The re-release of the legendary franchise brought with it many changes that improved several aspects of the games. Among them, the top 10 can be distinguished.
The Bioware Mass Effect Trilogy is undeniably one of the most influential franchises in the history of video games. Players love the series for its gorgeous script, truly living characters, choice, and different gameplay mechanics. Especially fans note the function of transferring saves from previous parts. Not surprisingly, the Canadian developers have released a re-release – Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
Bioware Legendary Edition brings a lot of innovations and changes, and also fixed bugs, errors and some aspects in the gameplay and visual component. But most importantly, the entire trilogy has retained all the old characters, plot, basic game mechanics and other fundamental things that made Mass Effect such a hit.
We want to share the best changes and innovations in Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
Significant graphics update
The updated graphics and visuals in general are very noticeable in the first part, slightly less in the second and almost indistinguishable in the third. Bioware not only made textures with a higher resolution than in the original games, but redid some visual aspects from scratch. Most often, the rework is noticeable in the faces of the main characters. And with the graphics mods installed, the entire Legendary Edition franchise looks great.
Thanks to modern technology, the developers have added the ability to skip elevator rides that were previously used to load levels. Also appeared 4K resolution support and 60 frames per second. The FPS reference applies to consoles as computers support even more frames.
Recycling of some locations
Bioware listened to the feedback from players about the first Mass Effect, in which it was said that this part is seriously inferior to the next two in terms of location design… The levels in Mass Effect 1 looked boring and empty, because only the gameplay zone was worked out, and the horizon and surroundings did not receive proper attention from game designers at all.
The Legendary Edition completely reworked backgrounds in some locations the first part (and not only), adding more details to them and making the levels brighter and more realistic. For example, on a planet that had deserted green hills on the horizon, there are now trees, grass, mountains, and bushes in the background. Such details may not be noticeable at first glance, but they are extremely important for creating an overall impression and immersion in the atmosphere of what is happening.
Interface redesign
The first Mass Effect had a weird and stretched interface during main gameplay, which was a nightmare on consoles (or on a gamepad). Fortunately, Bioware immediately noticed this problem., and Mass Effect 2 received a completely redesigned HUD, much more convenient and understandable.
With the release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition, the first part appeared interface from second and third… It is ideal for Mass Effect 1.
Tactical squad control
In all three parts of the Mass Effect, the player had the opportunity to specify the position for the members of his squad, but in the second and third games, it became possible to more detailed positioning of party members… Since this seemingly small improvement had a significant impact on the gameplay and made it more tactical, many players wanted this feature to appear in the first part.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition tactical team management is in all three games, including the first. Thanks to this, it does not feel very outdated.
Sprint in Mass Effect 1
In the first part Shepard couldn’t run fast during the battle, because of which they had to move rather slowly in battles. Especially the slow speed of the protagonist affected the moments of retreat, which looked ridiculous.
In Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Shepard can run fast during combat not only in the second and third, but also in the first game. Galaxy savior pretty gets tired quickly, but now moving around the battlefield and escaping from the hotspot is at least possible. Players who struggled with the lack of sprint in the original Mass Effect were thrilled with this re-release innovation.
Classic FemShepard
Players had the opportunity to choose a female Shepard in any part of Mass Effect, but unlike the male character, the classic fem version did not exist until Mass Effect 3. The standard Galactic rescuer skin was used in the advertising campaigns of the first and second games, and for the marketing of the final chapter Bioware created classic female Shepard face…
With the release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition, gamers have the opportunity to choose FemShepard by default in any of the three parts, not just the third. But it should be borne in mind that the classic skins of protagonists of any gender cannot be edited, as opposed to custom.
Headshots
Many of the details that were in the original Mass Effect parts, did not work as they should. These items include headshots, which did not increase damage even if the bullet was fired directly into the opponent’s eye.
In Mass Effect Legendary Edition, this flaw has been fixed. Now everyone headshot counts and deals increased damage. This created the motivation to aim carefully and use sniper rifles that available for any class (another small innovation in the reissue).
Weapon balance change
At first, Mass Effect was positioned as an RPG rather than a shooter, but from the second part everything changed 180 degrees. Bioware decided to pay more attention action-packed and skirmishes in particular. It seemed to the developers that in the original games (especially in the first one) the gameplay was not as fast and dynamic as it should be, so the re-release received weapon rebalance…
In addition to changing the indicators of damage, rate of fire, reloading and recoil on many guns, in all parts there was weapon cooling time has been reduced. Thanks to this, you can shoot much more often, but this innovation does not make Shepard stronger, since more opponents appeared in contrast.
All add-ons installed
All DLC content and additional items (for pre-order, specific edition) are collected in one game – Mass Effect Legendary Edition. You no longer need to deal with the purchase and installation of add-ons separately, but just enough start DLC right in the game… At the same time, unique items that were previously issued for pre-order from the very beginning of the passage are now available for purchase in stores and from gunsmiths, and not just like that. This significantly affects the balance and stabilizes it.
Another important detail is no need to pay for additional content… All you need to do is buy the Legendary Edition, and along with the three games, all the DLCs released for them will be purchased.
Ammunition drop
Mass Effect 2 is a favorite part of many fans of the series, but it has a significant disadvantage – constantly running out of ammunition, which is why you have to switch between all types of weapons. This annoyed many gamers, especially those who love sniper rifles, because due to the small capacity of the store, they ran out of cartridges very quickly.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition Bioware has rebalanced ammunition drops in the second part… Now ammo enough and you do not need to constantly change weapons in your hands.
Bioware have done an excellent job improving the already excellent Mass Effect games. After a nostalgic walkthrough, fans only have to wait for news about Mass Effect 4.