Early Reader of PC Gamer Magazine Delivers New Details for Mass Effect Andromeda
Two months out from Mass Effect Andromeda’s release, we suspect our oblivion bubble to severely shrink. But BioWare is holding off on information until the ideal moment before release, according to producer Mike Gamble. That said, our latest Mass Effect news comes from an early perusal of February’s PC Gamer Magazine. Thanks to reddit user typherio, we learn some early details about combat, planets, the Nomad, and the Paragon system. Since none of this is confirmed, take it with a grain of salt.
Starting with movement, typherio specifically points to new the new Dash mechanic now in place: “Dodge roll has been replaced with a dash, useful for getting from cover to cover, this is conjunction with being able to jump makes for fast mobile combat.” Through previews of Andromeda, we already gauged the game’s pace. By all accounts, players will be more mobile than ever before, executing different maneuvers in tandem like shooting while hovering mid-air, as typherio points out.  But there was much more in his leak.:
“Renegade/paragon system has been replaced with a 4 chat option, head,casual,heart and professional giving me choice in the personality of your ryder. There are apparantly different types of planets i.e. 1 type is a story planet, this planet is one mainly consisting of open exploration and side quests. Planets also have environmental hazards like those seen in no mans sky i.e. radiation, too hot and too cold. The nomad was partially designed and tested by a small team from need for speed, take this as you will.”
Despite its novelty to Mass Effect, the aforementioned “4 chat” system echoes as far back as Dragon Age 2. BioWare veterans will remember a similar system used to flesh out the player character in past adventures. Hence, its introduction to Mass Effect Andromeda could better build the Ryders to player liking; meanwhile, override the black or white character construction as seen in past titles.
Additionally, planet exploration will be more dynamic in Mass Effect Andromeda, assuming this account speaks true. Environmental hazards would add a breath of realism to the game. Exploration might even prove more rewarding and encourage more deliberation from the player.
But one of the most interesting tidbits is regarding multiplayer, the so-called “horde mode multiplayer.” Players will engage in coop through a class system. So very reminiscent of Gears of War on paper, but whether or not it mimics the feel is something else. Some fans are excited, other die-hards resist multiplayer to the bitter end. Winning over many sentimentalists is currently part of BioWare’s challenge.
Mass Effect Andromeda releases on March 21st for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Expect more news as it comes. Meanwhile, feel free to drop a comment and let us know your thoughts on this leaked info. We’ll see you on Day One.