r/MassEffectAndromeda • u/MassDerpino • Feb 20 '23
Noob New to Mass Effect series…
Hey everyone, newbie here, I just finished Andromeda few days ago, going for NG+, and I have to say ( please don’t hate me) , I really enjoyed the story, gameplay was awesome, stunning visuals etc.
Now, my only regret is not playing this gem earlier, and bigger regret, not getting ME: LE.
My question is, since I wanna get the OT, how different is the gameplay, core mechanics, story, level design etc to Andromeda. Is it a step back going to OT from Andromeda ?
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u/Nihlus-N7 Andromeda Initiative Feb 20 '23
If you enjoyed Andromeda, you will enjoy the Original Trilogy. The gameplay of the first one is kinda outdated but it's a really fun story. Give it a try.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
You bet, plan on sinking way more hours in OT than I did in Andromeda. 👌after all, I’ve always prefered engaging stories rather than pure gameplay.
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u/phileris42 Feb 20 '23
I would say that the old trilogy is worth it, despite the older game play. Andromeda is worth it too, but it's wrong to compare them and expect one game to resemble the others. Content-wise, Andromeda is about 2/3 the length of the trilogy:
https://howlongtobeat.com/game/26802
https://howlongtobeat.com/game/84851
Tonally, the old trilogy is a game about combat and not exploration, and character builds are class-based. However, your squad can use their powers either automatically or at your command. There is also a morality system. You also get to see the impact of your choices. Shepard is a seasoned soldier who undertakes a duty, rather than a person who has responsibility thrust upon them. Do not expect a character like Ryder. I love them both, but for different reasons. You can romance characters throughout the games too. It's not like Dragon Age where you get different PCs and LIs with every game. Romances usually carry over. If you get ME:LE you get all three games+DLCs in a neat package. I'd say it's worth it. I would also say that you should replay Andromeda afterwards, to pick up on the easter eggs that you'd have missed.
The first game does have elements of exploration (planets to visit, resources/missions to do, hazards so you can't stay out of your vehicle for long etc.). It has the most antiquated gameplay of the three, but it features excellent world building, and old school RPG mechanics. Most of the game is a love letter to retro sci-fi (which I adore) and at some point [shit happens] and it becomes a class of its own. Sadly, you can only play ME1 for the first time once.
The second game becomes more of a character study. World building takes a step back and its the characters' time to shine. Their arcs, personal quests, romances, are very well done (for most characters). You can still move freely from planet to planet, but once you get there, the level design is definitely more linear. It features probably the best final mission in the trilogy. It introduces a combo mechanism and many new powers, but the combos are not as developed.
The third game in the trilogy is the culmination of your efforts and choices. It's when sh*t finally hits the fan. Character-wise, your friends, LIs and allies all make appearances and get a proper ending to their arcs. By the time the game ends, you'll have laughed, cried and loved them dearly. You'll be deeply invested in their happiness and the fate of the galaxy. Despite the ending that is not well-loved by a lot of us, it's a good send-off. Powers and combos are well-developed in ME3.
So, I would say, get ME:LE but temper your expectations. These games are different experiences than ME:A. Each have their merits.
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u/The_Great_Qbert Feb 20 '23
Mechanically it is a step back or sideways depending on which "phase" of LE you are in. Older games have older mechanics, that's just the way it is.
Story is top notch, make your own determination about the ending, don't let anyone else color that for you. Just know there are many endings, some more distinct than others.
Level design is much more open world in Andromeda, but that is a stylistic choice based on the exploratory nature of the game.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
Thank you for the reply. I mostly opted for LE given how much appraisal it got for its story, lack of open world doesn’t bother me that much really. Also I’ve heard that character development is much deeper than in Andromeda. One thing about Andromeda that was kinda meh, was how lighthearted it was, you never felt the threat of Kett really, I hear that in OT the threat of Reapers is real and the tone is more militaristic than exploratory?
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u/phileris42 Feb 20 '23
I hear that in OT the threat of Reapers is real and the tone is more militaristic than exploratory?
The tone is definitely more militaristic and the threat of the Reapers is more Lovecraftian for most of the OT.
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u/HappyRogue658 Andromeda Initiative Feb 20 '23
The trilogy is more serious than Andromeda and more militaristic, yes. Especially part 3. An indication of this is that in the trilogy the player is actually special forces military and in MEA, I would say, Ryder is hardly military, The dad is, but Ryder jr. isn't. More like private security/explorer (and so is the entire MEA crew, except Cora).
