Evgeniy Allayarov

Mass Effect: Andromeda is an action-RPG game in the Mass Effect series, developed by BioWare.

The game was announced on June 15, 2015 at E3. Like Dragon Age: Inquisition, Mass Effect: Andromeda uses the Frostbite 3 engine. At E3 2015 the official release date of the game was announced - winter 2016, later it was postponed to early 2017.

Description

Mass Effect: Andromeda is not part of the trilogy about Shepard(s) and his associates. According to the plot, in the year 2185, but after the events of Mass Effect 2, a joint mission of different races of the Milky Way is sent to the Andromeda galaxy in order to explore and colonize new worlds. Huge ark ships arrive at the site 600 years later - that's when the events of the game unfold.

You'll only be able to play as a human (male or female) named Ryder; the game will also feature six partners - as before, you can take any two with you on missions. Armor will be equipped with a jetpack to facilitate the exploration of planets, and instrumentetron will have more functionality. The loyalty system from Mass Effect 2 will return - helping the team members, you will gain their loyalty, and they will have more trust in you and your team.

The emphasis in the game is made on the exploration of unexplored corners of the Cluster of Eleia - a cluster in the Andromeda galaxy, where the arks arrive. In addition to the return of the Mako counterpart, the ND1 rover Nomad, players can expect at least two new races and an expanded multiplayer mode.

There will be no mass-translators in the game - the ships will be equipped with an improved SSD.

Key Features

Become the Pioneer. Make your way in a dangerous new galaxy. Unlock the secrets of the Andromeda galaxy as you explore alien worlds in search of a new home for humanity.

Return to the beloved Mass Effect universe. Lead the search for a new home for the first humans in Andromeda. In the new chapter of Mass Effect meet and recruit new and interesting characters who find themselves in the middle of a space saga filled with mystery and galactic conflict.

Fight like never before. New features: destructible environments, jump boosters, and the latest weapons and biotics will make combat more exciting than ever.

Find your way. Create a formidable hero with amazing weapons, skills, and technology. An even more flexible skill and weapon tree. You can replicate your playstyle and become a formidable opponent for the strongest alien enemies.

Join APEX. In Mass Effect: Andromeda's cooperative play mode, you'll take part in four-player cooperative battles with different classes. Play together with three friends to repel enemy attacks and protect the interests of the Andromeda Initiative.

Storyline

"The year is 2185, and with it humanity has entered a golden age of interstellar travel. With the discovery of ancient ruins on Mars, our knowledge of science and technology has propelled us thousands of years forward. Many rejoiced at their newfound freedom and began to explore the Milky Way, but there were also those who set their eyes on even more distant stars."

"For hundreds of thousands of adventurers on a one-way journey, the future begins here."

What's new in the game

Races

The Kett are an aggressive, highly advanced civilization whose homeland is outside the Elya Cluster.

Remnant - high-tech machines guarding the Jardaan heritage.

Angara is an advanced civilization of the Elya cluster.

Jardaan - a super-advanced extinct civilization which created relics.

Technique

Tempest - player's spaceship that can be upgraded with new equipment, technology or decorations.

Nomad ND1 - ground transport of the player, it also can be upgraded: install gas pedal, sensors, shield generators and more.

Ark - huge spaceships built as part of the Andromeda Initiative project.

Nexus - the mothership of the project.

Hyperion - the human ark.

Paarchero - the Salarian ark.

Natanus - the ark of the Turians.

Leusinia - the ark of the Azari.

Characters

Squad

Raiders - the protagonists, a brother and sister;

Cora Harper - biotics specialist, trained by the Azari troopers;

Nakmor Drak - a crogan veteran with thousands of years of experience behind him

Pelessaria B'Sale - Azari scientist from the Nexus, freelance shooter and loner;

Liam Costa - former police officer, security specialist;

Vetra Nix - Turian smuggler;

Jaal Ama Darav - member of the Angarian resistance.

Other Characters

See Mass Effect: Andromeda characters

Alec Ryder - pioneer of Hyperion, the ark of humanity, and father of Ryder;

Callo Jeth - a Salarian, pilot of the Tempest;

Lexie T'Perrault - Azari, physician on Hyperion and then Storm;

Suvi Anwar - science officer of the Tempest;

Gil Brody - chief engineer of the "Tempest."

EMS - Hyperion AI;

Sloane Kelly - former head of Nexus security who has settled on Kadar;

Reyes Vidal - smuggler, hangar resistance liaison;

Archontus - leader of the Kettes in the Aelya cluster;

Jarun Tann - Salarian politician, director of the Initiative;

Nakmor Kesh - krogan, superintendent of the Nexus;

Foster Addison - Director of Project Colonization;

Tyran Candros - Turian, head of the project's military and Nexus security forces;

Eufra De Tershaave - head of the Angarian resistance;

Moshae Sefa - spiritual leader and scientist of the hangar;

Paaran Shieh - governor of Aya;

Kalinda T'Reeve - Peabee's ex-girlfriend, the leader of a gang of bandits.

Romantic Relationships

The game has the ability to develop romantic relationships with other characters if certain conditions are met. Relationships can be either only light, not implying serious development beyond flirting in the dialogue, or serious, gradually growing from a light flirtation in a loving relationship. The developers tried to bring realism, so at the same time you can build a serious relationship only with one character - after a certain stage in the relationship to build them with other characters is no longer possible. The gender of the protagonist also influences the preferences of the allies with whom you can have a relationship - if the gender of the protagonist and the orientation of the character do not match, you can only have a friendship with them. To build a relationship, the protagonist needs to talk to the character regularly, choosing appropriate lines in dialogues, and often perform special loyalty missions.

"*" - Azari is a monogender race, whose members have female sexual characteristics.

The peak of the development of a romantic relationship is a romantic scene with a character. It can take place either aboard the Tempest or elsewhere, depending on the character.

