Game Informer has gotten a fresh scoop on the upcoming Mass Effect Andromeda, specifically regarding the Tempest (which is basically Andromeda’s version of the Normandy) that you’ll be piloting as you explore the galaxy.
For starters, BioWare has confirmed to the publication that Mass Effect Andromeda won’t feature any extensive loading times while on board the Tempest, which should no doubt come as a relief to fans. Previously, all three Mass Effect titles included lengthy wait times while exploring the ship, such as the notoriously dull lift sequences in the first game or the scanning sequence in the third outing.
Mass Effect Andromeda Tempest detailed
While the Tempest is a brand new vehicle, it does share some similarities with its Normandy counterpart, namely the various sections that make up the sprawling vessel. There’s a cockpit, bridge, galley, garage, and persona cabin that the player can customise, similar to Shepard’s private quarters in the original trilogy.
Elsewhere, the Tempest will be piloted by a Salarian, replacing the character of Joker (Seth Green) from Shepard’s adventure. You can also have a look out of the Tempest’s windows to catch a glimpse at the planet or station you are currently orbiting, while a holographic interface in the galley will let you modify inventory points.
Publisher Electronic Arts has yet to confirm a Mass Effect Andromeda release date, although it has confirmed the game will ship for PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One at some point in spring 2017. Rumors have suggested the game will be released on March 21, 2017, though this has yet to be confirmed by an official source.
Mass Effect Andromeda is set around 600 years after the events of the Reaper invasion depicted in the original trilogy, and sees gamers controlling one of the Ryder siblings as they explore the titular Andromeda galaxy in search of a new home for humanity. Exploration is one of the key components of the sci-fi RPG this time around, with the Mako returning from ME1 allowing gamers to navigate uncharted worlds.