Bioware has released part 1 in its “Official Gameplay Series” and it details the weapons and skills for Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Weapons are separated into four categories: pistols, shotguns, snipers and assault rifles. With the additions of the jump-jet and dynamic cover, Mass Effect: Andromeda sets out to make the combat faster and more fluid than the previous installments. Weapons and gear are separated into three separate technology types; Milky way, Remnant, and Helios. Each weapon boasts its own positives and negatives. Milky Way weapons are effective against armor but require you manage your ammunition. Remnant weapons bring players back to the original Mass Effect with unlimited ammunition that can overheat and need to cooldown. Finally, Helios weapons utilize plasma, shooting slower projectiles that can be charged and can seek out enemies.
It’s important to note that, also like the first Mass Effect, there are no class restrictions on the categories or types of weapons. This will allow players to tackle each situation how they want, while also adding a new level of customization to player builds. Tech and Biotic skills will offer players a range of builds. Abilities like the cryobeam offer a more offensive approach, while the attack field cloak allows you to sneak up and deal massive damage to unaware enemies.
The combat in Mass Effect: Andromeda feels like a natural evolution for the series and a welcomed one at that. The increased verticality may seem like a small addition but giving players the option to use the environments to their fullest will add a new sense of involvement and exploration. Interestingly enough, melee combat is a much bigger focus here with the addition weapons such as hammers and shivs. While nothing in the video is dramatically different from the previous games, Bioware is still shaping the Mass Effect series in bold and exciting ways.
Mass Effect: Andromeda releases on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows on March 21, 2017.
