NEWS
by Mark Barley
Mass Effect 3's 'Galaxy At War' System Detailed
BioWare has released details on just how the Mass Effect 3 four-person co-op will coincide with the game's main campaign and what the developers went through including the mode in the game.
BioWare's Chris Priestly, taking the time to post on the dev's main forums, stated that the co-op missions will have an impact on the main campaign.
"[Co-op] will have a direct impact on the outcome of the single player campaign, giving players an alternative method of achieving ultimate victory."
The "Galaxy at War" system will impact your character's "Galactic Readiness" level. “It is important to note that the system is entirely optional and just another way players can have control over your game experience – it is still possible to achieve the optimal, complete ending of the game in Mass Effect 3 through single-player alone,” Priestly assured readers.
BioWare stated that the inclusion of four-player co-op rather than different multiplayer modes was included due to “making sense and did not compromise the power of the single player campaign”. “Our priority and focus with Mass Effect 3 has and always will be to deliver a complete and satisfying single player experience,” the post reads, going on to comment that no development resources were reassigned as a result.
“A dedicated team from our recently formed BioWare Montreal studio has been focused on creating the multiplayer game features while the main game continued to be developed by the team in BioWare Edmonton. Both teams are integrated under the same leadership group that produced Mass Effect 1 and 2, led by Casey Hudson.”
BioWare also confirmed that Commander Shepard will not be a playable character in the multiplayer mode. Bumsville. “A dedicated team from our recently formed BioWare Montreal studio has been focused on creating the multiplayer game features while the main game continued to be developed by the team in BioWare Edmonton. Both teams are integrated under the same leadership group that produced Mass Effect 1 and 2, led by Casey Hudson.”
“Commander Shepard’s part in the war will take place in the single-player campaign, as will that of other beloved characters in the franchise such as Garrus, Ashley, and Liara…these characters do not appear in the multiplayer missions.
“In multiplayer, players will create custom characters to fight on different and unique fronts in the war. This will include the ability to play as favorites like Turians, Krogans, Asari and more… each with their own unique set of abilities.”
Mass Effect 3 is out in March 2012 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.
“In multiplayer, players will create custom characters to fight on different and unique fronts in the war. This will include the ability to play as favorites like Turians, Krogans, Asari and more… each with their own unique set of abilities.”