First Mass Effect 3 multiplayer screens hit the web

Just what does the controversial new mode look like?

Words: Henry Gilbert on October 12, 2011

After months of rumors, BioWare confirmed that Mass Effect 3 would have online multiplayer, which caused some very strong fan reactions, both negative and positive (more negative). BioWare later released some info about its co-op nature, how it can be enjoyed totally separate from the single player campaign, and that it was made by BioWare Montreal, while BioWare’s main team created the solo campaign. But until today we had no visual to go with the mode, as some arm of the vast EA PR machine released the first two screens of the mode in action.

Above: BioWare released a video explaining the mode with other new screens included (no multiplayer gameplay footage though)

Both images show off the modes new ability to play as non-humans for the first time in the Mass Effect series, showing Turians, Salarians and Krogans as player characters. The mode, called Galaxy At War, certainly looks like the close-knit group combat we heard about with explosions and lasers aplenty. But with such a heavy focus on action in these early screens, we wonder just how any of Mass Effect’s trademark storytelling brilliance will be incorporated. Hopefully some gameplay footage will surface soon so we can see just how it plays.

Oct 12, 2011

Platforms:

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Topics:

Bioware, Mass Effect, Multiplayer

18 comments

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cbs0523 - October 13, 2011 3:41 p.m.

Why does everyone think this is a terrible decision? Bioware said they had a completely seperate team dedicated to the multiplayer, so it won't affect the single player campaign. I think it's great they are trying something new that could potentially be a big part of future games, since they have stated there is a future for Mass Effect. As I have played and thoroughly enjoyed both ME1 & ME2, I have complete faith in Bioware and the decisions they make for ME3. Although seeing how no one has played it, or even seen video of it, there's really no basis for opinion. Complain after you've either seen something or played it.
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jackthemenace - October 13, 2011 8:04 a.m.

As long as the Single player's still top notch, and the gamplay's more like #1 than #2, I couldn't care less if the co-op IS sh*t. As long as I can 100% the single player without it, I'm fine- I just won't play it. Still, if it IS goo, I DIBS TURIAN INFILTRATOR. Because the only thing better than BEING Garrus, is being INSIDE him.
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faceofmonkey - October 12, 2011 11:58 p.m.

All I want is to play as a geth. That is literally the only thing that could draw me away from the main story.
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NightCrawler_358 - October 12, 2011 7:01 p.m.

I'm fine with co-op for sure, just please no competitive multiplayer. ME2's shotting mechanics weren't to great so they need to keep what little RPG elements they still have.(my main beef with the shooting was the awkward way the camera felt zoomed in constantly during combat.) I have Uncharted 3 for my third person shooter, and I have Mass Effect for my story.
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Jared117 - October 12, 2011 3:50 p.m.

As long as the single player is great, i don't care what they want to throw in as extra.
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BladedFalcon - October 12, 2011 6:12 p.m.

Pretty much this, I'm not happy with this new inclusion, and I'm still pretty sure not gonna bother playing the MP at all. But if they still manage to give a complete, satisfying and POLISHED single player story experience, then I guess I can let this slide. However, if the single player somehow suffer because of this, I'm boycotting any Bioware game afterwards, simple as that.
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lazer59882 - October 12, 2011 3:20 p.m.

this is so stupid it REALLY has be doubting whether i'll buy this game, i love ME1, thought ME2 was severely dumbed down, and HATED Dragon Age 2. and to all those people saying "its a different studio, it wont take away from single player" while it may not "take away" from it, it certainly doesnt add anything to it at all. i'd have preferred if they outsourced part of the single player so we'd get, say, an extra 15 hours on the campaign instead of this garbage
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Claymore65 - October 12, 2011 1:56 p.m.

I'm glad they released more details, as I was personally very doubtful of this mode. If I am correct, the fact that you don't play as Shepard, might make it so Co-OP doesn't affect your single-player game. However, I still doubt the ability of the game to make the story of the multiplayer as satisfying as single player, as two players would have to agree on a single solution (with a Paragon player and a Renegade Player, this probably wouldn't work out). I'm a little concerned with how it will affect your single-player game, and also how this will affect those who play it on PC (Steam instead of Xbox live?). I will attempt to reserve my judgement until more information is released. If it is good, I'm totally playing a Krogan...
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gmcb2011 - October 12, 2011 3:18 p.m.

I'm relatively sure that they blatantly said it has nothing to do with the single-player campaign. Of course, I'm basing this off of the common sense that they wouldn't require multiplayer to have a good single-player experience, but developers have ignored common sense before. Still, I doubt that's the case. I'll probably give these missions a few runs with a friend or two.
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NelosAngelos - October 12, 2011 1:03 p.m.

Holy shhhhhiiiiiiiii you can actually play as a turian?! Finally!!! In all seriousness though, I find these forms of multiplayer to be a bit more likeable, especially in this type of game where "team deathmatch" or what have you just...really doesn't fit. The squad based tactical co-op missions however would work really well I think. This game cannot come out fast enough.
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Safety Dance Central - October 12, 2011 12:27 p.m.

I would like to see gameplay at least, just to see how the different classes and races will work together. Its still good to see its co-op and nothing else. I know people will still complain but when you take down the shields of an enemy and then see your buddy biotic charge them off a cliff, it will all seem worth it.
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Marcunio88 - October 12, 2011 12:04 p.m.

When they first announced the multiplayer this is what I hoped it would be. Not interfering with the single player experience in any way, but still adding to the world of Mass Effect.
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MyCoolWhiteLies - October 12, 2011 10:29 a.m.

I'm definitely on the interested side. I really do hope that these missions have some sort of narrative. I'd rather they not just put in random conflict situations loosely tied to the story.
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hawkinson - October 12, 2011 10:23 a.m.

I wonder how they plan on doing co-op with PC. Matchmaking?
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Spybreak8 - October 12, 2011 10:15 a.m.

Wonder no more, heyoo! http://youtu.be/JTJUYv05hVU Even Bioware can figure out a way to implement online into their story. Haha brilliant.
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babyhenchy1 - October 12, 2011 10:05 a.m.

This isn't as bad as I expected. It would be cool to see other sides of the war. I hope there's a story to each area. And it revolves around the single-player without being required for the perfect ending. I probably won't play it until after I finish single-player. But well played BioWare. Just remember that the primary importance is the end of Shepard's story. When I play through this game, I want to see my Shepard have an ending that she can be proud of.
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Sinsational - October 12, 2011 10:01 a.m.

You can even be Drell, Krogan, Asari... and it's been hinted that there's a possibilty of Elcor and Hanar being added as well. Am I excited? Yes. In BioWare I trust.
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db1331 - October 12, 2011 10:27 a.m.

RESERVED SKEPTICISM: I don't know if the Elcor would work. They're so big. I can't exactly see an Elcor sliding behind cover and such. HOPEFUL OPTIMISM: That would be awesome if you COULD play as one though. That's probably the only thing that could get me to even touch the MP. ELITISM: By the time I get ME3 for $10 on PC though, nobody will be playing the MP anyways.
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