Check Out the Trial
One of the best ways you can prepare for Mass Effect Andromeda’s release next week is by playing it early, of course. If you’re an EA or Origin Access member, you’ll be able to download a 10-hour trial of Mass Effect Andromeda. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the full game, and once you reach a certain point in the main story, you’ll hit a brick wall in your space adventure.
That being said, the EA Access trial is possibly the best way to get yourself used to the new features and feel that Andromeda brings to the series. If you’ve got an Xbox One or powerful enough gaming PC, the $4.99 is definitely worth it.
What Edition You’re Going to Get
If you hadn’t already checked it out, Mass Effect Andromeda actually has a ton of different editions for fans to choose from. If this is your first time with the series, or you’re just not fussed about getting extra content, then you’ll likely just want to grab a standard copy of the game. However, for those wanting to show their love for the series or who know they’ll sink some serious time into the game, you might want to check out the extras you can grab for a little extra cash.
If you just want extra in-game content, the deluxe or super deluxe digital downloads of Mass Effect Andromeda supply you with a ton of DLC to fuel your adventure through the Andromeda galaxy. On the other hand, if you want to have a physical collector’s item, there are two Nomad editions that you can pick up. The model replica collector’s edition comes with a diecast Nomad ND1, steelbook case and either a standard or deluxe edition of the game for $160-170 respectively. Alternatively, you can grab a remote control Nomad ND1, steelbook case, and either of the aforementioned copies for $260-270. If you want a further breakdown of the different editions and pre-order bonuses available, you can check them out here.
Drool Over the Trailers
Though it seemed like we really wouldn’t see a lot of Mass Effect Andromeda at one point, the recent months following its release date announcement have provided us with a good few extra trailers to admire and pick apart for as many details about the game as we can get. Whether or not you’ve checked these out already, it’s always a good idea to take a few minutes to take a look through them all again, especially the gameplay breakdown we got a few months ago.
With Mass Effect Andromeda putting a bigger emphasis on exploration, as we assume the role of a Pathfinder for the Andromeda Initiative, as well as getting a few tweaks and changes to the combat, it’s worthwhile checking out the trailers so you know exactly what to expect when you finally get it. Besides, why would you not want to admire those breathtaking vistas across the Andromeda galaxy one more time?
Do Some Research
From our own time with Mass Effect Andromeda so far, it’s worth noting that the game’s opening few hours throw a ton of different features and mechanics at you. While some of these may be slight changes and variations on what fans have seen in the previous titles, the game doesn’t do a great job of telling you everything you really need to know.
As such, make your way over to the official Mass Effect website and check out the explanatory videos and posts that the development team has been sharing with fans. We’d also strongly suggest you check out our ever-expanding wiki guide to ensure you’re well and truly prepared for anything your adventure through the Andromeda galaxy throws at you.
Get Preloading / Preordering
If you’ve decided which version of Mass Effect Andromeda you’re going to pick up, you’ll definitely want to make sure that your copy is guaranteed and ready to go for you on day one. This applies to both if you’re buying a physical or digital copy of the game.
If you’re going to be downloading the game onto your system, you’ll first obviously want to make sure you have the free 42GB of space on your hard drive to actually download it. Do any necessary spring cleaning you need to and then get buying. It’s better to do this now and get the money out of the way so that your system can get working on preloading the game. This means that as soon as the clock strikes midnight you’ll be able to jump straight into Mass Effect Andromeda without having to wait for any more downloads. If you’re grabbing a disc copy, you’ll want to ensure that your preorder is all in place to avoid any disappointment on the day.
Final Things
With all of the major hype-building and preparations out of the way, make sure that your system is ready and raring to take you on your space adventure. Are your controllers charged? Is your headset ready to go for late night ventures through space? Have you booked that time off work and said goodbye to your friends and family for the next couple of weeks? Oh and don’t forget snacks and drinks to fuel you through those marathon sessions, too.
What preparations are you going to be making before Mass Effect Andromeda’s release? Let us know down in the comments below.
Published: Mar 17, 2017 11:21 am