When Mass Effect: Andromeda launched in 2017, it was met with a wave of disappointment. Technical issues, awkward animations, and a lack of major story DLC left many feeling it failed to live up to the high expectations set by the original Mass Effect trilogy. However, over time, patches and updates have improved the experience, making it a game worth reconsidering.
For players who skipped it or gave up on it early, Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2025 is a different experience. While it still has rough edges, those willing to approach it with an open mind will find a decent RPG with nostalgic exploration, arguably the series’ most solid combat, and a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi universe.
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Samara has an interesting background story. The Ardat-Yakshi are one of the most interesting concepts in Mass Effect, so I enjoyed completing her missions, but that was just about it. I don’t like the fact that she’s a justicar, and her personality is too dry for me to care for her.
Mass Effect: Andromeda Has Smoother Gameplay Now
One of the biggest criticisms of Mass Effect: Andromeda at launch was its technical performance. Clunky facial animations, bugs, and frame rate issues overshadowed what could have been a solid sci-fi adventure. Fortunately, post-launch patches addressed many of these problems, improving character animations and making combat feel more fluid.
The game’s fast-paced, movement-driven combat sets it apart from the original trilogy. With jetpacks allowing for vertical mobility, biotic and tech abilities creating dynamic engagements, and a more flexible class system, Mass Effect: Andromeda offers some of the best moment-to-moment gameplay in the series. Combat encounters encourage creativity, and the ability to swap between different skill sets on the fly gives players more freedom in how they tackle challenges.
Beyond combat, general quality-of-life improvements have made the experience smoother. The once-cumbersome UI has been adjusted, quest tracking is more intuitive, and various technical optimizations make for a much more stable playthrough than in its early days.
Mass Effect: Andromeda Explores a Unique Galaxy
Unlike the original trilogy, which focused on the conflicts within the Milky Way, Mass Effect: Andromeda introduces an entirely new setting with its own mysteries and challenges. The Andromeda galaxy feels distinct, with unique alien species, uncharted worlds, and a different tone that emphasizes exploration and survival.
The Pathfinder initiative, which sees humanity and other Milky Way races venturing into unknown space, offers a fresh perspective on the Mass Effect universe. While it lacks the political intrigue and history of the original trilogy, the game presents an interesting theme of colonization and discovery.
The planetary environments are vast and varied, offering players the freedom to explore lush jungles, frozen wastelands, and desert landscapes. While its open-world elements may not be as refined as some modern RPGs, the ability to drive the Nomad across different terrains and uncover hidden secrets makes for an engaging experience.
Mass Effect: Andromeda Connects to the Franchise’s Future
While Mass Effect: Andromeda is largely a standalone entry, its connections to the wider Mass Effect universe have become more relevant in recent years. The teaser trailer for the next Mass Effect game, revealed at The Game Awards 2020, featured Liara T’Soni uncovering remnants of N7 armor, hinting at a return to the Milky Way. However, there are also subtle references to Andromeda, such as the phrase “godspeed,” which was used during the Tempest’s launch sequence.
Given Andromeda‘s setting, which takes place centuries after the original trilogy, it’s possible that elements from the game will play a role in the franchise’s future. BioWare has hinted at deeper ties between the two storylines, and with the studio now shifting its full focus to the next Mass Effect, fans may see Andromeda’s unfinished narratives finally addressed.
Despite its rocky launch, Mass Effect: Andromeda remains an ambitious RPG with strong gameplay, an intriguing setting, and connections that could shape the future of the franchise. While it may never reach the heights of the original trilogy, it offers a worthwhile adventure for those willing to give it another shot.
- Released
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March 1, 2017
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts