Mass Effect: Andromeda is a big sequel in a big franchise - yet even with its spring 2017 release window looming closer and closer every day, it feels like we've only scratched the surface. Thankfully, the game's creative director Mac Walters is here to answer questions - and there are a lot of them.
In a recent interview with Game Informer, Walters laid out nearly 40 minutes' worth of information regarding Andromeda. You can watch the whole thing below, or skip ahead to read about 6 of the biggest bits of info we've pulled from the Q&A session.
BioWare has learned a lot from Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition was a fantastic game loved by many, but it was also frequently criticized for having too much filler content that made it feel like a grindfest. Walters says the team has learned from DA:I's missteps and that Andromeda's quests will be more fulfilling.
Each planet has its own story
Part of what will help quests feel more meaningful is that they'll be woven into each planet's unique narrative. Instead of side quests revolving around killing a large number of monsters, i.e. "go get me 12 space bear hides," they'll be tied into the planet's main story. So for example, if the planet's main quest is about two rival gangster factions, a side quest might have you infiltrating a gang's hideout for the opposing crew.
The Ryder siblings are basically the opposite of Shepard
At the beginning of the first Mass Effect, you choose Commander Shepard's backstory. But no matter what you choose, Shepard is a vetted war hero, recognized for exemplary conduct and bravery. In Andromeda, Scott and Sarah Ryder are in their mid-20s and are untested. Walters says the story is about "becoming a hero," which is in stark contrast to previous ME games where you started as one.
If there's a male and female version of a species, you'll see both
A bit of a weird aspect of the original Mass Effect trilogy was that, until Mass Effect 3, we didn't see many women other than humans and the Asari, maybe the odd Quarian here and there. Walters says that's changing for Andromeda. Basically, if the species you come across has male and female sexes, both will be represented. For example, footage shown at The Game Awards gave us a glimpse of Sarah Ryder hanging out with an as-of-yet unnamed female Turian.
You'll want to keep your save file
While Walters is quick to point out that the path forward for Mass Effect is not another contained trilogy, he also says that "it wouldn't hurt" to keep your save files. Certain elements and characters - including the Ryder family - are planned to show up in future installments, so the things you do could have an impact in the sequel(s). However, it should be noted that what shape future games will take isn't yet "locked in," according to Walters.
There will be a (silent) codex
BioWare has built a whole universe of creatures, planets, and intergalactic politics, so it's understandable that we don't learn every single thing about it from the main story. After all, that's what the codex is for. Like its predecessors, Andromeda will have a codex. But unlike in previous games, this one won't have a wise, documentarian-like voice reading it to you. Walters says there's no planned narration for the Andromeda codex because it's so large, and will change and evolve depending on what you discover in your journey.
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