Mass Effect: Andromeda[Updated OP on November 2nd 2016]

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**Elemental**

Paradigm wrote:
Just finished it (main story at least, plus all the loyalty missions and 100% on all outposts). Great finale, very much the kind of epic that ME does so well. It's easily on par with the fight though the Citadel in ME1, the Suicide Mission in ME2 and the battle for London in ME3. A fantastic sense of scale to it and it wraps this game's story up nicely while still leaving plenty tantalisingly open for the next game.

Okay, now THAT's what I was waiting for someone to say. I've been wanting to get this game, but after getting super hyped up for ME3 and then getting slapped round the face with those final ten minutes, I wanted to be 100% certain that lessons had been learned.

(Yes, I know some people liked the ME3 ending, I'm glad you could find enjoyment where I found only painful disappointment.)

And the odd bug doesn't bother me too much, it was pretty funny in DA3to watch Varric slowly pushing me out of the screen when I was having a serious conversation about the corruption of the Templars.

**Tactical_Spam**

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but does anyone wonder why there isn't even a tease towards the possibility that the might have Protheans made it to the Andromeda galaxy? They were far more advanced than any race in the Milky Way currently and they did control the galaxy unopposed before the Reapers ate their heads. I would assume that they decided to expand beyond the galaxy at some point before the went extinct.

**warboss**

I was looking in the guidebook today at the bookstore and saw there is a weapon mod that turns any weapon into a ME1 style gun with rechargeable ammo. Yay! Is it hard to research/find/get? I don't know the exact process.

**Kanluwen**

warboss wrote:
I was looking in the guidebook today at the bookstore and saw there is a weapon mod that turns any weapon into a ME1 style gun with rechargeable ammo. Yay! Is it hard to research/find/get? I don't know the exact process.

It's 200 Milky Way Research under Augmentations.

You can only ever Research it once, but any weapon you place it into can be dismantled and you get it back. Vendors on the Nexus will also sometimes sell it for 2k Credits and it can be found from containers in the wilds.

**Conrad Turner**

You can only ever research anything once. That doesn't stop you developing more than one, you just need the materials. You use a thermal clip as normal, but it 're-charges' over time.

Anyway, finished the story last night, have seen a few more glitches during my play through. One point a grenade explosion sent a second enemy into the scenery. I could not progress until I had cleared all the enemy and could not shoot him. Funny thing was, he could shoot out without a problem. I had to run as far away as possible on the map, then return. At this point he had gone completely, but 3 more had spawned which I had to mop up before I could continue.

Still, great game and am looking forward to MEA2.

**Compel**

Yeah, I've had that a couple of times. Fortunately, I'm a sniper and can jus tshoot a hole through the scenery. Sometimes powers and biotics can deal with them too.

**Necros**

Finished it last night, overall I was happy with the story and the ending was good and left me wanting to see what's next.

Spoiler:

**warboss**

Kanluwen wrote:
warboss wrote:
I was looking in the guidebook today at the bookstore and saw there is a weapon mod that turns any weapon into a ME1 style gun with rechargeable ammo. Yay! Is it hard to research/find/get? I don't know the exact process.

It's 200 Milky Way Research under Augmentations.

You can only ever Research it once, but any weapon you place it into can be dismantled and you get it back. Vendors on the Nexus will also sometimes sell it for 2k Credits and it can be found from containers in the wilds.

Thanks. Good to know it's not ultra rare only available from an albino kett during the full moon or something.

Conrad Turner wrote:You can only ever research anything once. That doesn't stop you developing more than one, you just need the materials. You use a thermal clip as normal, but it 're-charges' over time.

Appreciate the clarification. Does only the current thermal clip in the weapon recharge? Or your entire full ammo stockpile slowly over time? Is it painfully slow or relatively quick like the ME1 and Remnant weapons?

**Kanluwen**

Conrad Turner wrote:
You can only ever research anything once. That doesn't stop you developing more than one, you just need the materials. You use a thermal clip as normal, but it 're-charges' over time.

