For years, fans have been clamoring for BioWare to remaster the Mass Effect trilogy. While many series deserve remasters, Mass Effect especially needs it because of the synergy between games. Decisions players make in the first game carry all the way over into the third title. Thankfully, the science fiction epic is finally getting a re-release in the form of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.
Set for release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the new edition is enacting a slew of changes on the original classics to help update it. Thanks to Game Informer’s recent cover story, we now know much of what is coming in the new release. Looking at the ten changes listed below, the first game is getting the biggest facelift.
10 Graphics
All the titles are receiving a notable graphical overhaul. They won’t look like PS5 games, but more in the vein of them looking the way players remember. The debut title receives the biggest advantages. Initially released in 2007, Mass Effect certainly shows its age as an early Xbox 360 title. Looking at side by side comparisons of the original and new version, the upgraded visuals are simply breathtaking. This alone is enough work for a new release, but BioWare did not stop at visuals.
9 Elevator Load Times
One infamous aspect of the games are the hidden load times disguised by elevators. It was the best developers could do on the PS3 and Xbox 360, but almost a decade after the trilogy’s conclusion and BioWare now has the ability to load environments at lightning speeds. The conversations and moments which used to occupy these infamous elevator rides now trigger faster and are sped up to still achieve their purpose within the narrative.
8 Ultrawide Support
This one is for the PC players. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition will support ultra-wide monitors for a whopping 21:9 aspect ratio. This is a common option with modern games, so it is great to see older titles receive similar support. Mass Effect is a science fiction epic on par with the best Star Trek stories, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Star Wars, so playing it in this unique aspect ratio will provide a more cinematic experience.
7 4K Quality Across All Platforms
In addition to improvements to graphical fidelity, resolution will also receive a huge boost. First-run Xbox 360s did not even have HDMI cable ports, so playing the debut entry in 4K resolution will be a revelation for those who played it all the way back in 2007.
Not everybody can take advantage of this at the moment, but as time goes on, 4K televisions will become steadily more affordable, making it into more and more homes.
6 Improved Character Creator
The character creator also sees significant improvement in several areas. For one, all options from Mass Effect 3 are now in the Mass Effect, preventing the issue of odd-looking Shepards and the necessity of slightly changing their look from title to title. There are also additional options for those looking to create a Shepard of a different race. Lack of black hairstyles is a problem in most games’ character creators, so it is nice to see BioWare address this.
5 No Aiming Penalties On Class In The Mass Effect
Many of the changes to the first game aim to bring it a little closer in feeling to Mass Effect 2 while still maintaining its unique identity. The debut entry feels more like an RPG with shooter elements rather than vice versa like the next two games. One way to remedy this difference is removing aiming penalties for not having mastery in certain weapons based on class. Weapons restrictions are also taken out entirely, meaning every class can use every weapon.
4 Different Hud
Mass Effect is also receiving a makeover in the UI to make it more similar to Mass Effect 2. In the debut entry, BioWare was still figuring out what the series would be, so not all of the design practices stuck throughout the rest of the trilogy. Now that it has a second crack at the 2007 game, the developer is making the UI and HUD the way it wants in order for Legendary Edition to feel like a coherent package.
3 The Mako Is A Much Smoother Ride
The Mako is one of the most infamous parts of Mass Effect. It was thankfully removed in the sequels, though mining for resources in Mass Effect 2 was not exactly a party, either.
Legendary Edition is not removing these sections, opting to maintain a faithful experience, but BioWare is significantly tweaking several aspects of the Mako to make it a smoother ride. Driving controls and handling are improved. The camera is also seeing major improvements, making the transition between walking and driving less jarring.
2 Pinnacle Station DLC
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is also receiving all the DLC packages from the trilogy except one. Unfortunately, the Pinnacle Station expansion from the debut entry is only available on the original Xbox 360 release and the PC versions. The code was corrupted and unusable, causing it to be unusable for both the PS3 release and the upcoming Legendary Edition. It is far from the most beloved DLC, but one cannot help but feel sad at its exclusion.
1 Multiplayer Is No Longer Mandatory
Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer mode was essential to obtaining the game’s best ending. It was a polarizing feature. BioWare considered adding it in, but ultimately opted to leave it out of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, making the package a purely single-player experience. Several factors went into this decision, including considering Mass Effect 3’s continued online functionality on PS3 and Xbox 360. Fortunately, those who really want to play still have options.
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