Mass Effect: Andromeda Will Not Be an Open-World Game But “Exploration-Based”

In an interview with Official Xbox Magazine, producer Michael Gamble provided clarity surrounding some of the terminologies that have popped up surrounding BioWare’s sci-fi RPG Mass Effect: Andromeda. 

“I definitely wouldn’t call Andromeda an open-world game. We like to use the term ‘exploration-based game’. You still have the concept of tight story deliverance and all the great things you come to expect with Mass Effect. The layer on top of that is a layer of exploration. Sometimes that happens in open spaces, but not always. You can cruise around some of these planets in the Nomad, but it’s not the traditional sandbox-type game.” said Michael Gamble.

The “Nomad” being the rover you’ll drive in Andromeda, replacing the Mako from the original trilogy. From the sound of it, Andromeda will be reconnecting with its roots by having a similar structure to the original Mass Effect.

Additionally, some light was shed upon the “meaningful” quest-style to be expected in the game.

Mass Effect Andromeda releases on March 21 in North America and March 23 in Europe for PS4, Xbox One and PC.