This is not entirely correct.
Augmentations can only ever be researched and built once. Doing the research gets you the item, and then it's something that ends up as being salvageable/purchasable.

I have looked everywhere in the Development section to build things but they aren't there. They have no resource cost, it's strictly Research and done.

That is why in my post about it I was so exceedingly specific that it was under "Augmentations" and could only ever be done once.

**Necros**

I wasn't really a fan of the crafting in this game.. it was ok I guess.. but there just weren't nearly enough research points and way too many materials. I also never needed to buy anything from a vendor at all, because new weapons and gear was always plentiful, but that might have just been because I did all of the side missions I could so I found more loot than usual.

There are tons of items and armors listed, each with up to 10 levels.. and you have to pay increasing amounts of research points for each level.. I prefer other games were you can focus on crafting and eventually be able to craft anything you want. But here it was like you could only focus on just 1 item for each of the 3 research types and that's it.

**Kanluwen**

Huh.

I've never had a shortage of Research Points. The Science Pod upgrade that gives you Milky Way Research Points is huuuuuuuuge for that.

Plus, scanning the "Data Cores" in the various ruins/enemy settlements give you an absurd amount of RP as well.

**warboss**

Kanluwen wrote:
Conrad Turner wrote:
You can only ever research anything once. That doesn't stop you developing more than one, you just need the materials. You use a thermal clip as normal, but it 're-charges' over time.

This is not entirely correct.
Augmentations can only ever be researched and built once. Doing the research gets you the item, and then it's something that ends up as being salvageable/purchasable.

I have looked everywhere in the Development section to build things but they aren't there. They have no resource cost, it's strictly Research and done.

That is why in my post about it I was so exceedingly specific that it was under "Augmentations" and could only ever be done once.

That would be officially a dumbass way of doing crafting if true. Congrats! You've unlocked this piece of technology and now know how to make it! You have enough resources to make a dozen but you're going to forget about the plans after making one so you'll just have to lovingly maintain the one copy possible? Did they bring the Adeptus Mechanicus over to the Andromeda Galaxy with them or something?

**Compel**

I'd like to imagine it's less Adeptus Mechanicus and more PFI...

"Ok, yeah, so, we've spent all this money, time and effort to research and develop this prototype. Here you go private company..."

"Thank you, very much. We'll make sure to make these and sell these."

"Can we have one?"

"Sorry, that'll be 6 to 8 months, as we need to procure a part from China. Plus 3 from Italy. Also, yeah, the price is 600 times more."

**Kanluwen**

warboss wrote:
Kanluwen wrote:
Conrad Turner wrote:
You can only ever research anything once. That doesn't stop you developing more than one, you just need the materials. You use a thermal clip as normal, but it 're-charges' over time.

This is not entirely correct.
Augmentations can only ever be researched and built once. Doing the research gets you the item, and then it's something that ends up as being salvageable/purchasable.

I have looked everywhere in the Development section to build things but they aren't there. They have no resource cost, it's strictly Research and done.

That is why in my post about it I was so exceedingly specific that it was under "Augmentations" and could only ever be done once.

That would be officially a dumbass way of doing crafting if true. Congrats! You've unlocked this piece of technology and now know how to make it! You have enough resources to make a dozen but you're going to forget about the plans after making one so you'll just have to lovingly maintain the one copy possible? Did they bring the Adeptus Mechanicus over to the Andromeda Galaxy with them or something?

Do you know how many Vintage Heat Sinks, Sticky Grenade Launchers, etc I have after having researched them?

I'm sitting on 32 Heat Sinks and 24 Sticky Grenade Launchers--since getting them researched means when salvaging/dismantling Milky Way weapons means you can potentially get the 'rare' items. Venom and Scorpions seem to be a 100% chance for SGL, VHS seem to be a 50/50 shot on the Falcon.

**warboss**

It's nice that you find them (and I appreciate you telling me as that does help) but I still think it's stupid to have the knowledge and the resources to make something you need but can't because reasons.

So, in regards to my earlier question, do you regen all your ammo or just the current clip? Is it as fast a rate or comparable to ME1 and/or Remnant weapons or a much slower regen that you can't count on during a battle (as opposed to regen between fights)?

**Kanluwen**

warboss wrote:
It's nice that you find them (and I appreciate you telling me as that does help) but I still think it's stupid to have the knowledge and the resources to make something you need but can't because reasons.

*shrug*

It's not really any different than some of the "one-off" things you've been able to find/get in the previous Mass Effect games I feel.

So, in regards to my earlier question, do you regen all your ammo or just the current clip? Is it as fast a rate or comparable to ME1 and/or Remnant weapons or a much slower regen that you can't count on during a battle (as opposed to regen between fights)?

It's a single clip, that regens something like 10% a "tick". It's not a question of it giving you the same number of shots as the magazines or whatever but it just turns it to a 100% magazine.
Every burst of fire takes a percentage of that depending on the gun. The Crusader shotgun, as an example, instantly overheats with the VHS on.

I want to like it, but I just can't. I run heavier weapons like the N7 Valiant or N7 Valkyrie; guns with low ROFs so the VHS is less than impressive as the regen scales to the fire rate.

**warboss**

Kanluwen wrote:
warboss wrote:
It's nice that you find them (and I appreciate you telling me as that does help) but I still think it's stupid to have the knowledge and the resources to make something you need but can't because reasons.

*shrug*

It's not really any different than some of the "one-off" things you've been able to find/get in the previous Mass Effect games I feel.

The closest analogue I think we have is the ME3 "crafting" system although it's more of a "lego connecting" rather than crafting mechanic. You got access to a particular mod and you then had access to that mod for every weapon that could use it at will. ME1/2 didn't really have anything like that as components there were only ever picked up off the ground or bought off the shelf. This just seems like an odd disconnect for a game ostensibly about colonizing another galaxy where you have to bring everything you need to make a new civilization only you can't do minor basic things at will despite having the knowledge and resources at hand. YMMV.

Additionally, while I absolutely agree that you should be forced to research Heleus and Remnant tech, there is another logicial break in that you're forced to "research" a decades old rifle design outdated rifle design like the mattock despite bringing it with you. It makes more sense to have the Milky Way stuff already researched except for occasional rare (both in game fluff and in terms of game mechanics like state of the art biozombie cerberus upgrades to revive squadmates taken from the Lazarus project or somesuch that are not fully understood) items and ready to produce as long as you have the resources to do so.

It's a single clip, that regens something like 10% a "tick". It's not a question of it giving you the same number of shots as the magazines or whatever but it just turns it to a 100% magazine.
Every burst of fire takes a percentage of that depending on the gun. The Crusader shotgun, as an example, instantly overheats with the VHS on.

I want to like it, but I just can't. I run heavier weapons like the N7 Valiant or N7 Valkyrie; guns with low ROFs so the VHS is less than impressive as the regen scales to the fire rate.

I agree that it does sound a bit underwhelming and takes some of the steam out of my intial enthusiasm in seeing the mod (and only 6 or so word description) in the guidebook. I suppose I can reason that out in character as a logical upgrade path for weapons from stock to that to remnant ammo styles.

**Compel**

I run the N7 Valiant with the heat sync as my secondary weapon now. It gives me 2 shots with infinite ammo.

I open fights from cloaking with my Widow Sniper. Use that to take down the big guys, then the Valiant cleaning up the chaff.

**Kanluwen**

warboss wrote:
Kanluwen wrote:
warboss wrote:
It's nice that you find them (and I appreciate you telling me as that does help) but I still think it's stupid to have the knowledge and the resources to make something you need but can't because reasons.

*shrug*

It's not really any different than some of the "one-off" things you've been able to find/get in the previous Mass Effect games I feel.

The closest analogue I think we have is the ME3 "crafting" system although it's more of a "lego connecting" rather than crafting mechanic. You got access to a particular mod and you then had access to that mod for every weapon that could use it at will. ME1/2 didn't really have anything like that as components there were only ever picked up off the ground or bought off the shelf. This just seems like an odd disconnect for a game ostensibly about colonizing another galaxy where you have to bring everything you need to make a new civilization only you can't do minor basic things at will despite having the knowledge and resources at hand. YMMV.

