It’s been years since Mass Effect 3‘s controversial ending. Developer BioWare has gone through some significant changes, and many have been waiting patiently for the next game, Mass Effect: Andromeda. Seemingly a soft reboot for the series, this fourth Mass Effect entry had previously been scheduled for “Spring 2017.” Now, as the year begins, we’ve got a firm Mass Effect: Andromeda release date — March 21 in North America and March 23 in Europe.
March is Getting Hotter (For Games)
Some, including myself, thought EA and BioWare were playing it safe before now and wouldn’t hit a March retail launch. Previously, the Mass Effect: Andromeda release date was set for spring, which many assumed meant as late as May. Instead, this end of March release puts it in a surprisingly busy season.
March is when Nintendo’s next console, The Switch, launches. That means tons of new games are coming out alongside it. Not only that, but also a new Ghost Recon, Kingdom Hearts remakes, and the buzzworthy Nier: Automata. Now all those have to share shelf space with this AAA sequel.
Though will the fans show up for Mass Effect: Andromeda like they did with previous games? Right or not; Mass Effect 3 left many disappointed with the sci-fi franchise. They’ve had years to reflect on the multiple ways they were let down. Will those angry fans have forgiven BioWare and are ready for a brand new voyage with different characters? The developers have much to prove.
With the Mass Effect: Andromeda release date just a couple months away, we’ll likely get more early looks at the game to help shape perceptions. Though, after the fallout of the last game, maybe wait to read the reviews on March 21?