Mass Effect: Andromeda Is Not An Open-World Game, Producer Stresses

Last year, there was a suggestion that Mass Effect: Andromeda might be an open-world game. In fact, it is not, producer Michael Gamble said in a new interview with Official Xbox Magazine. That being said, it's not completely linear, either.

"I definitely wouldn't call Andromeda an open-world game," Gamble said, as relayed by GamesRadar. "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."

From the sound of it, Andromeda will follow in the footsteps of the past Mass Effect games as it relates to structure.

"The layer on top of that is a layer of exploration," Gamble said. "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."

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The Nomad is the vehicle you'll drive in Andromeda, replacing the Mako from the original trilogy.

In other news about Andromeda, some screenshots emerged today, showing off main character Sara Ryder and her father, among other people and aliens--see all the images here. Additionally, BioWare recently discussed the game's sidequests and how they may be inspired by those from The Witcher series.

Andromeda launches on March 21 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.