The candor of the romantic scenes with different characters also varies. For example, at the climax of the relationship with Vetra, the screen just shades out. With Suvi, the camera pulls away to the side. With the other characters, the scenes don't even go beyond kissing and hugging. The most explicit sex scenes received a relationship with Peebee, Cora and Jaal. However, a number of questions arose about same-sex relationships; the game has 2 gay characters who may impose themselves on the hero, even if he is not interested in a relationship, which irritated many players. On the other hand, LGBT people were outraged and noticed that gay characters have stereotypical behaviour and that romance with them develops much faster than with heterosexual partners. It was also noticed that the female Ryder has many more same-sex partners than the male Ryder, who has only two characters available for romance and none of them are members of the team. In addition, it was generally observed that the developers paid ample attention to heterosexual relationships with the male hero, but at the same time neglected the female hero. Thus, the same-sex female relationships are noticeably better developed and more diverse than the heterosexual ones, with female players interested in watching lesbian romance scenes clearly in the minority.

Patricia Hernandez of Kotaku noted that the romance possibilities in the game are markedly different from those in the original trilogy, where the player first had to get to know the character well and help him in his mission. In Andormeda, you can start flirting with the characters as soon as you get to know them. On the one hand, the game shows more explicit sexual scenes and better satisfies players' sexual fantasies, but on the other hand it lacks romantic depth.

Mass Effect 3 is the third Mass Effect game, which is a sequel to Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. The last game of the Shepard(a) Trilogy. In 2021, an updated version of Mass Effect 3 is released along with the first and second parts in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition compilation for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.

Synopsis by

"Earth is on fire. Strikes from beyond known space have been struck by terrifying machines that have begun the destruction of the human race. Commander Shepard is the only hope of saving humanity. He (she) must rally the civilizations of the galaxy and begin the final mission: a return to Earth."

"Not everyone is destined to survive. An ancient alien race known as the Reapers has launched a global invasion, leaving behind the ruins of civilizations. Earth is overrun, the galaxy is on the brink of total destruction, and only you can fix the situation. The price for a mistake is nothingness.

Characters

Squad

Cayden Alenko is a human guard, a member of Shepard(a) team who served on the Normandy SR-1. Depending on Mass Effect's decision, may die on Vermeir instead of Ashley or appear as a Major in the Alliance Air Force.

Ashley Williams is a human soldier, a member of Shepard(a) team who served on Normandy SR-1. Depending on her decision in Mass Effect, may die on Vermeir instead of Cayden or appear as a Lieutenant-Captain of the Alliance Air Force.

Tali'Zora vas Normandia - Quarian, Migratory Fleet Admiral/Getty specialist, member of Shepard(a) crew, who served on Normandy SR-1 and Normandy SR-2.

Garrus Vakarian - Turian, former SBC agent, member of Shepard(a) team who served on Normandy SR-1 and Normandy SR-2.

James Vega is a human soldier, a lieutenant in the Alliance Air Force. He is the protagonist of the cartoon Mass Effect: Paragon Lost.

Liara T'Soni - Azari, protean specialist, Grey Mediator, and member of Shepard(a) team who served on Normandy SR-1.

Yavik - The last protean from DLC: From Ashes.

SUZI - The Normandy's AI.

Characters from previous games

Admiral David Anderson is Shepard(a)'s mentor and former captain of Normandy SR-1.

Admiral Stephen Hackett - Commander in Chief of the Alliance Air Force.

Donnel Udina - Humanity's representative to the Citadel Council.

Captain Bailey - SBC officer.

Dr. Michelle is the chief medical officer of the Guerta Hospital.

Jeff "Joker" Moreau is the pilot of the Normandy.

Dr. Chakwas is the Normandy's ship's medic.

Engineer Adams is the chief engineer aboard the Normandy.

Kenneth Donnelly - former employee of Cerberus, one of the Normandy's engineers.

Gabriella Daniels - former Cerberus employee, one of the Normandy's engineers.

Kelly Chambers - former assistant to Shepard(a) on Normandy SR-2.

Urdnot Rex - Chief of the Urdnot clan, a member of Shepard(a)'s team in Mass Effect.

Urdnot Reeve - Rex's brother.

Grunt - artificially bred krogan, a member of Shepard(a)'s team in Mass Effect 2.

Jack - Extremely strong biotic human, former criminal, teacher at Grissom Academy, member of Shepard(a)'s team in Mass Effect 2.

Miranda Lawson - former Cerberus agent, member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Jacob Taylor - former Cerberus agent, member of Team Shepard(a) in Mass Effect 2.

Kasumi Goto - professional thief, member of Team Shepard(a) in Mass Effect 2.

Mordin Solus - GOR scientist, member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Tein Krios - Drill Assassin, member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Kolat Krios - Tein's son.

Samara - Justicar, member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Legion - Get, a member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Zaid Massani - bounty hunter, member of Shepard(a) team in Mass Effect 2.

Aria T'Loak - tacit ruler of Omega space station.

Major Kirrahe - commander in the Salarian GOR.

Han'Herrel - Admiral of the Migrating Fleet, commander of the heavy Quarian fleet.

Zaal'Koris - Admiral of the Migrating Fleet, commander of the civilian Quarian fleet.

Shala'Raan - Admiral of the Migrating Fleet, commander of the Quarian patrol fleet.

Daro'Zen - Admiral of the Migrating Fleet, scientist, commander of the Quarian Special Fleet.

Conrad Werner - Shepard(a)'s "main fan.

Ghost - leader of the Cerberus organization. The main antagonist after the Reapers.

Harbinger is the leader of the Reapers.

New Characters

Diana Allers is a war journalist on the Normandy SR-2.

Kai Len - Cerberus assassin from Mass Effect: Retaliation and Mass Effect: Deception.

Steven Cortez is the pilot of the shuttle Kodiak.

Samantha Trainor - Shepard(a)'s assistant and communications specialist.

Urdnot Bakara - fertile female krogan.

Eva Module - AI created by Cerberus, her physical platform has become a SUSI body.

Adrien Victus - Turian general who commanded troops on Menai during the Reaper attack, primarch.

Tarquin Victus - Turian lieutenant, son of General Adrien Victus.

Rila is an Azari, an Ardat-Yakshi, and the daughter of the Justicer of Samara, Falere's sister.

Falere - Azari, ardat yakshi, youngest of the three daughters of Samara, sister of Rila.

Henry Lawson is the father of Miranda and Oriana.

