Mass Effect Andromeda Multiplayer Combat Innovation(s)

So two things. One, GoW2 was not the first example of a horde-like mode and definitely not the first game to have co-op combat. Shit wasn't even the first gears of war to have co-op. It did introduce the name Horde Mode though and is what made the idea of wave based co-op more popular. But you even had shit like Rainbow Six doing that in the 90s (minus the 'wave based'). though Rainbow Six Vegas (and siege for that matter) stopped spawning all enemies at once so it was semi-wave based. But that's all unimportant I guess to the thread.

GoW3 actually had defense setups and all that too. Definitely sounds like there just doing some advancements on that idea.

As far as Mass Effect (and your actual question) I think that's going to come a lot more in lines to the map design and how open the game is compared to Mass Effect 3 (or 2 for that matter). In many ways they're going from a purely heavily corridor-ed cover shooter to an open environment like a lot of original Halo levels. Which tends to result, cover or no cover, far more ehh... chaos I guess? Which they've mentioned 'more chaotic'.

As far as equipment I dunno. I think most things would end up being actual class skills. I'd frankly rather see stuff like minor vehicles or something. Or turrents placed around the map or something we can setup mid game. Though frankly something like a manned turret tend to be less enjoyable then the normal gameplay so.

Back to GoW - I honestly disliked all the 'build defenses' changes they did in GoW3. It turned the thing into less of a cover shooter 'take down the enemies' and started being balanced like it was a damn tower defense game where you just happened to have a chainsaw gun. Which really... really kills it for me.

I mean if they want the game to be more mobile, more open and more chaotic, then building defenses is a pretty quick way to shit all over that. Turns it into a hunker down game instead of a go crazy and run around.

Oh a less history rambly note. What I want to see in relation to combat is more defined classes. I'm honestly hoping they allow for more skill hotkeys this time around then just the 3 on a controller and then can make classes with more then just 3 skills.

Shit, if i had it my way we wouldn't have defined 'class kits', we'd have class and a race slot (like Vanguard line, Krogan in that line) and it would just have all the powers associated with that (im sure some shared between the base human one). DLC could just add to that list and we'd have more customization options for are characters look instead of just color swaps.

I'm basically saying I want more customization ultimately and more levels then just 20 on the idea that everyone wants to constantly reset shit. I absolutely hate resetting unless I just want to try something different. But 2-4 times into that I'm pretty much done resetting shit.

Yeah it's like they saw the whole prestige thing in CoD and thought that was a great idea to multiply by 30 or something.

Since I'm pretty sure there gonna stick to the 'class kits', though maybe more open like DAI did? It would be nice if they just had some kinda universal level account wide for that. Honestly forget if DAI even had something like that. I feel like it did but memory is failing me.

I think everything I really want can be boiled down, condensed into 'gimme more of all the things' in every aspect except the expectation and design around re-leveling class/kits.

I saw the trailer for the Horde 3.0 and while it looked interesting, I don't think that it is as groundbreaking as all the media is making it out to be. Personally, I am a little disappointed in the class choices. I mean sure, it adds diversity and a degree of strategy to your team comp, but were are the crazy, over the top classes, the things Gears of War is known for?


Now, I don't mind the base building mechanic and wouldn't mind seeing it in ME:A, but please if BioWare is reading this, don't water down the experience with boring, humdrum classes. This is a science fiction setting with numerous aliens working together. I would much rather see a playable Rachni or Elcor kit, showcasing new, unique gameplay mechanics, than more of the same base class with a slight tweak to power selection and a different model texture.

Which leak we talking about? It looks like, from the leak we'll have 2 co-op options available. The 'Horde Mode' and directed missions you would be sending NPC strike teams on to auto-complete or do them co-op with buddies (or solo I guess). Only leak I know of that mentions this so far has been that survey one. And it said nothing about caves for horde mode.

"The next Mass Effect’s “Horde” multiplayer pits you and up to three of your friends against waves of enemy troops on various battlefields throughout the galaxy. Players fight together to survive increasingly difficult enemy attacks and accomplish objectives, like disabling a bomb near a colony base or assassinating a target. Progress through multiplayer missions to gain XP and earn new multiplayer specific weapons, characters, weapon mods, and pieces of equipment, which can be customized between matches. Multiplayer play will also earn you APEX funds (in-game currency), which can be used to purchase items and gear in the Single Player game."

None of that said anything about caves. The Strike Team tidbit...

"When you encounter a Strike Team mission in the Single-Player mode, you can leave your Strike Team at their base and decide to tackle the mission yourself with your Multiplayer roster of characters. You also have the option of tackling the mission by yourself, or recruiting up to three friends to play with you. The more friends you bring, the greater the challenge and the greater the reward. These missions will play out using the Next Mass Effect’s multiplayer Horde mode (more details on this later). These missions will include a variety of thematically appropriate objectives, like defending a Settlement against Khet attacks, or recovering a Remnant artifact off of a planet before an outlaw gang gets there first. By taking an active role in strike team missions, you can earn special Single-player rewards in addition to the usual multiplayer specific characters, weapons, weapon mods, and pieces of equipment which can be customized between missions. Additionally, players who join another person’s Strike Team mission will receive bonus in-game currency and multiplayer XP for helping others with their missions."

Now if I was to read a bit to much into THAT one it sounds like we might be able to Mako in MP but I'm like 99% positive that's not happening. More likely it's normal horde mode where the 'Objective Rounds' happen to be like 'we found this artifact nearby go get it'. I greatly expect most of the MP maps to look a lot like Battlefield maps if your familiar with that. Large open spaces with sectioned off 'out of bounds' sections of vistas. Like there will be large area with a settlement we spend the time in.

I'd just expect a lot more room overall. Less camped spaces. Especially considering we're talking about frontier style outposts, not ghetto planets in cramped spaces. I'm sure there will be other stuff though, some map will inevitably have a smaller closer to ME3 sized but probably not as cramps or as small as the smaller ones in ME3.

Sartoz : Ahh yeah the vaults, I'm really looking forward to those honestly. What you said about destructible environments though. If they take any of the Battlefield stuff, changing maps, environmental hazards, some stuff breaking away from heavy fire/explosions. That would definitely result in a more chaotic experience.

Can't wait for this stuff. Hope there actual reveal of the game is like FO4 with just 'heres all this stuff'. Also super hoping for a MP beta.

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Given the teaser videos we saw, environmental hazards with combat should be a no brainer. Who knows, we might yet fight at night time. Flares anyone?

Nighttime would be good.

Likewise enhancements to the hazard ME3MP maps.

Jump jets for more verticality also.

The jumps and enhanced jumps in DOOM 2016 SP would be a good starting point. They added quite a bit of movement capability.