initiative is a multi-species project which is essentially a contingency plan for a Reaper victory. Each species (Asari, Turian, Human, Salarian, Krogan are confirmed) built an Ark and they all collaborated on the Nexus (which will be the "Citadel" of Andromeda in that it will be the main hub). Arks are long distance hibernation ships. So each species sent an Ark with a bunch of their people in cryo-sleep flying at standard FTL speeds to the Andromeda galaxy. They arrive 650 years later.

That's the connection to the first game and how they transplanted all of the traditional Mass Effect species and what not in to a different galaxy. It also allows them to do so and continue the series without forcing a singular canon ending for ME3.

[The Outsider]

[Rocker]

[Nano]

Planets are going to be the size of the zones from DA:I

[beardmcdoug]

damn... you know I grew up on RPGs - played WoW during the Vanilla TBC heyday (#3 NA raiding guild thank you very much ) - love other Bioware games, played Kotor I and II several times through (actually just completed Kotor I, the app version just a week or so ago), very much enjoyed the first two DA's - I am a complete sci fi nerd - Interstellar is probably my favorite movie of all time.... but something about Mass Effect just does absolutely zero for me. I played the first one, I remember getting bored, didn't find the story compelling... I've watched several trailers/gameplay videos of ME2, and now ME:A... and it just still does NOTHING for me... I don't know what it is?! Am I the only one!? Am I missing something!? Maybe I just missed the story line of ME1 and wrote it off for good? Idk... Just not seeing it Everything tells me I should love this game but I don't!?

[Rocker]

The feel of the franchise changes dramatically between ME1 and the two sequels. I played the first when it came out and was only mildly interested. Picked up the trilogy on sale a few years back and loved it. Since then I've played ME1 twice over, and ME2 & 3 probably half a dozen times. Obviously hyped for the reboot.

[Nano]

Going to download the EA Access trial tonight to start. Early reports are that the animation is......really bad.

[terrytate]

damn... you know I grew up on RPGs - played WoW during the Vanilla TBC heyday (#3 NA raiding guild thank you very much ) - love other Bioware games, played Kotor I and II several times through (actually just completed Kotor I, the app version just a week or so ago), very much enjoyed the first two DA's - I am a complete sci fi nerd - Interstellar is probably my favorite movie of all time.... but something about Mass Effect just does absolutely zero for me. I played the first one, I remember getting bored, didn't find the story compelling... I've watched several trailers/gameplay videos of ME2, and now ME:A... and it just still does NOTHING for me... I don't know what it is?! Am I the only one!? Am I missing something!? Maybe I just missed the story line of ME1 and wrote it off for good? Idk... Just not seeing it Everything tells me I should love this game but I don't!?

The story of the first one starts off a bit slowly, but builds nicely. The gameplay was primitive and unpolished, like a bastardized version of DA1 and the Baldurs games. The story in the first one got really good towards the end. The second and third games were masterpieces though. Amazing story, gameplay that was boundless fun, fantastic characters and voice acting. As Rocker said, they did a massive revamp of the combat system in part 2 and it worked so much better than the first one.

[beardmcdoug]

alright cool - yeah I suppose I'll give it another shot - maybe I'll wait til the wife and kid are out of town and binge all 3

[The Outsider]

Going to download the EA Access trial tonight to start. Early reports are that the animation is......really bad.

I've played almost the whole trial allotment at this point. I've reached the story blocks, done every side quest I can find and done every conversation I can. The animation is no worse than any other BioWare game. It has moments of hilariously bad animations, but on the whole the animations are solid.

Everyone seems to forget how bad the animation glitches were in the first trilogy.

[Nano]

Yeah, it's not as bad as the reports. Seems like the extent I've seen has been during conversations where occasionally a background character will freeze up but still move around. Haven't gotten the crab walk yet.


I've seen worse. Hell I remember the femShep launch glitch in ME3 where her butt merged through her body when she ran.

[The Outsider]

Yeah, it's not as bad as the reports. Seems like the extent I've seen has been during conversations where occasionally a background character will freeze up but still move around. Haven't gotten the crab walk yet.


I've seen worse. Hell I remember the femShep launch glitch in ME3 where her butt merged through her body when she ran.