Additionally, while I absolutely agree that you should be forced to research Heleus and Remnant tech, there is another logicial break in that you're forced to "research" a decades old rifle design outdated rifle design like the mattock despite bringing it with you. It makes more sense to have the Milky Way stuff already researched except for occasional rare (both in game fluff and in terms of game mechanics like state of the art biozombie cerberus upgrades to revive squadmates taken from the Lazarus project or somesuch that are not fully understood) items and ready to produce as long as you have the resources to do so.

Is it really that big of a surprise that an obscure/outdated design like the Mattock has to be researched?

I mean, the Valkyrie is something that became standard issue for new Alliance recruits replacing the Avenger...yet has to be researched.

It's a single clip, that regens something like 10% a "tick". It's not a question of it giving you the same number of shots as the magazines or whatever but it just turns it to a 100% magazine.
Every burst of fire takes a percentage of that depending on the gun. The Crusader shotgun, as an example, instantly overheats with the VHS on.

I want to like it, but I just can't. I run heavier weapons like the N7 Valiant or N7 Valkyrie; guns with low ROFs so the VHS is less than impressive as the regen scales to the fire rate.

I agree that it does sound a bit underwhelming and takes some of the steam out of my intial enthusiasm in seeing the mod (and only 6 or so word description) in the guidebook. I suppose I can reason that out in character as a logical upgrade path for weapons from stock to that to remnant ammo styles.

I mean, I think that a large part of it comes from the fact that I keep "Overdrive Packs" as a permanent consumable so I can refill ammo en masse.

**Compel**

Yeah, I don't ever really do consumables. I use the shield one occasional to avoid death, but that's about it.

**Necros**

Well I did have a good amount of Milky Way research, but Remnant and Helius not so much. For Helius, the only thing I researched was the helius icon armor and helmet, and by the time I got high enough for level 7 armor, I didn't have enough research for it. For the Remnant, I did the Paw and Shadow guns.. I did the shadow just up to level 4 or so, but the PAW to 7, I had just barely enough for it. And I would walk around with my scanner open all the time, I just was rarely finding stuff to scan. It would ahve been cool if there was a cryo pod that gave you those kinds of research points instead of just milky way.

all good now though, I finished the game so I won't be needing it anymore

**warboss**

Kanluwen wrote:

I mean, the Valkyrie is something that became standard issue for new Alliance recruits replacing the Avenger...yet has to be researched.

You kids and your futuristic weapons. I was just hoping to "upgrade" to an M-7 Lancer that the Avenger replaced.

Also, I looked up a youtube video on my phone and I think I'll be fine with the mod. In the comparisons above, I was confused as to the number of clips the weapons get and with the mod you only have the one clip (just like in ME1). Enthusiasm reignited!

**SickSix**

Again, for being the 4th game in the blockbuster series from Bioware, they phoned this one in. It should be $30. Not worth my $60.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJARrs0hrZQ

**commander dante**

SickSix wrote:
Again, for being the 4th game in the blockbuster series from Bioware, they phoned this one in. It should be $30. Not worth my $60.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJARrs0hrZQ

So you are basing your Opinion of a Game based on someone elses opinion?

Thats like saying you dont like Cheese (Despite never eating it) just because someone else told you they dont like Cheese

**Blackie**

For those ones who already finished the game (and for finished I mean near 100%), how much vehicle driving is there in this game? Like ME1?

It seems to be more action than rpg oriented, but also ME2 and ME3 were third person actions with some rpg elements, and I consider that gameplay almost perfect. Is the new one something close to the last two episodes? About the gameplay I mean.

**Paradigm**

You will spend a lot of time in the Nomad simply as the world spaces are so big and it's just the most efficient and practical way to get around. However, it's really just a transport, there's no vehicle combat or many 'missions' where you're forced to stay in it.

