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Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War introduces 'Galactic Readiness'

So how exactly is Commander Shepard going to fight off the universe-threatening geth in Mass Effect 3? BioWare has announced the "Galaxy at War" system that expands the game experience beyond just the single player campaign, and lets you "experience the g
Andrew Yoon
15
So how exactly is Commander Shepard going to fight off the universe-threatening geth in Mass Effect 3? BioWare has announced the "Galaxy at War" system that expands the game experience beyond just the single player campaign, and lets you "experience the galactic war from multiple fronts." Your actions through the main story, as well as other components of the "Galaxy at War" system, will help determine your "Galactic Readiness." By participating in every aspect BioWare plans on introducing in this mode, you'll not only see the broader scope of the war, but you'll be better equipped to win the game. Part of the "Galaxy at War" system is the new 4 player co-op mode, announced yesterday. "Being able to explore and fight alongside your friends in the Mass Effect universe has always been something we thought would be fun and compelling," BioWare explains on its forums. "And many players have asked for it for a long time as well." The co-op mode is being developed outside of BioWare Edmonton; multiplayer duties are being handled by BioWare Montreal. And although "success in multiplayer will have a direct impact on the outcome of the single player campaign," it's still largely a standalone experience. Firstly, save files from Mass Effect 1 and 2 won't impact this mode. In addition, characters from the single player story, such as Shepard, Garrus, and Liara will not appear in the multiplayer missions. Instead, you'll create yet another new character for multiplayer. Excitingly, you won't be forced to play as a human, and can choose to be a Turian, Krogan, Asari, and more, "each with their own unique set of abilities." The RPG themes continue into the multiplayer, with character progression, weapon upgrading, and leveling up all present in co-op.

None of these characters are playable in co-op

BioWare is adamant that the addition of co-op and the "Galaxy at War" system will in no way affect the single player campaign negatively. "Mass Effect 3 is a complete, standalone game that will deliver a satisfying story experience, even if you choose not to try multiplayer. The Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system and all of the individual components are meant to complement that amazing game and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of the Galaxy at War experience." "Our priority and focus with Mass Effect 3 has and always will be to deliver a complete and satisfying single player experience." It's clear that many other aspects of "Galaxy at War" have yet to be revealed, and BioWare reiterates that participation in any of these extra modes is optional. "You can reach the highest levels of success in the single player experience alone, but Galaxy at War gives you alternative ways to get there." So, if half your crew died during the final stand in Mass Effect 2, you might want to bolster your odds a bit with some co-op gameplay...

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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  • Shacknews legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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    October 11, 2011 6:30 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War introduces 'Galactic Readiness'.

    So how exactly is Commander Shepard going to fight off the universe-threatening geth in Mass Effect 3? BioWare has announced the "Galaxy at War" system that expands the game experience beyond just the single player campaign, and lets you "experience the g

    • Bamtan legacy 10 years
      reply
      October 11, 2011 6:36 AM

      So you have to play multiplayer to get the outcome you want in singleplayer.

      • Mecha Tofu Pirate legacy 10 years
        reply
        October 11, 2011 6:40 AM

        It sounds like you just get some better items if you play multiplayer? I don't know, it still sounds terrible.

      • Hemotoxin legacy 10 years
        reply
        October 11, 2011 6:47 AM

        No. Reading fail.

        Multiplayer is optional but will give bonuses and make the singleplayer game easier. As it should be.

        • Bamtan legacy 10 years
          reply
          October 11, 2011 9:59 AM

          This article neglects to explain exactly what consequences playing multiplayer will have on your singleplayer game. It tiptoes around the idea that singleplayer is great alone, but if you do play multiplayer you'll be better off. It doesn't explicitly mention items, weapons, upgrades or potential plot consequences. I was thinking of a worst case scenario.

          • duffman03 legacy 10 years
            reply
            October 11, 2011 10:44 AM

            Galactic Readiness. Multiplayer will increase it, which I assume is like the Loyalty from ME2 kind of thing. How many resources are available to fight the invasion and whatnot

    • [deleted] 439710436 legacy 10 years
      reply
      October 11, 2011 6:55 AM

      [deleted]

      • Jonathan legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
        reply
        October 11, 2011 6:57 AM

        I did. Next I'll ask Bioware for a SWTOR beta invite! *Looks at inbox* Anytime now!

        • LoioshDwaggie legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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          October 11, 2011 7:18 AM

          I'd like to see them do another beta weekend. I won't participate, but it was a great experience. They're really doing well with that game. (And unlike GW2, it's coming out sometime!)

      • Clay legacy 10 years legacy 20 years mercury super mega
        reply
        October 11, 2011 11:17 AM

        well it didn't say "EricZBA asked for it" so I think they are safe.

    • Twstr709 legacy 10 years
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      October 11, 2011 6:56 AM

      Sounds cool. I love coop games.

    • ughhhhhhh legacy 10 years
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      October 11, 2011 9:20 AM

      Krogan Battlemaster or Asari Commando HERE I COME

    • razorblade79 legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
      reply
      October 11, 2011 11:06 AM

      Galactic Readiness is probably a progress bar you have to fill to unlock "Final Quest". Sounds fucking lame. Way too video gamey for a story focused action rpg. They might as well go all the way and add Kill X of Y quests. (yeah I know that I am basing that on an assumption but you have to look no further than ME2 to find the basic idea.)

      • briktal legacy 10 years
        reply
        October 11, 2011 11:14 AM

        It sounds more like a replacement for the Upgrade the Normandy part of ME2 where the more you fill it up, the better the final mission goes.

    • ArcKnight legacy 10 years legacy 20 years mercury ultra mega
      reply
      October 11, 2011 11:07 AM

      Wait - universe threatening geth?

    • Fred Garvin legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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      October 11, 2011 11:10 AM

      Experience the g? G Unit?

    • capnsnarkbite legacy 10 years
      reply
      October 11, 2011 11:14 AM

      Sounds pretty cool.

    • aoleon legacy 10 years
      reply
      October 12, 2011 12:12 AM

      "Universe-threatening Geth"? Has Andrew Yoon played Mass Effect 2? Doesn't he know what happened to them, either good-way or bad-way??? They are our friends!

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