Or male Shep's head doing a double 360 in that cutscenes and Aria getting jerked around during her speech in the Omega DLC.

The game is up to BioWare's standard from a graphics and animations criterion. The writing and everything else has been great so far.

[The Outsider]

Okay, so I've done all 10 hours available in the trial and these are my thoughts and concerns.

Combat: Combat is the best so far in the series and probably the best TPS I've ever played. The jet pack is ****ing awesome. As for the cover system, it was changed to a passive cover system. This means that you move in and out of cover automatically. It has its upsides and downsides, the main upside being that you don't have to try to get in to cover and you no longer have issues involving getting stuck in cover. The downside is that for some reason you have to hit a button to change the direction you're facing. It's kind of tedious and annoying. I've done two different characters (male and female defaults) with one as a tech/combat specialist and the other as a pure biotic. There are some nice powers added and all of the old favorites are back. Biotics are smooth and look great. Projectile powers are also much better at changing direction to hit enemies behind cover.

Story/Characters: The story starts with an ass-load of exposition, the who's, what's, where's, when's, why's, and how's. This makes the prologue a little tedious for established fans, but as this is essentially a new beginning for Mass Effect it isn't a suprise. Players new to the series will have a solid grasp of what Mass Effect is about as well as some of the past happenings after the prologue. After the prologue is when things start to get really good. Without going too much in to things, suffice to say I'm interested in how all of this plays out. The characters are also well written and interesting. The squad mates and crew of the Tempest are all pretty awesome and the NPCs on the Nexus manage to stay interesting.

Quests: The main quest is a home run so far. The side quests are rarely generic fetch quests. For example, one quest has you investigating the first murder in Andromeda.

Graphics: The game is beautiful. Frostbyte is a great engine for environments and it really shows. The two planets I've visited are about as different as can be but both are stunning in their way. You can really see that BioWare is starting to figure this engine out. The lighting and environmental effects are markedly better than in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The downfall of the graphics are in the human textures. While most characters are fine, there are a few humans that look ridiculous. Also the eyes look fake, too flat and a lack of blinking makes it kind of eerie.

Animations: Yes, there are buggy and sometimes downright bad animations. But this game is huge, those issues are so far between I wouldn't have noticed them if not for the volume of complaining about them. The game is probably better in terms of animations than any BioWare RPG I've played, but animations will never be their strong suit.

So all in all, I find the game to be more than satisfactory. I had a blast with my first 10 hours and I can't wait to play more on Monday.

I am and always have been someone who cares more about story and enjoyment than graphics and animations, I've been playing video games since I was old enough to pick up a controller. That said, the level of criticism this game is getting from much of the online community is hyperbole in the extreme, and reviewers (most notably Rock, Paper, Shotgun) have in some cases, from everything I've seen, straight up lied in their reviews.

If you liked the first trilogy, you'll like this game. If you like third person shooters, sci-fi in general, or especially jet packs you will like the **** out of this game.

[The Outsider]

To anyone impatient like me. You can use a VPN to set you IP as Korean and unlock the game as of 10 minutes ago. EA confirmed they do not ban people for unlocking games early.

[BucaRican]

Okay, so I've done all 10 hours available in the trial and these are my thoughts and concerns.

Combat: Combat is the best so far in the series and probably the best TPS I've ever played. The jet pack is ****ing awesome. As for the cover system, it was changed to a passive cover system. This means that you move in and out of cover automatically. It has its upsides and downsides, the main upside being that you don't have to try to get in to cover and you no longer have issues involving getting stuck in cover. The downside is that for some reason you have to hit a button to change the direction you're facing. It's kind of tedious and annoying. I've done two different characters (male and female defaults) with one as a tech/combat specialist and the other as a pure biotic. There are some nice powers added and all of the old favorites are back. Biotics are smooth and look great. Projectile powers are also much better at changing direction to hit enemies behind cover.