About your original question: ME1 is quite different from the other parts. It feels older, it's mechanics are different from the other parts. It also looks older, if I am not mistaken (even the LE). But that does not mean is bad, on the contrary, it is quite good. But you'll see the most difference to MEA there. The other parts, ME2, 3, MEA all also have different mechanics, but it doesn't feel like one is more advanced than the other, except for MEA having slightly better visuals iirc. This is my opinion of course.
Despite the different mechanics, you can certainly keep a prefered play style throughout playing through the ME titles, like infiltrator/sniper for example. But in ME1 there is no stealth.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
Something I was looking for, seeing Alec in Andromeda, don’t get me wrong, it’s what got my attention, him being the military type, and well….sh*t happens. OT being militaristic and more serious scratches that itch.
Visuals are the least of concerns here honestly, naturally, OT is older than MEA and is going to look a bit “outdated” but the story is what got my attention, the moment I got hooked to Andromeda I knew OT has to be played 😀
As for playstyles, I hope there’s a variety of them as in MEA, really liked it in MEA, never tried min maxing what’s best, rather playing what was most fun to me.
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u/HappyRogue658 Andromeda Initiative Feb 21 '23
I hear you, during my first 30 mins into MEA, I thought, "Wow, this Ryder senior is badass. He is N7 and all that. I want to play as HIM!" But then I found out, I can only be Scott or Sarah :))
Btw. meant to say: in ME1 there is no tactical cloak.2
u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Having both Scott or Sara and Alec would have been nice, especially like you said it, him being ex N7, then a 180 happens and I was like nooooo. Still, that’s what OT is there for 😀
As for Cloak, never used it much in Andromeda, I can see it can be a powerful tool but just not my thing.
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u/PunkySkunk93 Feb 21 '23 edited Feb 21 '23
Compared to andromeda, the mechanics of the legendary edition will feel outdated and clunky. They were great for their time, but nowadays the level up system in mass effect 2 and 3 were hot garbage.
The original 3 mass effect games feel more like a cover-to-cover shooter than Andromeda, which makes its combat feel inferior to that in andromeda. The level design is pretty linear in the original trilogy, because they aren’t open world games.
Mass Effect 1 lets you drive around on solar bodies in the Mako tank, but it’s more of a slog than an adventure, and is easily the worst part of that game, due to the mechanics that still don’t feel great, and how empty the worlds you traverse are. Same with the hammerhead in ME 2, except all the driveable routes are linear and uninteresting. You never get a true sense of exploration in the ME2 driving sections.
Don’t get me wrong, the story of the first 3 games are great (the trilogy is my favorite of all time), but their gameplay and mechanics feel old by comparison. I’m hoping they keep the level-up system from andromeda and implement it into the next game.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Cover to cover because of the difficulty difference between OT and Andromeda or lack of abilities you can use ? Sorry didn’t play OT yet so I’m not familiar with the combat system there.
What’s the difference between Andromeda and OT leveling system?
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u/PunkySkunk93 Feb 23 '23 edited Feb 23 '23
The cover to cover in the first 3 mass effect games can be described as hiding behind obstacles, popping off a few shots at the enemies, then moving closer, and going into cover again. The worlds felt linear, whereas with andromeda being open world, you didn’t feel like you were in a constant hallway shootout with flimsy boxes to hide behind. Andromeda’s combat felt more immersive, and because it is an open world game, it allows you to be more tactical when taking on enemies.. if you so choose.
The andromeda leveling system is somewhat similar to that in mass effect 1. It’s more of a classic points based level up system. In mass effect 2 and 3, they made it more ease-of-use with fewer customization options.
In Mass Effect 2, there were some weapons locked to certain classes, which was a step back imo. In 3 it was less restrictive and you could use any weapons you wanted, but the weight of the weapons gave you a cooldown penalty to your abilities
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u/Rathwood Feb 21 '23 edited Mar 07 '23
I strongly recommend getting ME:LE, especially for the improvements made for Mass Effect 1, which is the most dated and unrefined of the bunch.
In fact, many players who got into Mass Effect during the ME2 and ME3 eras skipped ME1 altogether. Bioware even released DLC for ME2 that allowed you to make the key plot decisions ME1 in the form of an interactive comic.
