BioWare has shed light on the type of side missions players can engage in during the events of Mass Effect Andromeda.
The game’s producer, Mike Gamble, confirmed to Game Informer that gamers can expect to take part in raids against enemy installations as they explore new planets, as well as squaring up against hulking boss creatures.
"On most planets there is some level of hostile force, and usually that will be represented by enemy bases or hideouts or whatever you want to call them specific to that planet," said Gamble.
Director Mac Walters added: “These bases are pretty lengthy to take out, so if you approach one, you want to be prepared before you into it. It’s fun, because there’s a combination of systemic and scripted stuff in there. If you tip off too many enemies, the alarms start going off and you have to shut them off. And there’s usually narrative tied around it."
“You’ll find creatures and encounters that are so far over-leveled to where you’re at naturally on these areas and you can tell right away," Gamble said. "We have a lot of other things like that, where you’ll know that you’re not ready for this, but you’ll know you want to come back."
Elsewhere, the duo confirmed that players will also encounter areas and objects that can be scanned, sending data back to your ship to be analysed. This info can then be used to gather items that allow you to craft new armor and weapons. Drop zones meanwhile serve as fast-travel points, which also allow you to shuffle your loadout while in the field.
Mass Effect Andromeda is due out on PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One in spring 2017, although a popular rumor has pinned the game for launch on March 21. The game takes place some 600 years after the events of the original Mass Effect trilogy, and sees players controlling one of the Ryder siblings as they explore the titular Andromeda galaxy for a new planet to colonise for humanity.
BioWare is expected to drop new Mass Effect Andromeda gameplay at the Game Awards next Thursday, December 1.