Much has been made about Mass Effect: Andromeda's decision to depart from the Commander Shepard narrative, but in the end, the only thing that will matter for BioWare is whether or not gamers identify as strongly with the Ryder twins as they did with the original trilogy's protagonist. Having the twins resemble the players controlling them is a strong start, however, and Mass Effect: Andromeda lead designer Ian Frazier confirmed late yesterday that fans would be able to customize both twins while they play.

It might not seem like the biggest piece of news emerging from BioWare - especially with the game's launch trailer dropping today - but the new title will live or die by its decision to follow the lives of Mass Effect: Andromeda's Ryder twins. Fans already got a peek at how the relationship of the characters might unfold during a funny video interview with the Ryder twins' voice actors, and giving players full control over what they look like should make gamers happy.

Frazier's quote makes it sound like the character customization in Mass Effect: Andromeda will be very similar to Fallout 4's character creation, which saw players able to customize the appearance of their protagonist alongside their spouse before the game's narrative began. Like Fallout 4, too, Frazier's quote also suggests that once Mass Effect: Andromeda has begun in earnest and the player is thrust into the role of Pathfinder, they will have no further opportunities to change their appearance.

The next few weeks will be huge for Mass Effect: Andromeda as the game gears up for its launch later this month, and the team at BioWare will be discussing each of the title's many features in greater detail than ever before. Producer Fabrice Condominas, for instance, recently revealed that the team has consciously decided to give Mass Effect: Andromeda more major decisions than ever before, something that likely will play on the Ryder twins' familial bond more than once.

There are, of course, still doubts about Mass Effect: Andromeda that will need to be quelled once more critics go hands-on with the title. Those looking for a sneak preview, however, won't have to wait much longer - Mass Effect: Andromeda has an early access period that starts next week.

Mass Effect: Andromeda will release on March 21, 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Source: Twitter