Happy N7 Day! After weeks of teases and months of hints, this year's Mass Effect celebration day brings with it plenty of exciting news regarding the next entry in Bioware's hit sci-fi franchise, Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Though a leak earlier in the day revealed the game's cover art, fans will still want to check out the latest Mass Effect: Andromeda trailer as well as new details courtesy of Game Informer, who's latest issue sports Bioware's next hit on the cover. Without further ado, here's all the latest Mass Effect news.
Mass Effect 2 and 3 Backwards Compatible On Xbox One
What better way to celebrate N7 Day than playing the original trilogy on Xbox One? The original Mass Effect was already backwards compatible (and originally an Xbox 360 exclusive), but now gamers can play the entire trilogy on current hardware. Hooray!
Mass Effect: Andromeda Deluxe and Collector's Editions
The $69.99 deluxe edition of the game will include the following: Pathfinder Casual Outfit, Scavenger Armor, Pathfinder Elite Weapon Set (4), Pet Pyjak (Monkey), Digital Soundtrack, Multiplayer Deluxe Launch Pack $5 Value. Meanwhile, there are also two different collector's editions available on Amazon. One retails for $99.99 (but doesn't appear to include the game) and features a diecast version of the game's Nomad vehicle. The $199.99 version of the collector's edition also features a diecast Nomad vehicle, only this one is remote controlled.
Loyalty Missions Return
As revealed by Game Informer, Mass Effect: Andromeda will see the return of loyalty missions for the game's various companion characters. The feature was last seen in Mass Effect 2, but unlike in that game, Mass Effect: Andromeda's loyalty missions will be completely optional and will not effect the outcome of the game's core story.
There's A Mystery Involving The Ryder Family
Mass Effect: Andromeda is in many ways the story of the Ryder family. The father of the family, Alec Ryder, is a N7, Commander Shepard-type leading the mission to the Andromeda galaxy. Players can choose to either play as his son Scott Ryder or his daughter Sarah Ryder. Each of the three characters play a signficant role in the story regardless of whether the player chooses the son or daughter as their player character. There's some greater mystery to the Ryder family that is being teased, but thus far no details on what it could be.
The Voice Cast
Also revealed by Game Informer is the game's main voice cast. Clancy Brown, who played Hades in God of War III and Mr. Krabs on Spongebob Squarepants, will voice the father character Alec Ryder. Tom Taylorson provides the voice of son Scott Syder, who has previously voiced characters like Octodad in Octodad: Dadliest Catch. Last but not least, Sarah Ryder will be voiced by Fryda Wolff, who can be heard as the narrator in Civilization: Beyond Earth.
The Trailer
There's plenty of exciting glimpses featured in the game's new trailer, but they're really just that. Little to no gameplay, no good look at any of the new alien races, only a hint at what the game's plot might be. But hey, it sure does look pretty.
Gameplay Reveal Coming Soon
There's a tiny piece of what appears to be gameplay in the new Mass Effect: Andromeda cinematic trailer, but it seems like fans will have to wait a little longer for a look at the game's combat and exploration gameplay. That is set to premiere at The Game Awards on December 1, hopefully alongside the game's official release date.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is expected to arrive in spring of 2016.