Places

New Places:

Earth, the home planet of humans.

Mars-the location of the Protean ruins

Menae, a satellite of Palaven, the home planet of the Turians

Sur'Kesh - home planet of the Salarians

Rannoch, home planet of the Quarian and Geth

Thessia - home planet of the Azari

Kronos Station - Cerberus' main base

Other locations:

Citadel - the seat of the Citadel Council

Omega (in the addition of the same name)

Tuchanka - home planet of the Krogan

"Normandy".

"Normandy SR-2 will return in Mass Effect 3. The Alliance has improved this ship by adding new developments to the design.

Changes in gameplay

Battles

Difficulty will increase. "Normal" level will be like an upgraded "Veteran" level.

Overall battle speed will increase by 10-15%.

In combat you can now sharply roll to the side, jump over obstacles, optimized overall maneuverability and firing from cover.

Improved artificial intelligence of the enemies. Now they perform different functions on the battlefield and coordinate with each other.

Weapons

Any class can own any weapon. However, restrictions will be placed on the number of weapons a character carries with him at one time.

Returns the ability to modify weapons and their individual parts, which will affect the characteristics of weapons and their appearance.

Grenades will return to the arsenal as a character skill.

Skills

Main article: Skills (Mass Effect 3)

In Mass Effect 3 there will be more freedom in the choice of skills. You can take absolutely any skill, it will be given for the positive dialogues with your companions.

Development level

The maximum level of your character in Mass Effect 3 is 60. When importing a character from Mass Effect 2, his level, character and skills will be preserved.

Research

Exploration has been lightened compared to part 2. Now you need to scan planets from space, and if there is any artifact on the planet, you just need to launch a probe from orbit. Resources, as in the second part, are no longer available.

Kinect

Mass Effect 3 supports Kinect controller for Xbox 360. With it the player will be able to give voice commands (in the English version of the game) to his partners and say the phrases of the dialogue.

Game styles

In Mass Effect 3 you'll be able to choose three gameplay styles: Role Playing - traditional Mass Effect style, Action - style with emphasis on battles and answers in dialogues will be chosen automatically (Hero and Apostate will alternate), Story - simplified battles for those who want to focus on the role component of Mass Effect.

Add-ons

For the single-player game

"From the Ashes" is the first DLC released on the day of the game's release. It adds a new partner to Shepard's squad - the last Protean named Yavik. It also adds a mission to Eden Prime, new lines in conversations involving this character, a new weapon, the Protean emitter, and new appearance options for each of the co-partners.

Extended Cut - free DLC that adds additional cutscenes during the final mission and expands the game's endings, and adds an additional fourth ending (Denial).

"Shootout" - Adds the following weapons:

Cerberus Razor Assault Rifles and the Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle

Geth Plasma Machine Guns and the Blood Pack's Punisher

M-90 "Indra" and "Krize" sniper rifles

"Rigar" carbine shotgun

"Leviathan" - presents several quests during which Captain Shepard will lead the search for the mysterious Leviathan, an ancient creature that single-handedly managed to destroy the Reaper. The add-on also includes other minor content: weapons that previously could only be obtained for the game's pre-order, as well as several new weapon modifications.

"Ground Resistance" - adds the following weapons:

Executioner and Acolyte large-caliber pistols

N7 "Typhoon" and "Hammerhead" assault rifles

Shotguns N7 "Piranha" and "Venom".

Sniper rifle harpoon gun "Ki-Shok"

"Appearance Options Set" - adds new costumes for Garrus, Liara, and SUZI, as well as Ajax armor for Shepard(a).

"Omega" - This DLC offers Captain Shepard(s) to help the pirate queen Aria T'Loak recover the Omega space station, which has been captured by Cerberus forces led by General Oleg Petrovsky. In this add-on it will not be possible to take any of the Normandy crew, so Shepard(a) will be accompanied by Aria herself and a brand new character - the Turian Nyrin Candros. Here you will also be able to meet new enemies, as well as purchase weapons previously available only on promo: "Chakramomet" and N7 "Valkyrie", as well as many new weapon modifications.

"The Citadel" is the latest story addition. Shepard, along with his loyal crew, must uncover a sinister plot to eliminate the captain of the Normandy. Characters from Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 can be found in this addition. It adds a new location on the Citadel - the Silverside Strip area, where after the completion of the storyline of the add-on will have the opportunity to try their luck at the Silver Coast Casino, play the arcade at the Arcade Castle, blow off steam in the combat simulator in the Armax Arena and even have a party for friends from the Normandy in Shepard(a)'s new apartment!

Genesis 2 is an interactive comic that allows you to make key decisions in Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 to then bring them into the game.

For Collective Play.

All DLC for cooperative play is free.

"Rebirth" - added two maps: the Condor faction and the Hydra faction, new character classes, weapons and equipment.

"Rebellion" - added two maps: base "Goddess" and base "Jade", new character classes, weapons and equipment, as well as a new mission to deliver the secret cargo. Added a slot for permanent equipment, which will not expire after the match.

"Earth" - added three maps: the support base "Vancouver", the support base "London" and the support base "Rio", a new level of complexity - Platinum, a new task - escorting a holographic drone, as well as new classes and weapons.

"Strike Back" - added a new type of enemies - Collectors, the punisher "Cerberus" and a new drone blaster for the goths, as well as new classes and weapons. Changes to old maps have been added, as well as their more complex counterparts with different dangers (sandstorm, snowstorm, radiation contamination, etc.). In addition, the game has added challenges, by completing which the player receives points that can be spent on various titles.

"Payback is the latest addition to the cooperative game. 7 types of new weapons, 6 characters, 2 pieces of equipment and 5 weapon modifications have been added.

Other content

This content could be obtained through various promotions or for pre-order:

"Knight Avenger" armor.

"Chakramomet."

AT-12 "Invader"

M-55 "Argus"

M-90 "Indra"

Collectors Assault Rifle

Combat Equipment N7

Collector's Edition Materials

Interesting facts

The licensed plastic DVD-box edition of the game, produced in Russia, contains two installation discs. The first disc depicts Earth from space before the Reapers attack, and the second disc shows the planet has already been captured by the Reapers.

