Mass Effect: Andromeda is drawing closer to its March 21st release date and as we prepare to launch the next, spell-binding experience in the Mass Effect realm, we’ve learned that the developers have another surprise up their sleeves. Unlike in the previous trilogy, Andromeda will not be utilizing the Paragon/Renegade system of choosing your path as players remember doing with Commander Shepherd. Instead, players will have more of a variety in the dialogue system when it comes to deciding your story, and your choices will end up varying depending on which NPC you’re talking to. Think more Dragon Age-esque, if that helps.

If that seems a little confusing, basically it means the decision mechanic of the game is not quite the same as it was in the Mass Effect Trilogy. Previously, if a player decided to go either the Paragon or Renegade route, you had basically a choice of “good” or “not so good” when responding to characters, which lead to a somewhat black or white outcome. Now, with the variances in your decisions, you have the opportunity to express your feelings a little more in-depth with what’s going on in the story.

What we have now is based more around agreeing and disagreeing. The reason I like that is because in the trilogy it’s like, ‘I’m gonna play Paragon,’ and then you know which way you’re moving the stick on every conversation. You don’t have to think about it, because you’re just going to hit Paragon every time. ~ Mac Walters, Creative Director

Aside from the recent reveal of who would be playing a brand new character in the title, this is just another example of how unique this new installment to the franchise really will be. To add to the atmosphere of this highly anticipated BioWare title, it’s important to note that this change in the dialogue system was given because many felt the Paragon/Renegade system of previous iterations was just “a little too Commander Shepherd”. With the character no longer a part of the story, it was time for a change, and a change that looks like it’s going to benefit all of the players. “We’ve added in four tones and we’ll talk a little more in the future, but they basically allow other types of characters to express them[selves] in one of four different ways, and sometimes one of two different ways,” Walters added in his statement about the updated system. Upon first look, it may appear that this change is only a slight difference to what gamers are used to when tackling the stars, but this is definitely a beneficial one, especially if fans are looking for a more role-play type experience out of the title.

So what do you think of the newest announcement from BioWare? Do you think it’s a good idea to change the dialogue system from its previous version and give gamers a little more variety in their responses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and game on!