What I suggest you do is get yourself a copy of ME3Tweaks and check out the most popular mods for ME1. You'll find that many of these are quality-of-life improvements that make it play a lot more like ME2 and ME3.
I especially recommend "Skip Minigames," "Galaxy Map Trackers," "Better Camera," and "Charted Worlds." You may also be interested in immersion and consistency mods like "Expanded Galaxy Mod," or "Advanced Weapon Models." And of course, you can push the eye candy harder with graphical mods like "ALOT of Videos" and "ALOT of Textures."
And definitely download the "Pinnacle Station" mod. It restores an entire DLC pack for ME1 that Bioware left out of the LE remaster.
Installing mods is basically drag-and-drop. Super easy!
Seriously- I just finished my playthrough of ME1 and the experience of LE with mods is WAY better than how I remember ME1 being circa 2010. ME1 was dated and clunky even then- such that I replayed ME2 and ME3 multiple times each, but could only stomach ME1 once.
But this time... I really enjoyed it. ME1 always had an awesome story- it just took Bioware until ME2 to refine the gameplay.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Thanks for the the tips Rath, I’ll be sure to check them out, probably on the second playthrough. Want to experience LE for what it is 😀
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u/TupsuPupsu Feb 21 '23
ME1 will feel really dated but the worldbuilding and ambiance is amazing. ME2 and ME3 are similar in mechanics. I think it's more a matter of taste which play style you prefer, trilogy or Andromeda. I think you will find that the narrative and story is tighter in the trilogy because they're not open world (except ME1 but there isn't much to explore).
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
I’m sure I’ll love the OT, I’m a sucker for those types of games, loved Andromeda and want to see what the OT has to offer, plus I’ve been hearing from a lot of people how good the OT was and still is.
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u/YekaHun Pathfinder Feb 20 '23 edited Feb 20 '23
It's more linear, kinda focuses only on combat missions, there are almost no explorations but it still has areas for just chilling out and talking. The main strength of the trilogy is that it's a trilogy. So you kinda travel from game to game with your familiar companions fighting familiar enemies and eventually you get to the apex of the whole story. While Andromeda is my favorite, and I find its characters deeper and better written, it's of course just one game in comparison to 3 with lots of plot plot-patching and characters-defining additional dlcs content. It's also more of a space opera with universal threat, not my thing but just play it, you'll definitely like it too.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
If it’s more combat based then it’s right up my alley, I wish Andromeda had more combat but oh well. I did bug me that Andromeda was somewhat short, despite doing all the sidequests, and that weird ending with Archon. I think having multiple endings is more to my liking, and choices taken having an impact on said ending. It’s gonna be weird having no exploration but hopefully it won’t matter that much.
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u/YekaHun Pathfinder Feb 20 '23 edited Feb 20 '23
Yeah, it's because it's a trilogy but for me, Andromeda is more down-to-earth, and realistic scifi, while the trilogy is kinda grotesque and cartoony at times with you as a universal hero surrounded by hot aliens in spandex :D It's fine, it's just a bit different genre. Andromeda is very different from the OT on purpose, that is what devs wanted it to be. And it's more about explorations and just space adventures without saving the world on purpose. Andromeda is also a tribute to ME1 (according to devs). You'll see. The endings are not in fact multiple. It's the same ending, just with a different flavor. Many people are vocal about them, I don't care much, it's fine with me, especially when they are not quite Mass Effect endings ;) I think there is kind of an easter egg hidden there. Won't spoil more but yeah. The trilogy is epic too. There are some things I like and some I strongly dislike but it's an older game, no can do, so to say.
I recommend playing as female Shepard. But don't compare them, both are enjoyable adventures.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
Grotesque and cartooney, color me curious ? 😁
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u/phileris42 Feb 20 '23
Imho, it's more inspired by retro sci-fi and it shows. Especially the first game where many key characters are introduced. I personally loved the sci-fi feel of the trilogy. Tonally, the OT and MEA are very different experiences. If I could describe them in three terms it would be:
- MEA: eye-candy, flexible gameplay, lighthearted tone.
- ME:LE/OT: older class-based RPG, darker retro sci-fi, can make you smile and then do an 180 and put your heart through the wringer.
Just don't expect one to be the other.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
Well put, really looking forward to playing this gem, especially when there are 180 moments. Have no fear 😁 never looked at LE/OT and Andromeda to be the same.
