Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect, I’m so glad you’re not just another darn shooter!
I knew about Mass Effect: Andromeda when it launched. I knew that there was a bug in me that always wanted to try it out. But then, the same thought kept popping into my mind telling me: “dude, forget about it, it’s just another shooter. And you don’t like shooters.”
Man, was I wrong! It has its shooter component, sure, but if I condense the 5+ hours I played, not even 1h of that time was spent shooting stuff like crazy and killing anything that moves. Most of the time is spent trying to figure out how to explore the Andromeda Galaxy, how to help others and in creating long lasting relationships of trust.
Mass Effect: Andromeda has been a delight to play, and I haven’t played that much yet. Still, I’m already convinced with just half a dozen hours on it. The game has recently become free-to-try for everyone – a Demo version with 10h of gameplay. So that’s what I did, and because of my experience with the Demo version, I’m probably buying the game. If only other developers were this smart, allowing players to experience a few hours of gameplay (I know I said it before but it’s never too much to mention that Mass Effect gives you a free trial of 10h!!!). I’m pretty sure that a big percentage of us would just praise the title, acknowledge that the game is totally worth our money and that would only increase sales.
Focus on the bigger picture here
As mentioned above, Mass Effect: Andromeda is not just another shooter. If it was, I wouldn’t be playing it, that’s for sure. The fact that we are able to embark on a voyage to the Andromeda Galaxy with the purpose of effectively colonize it, travel through deep space and discover new star systems is baffling enough! So think about your role in the game as a long term achievement for mankind, about what’s important for us as a species.
You should also keep in mind that you’re the alien out there. In the beginning of the game, when you crash land on the first planet, you wisely point it out to your squadmate Liam, when he groans about the warm “welcome” you just had. I’m really hoping that throughout the game, the ability to develop peaceful relationships with native species becomes an option. That would really make it sweet. Obviously, this would require hard work, discipline and conversational skills (this last one already being a core element of the game; I’ve spent a considerable amount of time speaking to a lot of crew members to understand the basics of the game + the role of each character and their background).
But I’m just speculating here. Right now, I just want to enjoy as much as I can. Still, it would be amazing to land on unexplored planets and have peaceful contact with the natives. You know, share knowledge, experience and walk side-by-side in this sort of quest. Maybe even recruiting them to your “cause”. In fact, alien species are a crucial part of the Mass Effect franchise. In your team of explorers, you have a few. On the Hyperion, the majority of high ranked personnel is alien. Knowing this to be something that is already cherished, I’m just hoping for more.
Mixed feelings among the Community
One thing I’ve come across often was the disappointment of the Mass Effect series fan base. Most seem to complain pretty much about everything. I don’t blame them, for sure they had high expectations that weren’t met. When you create a sort of game legacy, developers can’t mess up when launching a new episode of the franchise. So far, the experience has been fantastic for me, but keep in mind that I’m stepping into new territory here. I never played Mass Effect prior to Andromeda, so maybe I’m just a lucky guy that’s enjoying it like hell!
Around a week ago, I posted a Mass Effect: Andromeda sunset pic on our Twitter account, and it had some impact on the community. This was when I experienced a bit of anger and true disappointment towards the title, from the fan base. But I also detected hope in a DLC that could fix a bunch of major bugs, a single player campaign like in the 2 previous ventures and a few others (the complaints list keeps growing). But the one that even today I keep seeing a bit everywhere, is the wait for a single player campaign. The recurrent question to Bioware, “where is the single player DLC?”
Again, I feel for the long term fans but gladly, I’ve been having a different experience. But I do trust them in their worries, for sure the game would win a lot by having what most people are asking for. Think about it, Bioware…
A kick-ass vehicle
If you´re a newbie that never played Andromeda (like me), you probably never heard of the Nomad. Let me put it in few words as possible. The Nomad is a KICK-ASS, all-terrain, 6 wheels, beautiful ride! I’m even buying the Mini Diecast model from amazon. Yes, it’s that good! At least in the demo, with 6 wheel traction already functioning, otherwise I’m guessing you’ll have a few headaches on steep terrain. Trust me, you’ll have fun driving this!
Stay positive
Keep a positive attitude. No one can say for sure that the “so asked for” DLC, isn’t coming. Thinking the other way around won’t bring it to you anyway, so chose to see the brighter side of it. I’m expecting to explore the title further to have a more solid opinion of it. But as you could read above, I’m already savoring it well. Hope to cross a few of you Pathfinders in the near future!
On a different note, I just need to mention something about Sara Ryder. I chose her over Scott, to start my Mass Effect: Andromeda journey. But since the very first time she opens her mouth, her lips and face have a very weird feeling. I’ve read about this recently here, and I couldn’t agree more that it really feels sort of uncomfortable to see her talk. Something just went wrong when blending together the real life model that portrayed Sara and the game character. Really bizarre… So I guess next time I’ll just choose her twin brother, Scott.
Now it´s your turn, Pathfinder! Let us know your thoughts and your experience with Andromeda. Have you enjoyed riding the Nomad? Have you finished the game and share a few tips with the fans? We would love to hear from you and launch a discussion thread right here, in the comments section.
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