The world of Mass Effect continues to be one of the front-running sci-fi franchises in the gaming landscape. BioWare's third-person shooter RPG world allows players to customize and upgrade the N7 super-soldier, Command Shephard.
The series brought three critically acclaimed games from 2007 to 2012. However, the most recent title, Mass Effect: Andromeda, was the subject of great controversy upon its release.
EA and BioWare appear keen to redeem the Mass Effect name as they look forward to further installments in the world down the line along with a remastered collection of the original three games.
Fans have been waiting some time for any news on the remasters. Thankfully, that news has finally come today as Game Informer begins an entire month of coverage on the title that finally has a trailer and set release date.
MASS EFFECT RECEIVES THE REMASTERED TREATMENT
The long-awaited trailer for the upcoming "Mass Effect: Legendary Collection," which will include 4K remasters of the entire original trilogy, has been finally revealed.
Additionally, the reveal confirms a May 14 release date for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, with playability on next-gen consoles via forward-compatibility, including graphical enhancements on the new hardware.
The collection will offer something for new and old fans alike with gorgeous upgraded graphics and access to all the DLC content for all three titles. The description on the video reads:
Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition.
Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.
The updated trilogy launches May 14 on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One with forward compatibility and targeted enhancements on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5, as well as on PC via Origin and Steam.
Sadly, BioWare decided to keep their focus on the single-player side of Mass Effect , meaning none of the content from the third title's multiplayer mode will be included. Environment and Character Director Kevin Meek and Project Director Mac Walters exclusively talked about multiplayer features with Game Informer:
"On the topic of multiplayer, it was just really hard. Getting all of the online systems working and functionality would have been another large chunk to do but at the same time, there are a lot of other logistics involved."
"Mass Effect: Legendary Cache," a special collectible set that will be released alongside the game, was also revealed. It will include a variety of collectibles (without a copy of the game itself). The product can be seen below:
According to the BioWare Gear site , the collection will ship alongside the game in May, with pre-orders available now for $149.99. It will include:
- 1 Wearable N7 Helmet
- 1 Mass Effect Legendary Edition Metal Game Case (Game not included)
- 1 Morality Spinner Pin
- 1 N7 Acceptance Letter
- 2 Canvas Art Prints (Including one you can only find at the BioWare Gear Store)
- Comes in a full-color custom box featuring the game’s key art
ADDITIONAL MASS EFFECT CONTENT IS ON THE WAY
Mass Effect has built a huge fan base over the years whose fans are sure to be delighted by the looks of this gorgeous remaster. It's sad to see there won't be a dedicated next-gen edition for such a beautiful remaster, however, the team did promise enhancements for the new hardware, suggesting some improvements will be available.
Some likely improvements could include higher frame rates, improved texture resolutions, HDR support, and potentially full 4K graphics, as the new consoles have clearly proved themselves capable of.
Dedicated fans of the third title will be familiar with the extended cut edition which unlocked additional content, including a fourth alternate ending which was created to address fan confusion to the original ending. Project Director Mac Walters confirmed to IGN that this content will remain present in the upcoming collection .
BioWare will be sharing further information on the collection exclusively with Game Informer throughout the month as their highlighted cover title .
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is set to release May 14 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, with forwards compatibility support for next-gen consoles.