‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ Confirmed To Have Craftable Blades, Team Tensions And ‘More Varied’ Side Quests

“Mass Effect: Andromeda” is slated for launch on March 21. Ahead of its official release however, so much hype is building up the interest and excitement of the gaming community. Just recently, more details about the action role-playing video game have been released and they certainly contribute to the fanfare.

The latest issue of the Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) U.K. is out, and it features some interesting information about the upcoming “Mass Effect” game as relayed by the game’s producer, Michael Gamble. For players expecting the new game to be open world, Gamble said that this will not be the case. “I definitely wouldn’t call ‘Andromeda’ an open-world game. We like to use the term exploration-based game,” he was quoted as saying, per Reddit user Snark88. “It’s not the traditional sandbox-type game.”

Meanwhile, the magazine also learned that crafting is now entirely optional and is not at all relevant to the story. Speaking of crafting though, there is now confirmation that blades will be craftable melee weapons. Also, an encounter with the Kett will enable the players to craft their plasma guns. In relation to the Kett, the publication described them to be more nuanced as an enemy.

Another interesting thing about “Andromeda” is how tensions between the team occur. OXM reported that the player’s dialogue choices could trigger tensions among team members. It’s best to minimize these tensions, however, since squad members will be tasked to complete a loyalty mission that comes with a “string of objectives” instead of the usual single mission.

BioWare has also revealed that there will be side quests that will be “more varied and interesting than ever.” No other details about the side quests were given. Meanwhile, it was disclosed that there will be no level cap. Hence, players can keep leveling up until they run out of the skills to put their points into.

Gamingbolt also reported that Gamble told PC Gamer UK that “Andromeda” will be more “casual” and “optimistic” in nature. The focal point of the game is said to be the new galaxy — including its inhabitants — and not the narrative. “The story is not only about the cast,” Gamble said. “The story is about settling, the story is about survival, the story is about the locals – and that’s where the loyalties will definitely focus. Not everyone arrives at the same time, there are things going on in Andromeda that you have no control over.”

“Mass Effect: Andromeda” is set for release on the PS4, Xbox One and PC on March 21.