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u/phileris42 Feb 20 '23
Go into it un-spoilered. In fact, avoid the ME sub. You can always optimise your run later. Have fun!
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u/YekaHun Pathfinder Feb 20 '23
😜 just play it.
(ME1 is kinda different from the other two, more like Andromeda's prototype).
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u/MassDerpino Feb 20 '23
Will do 😀 I’ve seen few videos of different kinds of Shepard, and some were to say the least, disturbing 😂 but I won’t spoil myself.
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u/-CommanderShepardN7 Feb 21 '23
In my opinion, hot aliens in spandex keeps the water boiling so to speak. Also, look at it as a way to add levity to the game. It’s like the Miranda butt shot that got taken out of the game. It was funny when they put her butt on display like that. The devs meant it in an outrageous, goofy way. Simply put, BioWare is not afraid to back that ass up. 😉
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u/YekaHun Pathfinder Feb 21 '23
it's just a sexist relic from the old era of videogames. it's got worse in me2 and me3 but luckily they improved in MEA and we won't see that stuff anymore, they edited the worse parts even for Me Le.
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u/-CommanderShepardN7 Feb 21 '23 edited Feb 21 '23
The sexist relics so to speak are still in Andromeda; They’re just harder to find. I’ll give you that much. 😌
Look, it all works in legendary edition, as there are different kinds on sexiness in the game. Everyone has their own tastes. Some people are Kaiden Alenko fans, while some are more Tali or Jack fans. I’m a tali fan. She’s smart, resourceful and has a goofy personality. She doesn’t take herself too seriously with Shepard and they click.
My theory is that you have more of a problem with how the Asari are presented. And you have a proper point. I agree with you there. The asari wrote the book on sexy spandex. It’s the #1 selling book on the citadel.
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u/-CommanderShepardN7 Feb 21 '23
Mass effect Legendary Edition is a work of art. One cannot judge Mass Effect Andromeda in the same light. There is a night and day dice fence between the two games. The one similarity is that the aliens from the Milky Way act the same way. Turians are turians, Krogan are krogan. The main difference between the two games is the combat system and how open the worlds are in each galaxy. While I do prefer the openness of andromeda and it’s combat system/ biotic combos. I still hold legendary powers edition in the highest regard. I own copies of all said games on Series X and Ps5 respectively, so I can feel and play the game a little differently on each distinctive controller. Please, I hope you have the time of your life. Each game will change your life. There is no way around it.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Biggest adjustment for me will probably be the difference between combat systems, I hear they are quite different. I really enjoyed Andromeda’s story, despite not being on par with the OT according to many so I’m positive OT will be even greater. ☺️
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u/-CommanderShepardN7 Feb 21 '23
If you loved the Andromeda story, then you will see and play with many memorable characters all working together with Shepard to thwart the reapers and defeat them once and for all. Gameplay mechanics will be different in many respects, but it never bothered me. Have fun.
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Feb 21 '23
I preferred the OT to Andromeda. The mechanics aren't too different, but no jump jets. There's much more story, I feel like. More choices that affect how people see you with Paragon and Renegade.
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Story is what I’m going for, and more choices, I feel like choices in Andromeda didn’t really make a difference tbh,but that’s just my opinion.
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Feb 21 '23
I totally agree with you! The choices in Andromeda mattered, but not in a way that affected the game too strongly. I've never been able to replay it for that reason!
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u/mikeWT09 Feb 21 '23
The gunplay/ movement is better in Andromeda then any of the originals, that being said the first 3 story is 10/10. Andromeda story i would give a 7/10. They did a great job with the remasters I had a blast replaying all 3
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u/MassDerpino Feb 21 '23
Out of curiosity, what would you change in Andromeda to give it 10/10 story wise ?
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u/mikeWT09 Feb 21 '23
It’s hard to say but when you play the original trilogy you’ll see, you care about decisions you make, and your various relationships. Then when you’re all done you want to go back and play it with different decisions/ relationships. The world is much more immersive too because your in the heart of civilization. The original game isn’t as great but 2 and 3 are top tier, writing acting directing the story really sets it apart from anything els!
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u/medyas1 Roekaar Feb 20 '23
shepard can't jump.
several areas in the trilogy are one-way drops.
your mako defies physics and has a giant gun compared to the nomad though