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Bioware’s Mass Effect trilogy was one of the most popular sci-fi series of the last generation. Now the Canadian studio’s finally bringing its grand space opera to PS4, Xbox One and PC.
Dubbed Mass Effect Andromeda, the latest entry in its intergalactic RPG series promises a world four times the size of Mass Effect 3 for players to explore and roam around in, giving players full control over their very own space adventure.
In preparation for the game’s release, we’ve gathered together everything we know about the game so far, including its release date, merchandise and price and pre-order deals. We’ve also explained how Mass Effect Andromeda will support Sony’s super-powered PS4 Pro console.
Mass Effect Andromeda release date / free trial
Mass Effect Andromeda will be arriving on March 23rd 2017in Europe onPS4, Xbox One and PC, two days later than its launch in the US.
EA Access subscribers on PC and Xbox One, however, will be able to get their hands on the game a week early, as EA’s said it will be releasing a 10-hour free trial of the game as part of its Access program. The trial starts on March 16th, and players’ save files will carry over to the full game should players decide to buy the game once the trial is over.
What is Mass Effect Andromeda?
Mass Effect Andromeda is the next instalment in Bioware’s popular Mass Effect series. Set in a brand new universe thousands of light years away from the events of the original Mass Effect trilogy, Andromeda should be a great jumping-in point for newcomers to the franchise.
The game features a brand new cast of characters and an all-new protagonist, Ryder, but s/he is no longer the captain of a grand space mission. Instead, Ryder and their crew are pathfinders, tasked with exploring the galaxies of Andromeda to find a new home for humanity.
Naturally, exploration will play a key role in Mass Effect Andromeda, and Ryder will have various tools at his/her disposal to help them tackle Bioware’s huge, intergalactic environments. First up, Ryder and crew will be equipped with jetpacks, giving them greater flexibility to scale tall landmarks. The buggy-like Mako vehicle will also be on hand, allowing the team to take to the open road to cut down journey times between far away destinations.
As well as discovering new landmarks, players will be looking for ancient Remnant alien blueprints to craft better weapons and equipment. Building colonies is another important gameplay element, and players will be able to give each one specific functions such as recon, assault or mining.
As with previous Mass Effect games, players will only be able to take two additional party members with them on each mission, but the final cast is sure to be much larger. Bioware’s also built on its relationship mechanics for Mass Effect Andromeda, as you’ll be able to undertake specific character missions to help strengthen your bond with them.
Mass Effect Andromeda sales expectations
During EA’s Q3 financial results,chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen said thepublisher expects the title to sell "around 3 million units" in its first week.
When asked about Mass Effect Andromeda’s revenue and whether it will be accounted as part of Q4 or pushed to fiscal 2018, Jorgensen answered:
Our digital cut-off is typically about 5 to 7 days depending on the calendar more than the actual days, so we will get some digital from the first few days of sales for Mass Effect. We will get very little revenue just because the way we book the revenue for the DLCs on Battlefield 1.
"So, you can assume that’s close to zero, and assume Mass Effect is going to be anywhere between 30% to 50% of the lifetime of that title. And the last Mass Effect did close to 6 million units, so you’ll probably see something like around 3 million units in the quarter depending on exact timing.”
Mass Effect Andromeda season pass
BioWare’s Aaryn Flynn has said on Twitter that Mass Effect Andromeda won’t be getting a season pass. When asked about whether there will be any DLC for the game, however, he said "We’ll talk more about that later."
Mass Effect Andromeda isn’t the first EA-published game to not get a season pass, as Titanfall 2 also released without one at the end of last year.
Mass Effect Andromeda PS4 Pro support
Bioware has confirmed that Mass Effect will receive additional support for the PS4 Pro, but the exact details of what that will entail are still thin on the ground. So far, Bioware has promised higher, near-4K resolutions and high dynamic range (HDR) support, offering richer, more detailed visuals, but there’s currently no word on whether multiple frame rate options will be available, or whether Full HD TVs will benefit from sharper visuals via super-sampling.
At the moment, all we have to go on is a pre-alpha video from Sony’s PS4 Pro unveiling, where Bioware’s general manager Aaryn Flynn talks us how the PS4 Pro will enhance Mass Effect Andromeda beyond what’s available on the regular console.
Mass Effect Andromeda prices and pre-order deals
Despite the game not having a firm release date, many retailers have already opened pre-orders for Mass Effect Andromeda. At GAME, consumers will be able to buy a standard version of the game, as well as exclusive bundles that include a miniature die cast Nomad vehicle and a collector’s edition remote control Nomad.
Prices are as follows:
- 49.99 for Standard PS4 and Xbox One
- 39.99 for Standard PC (physical)
- 54.99 for PS4, Xbox One and PC with miniature die cast Nomad
- 279.99 for PS4, Xbox One and PC with collector’s edition remote control Nomad
Meanwhile, Amazon is selling standard versions of the game alongside digital deluxe and super deluxe editions for Xbox One.
- 39.99 for Standard PC (physical)
- 49.99 for Standard PC (Origin digital code)
- 47.49 for Standard PS4 and Xbox One (physical)
- 59.99 for Standard Xbox One (digital download code)
- 69.99 for Deluxe Xbox One (digital download code)
- 89.99 for Super Deluxe Xbox One (digital download code)
The Deluxe edition includes additional armour and costume sets, an elite weapons set and a new vehicle skin for the Nomad. Players will also receive multiplayer booster and deluxe launch packs, the game’s digital soundtrack and a pet space-monkey for your ship.
The Super Deluxe edition contains all of the above, but adds more Multiplayer Booster packs. Players will also receive a premium pack designed for co-op play every week for 20 weeks.
Meanwhile,ShopTo is selling the standard PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions of the