Mass Effect 3 is the only trilogy game whose official cover depicts Shepard without members of his squad.

Mass Effect 2 - a video game for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in the genre of role-playing games with action elements, released by Canadian studio BioWare in January 2010. The second part of the Mass Effect trilogy. In 2021, an updated version of Mass Effect 2 is released along with the first and third parts in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition collection for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.

The plot of the game is a continuation of Mass Effect. Development of the game began almost immediately after the release of Mass Effect. The events of the second part of the game will follow immediately after the events of Mass Effect: Ascension. Casey Hudson, project manager at BioWare, stated that players should not delete their saved games of the first part; the choices made by the player in the first part will have an impact on the second part. Players who have not played the first part, will be able to create a new character and receive a summary of the previous events in the series.

Storyline

After the attack on and destruction of the Normandy SR-1, Commander Shepard has been on the operating table, at one of Cerberus' stations, for 2 years. After an unexpected and untimely awakening, Shepard meets the head of the Cerberus organization, Ghost. In two years, much has managed to change in the universe. The Citadel Council is mired in bureaucracy and rejects all "speculation" that the Overlord was only the first of many invaders known as the Reapers. The former crew is scattered all over the galaxy and everyone is busy doing their own thing. The settlers of several human colonies have disappeared without any hint as to where or how. Neither the Council nor the Alliance pay any attention to this, believing that ordinary slave-traders were at work here. Ghost has a different opinion, and asks Shepard to find out at least something about the newly deserted colony. Despite his differences with Cerberus, Shepard agrees to the mission in order to save the survivors. It turns out that the attack was carried out by the mysterious Collectors. In this connection Shepard, with the help of Cerberus, decides to assemble a team of various specialists in order to penetrate into the Collectors' territory and find out what they need people for. Since the Collectors possess many advanced technologies, Shepard(s) mission may well be the last for both his/her team and himself - a "suicide mission".

Classes and their features

Specialization in Mass Effect 2 is represented by 6 classes, of which you can choose when creating a new character. In addition, when importing the character from the first part of the game, the class can also be changed. The developers promise that the game will explain why and how to change the class. Just as in the first part of the classes will be divided into "pure" and mixed. The first ones imply the development of the character's skills in only one area (biotics, engineering or combat). The second - the development of the character at the intersection of two "pure" areas.

In the second part of the game, there will be no need to develop abilities that are not necessary for the class - they simply will not be in the development tree. In addition, when you reach the maximum points in some ability, you will be able to choose one of two options to enhance it. The number of simultaneously available enhanced abilities will not be limited, but according to the developers, for the passage of the game can not accumulate the number of points needed to pump all the abilities to the maximum, that is, you have to choose what to strengthen and what to leave as is.

Soldier

The Soldier is a class that prioritizes direct combat. The only class that can use all weapon classes and skills related to ammo types, except the Submachine Guns or SMGs class. Has a unique Adrenaline Rush ability, a skill that can be used to slow down time for better aiming. Weapons - Assault rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, large-caliber pistol.

Adept

Adept - a class that fully relies on biotic abilities and succeeds at it. Has a unique ability Singularity, which is a local black hole. Damage is inflicted through very strong compression of the enemy. This class is also best suited for biotic explosions. Weapon is a large-caliber pistol, submachine gun.

Engineer

Engineer is a class specializing in technical gadgets. Able to summon a combat drone, which diverts fire on itself or explodes in a specified place. Weapon is a large-caliber pistol or submachine gun.

Scout

Infiltrator - a class with equally good weaponry and technical skills. The ideal killer because of the unique skill "Cloak" (disguise), which allows for a short time to become invisible to both eyes and radar. Weapons include sniper rifle, large-caliber pistol, and submachine gun.

Sentinel

Sentinel - a class with advanced abilities in both biotics and technology. Has a unique ability to activate technical armor, which allows you to extend the life under direct enemy fire. Weaponry - large-caliber pistol, submachine gun.

Stormtrooper

The Vanguard is a class that combines the advantages of a hardened soldier and a skilled biotic. A unique ability is the "Charge", an attack that allows the player to move at high speed to the enemy and knock him down, stunning him and dealing damage. Weapons - shotgun, large-caliber pistol, submachine gun.

Characters

Shepard(s) Partners.

Shepard has the ability to choose two companions for his team, but the number of possible companions is increased to 10 (including additions - 12). Also, unlike in the first part, Shepard will have to earn the trust of his companions (we could see a similar approach to team building in Dragon Age: Origins). The outcome of the game will largely depend on the loyalty of his companions. In addition to the usual abilities corresponding to the class of the partner, each of them will have its own unique ability, to unlock which will have to perform the related quest. Classes of partners are mainly modified classes, which are available to Shepard(y). In addition to the fact that the partner after completing his quest gets a new unique ability, he becomes loyal to Shepard(s), which increases his (partner's) chances of survival in the final game. Shepard can also learn any (only one at a time) of the companions unique skills (after completing the loyalty quest) and can be retrained as needed.

Krios Drell Male Assassin A skilled assassin, very devout. Shepard the female can have an affair with him.

Grunt Krogan Male Soldier Artificially bred "perfect" krogan, trying to find his place in the world.

Jack (Subject Zero) Human Female Stormtrooper Prisoner in the high-security space prison Purgatory. A male Shepard can have an affair with her.

Mordin Solus Salarian Male Scientist Former GOR member. Participated in the development of a new modification of the Genophage.

Tali'Zora vas Nima (vas Normandy) Quarian Female Engineer Considered one of the best engineers among the Quarians. Was one of Shepard's companions in the first part of the game. Shepard the male can have an affair with her.

Samara Azari Female Justiciar Azari, dedicated to upholding justice by any means necessary, up to and including killing the guilty party. Shepard of either sex can have an affair with her.

Morint Azari Female Ardat-Yakshi One of Samara's daughters. Serial Killer. Depending on her choice, can take Samara's place. Shepard of either gender can have an affair with her (fraught with death).

Miranda Lawson Human Female Officer Cerberus An agent of Cerberus on Shepard's team. Has genetic alterations. Personal acquaintance with Phantom. Shepard the male can have an affair with her.

