Summary
Despite a frustrating launch and expectations not being met,Mass Effect: Andromedais a fun game with great combat. It’s been hinted in N7 Day trailers for the nextMass Effectgame that the events ofMass Effect: Andromedawill feature or at least be referenced in the upcoming sequel, so players may want to go back and refresh their memory regarding the events ofMass Effect: Andromeda, or play it for the first time to catch up on all currentMass Effectlore.
Mass Effect: Andromedacenters on a new protagonist, Ryder, who is young and inexperienced. They’re a departure from the confident Shepard, and their story is a very different one as a result. Nonetheless, seeing Ryder grow into their role as a leader and Pathfinder in a new galaxy is a journey in itself, and not one that necessarily has to match the stakes of the Trilogy that came before it. For those willing to give the game a chance, knowing a few tips and tricks can help make the story and gameplay more enjoyable.
Mass Effect: Andromeda’s Story
Adjusting Expectations
Even thoughMass Effect: Andromedais aMass Effectgame, it stands apart from the series' main trilogy by having a very different tone, storyline, and characters. Rather than going in expecting a story with the same level of stakes as the Reaper conflict in theMass Effect Trilogywith a protagonist as experienced as Shepard, players need to adjust their expectations when startingMass Effect: Andromeda. Ryder is inexperienced, more naive, and less sure-footed than Shepard, and the story is more about discovery and adventure with a lighter tone than the fate of the galaxy. Even with the darker storylines of the Benefactor, Jien Garson, and the Kett, the overall picture is a much lighter offering thananything Shepard deals with in theMass Effect Trilogy.
Only Complete the Relevant Side Quests
There are a lot of side quests inMass Effect: Andromeda; some more relevant than others. Instead of completing every single side quest, many recommend only completing the essentials. If a side quest feels like it’s dragging and going nowhere, it’s probably not worth completing, particularly if it’s a fetch quest. Side quests that are worth completing include unlocking all of SAM’s memories,investigating Jien Garson’s death, and getting planets to 100%. Even cutting out small side quests results in a long game, but playingMass Effect: Andromedaas a completionist would take over 100 hours.
Check-In With Squadmates
The crew of the Tempestare a chatty bunch, and often have something to say in-between missions. Players should talk to all crew and companions both on the Tempest and at the various hubs, as they have interesting commentary about the last mission, each other, or could bring up new quests and information relevant to themselves. Another thing to regularly check is Ryder’s email, which presents a wealth of information and possibly missable quests if they aren’t caught in time.
Playing Mass Effect: Andromeda
Crafting Ryder’s Equipment
LikeDragon Age: Inquisition, it’s possible to craft far more powerful gear and equipment inMass Effect: Andromedathan the loot found while exploring. Players should save loot so that it can be disassembled into components, which can then be crafted into powerful ranged and melee weapons, and armor.
Priming and Detonating Combos
Thecombat system ofMass Effect: Andromedais one of the bestthat BioWare has developed thanks to its flexibility and versatility combined with a range of combinations. Ryder and their squadmates can prime and detonate combo explosions, of which there are four types:
Because of the combat system, Ryder can prime and detonate combos on their own without squadmates, but squadmate input is invaluable for certain builds. As a bonus, certain weapons can prime or detonate combos, and so players aren’t limited purely to tech powers or biotic abilities.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
WHERE TO PLAY
Mass Effect: Andromeda travels deep into the Andromeda Galaxy, far beyond the Milky Way. There, you will lead our fight for a new home in hostile territory where we are the aliens. Take command as the Pathfinder, a leader of a squad of military-trained explorers, with deep progression and customization systems. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and your choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival in the Andromeda Galaxy. As you unfold the mysteries of the Andromeda Galaxy and the hope for humanity lies on your shoulders, you must ask yourself – how far will you go?
