Developer BioWare releases a handful of new screenshots for its forthcoming science fiction title Mass Effect: Andromeda that highlight some biotic powers.
Ever since the beginning of this week, which started with BioWare's N7 Day celebration and its release of a Mass Effect: Andromeda's first major cinematic trailer, news and details for the forthcoming title have practically been pouring forth from the developer. Of course, while all of the information about Mass Effect: Andromeda's gameplay is certainly important, it's quite possible that fans might forget that with the science fiction release set to drop for current generation platforms, BioWare is planning on making it look as gorgeous as possible.
As a matter of fact, in order to remind potential players about the beauty of Mass Effect: Andromeda, BioWare has shared several screenshots of the game with the outlet Game Informer. Although there are only three in total, the stills offer plenty to ponder over thanks to some additional explanations and context, as one features a new vehicle called the Nomad, another features a scanning mechanic, and the final shot highlights one of the game's unnamed biotic powers.
As seen in the first still for Mass Effect: Andromeda below, the Nomad vehicle is similar to the Mako from the first Mass Effect game, but according to BioWare, it has better controls and won't have weapons for offensive attacks. Interestingly enough, instead of making two separate combat systems for on-foot battles and vehicular action, developers decided to only refine the third-person gunplay. Furthermore, the planet on which the Nomad is driving is called Elaaden, which happens to be an optional desert world.
As evidenced in the second screenshot seen above, it seems as if scanning is going to be a major part of the main character's progression, for as players explore, objects like lifeforms and technology can be screened to fill out the codex with information to help fully explain the world, with mineral scanning also returning. However, it's important to note that doing so is also intertwined with the crafting system, which unlocks new recipes for weapons and armor.
Lastly, as seen in the third and final screenshot above, players will be able shoot out flames at their enemies, but it won't be solely for one specific class. Due to the design of Mass Effect: Andromeda's skill system, the protagonist Ryder can learn any ability without having to stick to a single progression tree. Nevertheless, only Ryder can do this as the Pathfinder, while other party members take on more traditional roles.
Taking into account all of these tweaks and alterations Mass Effect: Andromeda is making to familiar elements of the series' gameplay, it's possible that a lot of players' opinions that the game should have engaging changes could have been considered by BioWare. Naturally, though, with Andromeda's release date a long way off, it remains to be seen whether or not such adjustments will go on to be received well by the community.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is currently scheduled to launch sometime in the first quarter of 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Source: Game Informer