Jacob Taylor Male Operative of Cerberus Former Alliance soldier. Worked under Miranda Lawson. Protagonist of the game Mass Effect Galaxy. Shepard the female can have an affair with him.

Legion of Geth - Geth infiltrator who wears a piece of N7 armor. Was sent to find Shepard(s). Reason unknown. Tells of the existence of true Geths and heretics.

Garrus Vakarian Turian Male Turian Rebel Former SBC employee. Was one of Shepard(a)'s companions in the first part of the game. Shepard the female can have an affair with him.

Additional Partners.

In addition to the game's main 10 partners, the developers offer two more DLC characters.

Zaid Massani is a human bounty hunter, whom Shepard can take as a team right in the landing zone on Omega. A mission on the planet Zoraya is connected to him, after which Zaid becomes loyal to Shepard.

Kasumi is a human technician, a professional thief, whom Shepard can take as a team on the Citadel near Zaker. A mission to the planet Bekenstein is connected to her, after which Kasumi becomes loyal to Shepard(s).

Normandy crew.

Jeff "Joker" Moreau is the pilot of the Normandy. Despite congenital bone fragility (Vrolik's Syndrome), is the best Alliance pilot and has a wicked sense of humor. Voiced by Seth Green. In the second part of the trilogy, Joker will also be the pilot of the new Normandy. He got his nickname in flight school for his inability to have fun.

Dr. Chakwas is the chief medical officer of the Normandy. Previously served with Captain Anderson and enjoys working away from civilized space. Dr. Chakwas prefers working among the soldiers in a galaxy full of life, more exciting than working in some human colony. After the loss of the Normandy, SR-1 was assigned to a senior position in a Martian colony hospital. Despite the prestige of the profession, she quit and joined Cerberus for the opportunity to be in space and fly the new Normandy SR-2 under Shepard(a).

Kelly Chambers is the administrative assistant for the Normandy SR-2 as well as Shepard(a)'s chief assistant/deputy in his absence. The basis of her duties includes monitoring Shepard(a)'s personal terminal for important new messages, relaying important information to Normandy crew members, and monitoring the condition of the fish in the fish tank. On top of this, Kelly provides a psychological portrait of Shepard(a)'s crew condition, analyzing the situation as a whole and thus giving his point of view on this or that crew member. When asked if Cerberus is anti-alien, she answers flatly and emphatically that NO, she is not, and she firmly believes that even though Cerberus' goal is to benefit mankind, she does not believe it has anything to do with animosity or prejudice towards other races! Kelly is a potential romantic interest in Shepard(a) and a further serious relationship.

Kenneth Donnelly and Gabriella Daniels are the designated chief engineers of the Normandy SR-2. Longtime friends who have been together since tehacademy. Previously served on the Alliance ship Perugia. Donnelly was the first to receive an invitation to join Cerberus to work alongside the captain. After which Daniels insisted that she, too, be accepted into the organization.

Opponents

The Reapers are a race of ancient mechanical beings whose invasion Shepard prevented in the first part of the trilogy by destroying the Overlord.

The Reapers are a race of creatures first mentioned in Drew Karpishin's second book, Mass Effect: Rise. They got their name among the population of the known universe for their habit of exchanging their technology for certain objects of interest to them. Including cases where they were known to be interested in certain races living in the galaxy. Former Protheans.

Other characters

Ghost is the head of the pro-human organization Cerberus. After destroying the Normandy, SR1 resurrects Shepard through his best scientists for two years and supplies him with a new and improved model of the old ship. Coordinates Shepard(a), sending dossiers on potential recruits against the enemy and supplies information. His goal is to make the human race the dominant force in the Galaxy. Voiced by American actor Martin Sheen.

Aria T'Loak is an Azari, the self-proclaimed Pirate Queen. Unofficially runs the Omega space station.

Navigator (navigator) Pressley is Shepard(a)'s deputy aboard the Normandy SR1. A crew member from the first part of the game. Appears in the game only in the opening video, where he dies along with the ship.

SUSI (Advanced Defensive Intelligence System) - the artificial intelligence installed by Cerberus to Normandy SR2. The task of the OMSI is to protect the ship electronically, and to provide Captain Shepard(a) with useful information. Despite its usefulness, it is distrusted by some crew members, especially the Joker.

Means of transportation

Space

The Normandy (SR-1) is an experimental frigate built jointly by the Alliance and the Turian Hierarchy. Destroyed in the prologue of the second part of the game.

Normandy (SR-2) - a new modification of Normandy, created by the pro-human Cerberus organization especially for the mission of Commander Shepard, replacing the destroyed SR1. Twice the size of the original Normandy, although it repeats her general shape. New decks and rooms have been added. Also SR2 is equipped with an artificial intelligence system (which makes the Joker and some crew members very nervous). Although Cerberus has invested a great deal of money in building this state-of-the-art ship, it can and should be improved as you travel the galaxy.

Planetary

The M-44 "Hammer" is a new means of transportation on the surface of planets. It is a highly maneuverable flying tank that uses a mass effect field and solid rocket engines. Appears in the game with the installation of DLC: Flame Lord Set and DLC: Overlord Set.

M35 Mako - Used as a ground combat vehicle, and the Normandy SR-1 was used to maintain it. Captain Shepard actively used(ed) the Mako in missions to stop Saren. Later, while visiting the crash site of the first Normandy on the planet Alker, can be found trapped in a chunk of ice.

Facts about the game

Interesting Facts

Mass Effect 2 was developed for 2 years - that's the time passed after the events of the first part, while Shepard was brought back to life.

The appearance of Miranda is taken from the actress Yvonne Strahovsky, who starred in TV series "Chuck", the only difference is the hair color - in the game she is a brunette. In addition to appearance, the game character borrowed the voice of the actress.

If you ask Joker about SUZI, offer him to turn off the sound, then he will say that then SUZI will remind him of a child, ominously looking at his back, and then suddenly starting fires. This is a reference to Stephen King's iconic book and, later, to the movie Flaming Stare. From there the girl Alma was also borrowed into the game F.E.A.R. (the ominous looking one, and afterwards setting fires).

