Mass Effect: Andromeda - exploration plays an important roll in planet viability, upgrading the Nexus
Bioware has released a new video for Mass Effect: Andromeda, and it's all about exploring planets, facing danger, and bringing viability to the galaxy.
In addition to story missions, there will be plenty of worlds to explore in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
The Helius Cluster, for instance, is the where the story portion of the game takes place. It is a space contained within the Andromeda Galaxy with dozens of star systems. These star systems can be navigated while inside the Tempest, using its galaxy map. And wherever you are in the galaxy, you will be able to view the planets, stars, and even space junk in real-time outside the Tempest's windows.
Hundreds of planets can be discovered in the Andromeda Galaxy and a handful of these worlds can be landed on and explored. Each planet has its own story, characters and challenges.
In the video, Bioware takes you to the desert planet of Elaaden. Its main inhabitants are a colony of Krogans, who are a bit wary of the Ryer and the gang.
Elaaden is one planet which can be developed in the game; however, it features extreme heat and lack of water. That said, the more you help the planet out, the more viable it becomes.
To do this, you will need to hop into the Nomad and scout the surface. The more you explore and the more missions you complete, the more hospitable the planet will become. Plus, you will gain the Krogan's trust along with the ability to set up an outpost and upgrade the Nexus. In order to accomplish the latter, the planet will need to be at least 40% viable.
Exploration and discoveries provide you with Viability points and reaching thresholds will allow you to upgrade the Nexus - the massive space station in the game and Andromeda Initiative hub. The more upgrades made, the more colonists suspended in cryogenic slumber you can wake up. And you can choose which colonists to stir, as certain charcaters will provide particular perks to both Ryder and team.
If you wake up military personnel, you will be given combat perks. Scientists will provide an edge in research and development, and Merchants will give you a leg up when trading.
And if all of this weren't enough, there is a network of ancient vaults spread across the world in Andromeda. Figuring out how to access one of these vaults is a challenge in and of itself, and can take you across an entire world. You will need to use all of your skills to get these back online and make it out alive.
Sounds like a great time to us, and Alex seemed to enjoy his time spent with the RPG. He also had a chat with the game’s producer, Fabrice Condominas. You should give both a read if you plan on picking the game up March 21 if you live in North America or March 23 in Europe.
Mass Effect: Andromeda will be released on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.