After months of being in the dark, the media blitz for Mass Effect: Andromeda is in full swing as BioWare and Electronic Arts have started a heavier push in marketing the game.
The upcoming sci-fi RPG saw a story trailer released last week, as well as the reveal of a new alien race, the Angara. This week, BioWare is taking a step back by focusing on the physical rewards for Mass Effect: Andromeda, with a short video showcasing the pre-order bonuses for the title for the Playstation 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0cEi5ezcu0
The items in question are a new armor for the player character Ryder, a unique skin for the Nomad vehicle, and XP boosts for the game's multiplayer. What is most interesting about the trailer is the four seconds of multiplayer footage shown. We see two characters, a female Human and a Krogan, using biotic powers against raiders on a map.
The style of multiplayer seems to be similar to the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer, which was primarily a team-based wave mode over the standard deathmatch. The little bit of footage given confirms a few things for the mode: first, different kits and character classes will make a reappearance. Second, the standard use of three to four powers, with four support abilities will return to the mode. Finally, the multiplayer booster pack is reminiscent of what we have seen with previous EA titles, meaning there will be a short grind for weapons, modules, skins and the like for the mode, which was expected. It is currently unknown if the multiplayer mode will contain new game-types at this time.
BioWare has also been building the Mass Effect: Andromeda website as of late. This past week, several short bios have been posted for a few of your in-game squadmates. Currently, only three potential squadmates have been put up, the humans Liam and Cora, and the Asari Peebee. The bios for Andromeda do note a few things, such as favored weapons and power techniques all the squad mates use, as well as little hints of their personality, otherwise, they are rather short and don't reveal as much character to the squadmates.
This is a contrast to BioWare's last game, Dragon Age: Inquisition, which featured interviews by BioWare staff members talking about the characters, their motivations, and desires. The contrast is heighted by the fact that the Dragon Age: Inquisition interviews were done months in advance, and often featured characters players already knew from previous games.
Mass Effect: Andromeda will be released on March 21st in North America and March 23rd in Europe.
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