In Citadel, if you listen to the news, a picture of a girl named Emily Wong pops up on the screen. This is a reference to the "Futurama" animated series.

The criminal-controlled Omega station, apparently a reference to the work of science fiction writer Robert Sheckley, where his novel The Status Civilization / Omega! describes the Omega prison planet, where everything is built on a peculiar criminal-caste principle.

A game seller on level 28 of Citadel is very fond of the game and mentions some place important to gamers at the time called Shin Akiba, which is a hint of Akihabara, a real neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan - a mecca for all gamers and anime fans in the country. Ordinary Japanese shorten the name to "Akiba."

Shepard's team is the largest in Mass Effect 2 (12 characters).

If you don't "press any key" when starting the game, a small clip is shown.

Mass Effect 2 is not antialiased by default, but you can turn it on in your video card driver settings by renaming Mass Effect2.exe to Oblivion.exe (you'll have to bypass the launcher to start the game).

Mass Effect 2 is the only game in the trilogy where the opening lock screen doesn't use the view on the planet Earth from space (in Mass Effect 1 there was a standard view of the Earth with the Moon, in Mass Effect 3 - the view when the planet is attacked by Reapers), and it shows the center of the Milky Way Galaxy through the wreckage of an unknown spaceship.

If you run a mineral scanner to the planet Uranus with an initial resource supply of "Exhausted" in the Local Cluster, SUSI will ask in surprise: "Are you kidding me, Captain?". If you do it again, then SUSI will say "Probing Uranus," which is a play on words that Ango-speakers regularly use, since it is consonant with "Probing your anus," which translates in an obvious way. Video

In the game World of Warcraft, in the 2015 addition Warlords of Draenor, in the world of Drenor, you can find a reference to the famous phrase Shepard(s) says at the Citadel stores to get a discount - "I am Captain Shepard, and this is my favorite store on Citadel." The reference is on Ashran Island, in the Horde camp of Spear of War, in the form of a "Handwritten Sign" hanging on the post of Yasa's merchant store, and if you examine the hanging flyer, it reads - "I am Commander <character name> and this is my favorite merchant in Spear of War." and after reading it, she comments that - "Never mind that, buddy. It's just like, advertising and stuff." However, nothing remarkable it does not sell, except consumer goods for those who are always losing a pickaxe or a jeweler's set.

Mass Effect 2 and the Pirates

The long-awaited sequel to Mass Effect, scheduled for release on January 26, 2010 in the U.S. and January 28, 2010 in Europe, "leaked" to the Internet on January 21, 2010. The "American" multilingual version of the game (for both X-Box 360 and PC) was stolen. On the night of January 24, a professional Russification of the text appeared on the Internet. On January 25th, exclusive content for "pre-orders" from Microsoft was leaked, everyone could download the content from about 0:00-14:30 in the afternoon. A few days after the announcement of the new additions to the game, was found a way to install the additions without activating and paying online.

Confirmed facts

Sales in Russia began on January 28. By pre-order the game was released with bonuses on January 27.

The game was officially announced on March 17, 2009

It will be possible to visit the planets belonging to other races. For example, you can visit the homeland of the Krogan planet Tuchanka, or the Azari planet Illium - one large city, reminiscent of Coruscant from Star Wars.

Integration of save files from the first part of the game into the second part, will affect the storyline of Mass Effect 2. If the player has not played the first part of the game, he will be offered to choose the options for action in different situations, thus forming the backstory of the protagonist (addition Genesis). P.S.: I advise you to pass the first part of the game first, because the standard protagonist did not get along with the head in the first part (no characters from the first part, the game becomes boring, but worth to download the save with the past Mass Effect, as the universe comes to life)

In Mass Effect 2 there will be no way to replay the game with the same character. The only thing you will be able to do is import the character you passed ME2 with, so you don't have to rearrange the characteristics.

If in the first part of the game one of the secondary characters was killed, in the second part he will be absent.

Several new weapons will be added to Mass Effect 2 (there are 19 weapon classes in the game), hand-to-hand attacks and new biotic abilities will be kept.

The internal configuration of the new Normandy will change quite a lot. There will be additional locations. Will be given the opportunity to upgrade the ship.

Will be available to visit at least one more station - Omega (Migrating Fleet can be visited only once, if you take the mission on the loyalty of Tali).

Weapons, armor and the Normandy (SR-2) can and should be upgraded with the resources collected during the exploration of the planets.

The arsenal of weapons is increased. For example, there are 2 types of guns, new heavy weaponry such as grenade launchers and rocket launchers ("The Scilary" - the player marks the target and then shoots it in the air, the shell is divided into several small rockets and hits the target)

Instead of the Mako there will be a completely different transport, a small landing ship (shuttle), unfortunately, you will not be able to fly it. However, with the installation of a certain DLC "Lord of the Flame" will add a flying rover "Hammer" and a few missions to him.

Characters

Team Shepard(s).

Captain Shepard is the main character. The first man to be honored with the rank of Spectre. As a field agent, Shepard has the authority to perform his missions in any way he chooses. At the beginning, the player can choose the appearance, gender, backstory, and class of the character. Depending on the chosen backstory, the course of events changes and the character's demeanor changes. Since Mass Effect is a game with fully voiced dialogues, you can only choose a character's name, the last name remains unchanged.

Ashley Williams is a human soldier. A beautiful and able to stand up for herself girl. A male character can have an affair with her. She is not a fan of aliens, possibly because her grandfather fought in the First Contact War and surrendered the Shanxi Colony to the Turians, for which he was dishonorably discharged, and Williams family members have been mistrusted by the Alliance ever since.

Dr. Liara T'Soni is a companion Azari, an archaeologist specializing in protean technology. Daughter of the matriarch Benezia. A character of either gender can have an affair with Liara.

Cayden Alenko is a human guardian, Shepard(a)'s assistant. One of the first humans with biotic abilities, trained on Gagarin Station. A female character can have an affair with him.

Garrus Vakarian is a Turian, a former Citadel Security agent. Retired after becoming disillusioned with the overly bureaucratic mechanism of his organization.

