Mass Effect: Andromeda – A Retrospective Review

When Mass Effect: Andromeda launched in 2017, it stumbled out of the gate, burdened by the towering legacy of the Mass Effect trilogy. The original series, with its compelling characters, gripping narrative, and iconic Commander Shepard, was a tough act to follow. Comparisons were inevitable and, perhaps, unfair. Unlike its predecessors, Andromeda set out to tell a different story—one of exploration, discovery, and growth.

At the heart of this tale is Ryder, a character far removed from the seasoned badassery of Shepard. Ryder is inexperienced, untested, and figuring things out on the job. This shift to a more vulnerable protagonist marked Andromeda as a different beast, and while it lacked the immediate gravitas of the trilogy, it offered something fresh: a story of humanity finding its place in an unfamiliar galaxy.

Unfortunately, Andromeda launched riddled with bugs, awkward animations, and questionable character models. These issues overshadowed the game’s strengths and earned it heavy criticism from both players and critics. Now, years later, revisiting the game with its patches in place reveals a vastly improved experience. In my over 100 hours of replay, I encountered only one bug—a sound glitch that required a restart.

The Pros
One of Andromeda’s standout features is its combat. Fluid, fast-paced, and highly customisable, it represents some of the best gameplay in the Mass Effect series. The jump jet and mobility-focused mechanics make battles dynamic and rewarding, encouraging experimentation with different builds and tactics.

The exploration is another high point. Andromeda’s star systems are packed with planets to discover, with 7 being landable and each teeming with environmental detail. While some planets feel repetitive in structure, the act of exploring and colonising worlds fits perfectly with the game’s central theme of discovery.

The story, though uneven, has its moments of brilliance. The overarching narrative of finding a home for humanity in a hostile galaxy is engaging and bittersweet. Knowing that Andromeda likely won’t receive a sequel leaves a lingering sadness, as it feels like a story that deserved more.

The Cons
The character writing is inconsistent, with some companions feeling flat or even grating. Liam, in particular, stands out as one of the most frustrating and irritating companions in any RPG. His dialogue and personality often feel disconnected from the tone of the game, making him a chore to engage with.

The game also suffers from repetitive fetch quests and over-bloating. While exploration is rewarding, the sheer amount of side tasks detracts from the pacing, and some missions feel like filler. This design choice undercuts the momentum of an otherwise strong narrative.

Final Thoughts
Despite its flaws, Mass Effect: Andromeda is a good game. It’s an enjoyable sci-fi story filled with thrilling combat, good exploration, and moments of intrigue. The poor reception it received at launch now feels overly harsh—perhaps a victim of its own ambitious reach and a buggy start.

Replaying it years later, it’s clear Andromeda deserves recognition as an earnest attempt to carve out a new chapter in the Mass Effect universe. While it may never rival the original trilogy, it’s a game that stands on its own, offering an engaging journey of discovery.

For those willing to look past its imperfections, Mass Effect: Andromeda is worth a second chance. It’s not the masterpiece fans might have hoped for, but it’s an enjoyable entry in one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.