The gameplay is kind of a 'greatest hits' of ME1-3. You've got the exploration and RPG elements that are reminiscent of ME1, with combat that is a sleeker, faster version of ME2/3 (the jump jet massively increases mobility which in turn leads to less just sitting behind chest high walls taking potshots).

**Conrad Turner**

There is only one place where you are forced to stay in the Nomad due to radiation unless you are in certain enclosed spaces. In this area it's essential to remember that whilst in the Nomad you can get off just by holding 'T' to return to the Tempest and go somewhere else.

Having said that, the Nomad is much more fun than the MAKO in ME and the shuttles in ME2/3 (you couldn't control them IIRC). Nomad has 2 'gears', and you can upgrade the whole thing. So I have better 4WD and 6WD speed, better boost capability to go even faster, and better jets so I can jump higher. The whole lot together means that in low gravity I can grab some truly epic 'air' and she drifts like a B**** on ice!

Although having said that, once you drop a 'Forward Station' you can fast travel on foot or in the Nomad.

**Kanluwen**

The Road Ahead...

BioWare wrote:Hi everyone,

It’s been two weeks since the launch of Mass Effect™: Andromeda and we’re thankful to the millions of you who have already joined us on this journey. And though the game is now in your hands, it’s really just the beginning.

Since launch, our team has been poring over your comments and feedback, looking to discover what you like about the game, as well as areas we can evolve or improve.

This Thursday, we’ll release a new patch that addresses technical fixes (crashes, improved performance), but also adds a number of improvements we’ve heard you ask for, such as:

Allowing you to skip ahead when travelling between planets in the galaxy map
Increasing the inventory limits
Improving the appearance of eyes for humans and asari characters
Decreasing the cost of remnant decryption keys and making them more accessible at merchants
Improving localized voice over lip sync
Fixing Ryder’s movements when running in a zig zag pattern
Improving matchmaking and latency in multiplayer

There are many more adjustments being made, all of which you can find in our patch notes.

Over the next two months we’ll be rolling out additional patches which will go even deeper and look to improve several areas of the game:

More options and variety in the character creator
Improvements to hair and general appearance for characters
Ongoing improvements to cinematic scenes and animations
Improvements to male romance options for Scott Ryder
Adjustments to conversations with Hainly Abrams

These upcoming patches will also address performance and stability issues. And we’re looking at adding more cosmetic items to single player for free.

For multiplayer, over the same timeframe, we’re going to continue to build on the APEX missions that have been running since launch. We’ll be adding new maps, characters, and weapons. On Thursday, we kick off the first of three new chapters centered around The Remnant Investigation.

This is just a taste of what’s in store as we continue to support Mass Effect: Andromeda. And as always, you all play an important role in that. We want to hear from you about your experiences, both what you love about the game and what you’d like to see changed. We’re listening, and we’re committed to partnering with you as we continue to explore the Andromeda galaxy together.

Here’s to a great journey,

Aaryn

BioWare Patch Notes wrote:Patch 1.05 Notes

Improved tutorial placement

Single player balance changes: Ammo crates, armor, weapons, nomad, profiles, attacks, and progression

Multiplayer balance changes: Weapons, cover, and enemies (check back for detailed notes on balance changes)

Added option to skip autopilot sequences in the galaxy map

Improved logic, timing, and continuity for relationships and story arcs

Improved lip-sync and facial acting during conversations, including localized VO

Fixed various collision issues

Fixed bugs where music or VO wouldn’t play or wasn’t correct

Fixed issue where global squad mate banter sometimes wasn’t firing on UNCs

Fixed issue where player was unable to access the Remnant Console Interface after failing decryption multiple times

Fixed issue where fast travel is sometimes disabled after recruiting Drack until the player reloads a save

Fixed issue where Ryder can become stuck in the start of Biotic Charge Pose

Fixes issues related to some saves

Fixed issue where objective sometimes becomes un-interactable for players in multiplayer

Streaming and stability improvements

**Paradigm**

That all sounds great. The longer-term plans for improving the character creator is most welcome and the option to skip the space travel is pretty neat as well, should make system scanning much less tedious.

**Compel**

That all reads like... A company listening to concerns and working on improving then