Urdnot Rex is one of the last Krogan of the rank of "battle master." These rare individuals can combine biotic abilities with high technology, and are brilliant with weapons. Despite his menacing appearance, Rex rarely loses his temper and is quite reasonable. He also prefers not to talk much.

Tali'Zora Nar Raya is a young Quarian who, during a ritual pilgrimage, discovered evidence of Saren's treachery. Like all Kvarians, Tali is excellent at all manner of technology.

Normandy Crew.

David Anderson is the commander of the USS Normandy and a major character in the prequel novel Mass Effect: Discovery, in which he meets Saren. Shepard(a)'s mentor and advisor. After enlisting Shepard(a) into the Spectre ranks, voluntarily turns over command of Normandy to him (or her).

Jeff "Joker" Moreau is the pilot of the Normandy. Despite his congenital bone fragility (Vrolik's syndrome), he is the best pilot of the Alliance.

Charles Pressley is Shepard(a)'s deputy aboard the Normandy. Pressley does not like the presence of aliens on the Alliance's lead ship.

Engineer Adams is the chief engineer aboard the Normandy. An experienced officer who has served on various Alliance ships. His last job was with the cruiser Tokyo.

Richard Jenkins is a soldier, originally from Eden Prime. Has no real combat experience, so tries his best to get into the "real business."

Dr. Chakwas is the chief medical officer of the Normandy. Likes working away from civilized space. Dr. Chakwas prefers a full-time job among the soldiers in Galactica to a quieter job in some human colony.

Alliance representatives.

Admiral Hackett is the commander of the Fifth Alliance Space Fleet from his headquarters on Earth. He does not appear in the game, but contacts Shepard(s) quite often to relay messages and assignments.

Donnel Udina is a professional politician and diplomat who represents humanity to the Citadel Council. Udina is the System Alliance's ambassador to the Council of Races.

Main adversaries.

Saren Arterius is a former Spectre Turian. Known for his brutal methods of working and extracting information. Deeply hates humans, possibly because of his brother's death in the First Contact War. After the events of the prequel novel, Saren makes an alliance with the Geths and finds the "Lord. He is the main antagonist of the game.

Matriarch Benesia is an Azari matriarch in alliance with Saren. Liara's mother.

"The Overlord" is Saren's ship. As you learn as you progress through the game, the "Overlord" is not a spaceship, but a representative of the ancient cybernetic race of Reapers, capable of taking control of the minds of organic beings.

Representatives of other races.

Nylus Kryk is a famous Spectre Turian. Saren was his mentor. Nylus is excellent at taking advantage of his enemy's weaknesses and always remains cold-blooded, though his methods are far from Saren's brutality.

Sha'ira is a member of the Azari race, considered by many to be an oracle. Profession - Companion, provides any services to her clients, most often of a certain nature.

Barla Von is a member of the Volus race, a financial consultant who works at the Presidio Financial District Bank. Vaughn has extensive experience in moving large sums of money, so he willingly sells his services to the elite of the Citadel. Barl Vaughn's real job, however, is information trading. He is an agent of the Grey Mediator.

Mass Effect

Mass Effect is a sci-fi action role-playing video game released on three platforms: Xbox 360, PC, PS3. It was developed by BioWare in 2007 on Xbox 360, and already in 2008 was released on Windows and only in 2012 on PlayStation 3.

On May 14, 2021 an updated version of Mass Effect was released along with the second and third parts in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition collection for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.

Release History

Was originally developed only for the Xbox 360. It was released for this platform on November 20, 2007. The PC version was released on May 28, 2008. In the PC version the graphics were improved, as well as developed an acceptable for personal computer keyboard and mouse control.

The localized Russian PC-version was released on June 6, 2008. Localization was made by Snowball Studio, 1C Company became the publisher. This edition features the original voice-over. In March 2009, planned to release a fully localized "gold" edition (with Russian voice-over), complete with "Death from Heaven" add-on, but the release was postponed until autumn of that year.

December 5, 2012 the English digital version for PS3 was released, which is distributed on the PSN digital store. It also includes the add-on Death from Heaven.

Gameplay .

The style of the game resembles other BioWare games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) and Jade Empire. Unlike KOTOR, the player directly controls the actions of the character. The player can choose two companions for each task, and the choice can be changed only by returning to the ship (in KOTOR and Jade Empire you can do it almost at any time).

Just like in the aforementioned games, Mass Effect has some semblance of magic. Special individuals (biotics) have an innate ability to control local gravitational fields, which is reflected in the presence of some characters in a variety of telekinetic skills.

During combat, the player can enter the tactical menu (the game is paused), where he can change weapons (for himself or his companions) or specify which of the abilities to use. You can also select a target for an ability (your own or a companion's). Each ability has its own "cooldown" scale, so a player can use several abilities in a row. For example, you can use a "pick up" ability and then "throw" a helplessly floundering enemy into the opposite wall.

Combat System

Battles involve Shepard, who is controlled by the player himself, as well as two companions. Battles take place in real time. Characters are controlled in third-person with a camera attached to the controlled character's shoulder.

There are five categories of weapons in the game: assault rifles, shotguns, pistols, sniper rifles, and grenades. Weapons (except grenades) have infinite ammunition, but quickly overheat, so you periodically need to pause between firing.

Armor also plays a significant role, which is represented by three types - light, medium and heavy, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, light armor is always made with an emphasis on protection against technical and biotic damage, but has poor physical protection and weak shields, and heavy armor is effective mainly against physical damage and has powerful shields. Each class is only available to a certain level of armor - for example, heavy armor is only available to a soldier. Armor is different for all species, but human armor is available for Azari, due to their similar build. A flexible upgrade system is available for all weapons.

In addition to using different types of weapons, the player can fight enemies hand-to-hand or use biotics. Shepard and his (her) allies are protected by force shields that absorb the damage they receive. After a certain number of hits, the energy of the shield runs out, and then the subsequent damage takes away health points directly. The energy of the shield is restored automatically if the character was not attacked for some time, the health is restored only with panacelin or the corresponding skill. If allies are killed, they are automatically resurrected at the end of the battle, using panacelin they can also be brought back to their feet, but the game ends if Shepard is killed. In that case, the game loads from the last save.

