We tested the full version of Mass Effect: Andromeda thoroughly. Did BioWare create a masterpiece? Or is it all just smoke and mirrors? We answer all questions in our review of Mass Effect: Andromeda.
For the last 3, 4 days, you haven’t read much from me on the website, which is because I spent every spare minute in Mass Effect: Andromeda. Now I can finally speak about it publicly and present you my review of BioWare’s latest role-playing game. Does ME:A live up to its legendary predecessors? Does BioWare manage to create another really good game? Or is it just one big hype train without substance? I hope to provide you with some answers in this review.
Spoiler alert: The review will contain some story spoilers. However, these only cover the first few hours of gameplay or explain the “setting”. Additionally, there are minor details about individual characters. I have tried to ensure that no one’s enjoyment of the game is spoiled by spoilers.
The Beginning – A Catastrophe
I briefly mentioned it in this post, but I find it incomprehensible why EA released a 10-hour trial version. The start of ME:A is the worst I have experienced in all the “Mass Effect” titles.
The “tutorial” really has all the clichéd ingredients of a Hollywood action movie such as “Independence Day”.
- Drama of the “I sacrifice myself so that you can live” scene
- Aliens that are evil and ruthless murderers
- Main character who has “chosen one” powers to operate ancient mechanisms
No, the first hours do not present ME:A in a good light at all. Several times I thought, “Let it go, Cortyn. Remember parts 1-3 fondly. BioWare has messed up.” But I am glad I pushed through the tedious beginning and can provide reassurances for all who had similar thoughts as I did: It gets better and better.
The Basic Scenario – Journey to a New Galaxy
ME:A takes place between the events of Mass Effect 2 and 3. Commander Shepard is a well-known hero of humanity who saved the Citadel from a Geth attack. Except for a few conspiracy theorists, no one really believes in the Reapers, and the galaxy is doing well.
However, the resources of the Milky Way are limited, and there are many alien galaxies waiting to be explored. Through scanners, scientists detect seven “golden worlds” in the distant Andromeda Galaxy, where humans could settle – leading to the establishment of the Andromeda Initiative.
The journey to the Andromeda Galaxy takes more than 600 years, so the volunteers are placed in cryo-sleep. A total of 5 ships set out: the Nexus, a hub that is meant to act as a “new citadel” in Andromeda, and four arks each housing 20,000 members of a species: humans, Asari, Salarians, and Turians.
Allow me? Ryder, Pathfinder of the Initiative
640 years later, we wake up from cryo-sleep on the humans’ ark and stand before nothingness. The “golden world” is devastated and uninhabitable. In addition, there is a huge space anomaly called the “Scourge”, which destroys a large part of the technology upon contact (and of course we crashed into it head-on).
The “Pathfinder” team of the ark is awakened. Pathfinders serve as scouts and representatives of the Initiative. They are to find planets suitable for settlement and, in the event of contact with alien species, approach in a friendly and diplomatic manner to minimize conflicts and enable trade. Depending on whether we play as a male or female character, we are Sara or Scott Ryder – son or daughter of the current leading Pathfinders of the humans.
SAM – The Artificial Intelligence in Our Head
All members of the Pathfinder team have technology implanted in their bodies, driven by an artificial intelligence. SAM assists in analyzing problems, providing solutions and ensuring that all our discoveries are sent directly back to the ark and the Nexus. The fact that SAM can read each of our thoughts makes him a little creepy as well.
