Mike Gamble Talks About How Mass Effect Andromeda Multiplayer Ties into the Campaign
With Mass Effect Andromeda’s release nearing, many fans have been wondering what to expect from the game in terms of the Andromeda multiplayer experience. Mass Effect 3 introduced the multiplayer arena to the Mass Effect series and although simple, it was a huge success. The Mass Effect 3 multiplayer experience allows players to battle hoards of deadly enemies ranging from Cerberus troops to Reaper forces in a battle to hold strategic positions throughout the galaxy.
Though the multiplayer aspect of Mass Effect 3 was and is very successful as a facet to the game as a whole, it has very little tying it directly to the singleplayer campaign. As a necessity, players of Mass Effect 3 are encouraged to play matches in the multiplayer arena in order to strengthen the ‘Galactic Readiness’ meter. This determines how successfully the final showdown for the singleplayer campaign is executed. Aside from that, the multiplayer aspect is fairly standoffish from the main story line.
From what we have learned, the Mass Effect Andromeda multiplayer experience will possibly be taking a slightly more functional route. The multiplayer aspect of the game is supposedly going to deliver an experience which is more optional, yet is more closely tied to the overall narrative. BioWare producer Mike Gamble explained in an interview with Kotaku Australia that Andromeda’s ‘Strike Team’ system will play an integral part in the Andromeda multiplayer experience. However, it is not required on any level to progress the main story.
There’s a system that we use called the Strike Team system, and fundamentally it allows you to go between singleplayer and multiplayer within the game and it’s packaged around a meta-story of what’s going on in Helios.”
Gamble also explained that the multiplayer aspect will delve into a ‘meta-story’ within the main narrative. This ‘meta-story’ can be completed without playing the multiplayer but it also provides an outlet for a co-op experience. As far as transitioning from one game mode to the other is concerned, we have been informed that players will no longer need to exit out of the main game to launch into the multiplayer mode. The transition is “nearly seamless” though not entirely flawless.
I can tell you that there’s a loading screen – it’s not entirely seamless – but it won’t require you to stop your game and restart in a different mode. Because narrative wise it’s all connected, it makes a lot of sense.”
Any further details providing a more intricate look into the structure of Andromeda’s multiplayer game mode have yet to be revealed. We don’t know if they are keeping the supply packs and class/race unlocks similar to the Mass Effect 3 model or completely revamping the whole thing. If we were to venture a guess, it looks like with the new direction of the multiplayer experience, we could potentially be seeing a change up in the reward structure. However, we may not need to wait much longer for more details. If this tweet from game designer Ian Frazier is any indicator, we may see more details before the end of the month.
Odds are good.
— Ian S. Frazier (@tibermoon) January 9, 2017
We’ll be sure to keep you up to speed on all the juicy details as soon as they’re released. While you’re here, be sure to check out the following updates on Mass Effect Andromeda and don’t forget to stay tuned for all your gaming info needs.
Luciano Cancilla106 Posts
Luciano has an undeniable passion for all things BioWare and has an enthusiastic perspective on the Gaming Industry. With a love for gaming, comics, and Geek Culture, you can always expect to have a good time nerding out.