Enemies have health points, and additionally can be protected by shields. The player can use special abilities that temporarily incapacitate the enemy or lift them into the air. Other skills give bonuses to the player himself, such as increasing his resistance to damage. Special abilities can also be used an unlimited number of times, but they have individual cooldown times.

Classes

There are six in-game classes (for humans), three of which are basic and three mixed:

Soldier - a combat specialist who can handle all types of weapons well, as well as wear heavy armor. Does not have biotic abilities.

The Engineer is a technology specialist. Uses a holographic uni-tool to hack into security systems, repair equipment, disable enemy weapons and forcefields, and treat allies. Has no biotic abilities.

Adept is a biotic specialist. Not trained to use heavy weapons, but has a wide arsenal of powerful biotic abilities.

Scout - a class that combines the qualities of a soldier and an engineer. More focused on using technical abilities than on healing. Can wear light and medium armor, and handle a sniper rifle and pistol.

Stormtrooper is a mix of soldier and adept. Lethal in close combat, as he can handle shotguns and use basic biotic abilities.

Guardian - A mixture of Engineer and Adept. Not well trained in combat, but most useful as a support. Better suited for biotic or technical work.

Synopsis by

The year is 2183.

Captain Shepard, assigned to the experimental ship Normandy SR-1, subordinate to the Alliance of Systems, is sent on a mission to deliver an artifact of an ancient Protean civilization, found by archaeologists on one of the human colonies of Eden Prime, to one of the central planets of the Alliance. During the mission, the archaeological excavation area is attacked by the Geths, a race of intelligent robots who are also trying to capture the artifact. Upon contact with the artifact, Shepard sees some sort of vision of an apocalyptic nature. In the course of his further travels Shepard realizes that the vision is an omen of the future. On his way he meets representatives of alien races, who later join his team.

Shepard is tasked with neutralizing the Turian Saren, a former Spectre, a member of an elite unit dedicated to protecting the Galactic Council by any means necessary. Saren has somehow managed to form an alliance with the Geths. With their help, he wants to hasten the return of the ancient cybernetic race of Reapers, which, according to legend, should destroy all intelligent life in the galaxy.

Game World

Races

The game features almost all of the most advanced races that appear in the books. At the same time, it is reliably known that more races are known in the Galaxy at the time of the game.

The Azari are single-sex humanoids with advanced biotic abilities. They are the ones who discovered the Citadel and founded the Citadel Council.

The Batarian are a race of four-eyed humanoids whose social structure is very similar to that of humans, but whose society is dominated by criminal syndicates. They are the main political rivals of the Human Alliance.

The Volus are a non-humanoid, low-growth race, under the protectorate of the Turian Hierarchy in exchange for protection and stability. They are excellent entrepreneurs and the authors of the foundations of the galactic economy.

The Geth are a race of synthetic sentient beings created over 300 years ago by the Kvarians to serve as workers and soldiers. At a certain point, the Geths refused to obey their masters, resulting in a war. After defeating their creators, the Geth went into self-isolation, and all attempts to contact them were unsuccessful.

The Kvarians are a race of nomadic humanoids that wander the galaxy. Centuries ago Kvarians were one of the most advanced races and had their own planets, but they were expelled from there by the rebellious Geths, wiping out most of the race. Kvarans walk around in closed suits and do not reveal their faces, as their immune system is practically non-functional.

The Krogan are large bipedal reptiloids and are the most militant of the known races. During the conflict between the Krogan and the races of Citadel space, a biological weapon, the Genophage, was used against them, sterilizing the majority of the population (only one child in 1000 is born alive). The Krogan are an endangered species.

Humans are a more advanced version of modern humanity. Entered the Galaxy relatively recently as a result of a huge technological leap following the discovery of a Protean technology warehouse on Mars. Humans are considered the most aggressive race after the Krogan.

The Reapers are a cybernetic race, appearing from time to time to harvest the "harvest" of intelligent organic life. Between "harvests" Reapers hibernate in intergalactic space, waiting for the signal to awaken when the level of intelligent life in the Galaxy reaches the desired value.

The Proteans are an ancient, extinct race. Were very technologically advanced. It is believed that if the Proteans had not left many artifacts behind, most galactic races would never have left their star systems. The Proteans disappeared 50,000 years ago.

The Rahni are an extinct insectoid race that threatened to destroy the races of Citadel space about 2,000 years ago. They were defeated and destroyed by the Krogan.

Creatures of Light - Apparently a species created in ancient times to fight the "infernal machines" (most likely by "infernal machines" you mean Reapers).

The Thorian is a plant life form capable of taking over the bodies of organisms using special spores. This creature is older than the Proteans. All this time it has remained stealthy, watching and studying what is going on around it. It is unknown if there is more than one individual of the species or if the Thorian from Theros is the only one.

The Salarians are a humanoid race, the most technologically advanced in the Galaxy. Because of their accelerated metabolism, their lifespan is usually limited to 40 years. The Salarians are members of the Citadel Council.

The Turians are a race descended from birds. Experienced, cold-blooded fighters who are governed by a strict code of honor and discipline. They are the third race of the Citadel Council and have the largest fleet in the galaxy. The Turians were the first race of aliens encountered by humans.

The Hanar are a jellyfish-like aquatic race. The Hanar live in a theocratic society and worship the Proteans. Because of their religiosity, as well as their social characteristics, the Hanar often have problems communicating with other races who do not understand their rules and manners.

The Guardians are creatures that live only on the Citadel station. When the Azari first discovered the Citadel, the Guardians were already there. They resemble insects in form. In fact, they are organic machines, unable to communicate, whose function is to keep the Citadel running. There is an unwritten law of non-interference with the work of the guardians.

Elcors are a non-humanoid race of physically very strong beings. Elkoras do everything in a very long and measured way. Their main mode of communication is pheromone transmission, so when communicating with other races, elkoras convey their emotions and intonation in words.

Locations and Astrography

The Citadel is a space station built by the Reapers along with an advanced network of mass relay transmitters, with the goal of tying the development of intelligent life to this network in order to further destroy that very intelligent life in one coordinated blow.