"Mass Effect 4: Andromeda" creative director Mac Walters and manager Aaryn Flynn revealed in an interview with Ars Technica that the new game will feature different characters, but fans of the first three installments will still feel the game's trademark focus on building friendships.
Walters stressed that BioWare made sure "Andromeda" emphasizes on the player's journey and adventures throughout the game.
Walters added, "I think one of the most interesting things for us when we started looking at what we were going to do with 'Andromeda,' was knowing this was going to be a whole new set of characters and a new adventure, and all the great stories we were going to be able to tell because of that and what their journey is going to be like."
The ending of "Mass Effect 3" left gamers hanging. Even with new characters in the upcoming release, BioWare will still address the questions fans of the series have.
In the trilogy, gamers played as Commander Shepard, but the latest installment in the series will feature newcomer Commander Rider/Ryder. Gamers will be able to choose if the character is male or female as in previous "Mass Effect" games.
Gamers can also expect better omni-tools and a shield that activates instantly. This will add to an already improved cover system.
"Mass Effect: Andromeda" will employ EA's Battlefield/ Battlefront's Frostbite engine, which means a more interactive world. BioWare revamped the entire "Andromeda" landscape and improved its character animation using all-new facial technology.
The map to roam around in will be almost four times larger than the one in "Mass Effect 3." It takes place in the Andromeda galaxy and players have to search for a habitable place to live in.
Gamers got their first taste of "Mass Effect" on Nov. 20, 2007, and was instantly a hit. It is rated 91.24 percent for the Xbox 360, 89.70 percent for the PC and 82 percent for the PlayStation 3. The second and third installments received universal acclaim and the franchise's success has spawned novels, films and spin-offs.
It was first rumored that "Mass Effect: Andromeda" would be released in 2020 but BioWare has confirmed the game will be ready for launch by late 2016.
