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Back to the game, the trailer made it look like it was completely open works rather than mission based. Also didn't see any squadmates. Hopefully, they haven't gotten rid of that.

 Melissia wrote:
Oh goodie, "mafia" used as a descriptive term for people who have opinions different than yours.

I'm including people who agree with my romance choices, as well.

What my "mafia" descriptor refers to is that the forums became more about posters making romance demands than they did about any non-romance topics. Those non-romance topics still existed, of course. But they were lost amidst the numerous multi-page romance topics that were essentially attempting to browbeat the developers into making their personal favorite character romanceable (even if, as with Varic, the developers had already repeatedly stated that he would not be romanceable).

So yeah, I think the 'mafia' descriptor is appropriate in this instance. It's based on what they were doing.

 KamikazeCanuck wrote:
Back to the game, the trailer made it look like it was completely open works rather than mission based. Also didn't see any squadmates. Hopefully, they haven't gotten rid of that.

Squadmates are still a thing, you see two humans in the first gameplay footage and a female Turian and Krogan in this later one, it seems they're not around when you're in a 'hub location', but that's no different to the Citadel on ME3,, your companions weren't there unless they had a quest for you.

I'm interested to see just how open they can make it... The design certainly looked less linear, but I imagine if the number of planets you can visit is anything like the previous games, those open areas are going to be relatively small, especially by vehicle. But so long as those limits are sensible (ie blocked by impassable terrain or the like, rather than Invisible Walls), it should be fine. These are small colonies at the earliest stages, so straying too far from them probably isn't wise anyway.

@Paradigm - Not sure about the planets being small - the developers do seem to be pushing the concept that it will be quite a huge area you can cover - the more so if vehicular travel is encouraged. However, that said, they do often big up that sort of thing to make more sales. Invariably, the hype train only leaves you disappointed.

As for squad mates, IMHO, ME2 had the best squadmate interaction - where you picked a squad even when off duty and each member had points of interest at each destination (Such as Illium or Omega) that they would comment on when prompted. It would be nice if they implemented an option where you could go off-duty with or without squadmates.

@Melissia and Eumerin - I'm not going to say that I didn't contribute to that particular conversation, but in the interests of this thread being on-topic, shall all just we agree to disagree?

On a differnt note - I'm interested to see how much effort is put into weapons. They've hinted that weapon customisation will be a big part of ME:A - I think I heard that schematics (Of a sense) will be acquired during missions and exploration. I really hope this means that you can truly tailor weapon modding to your own style rather than simply be limited to 5 options. TBH, as long as they bring back the Venom shotgun and Harrier rifle - i'll be good.

Eumerin wrote:
[and some other stuff]
It's based on what they were doing.

So by being discerning, customers are mafia then? What a load of bollocks. People have different desires for a game, and they express said desires to the devs in hope that these things get included. This is not "mafia" like behavior-- no one is getting killed or shot or stolen from because of it, and you should be fething ashamed of claiming it is like that. Might as well call someone a nazi for having an opinion about a video game-- feth knows that's something people on this forum have said about me.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Warpig1815 wrote:
@Paradigm - Not sure about the planets being small - the developers do seem to be pushing the concept that it will be quite a huge area you can cover - the more so if vehicular travel is encouraged.

Hopefully it'll be better than that one winter world in ME1 at least...

Can't you guys keep this off-topic gak to PMs or something - I'd really like it if this topic didn't get locked.

On-topic:

Has anyone heard anything about schematics for the vehicle you're supposed to be using to drive around planetside? Wondering if they're going to let you upgrade ships/ground/homebase type of stuff like you could for plot reasons in ME2.

Well, they let you upgrade the ship in ME2 and 3, though the upgrades were more material in 2. So it's possible. Haven't heard anything though.

Seeing as the release date is now confirmed for the 21st/23rd March (US/UK depending) and pre-orders are now available - does anybody know if the Deluxe Editions are download only? Having a really poor internet service, I'm really hoping that the Deluxe Edition is a hard copy with only the bonuses as downloads. That said, non of the sites selling pre-orders explicitly tell you whether its a hard copy but Amazon says that the Deluxe edition isn't available for 'Xbox One' only 'Xbox One Download' - anybody know anything different?

It looks as though all editions are download only. The physical boxes apparently only have a key inside them.

 Silent Puffin? wrote:
It looks as though all editions are download only. The physical boxes apparently only have a key inside them.

Does this seem odd to anyone else? I mean, I get that we're in an age where the internet is everywhere, but I admit - I kind of like having a physical copy of some games. /shrug

Anyone catch the CES coverage? Apparently there were some graphics anomalies during the presentation that were called out and the presenter actually thanked the crowd - rather than make excuses for why things looked gakky - practically unheard of when it comes to Bioware.

