BioWare have confirmed a May 14 release date for their highly anticipated remaster – Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The sci-fi epic has received numerous upgrades both visually and quality of life related, in particular Mass Effect 1. The infamously janky classic has undergone the most surgery, to bring it more in-line with its successors. All of the games relative DLC’s have been included in the collection, although Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer mode has been cut. BioWare made the announcement today alongside a brand new trailer.
Mass Effect’s Makeover
The game’s official website has a dedicated features page highlighting the various enhancements. First of all, the entire trilogy will be playable in 4K Ultra HD and support HDR. It’s the beneficiary of “enhanced models, shaders, FX, lighting, and depth of field”. Also, cinematic cut-scenes have benefited from re-rendering, as to not look out of place when compared to the rest of the experience. These features will help to clean-up the games, making them look more modernised.
They have also made it so the iconic ‘Femshep’ from Mass Effect 3, will be the default character option in all of the games. On top of this, BioWare have added more skin tones and hairstyles to offer the player more customisation options. For those unfamiliar with the series, the character you create will be imported across the trilogy. As well as looking the same, previous decisions you make will carry over and have future consequences.
The Illusive Man, Leader of Cerberus
Improving the Original
As stated previously, it is Mass Effect 1 which has required most of the developer’s attention. The game’s out-dated visuals have seen a dramatic improvement, including “environmental art, VFX, and level relighting”. Its UI and interface has also seen an overhaul, to look more similar to its successors. There have also been significant refinements to the gameplay, such as its combat and awkward control of the Mako.
Enjoy improved aiming and weapons balance, sound effects, better Mako controls, input/controls, cover behaviour and gameplay cameras.
Mako in the original Mass Effect
Mako in the remastered edition of Mass Effect
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is releasing on May 14 for PS4, Xbox One and PC via Origin and Steam. It’s also worth noting that the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will be able to run the game via backwards compatibility.
BioWare are also hard at work on a brand-new Mass Effect game. Although there is little information about it, the trailer briefly shows Liara, the beloved Asari companion from the original trilogy. After the disaster launch that was Mass Effect: Andromeda, fans are hoping for a return-to-form from the EA-owned developer.
