Mass Effect: Andromeda Gameplay Showcases Sleeker Combat System

New footage from Mass Effect: Andromeda showcases the fourth entry’s sleeker and more fluid combat system that focuses on unique gameplay.

One of things that really stands out about Mass Effect: Andromeda is that it encourages a lot of customization. In the original trilogy, you could customize your player (with features and experience carrying over from the first game to the third), your team (who fought alongside you on missions), your suit (military grade armor was either found while exploring or purchased from the in-game store) and finally, your weapons loadout was geared to your combat style. Distant sharpshooter? No problem, there’s a sniper for that. Close range devastator? Pick your shotgun.

I mean, the beauty of Mass Effect was all in the level of detail that made you truly feel like a space explorer and defender of the universe.

Of course, we know moving forward that Mass Effect: Andromeda, which releases next month, will expand on this customization system. In addition to creating your player, it looks like the combat system is as nuanced as ever. Obviously, that’s not to say it’s too difficult to manage. But like any first-person shooter, a player’s only as effective as his/her best weapon.

Check it out:

When you’re done gawking over the gorgeous scenery, let’s talk about some of the new features. First, I love me a good jet pack. It reminds me of the early days of Advanced Warfare when I just hopped around the terrain instead of actually attempting to accomplish anything.

On the other hand, Mass Effect‘s melee system used to come across as an afterthought. Basically, you had your omni-tool and that’s it. So it looks like the Mass Effect team decided to dedicate more attention to this by expanding the catalog of melee weapons. All of which look pretty awesome.

But above anything else, the best feature introduced is the cross class set powers found in ‘Favorites’ that will allow you to switch combat style mid-fight.

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Also, how cool is the Pathfinder’s helmet?

Mass Effect: Andromeda hits shelves on March 21.