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The dream of a new horizon, a brighter future not just for our own kind, but for those millions of light-years away, has always been a driving force. We envisioned a promised land, a new home for all races, far from the lurking shadows of ancient evils. We yearned for peace, fertile lands, a paradise beyond the reach of known dangers, an escape into the vast unknown. But now, we must fight for the survival of this newfound home. The tales of the Citadel, of Commander Shepard, and the Reapers are now echoes of a glorious past, relegated to the history books of the Milky Way galaxy.

Over 600 years have passed since the Andromeda Initiative launched, sending Ark ships on a long journey to the Heleus Cluster in the Andromeda galaxy. However, the journey and the arrival have been far from smooth.

Initial Disappointments

alt text describing the awkward facial animations in Mass Effect Andromeda

First impressions matter. No one wants to wade through a 400-page book if the first 50 pages are a slog. Sadly, Mass Effect: Andromeda suffers from a rough start, revealing technical and narrative flaws that are difficult to ignore. The internet is rife with mockery of the game’s awkward facial animations, and it’s hard to defend them. Potentially emotional moments are undermined by lifeless expressions, grand speeches are met with vacant stares, and casual conversations lack any emotional depth. It’s as if only the lips move, while the rest of the face remains frozen.

The inconsistency in quality extends beyond facial animations. The narrative has its highs and lows. While some moments are genuinely gripping, others are jarringly amateurish, reminiscent of fan fiction. One moment, the Pathfinder confronts the Kett Archon in a tense standoff, the next, the Tempest makes a hasty retreat, seemingly flipping off the Archon in the process. A pivotal Krogan conflict on Elaaden is punctuated by a duel that looks more like two children awkwardly scrapping than a life-or-death struggle. These odd moments detract from the overall experience.

alt text describing the open world environment in Mass Effect Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda also feels narratively safe compared to its predecessors. The original trilogy explored complex themes: the coexistence of organic life and artificial intelligence, the moral dilemmas of sacrificing millions to save billions, and the deep-seated conflicts born from prejudice and discrimination. Andromeda, in contrast, lacks this depth. The Initiative’s internal squabbles feel inconsequential, the Genophage is a relic of the past, AI is largely accepted, and the Kett lack the gravitas to be truly compelling antagonists. Even the first encounter with the Angara feels rushed and underdeveloped. The Pathfinder’s role is equally inconsistent. Some treat you as a savior despite your recent arrival and lack of tangible accomplishments, while others, like Sloane Kelly and Morda, completely disregard your authority.

This inconsistency permeates the gameplay as well. The initial choice between scientific and military focus for the first outpost on Eos vanishes in subsequent settlements. Character animations are fluid in combat but stiff in conversations. The game’s soundtrack is often noticeably absent. Technical issues further mar the experience, from clunky controls and unresponsive enemies to jarring dialogue interruptions by SAM’s resource notifications and a cumbersome menu system. While I personally avoided game-breaking bugs, the overall polish is noticeably lacking compared to previous installments. Even the character models suffer from a lack of diversity, with many Asari, Salarians, and Turians looking nearly identical.

Redeeming Qualities

alt text showcasing the Nomad vehicle exploring a planet in Mass Effect Andromeda

Despite its flaws, Mass Effect: Andromeda has its strengths. Leaving the Milky Way and venturing into a new galaxy was a brilliant decision, revitalizing the sense of exploration that defined the original Mass Effect. The focus shifts from a desperate race against time to a more methodical process of establishing a new home. Building outposts and activating Remnant technology to terraform Golden Worlds provides a satisfying sense of progress. The game offers a vast and detailed open world, ripe for exploration, with a mix of main quests, loyalty missions, and numerous side quests, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.

alt text showing Ryder and their squad in Mass Effect Andromeda

The companion characters are arguably the most compelling in the series. Ryder, unlike the seasoned veteran Shepard, is a young explorer augmented by SAM. This allows for a lighter tone and more humorous interactions, making the Andromeda Initiative crew feel like a genuine team, a family forged in the crucible of a new galaxy. The revamped dialogue system, while sacrificing some of the moral nuances of Paragon and Renegade, offers greater flexibility in shaping Ryder’s personality and fostering deeper connections with companions.

alt text depicting Ryder in combat in Mass Effect Andromeda

The combat system is dynamic and engaging. Profiles replace rigid classes, allowing for seamless switching between combat styles and a greater degree of customization. The ability to jump and dodge adds a new layer of mobility, while the crafting system allows for unique weapon modifications. The variety of enemies and the epic battles against Architects provide thrilling challenges.

alt text showcasing combat in Mass Effect Andromeda

Planet scanning returns, streamlined and less tedious than in Mass Effect 2. The Nomad, a versatile six-wheeled vehicle, makes exploring these vast landscapes a joy. It handles terrain with ease, allows for quick resource gathering, and makes traversing the diverse environments of Andromeda a truly rewarding experience.

alt text showcasing the Nomad in Mass Effect Andromeda

Conclusion

alt text depicting Ryder looking out at the Andromeda galaxy

Mass Effect: Andromeda is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable experience. While it falls short of the original trilogy in some respects, it carves its own path, embracing a spirit of exploration and discovery. Despite its technical shortcomings and narrative inconsistencies, it captures the heart of what makes Mass Effect special: the thrill of venturing into the unknown, forging new alliances, and finding a place to call home.