review is of the standard edition of Mass Effect Andromeda for PS4 Pro on a Samsung UHD, Series 6500 4k television. PS4 Pro Boost Mode enabled.
Mass Effect Andromeda is an excellent game. It's starts off slow to build pacing then slowly reveals itself along with the multitude of player mechanics. Yes, some of the early-game facial animations are lame. Edit! [fixed in later patches!]. If you are paying attention and not easily distracted, there's a lot to do in the game. It's a huge one at that with multiple layers of depth. Within awaits tons of lore and narrative detail with some instances of "B-movie" humor placed, to welcome you into the atmosphere upon it's planetary locales. Not like it's predecessors, but leaps beyond in it's new universe in terms of diverse life forms and story.
Environmental design is great. Huge in areas to explore and superb in detail, thanks to the Frostbite Engine. Weather effects are outstanding and really give a sense of detail. Although some of the later planets seem not so detailed. As if development time was cut short and what's placed is filler. The ability to "scan" environmental inhabitants and objects is a very welcomed addition. Perhaps a homage to the great Samus Aran from Metroid Prime (Nintendo Gamecube). Play control is sometimes dodgy and a lack of specific, detailed ship control (mining and traveling in a solar system) is a bit of a let down and does put a dent the immersion. Hopefully more content and future stories from Andromeda are in the works.
Please note: It is highly recommended the player play Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3, before venturing into Mass Effect Andromeda. Many of the components of those games, including narrative design, evolved from them.