Story/Characters: The story starts with an ass-load of exposition, the who's, what's, where's, when's, why's, and how's. This makes the prologue a little tedious for established fans, but as this is essentially a new beginning for Mass Effect it isn't a suprise. Players new to the series will have a solid grasp of what Mass Effect is about as well as some of the past happenings after the prologue. After the prologue is when things start to get really good. Without going too much in to things, suffice to say I'm interested in how all of this plays out. The characters are also well written and interesting. The squad mates and crew of the Tempest are all pretty awesome and the NPCs on the Nexus manage to stay interesting.

Quests: The main quest is a home run so far. The side quests are rarely generic fetch quests. For example, one quest has you investigating the first murder in Andromeda.

Graphics: The game is beautiful. Frostbyte is a great engine for environments and it really shows. The two planets I've visited are about as different as can be but both are stunning in their way. You can really see that BioWare is starting to figure this engine out. The lighting and environmental effects are markedly better than in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The downfall of the graphics are in the human textures. While most characters are fine, there are a few humans that look ridiculous. Also the eyes look fake, too flat and a lack of blinking makes it kind of eerie.

Animations: Yes, there are buggy and sometimes downright bad animations. But this game is huge, those issues are so far between I wouldn't have noticed them if not for the volume of complaining about them. The game is probably better in terms of animations than any BioWare RPG I've played, but animations will never be their strong suit.

So all in all, I find the game to be more than satisfactory. I had a blast with my first 10 hours and I can't wait to play more on Monday.

I am and always have been someone who cares more about story and enjoyment than graphics and animations, I've been playing video games since I was old enough to pick up a controller. That said, the level of criticism this game is getting from much of the online community is hyperbole in the extreme, and reviewers (most notably Rock, Paper, Shotgun) have in some cases, from everything I've seen, straight up lied in their reviews.

If you liked the first trilogy, you'll like this game. If you like third person shooters, sci-fi in general, or especially jet packs you will like the **** out of this game.

Are you playing on the XBOX one S ?

[The Outsider]

Okay, so I've done all 10 hours available in the trial and these are my thoughts and concerns.

Combat: Combat is the best so far in the series and probably the best TPS I've ever played. The jet pack is ****ing awesome. As for the cover system, it was changed to a passive cover system. This means that you move in and out of cover automatically. It has its upsides and downsides, the main upside being that you don't have to try to get in to cover and you no longer have issues involving getting stuck in cover. The downside is that for some reason you have to hit a button to change the direction you're facing. It's kind of tedious and annoying. I've done two different characters (male and female defaults) with one as a tech/combat specialist and the other as a pure biotic. There are some nice powers added and all of the old favorites are back. Biotics are smooth and look great. Projectile powers are also much better at changing direction to hit enemies behind cover.

Story/Characters: The story starts with an ass-load of exposition, the who's, what's, where's, when's, why's, and how's. This makes the prologue a little tedious for established fans, but as this is essentially a new beginning for Mass Effect it isn't a suprise. Players new to the series will have a solid grasp of what Mass Effect is about as well as some of the past happenings after the prologue. After the prologue is when things start to get really good. Without going too much in to things, suffice to say I'm interested in how all of this plays out. The characters are also well written and interesting. The squad mates and crew of the Tempest are all pretty awesome and the NPCs on the Nexus manage to stay interesting.

Quests: The main quest is a home run so far. The side quests are rarely generic fetch quests. For example, one quest has you investigating the first murder in Andromeda.

Graphics: The game is beautiful. Frostbyte is a great engine for environments and it really shows. The two planets I've visited are about as different as can be but both are stunning in their way. You can really see that BioWare is starting to figure this engine out. The lighting and environmental effects are markedly better than in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The downfall of the graphics are in the human textures. While most characters are fine, there are a few humans that look ridiculous. Also the eyes look fake, too flat and a lack of blinking makes it kind of eerie.

Animations: Yes, there are buggy and sometimes downright bad animations. But this game is huge, those issues are so far between I wouldn't have noticed them if not for the volume of complaining about them. The game is probably better in terms of animations than any BioWare RPG I've played, but animations will never be their strong suit.

So all in all, I find the game to be more than satisfactory. I had a blast with my first 10 hours and I can't wait to play more on Monday.

I am and always have been someone who cares more about story and enjoyment than graphics and animations, I've been playing video games since I was old enough to pick up a controller. That said, the level of criticism this game is getting from much of the online community is hyperbole in the extreme, and reviewers (most notably Rock, Paper, Shotgun) have in some cases, from everything I've seen, straight up lied in their reviews.