 Frankenberry wrote:

 Silent Puffin? wrote:
It looks as though all editions are download only. The physical boxes apparently only have a key inside them.

Does this seem odd to anyone else? I mean, I get that we're in an age where the internet is everywhere, but I admit - I kind of like having a physical copy of some games. /shrug

Anyone catch the CES coverage? Apparently there were some graphics anomalies during the presentation that were called out and the presenter actually thanked the crowd - rather than make excuses for why things looked gakky - practically unheard of when it comes to Bioware.

It's annoying, but it's not particularly surprising. For instance, I've purchased hard copies of games that require a Steam connection to play. Also, I suspect that EA is doing it as part of their regular "war on used games" efforts. If the only thing included in the packaging is a code, then you can't hand it off to someone else if you decide that you're finished with it.

Does make me less inclined to purchase it, though. I don't like dealing with stupidly large downloads just to play a game.

Eumerin wrote:
For instance, I've purchased hard copies of games that require a Steam connection to play.

When I was deployed in Iraq Empire:Total War, which I was eagerly awaiting, was released which I bought from Amazon and it was shipped out to me. I installed the game only to discover that it required Steam activation to play, not a happy discovery with effectively no internet access for months.

I don't think it's that odd. Best case scenario nowadays a physical copy of the game will come with about 1/6th of the game on it. At that point, I can easily see a company just saying "why bother?"

I suppose this is enevitable but I don't like it. I want a physical copy of the game.

 Warpig1815 wrote:
Seeing as the release date is now confirmed for the 21st/23rd March (US/UK depending) and pre-orders are now available - does anybody know if the Deluxe Editions are download only? Having a really poor internet service, I'm really hoping that the Deluxe Edition is a hard copy with only the bonuses as downloads. That said, non of the sites selling pre-orders explicitly tell you whether its a hard copy but Amazon says that the Deluxe edition isn't available for 'Xbox One' only 'Xbox One Download' - anybody know anything different?

Weird, because Amazon here in the US says that Deluxe Edition is Physical Only.

 Kanluwen wrote:

 Warpig1815 wrote:
Seeing as the release date is now confirmed for the 21st/23rd March (US/UK depending) and pre-orders are now available - does anybody know if the Deluxe Editions are download only? Having a really poor internet service, I'm really hoping that the Deluxe Edition is a hard copy with only the bonuses as downloads. That said, non of the sites selling pre-orders explicitly tell you whether its a hard copy but Amazon says that the Deluxe edition isn't available for 'Xbox One' only 'Xbox One Download' - anybody know anything different?

Weird, because Amazon here in the US says that Deluxe Edition is Physical Only.

Hmm...


I just took a peek at the US Amazon site. The PS4 and XBox One Deluxe edition were both options, and both were listed as physical only. But I couldn't pull up a Deluxe edition listing for the PC.

Eumerin wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:

 Warpig1815 wrote:
Seeing as the release date is now confirmed for the 21st/23rd March (US/UK depending) and pre-orders are now available - does anybody know if the Deluxe Editions are download only? Having a really poor internet service, I'm really hoping that the Deluxe Edition is a hard copy with only the bonuses as downloads. That said, non of the sites selling pre-orders explicitly tell you whether its a hard copy but Amazon says that the Deluxe edition isn't available for 'Xbox One' only 'Xbox One Download' - anybody know anything different?

Weird, because Amazon here in the US says that Deluxe Edition is Physical Only.

Hmm...


I just took a peek at the US Amazon site. The PS4 and XBox One Deluxe edition were both options, and both were listed as physical only. But I couldn't pull up a Deluxe edition listing for the PC.

Looking on Amazon UK there is Mass Effect Andromeda (PC DVD), which says it comes on 5(!) discs, for £39.99.
Then there's an PC Code - Origin version which sells for £49.99.
There's also a Deluxe Edition Origin Code and a Super Deluxe Edition Origin Code listed in the search results but not linked on the page like the other versions are.

It all just seems really confusing. - Plus, I remember with one of the last big releases, the physical editions of some of them weren't even out in the UK, despite being out in the US.

The Xbox store has them listed - digital only obviously - 100 bucks for the Super Ultimate Mega Day 1 DLC 360 Noscope version.

I'm tempted to pre-order.

 Frankenberry wrote:
The Xbox store has them listed - digital only obviously - 100 bucks for the Super Ultimate Mega Day 1 DLC 360 Noscope version.

I'm tempted to pre-order.

