Saturday, 14 Dec 2024

22 Interesting Facts about Mass Effect Andromeda

Our month-long coverage of Mass Effect Andromeda is coming to an end, but we have some exciting tidbits of information to share with you. During our visit to BioWare and conversations with the team, we learned some interesting details about the game that we couldn’t fit into our previous features. So, we’ve gathered them here for you to enjoy. Let’s dive in and discover these fascinating facts about Mass Effect Andromeda!

1. A New Beginning for Ryder

At the start of Andromeda, Ryder is intentionally designed as a blank slate. The creative director, Mac Walters, wanted players to feel a closer connection to their character from the beginning. By removing the sense that the character has already accomplished a lot, players can immerse themselves fully in the new universe without any sense of disconnect.

2. Meet Liam and His British Accent

One of your companions, Liam, has a charming British accent. Get ready to enjoy his company as you explore the Andromeda galaxy.

3. Uncovering the Fate of the Arks

As you progress through the game, you’ll come across clues and evidence that shed light on the fate of the other arks. For example, finding asari escape pods will reveal more about what happened to them and their ark. This storyline eventually leads to a mission where you can resolve their fate.

4. Diverse Quest Locations

Quests in Andromeda can take place on the planet where you discover them or lead you to new locations. The game strikes a balance between these two types, giving you the opportunity to explore and complete quests on different worlds. BioWare aimed for a 90-10 split, ensuring that you can spend ample time on each world while still experiencing a variety of locations and quests.

5. A New Engine, a Fresh Start

With the move to new hardware and the adoption of the Frostbite engine, BioWare had to build all the systems, tools, and assets for Andromeda from scratch. This major overhaul allowed the team to create a fresh and visually impressive experience.

6. Systems Implementation and Fine-Tuning

All the gameplay systems are currently implemented in the game, with the team now focusing on balance and tweaking. The content is in place, and BioWare is dedicated to delivering a polished and enjoyable experience.

7. Unique Abilities for Different Races

Enemies of the same class in Andromeda possess different abilities based on their race. This adds a layer of diversity and strategic depth to the combat encounters.

8. Familiar and New Races

While not all races from the original trilogy make an appearance in Andromeda, BioWare has designed the game in a way that allows for their inclusion in future installments. The first game sets the stage for the wider universe, with familiar and new races waiting to be encountered.

9. Experience Points and Progression

The points you earn through gaining experience go beyond enhancing your powers. This currency also applies to other aspects of progression, such as improving the hover time on your jetpack or increasing the speed of the Nomad, your trusty vehicle in the game.

10. Hazardous Planetary Environments

Eladen’s blistering heat is just one example of the various environmental hazards you’ll encounter in Andromeda. BioWare has designed different planets with distinct challenges, including ice, radiation, and other hazards. Each planet requires unique strategies and upgrades to navigate and survive.

11. Quality over Quantity

BioWare’s priority in expanding the scope of Andromeda was to ensure that the game’s content maintains the studio’s high standards of quality. By restraining the scope and focusing on rich, memorable locations and characters, the team aims to create an immersive and captivating experience.

12. A Funny Coincidence

Have you noticed that the default appearance of Scott Ryder bears a resemblance to Casey Hudson, the original project director of Mass Effect? It’s purely coincidental, but the team finds it amusing nonetheless.

13. A Standalone Adventure

Andromeda’s story is independent of the original trilogy, and the events or characters from those games won’t shape the state of the world in this new installment. BioWare wanted players, whether new or returning, to feel welcomed into the universe without any prior knowledge required.

14. A Recon Specialist

Before assuming the role of Pathfinder, Ryder’s title is “recon specialist.” This hints at the character’s unique skills and expertise in reconnaissance missions.

15. A Good-Luck Rock

As you leave the Ark for the first time, your father, an important character in the game, encourages you to rub a good-luck rock. It’s a small, thoughtful gesture that adds depth to the familial relationship within the story.

16. Humanity in Stasis

At the beginning of the game, approximately 20,000 humans on the Hyperion are still in cryo-sleep. As Ryder wakes up to face the challenges of the Andromeda galaxy, they carry the hope and responsibility of humanity’s future.

17. Interactive Cinematics

Andromeda takes advantage of the Frostbite engine to enhance the interactivity of certain sequences that were previously non-interactive cinematics. Players now have more control, whether it’s steering a character in mid-air or examining objects during a conversation.

18. Customize Your Armor

Armor in Andromeda is divided into sub-categories. You have the freedom to mix and match different pieces, such as helmets, shoulders, chest, and legs. Create a unique look for your character by combining pieces from different sets.

19. Real-Time Graphic Achievements

BioWare uses the CG trailers from the original trilogy as a reference point for achieving similar graphical quality in real-time. The development team strives to deliver stunning visuals that match the cinematic standards set by the series.

20. More Crew Members to Meet

As you continue your journey through Andromeda, you’ll encounter additional crew members who will join the crew of the Tempest. Get ready to form new relationships and uncover their unique stories.

21. A Lighter Tone

Compared to Mass Effect 3, Andromeda features a slightly lighter tone. The dialogue and interactions among characters are infused with more humor and a sense of youthful energy. It’s a refreshing take on the series while still maintaining the depth and emotional resonance fans expect.

22. Exploring Beyond the End

Once you complete the final mission of Andromeda, you don’t have to start New Game+ immediately. The game allows you to continue exploring the galaxy, taking on side quests, and enjoying the vastness of this new universe.

For even more information about Mass Effect Andromeda, visit the official website of Wqaindia. Discover more about the game and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

FAQs

Q: Are there plans for future installments in the Mass Effect Andromeda series?

BioWare has designed the Andromeda IP to allow for the inclusion of various races from the original trilogy in future games. While not all races appear in the first installment, the universe is built to accommodate their presence in future stories.

Q: Can I replay the game after finishing the main story?

Yes, you can continue exploring the game world and completing side quests even after completing the final mission. BioWare encourages players to fully immerse themselves in the Andromeda galaxy and engage with all the content it has to offer.

Conclusion

Mass Effect Andromeda promises an exciting and immersive experience in a new galaxy. With its fresh approach, captivating storylines, and innovative gameplay systems, it’s set to be a memorable addition to the Mass Effect series. Stay tuned to Wqaindia for more updates on Mass Effect Andromeda and embark on an unforgettable journey through the stars.