"Mass Effect Andromeda": overshooting the mark
20.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
The sci-fi saga continues: without the familiar heroes and in a new galaxy. "Mass Effect Andromeda" aims high and stumbles over its own ambitions.
What a collective outcry there was when the curtain fell on "Mass Effect 3". A veritable lynch mob of angry gamers formed against the ending, which many felt was half-baked. Personally, the somewhat disappointing ending didn't bother me much. The journey there was what mattered to me and since most games end on a weak note anyway, I've long since become jaded.
"Mass Effect Andromeda" not only tries to make up for the mistakes of the trilogy ending, it also wants to be perceived as an independent story. This endeavour does not quite succeed.
(Almost) Everything as before
On your adventure, you will visit various planets and cruise around in your six-wheeled Nomad. Together with two companions from your team, you complete numerous quests, decimate aliens and collect resources. Something that has become much more important.
The ratio of action and dialogue is roughly balanced, although there is almost too much shooting for my taste. As is typical for Bioware, you can choose various answers in dialogues and talk your head off. The dubbing in English is first-class. The German dubbing is typically a little weaker and the accents in particular are lost. Nevertheless, "Mass Effect Andromeda" shines with mostly interesting and humorous conversations.
The Nexus is once again a huge walk-in space station where you will spend most of your time. It is the headquarters of the space-travelling settlers.
More role-playing, but too much ballast
What I missed most after "Mass Effect 1" was the depth of the role-playing game. "Andromeda" really ups the ante here. You'll constantly find new weapons, armour and modifications. You can also equip your character with new abilities ad infinitum. It's just a shame that you can only have three skills active at any one time.
As mentioned at the beginning, resources have become more important. Planet scanning is back in a slimmed-down version. That's still possible. On the planets themselves, you actively collect resources and scan everything that might be of interest. The fact that you have to constantly pull out the scanner gets annoying over time.
Where previous "Mass Effect" parts were criticised for the planets being lifeless, "Andromeda" goes to the other extreme. There is almost too much going on on the planets. Every few metres you stumble across new alien monoliths, Kett bases (the new villains) or the next side quest. Less would have been more here.
Too little drama
The Kett don't seem as menacing as previous villains.Epic space saga/soap opera
From the very first minute, "Mass Effect Andomeda" feels like an epic space saga. An orchestral soundtrack reminiscent of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek", unknown planets with impressive panoramas and mean-looking aliens.
More action, less tactics
Thanks to the jetpack, you can finally jump and even hover if you have learnt the necessary skill. This makes combat a little more dynamic. However, you now have to use your skills without pausing and you can only give your comrades directional instructions. This means that some tactics are lost. Nevertheless, the numerous skills and weapons are great fun, so the many battles don't get boring so quickly.
Are the animations really that bad?
Conclusion: Tasty, but fattening
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