If you liked the first trilogy, you'll like this game. If you like third person shooters, sci-fi in general, or especially jet packs you will like the **** out of this game.

Are you playing on the XBOX one S ?

PC

[Nano]

Fun game so far. Probably not GOTY worthy(To be fair BotW already has that locked up), but not as bad as the reviewers are making it to be.

[Corsair]

My favorite game of the year. Just sitting down and hearing the music and seeing the atmosphere brings me back to when I first discovered this franchise.

It's going to take a while to get deep into it, but I'm going to really like this game.

There are some flaws in the acting/cut scenes as well as some minor glitches that will be patched. But the gameplay is everything I expect from ME. My current character is renamed "Jack" with a shaved head in honor of the most awesome ME character ever.

[The Outsider]

My favorite game of the year. Just sitting down and hearing the music and seeing the atmosphere brings me back to when I first discovered this franchise.

It's going to take a while to get deep into it, but I'm going to really like this game.

There are some flaws in the acting/cut scenes as well as some minor glitches that will be patched. But the gameplay is everything I expect from ME. My current character is renamed "Jack" with a shaved head in honor of the most awesome ME character ever.

I've been unfortunate enough to be sidelined by the flu since midday Sunday so I'm already something like 53 hours in to my first playthrough. The main story is relatively short, so take your time exploring. The side missions are rarely fetch quests and for the most part will keep you immersed as they make sense in the context of what's going on.

[terrytate]

Just wrapped the first planet and moved to the next, meeting my last party member. The animation glitches are real but definately a minor gripe.

Anyone try multiplayer yet? I read that it gives a bunch of spoilers so thus far I have avoided it.

[Rocker]

Just wrapped the first planet and moved to the next, meeting my last party member. The animation glitches are real but definately a minor gripe.

Anyone try multiplayer yet? I read that it gives a bunch of spoilers so thus far I have avoided it.

I never play MP until I complete the storyline. I have issued a few of the strike teams out, but that's a definitive "meh" for me.

I did, however, open my bonus packs, and got a few ultra-rares, so I'm looking forward to it.

[BucNation]

Fun game so far. Probably not GOTY worthy(To be fair BotW already has that locked up), but not as bad as the reviewers are making it to be.

How can you be so sure about BotW locking up GOTY? BotW is good, I enjoy it. But have you played Horizon: Zero Dawn? From the storyline to the graphics to the combat is incredible. Especially coming from a company that's only every made Killzone.

2017 is a great year of games (and will be so better than 2016). GOTY should be a tough decision this year.

[Nano]

I've played Horizons. Arguably the best graphics you will find on a console(PC master race sit down), and good gameplay to boot. Feels like what FC:P should've been....if it didn't get boring after 10 minutes. It will win PS4 GOTY easily. However, BOTW....is a breath of fresh air(pun intended). It's really good, and easily the Zelda game since OoT...hell, one of the best Nintendo games since then. I doubt another game beats it, especially with it's insane 97 MC rating.


If I was to rank the games released this year(at least for my GOTY ranking)

1. Zelda:BotW
2. Horizon: Zero Dawn
3. Mass Effect Andromeda
4. Wildlands (Might have the worst heli controls ever)
5. For Honor (Rock, Paper, Scissors with swords gets old fast, and the guys control like mud. Only thing I liked about it was the opening cutscene lol)

If I was to guess...RDR2 has the best shot of taking over, and that's only because we know we'll get quality with Rockstar.

[Rocker]

35ish hours in. This game is BIG; and I'm loving it. Only issue I have is on occasion my tracker will get wonky and take over the objective compass. Everything else has been great.

The squad mate loyalty missions kick ass.

[Corsair]

Soooooo glitchy.

And the dialogue is so bad.

But I still love the battle gameplay.

Architects are getting easier, too. The first one was a BITCH.

[The Outsider]

Patch released that fixes some animations and faces. Looks pretty good so far.

[Rocker]

Patch released that fixes some animations and faces. Looks pretty good so far.

Additional task, and MP adjustments as well. The eyes look so much ****ing better...