Mass Effect Andromeda, the fourth installment in the Mass Effect series, presented gamers with a new galaxy to explore, filled with unique alien races, breathtaking civilizations, and untold mysteries. However, as players delved deeper into the game’s storyline, it became apparent that the Andromeda galaxy was not entirely new. Instead, they would revisit old conflicts from the Milky Way, as remnants of the Shepard era continued their struggle for power in this new, unexplored frontier. So, join us as we explore the intergalactic world of Mass Effect Andromeda and the familiar themes that make the game an exciting addition to the Mass Effect franchise.
Today, March 21, 2023, marks the 5-year anniversary of Mass Effect Andromeda. As we reflect on the sequel’s journey, we recognize the challenge it faced in grappling with the complex legacy of the trilogy that preceded it. Particularly, following the widely criticized ending of Mass Effect 3, crafting a sequel that takes place after it is likened to writing a Star Wars movie after The Rise of Skywalker. Both franchises appeared to avoid the issue for some time. BioWare opted for post-launch downloadable content, followed by the eventual release of Mass Effect: Andromeda. Meanwhile, Disney has been busy producing several Star Wars movies set after Episode 9. However, unlike Star Wars, much of the Milky Way had already been explored, limiting the possibilities for the Mass Effect franchise. Therefore, Andromeda ventured to a new galaxy, opening the series to new possibilities but also struggling with its past.
Andromeda begins between Mass Effect 2 and 3, where the Andromeda Initiative launches colonization ships to the galaxy with the same name. Six hundred years later, protagonist Ryder wakes from cryosleep to discover that the lush alien worlds meant for colonization have faced environmental terror called The Scourge and the hostile alien race, The Kett, making colonization a daunting task. Ryder, together with other Pathfinders, must discover a new home for the displaced colonists and uncover the secrets of the galaxy.
While Andromeda is not a direct sequel to the preceding trilogy, it retains loose narrative connections, making it more of a revisitation of Mass Effect’s gameplay and narrative themes from a different angle. However, it packs too many features from the previous games into one package, making it overwhelming and less polished. Andromeda’s open-world structure and vast scale bury occasional touching writing in an endless sea of content. The game’s principal cast’s big story beats unfold late, leaving players spending more time buying materials, researching new guns, or exploring in a six-wheel vehicle. It also forces players to battle the natural world, facing atmospheric radiation or extreme cold. Although this presents an intriguing idea, it falls short in a game overburdened with features.
Overall, Andromeda struggles with establishing its identity due to the burden of the trilogy’s past and trying to break new ground in a different galaxy. While it presents intriguing ideas, they feel incomplete or somewhat immaterial to the game’s core.
In conclusion, Mass Effect Andromeda may have transported us to a new galaxy, but it couldn’t escape the shadows of its predecessors. By revisiting old conflicts and characters, the game managed to provide a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise, but it also missed the opportunity to truly create something new and groundbreaking. Despite its flaws, Mass Effect Andromeda still offered an exciting adventure to explore a vast and unknown universe, and for that, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers everywhere.