Just so we're clear, this is what comes with the Super Deluxe Edition:

Description

Super Deluxe Edition contains: Pathfinder Elite Weapon Set (4)Shoot your way through Andromeda with this unique set of weapons.Pathfinder Casual OutfitLook your best while aboard the Tempest and docking at different friendly locations.Scavenger ArmorA unique look for the Pathfinder while exploring dangerous, new planets.Pet PyjakEveryone’s favorite space monkey is back and can join you aboard the Tempest.Digital SoundtrackListen to the iconic music of Mass Effect anywhere with a file download.Multiplayer Deluxe Launch PackStart Day 1 Co-Op play with the MP Deluxe Launch Pack which includes items to kick start your progress. (redeemed instantly)Multiplayer Super Deluxe Booster PacksOwn Co-op play with the best multiplayer value - a weekly Premium Pack for a 20 week period to deliver an ongoing boost to your progression. (1 pack per week, over 20 weeks).

Compare that to the Deluxe Edition:

Description

Deluxe Edition contains: Pathfinder Elite Weapon Set (4)Shoot your way through Andromeda with this unique set of weapons.Pathfinder Casual OutfitLook your best while aboard the Tempest and docking at different friendly locations.Scavenger ArmorA unique look for the Pathfinder while exploring dangerous, new planets.Pet PyjakEveryone’s favorite space monkey is back and can join you aboard the Tempest.Digital SoundtrackListen to the iconic music of Mass Effect anywhere with a file download.Multiplayer Deluxe Launch PackStart Day 1 Co-Op play with the MP Deluxe Launch Pack which includes items to kick start your progress. (redeemed instantly)

It's the same thing, barring the 20 Booster Packs delivered over 20 weeks.

I love the Mass Effect music so much that I'd want any edition that has that.

Although, the digital edition of Mass Effect 2 didn't even have the 2 main themes in the game (End Run and Suicide Mission), so I had to buy them separately...

I'm cautiously optimistic after the massive let down of ME3...

Tempted to pre order but we'll see. Not having much luck with preorders as you can almost guarantee they've released a bug riddled mess just to get some money in the coffers.

I was secretly hoping that ME would open the "main character" options similar to how dragon age was done. I would LOVE to make a Krogan lead character.... or even a Turian.

naxium wrote:
I was secretly hoping that ME would open the "main character" options similar to how dragon age was done. I would LOVE to make a Krogan lead character.... or even a Turian.

They would need to provide different voices for each race if they did that as the Asari are the only race that sound virtually identical to humans.

Which is kinda a funny thing... If I was doing Mass Effect 4 and setting it in the Milky Way, with all the fallout from ME3 that happened, I would most likely make the main character an asari, specifically Liara's daughter.

And potentially Shepards, depending on the save.

I'll be disappointed if all editions are download only - it means I'll have to wait for practically three days while I download overnight. Whilst it's definitely a first world problem in the scale of things, it's just a little irritating that it's assumed that everybody has super-fast broadband. Similarly, there are folks out there like me, who like having a physical copy. Hell, I'm still playing 20 year old PC games and 40 year old CD's because I've kept the discs, but in the future when Xbox One games get old or removed from XB Live, then if you don't already have it downloaded it's just tough luck. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of the download culture.

From what I can tell, there are definitely hard copies available for Xbox, Amazon is listing the standard edition as available for download code or regular purchase. Of course, you still have to deal with the horrifically long installation/download process (I miss the days of putting a disk into an Xbox and it just working...) but it does look like you'll be able to get a physical copy.

 Paradigm wrote:
From what I can tell, there are definitely hard copies available for Xbox, Amazon is listing the standard edition as available for download code or regular purchase.

I suppose I can't complain too much then, as I'll still be able to get it one way or another. It just seems a shame that the Deluxe version (With the weapon and armour packs) seems to only be available if you have decent enough internet to download the whole game.

 Paradigm wrote:
(I miss the days of putting a disk into an Xbox and it just working...)

Me too. Like I said, I'm still playing CDs that my parents bought 30 or 40 years ago and I never have to worry that my music collection will have to redownloaded because it's all there physically.

 Warpig1815 wrote:

 Paradigm wrote:
(I miss the days of putting a disk into an Xbox and it just working...)

Me too.

Jim Sterling had a whole rant on this a few weeks ago. Basically the main advantage of console games was that they were plug and play, but as they become more nad more complex and bigger and bigger, they're really just becoming (Nintendo's efforts notwithstanding) little more than hobbled personal computers.

I can understand the advantages of download as games become bigger and more complex, but at the same time a multi-CD format used to pretty much be the standard for PC games that over-reached one disc. Indeed Mass Effect 3 on Xbox 360 came with two discs and it worked smoothly enough - you just pop in either disc when it asked to access certain missions which was little bother. I recall recently installing Halo 5 recently onto my Xbox One (Which I had to partially download) and the download came to 7GB. How is it Halo 5 requires a partial download for 7GB, when Empire: Total War gave me the full game of 9GB on one disc?