What’s Missing? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect: Legendary Edition’s Omissions
The Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a fantastic compilation, bringing the original trilogy to modern consoles and PCs with significant visual and gameplay enhancements. However, it’s not a complete, 100% replica of everything that existed for the original games. Key omissions include the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer mode and its associated DLC, the Pinnacle Station DLC from the first Mass Effect, and some adjustments to achievement sets. While offering a comprehensive single-player experience with over 40 DLCs, it’s crucial to understand what’s been left out to manage expectations.
Key Exclusions from the Legendary Edition
Let’s break down the major elements that didn’t make the cut:
- Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer: This is perhaps the most significant omission. The original Mass Effect 3 had a surprisingly engaging cooperative multiplayer mode, which allowed players to fight waves of enemies as various classes and races. This mode is completely absent from the Legendary Edition.
- Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer DLC: With the removal of the multiplayer mode, all related DLC packs that introduced new characters, weapons, and maps for the multiplayer experience are also not included.
- Pinnacle Station DLC (Mass Effect 1): This DLC, originally developed by Demiurge Studios, provided a combat simulator for Commander Shepard to train in. It’s missing from the Legendary Edition due to the source code being corrupted and effectively lost. Recreating it would have required a complete remake, a task BioWare deemed unfeasible within the project’s scope.
- Achievement Adjustments: Some achievements have been altered. For example, achievements related to the Overlord and Lair of the Shadow Broker DLCs have been consolidated. All achievements related to the Arrival DLC have been removed. This likely reflects adjustments made to streamline the achievement system across all three games.
Why Were These Elements Removed?
Several factors contributed to these omissions:
- Technical Challenges: The loss of source code for Pinnacle Station made its inclusion nearly impossible without a full-scale rebuild.
- Resource Allocation: Remastering three massive games was already a monumental undertaking. BioWare likely had to prioritize which elements to focus on.
- Design Decisions: The multiplayer component of Mass Effect 3, while popular, may have been deemed outside the core single-player experience that the Legendary Edition aimed to deliver. Shifting focus on a single-player experience might have been the main objective of the development team, enhancing the elements of the core gameplay loop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify what’s included and excluded from the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition:
1. Does Mass Effect: Legendary Edition include all DLC?
No, while it includes over 40 single-player DLCs from all three games, it does not include the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer DLC or the Pinnacle Station DLC from Mass Effect 1. All promo weapons, armors, and packs are included.
2. Why is Mass Effect 3 multiplayer not included?
BioWare has not given a fully conclusive reason, but it’s likely due to a combination of factors, including resource allocation and a focus on the single-player experience. Re-implementing and maintaining the multiplayer would have been a significant undertaking.
3. Is Pinnacle Station completely missing from Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
Yes, the Pinnacle Station DLC is entirely absent from the Legendary Edition. The source code was corrupted and lost, making its inclusion unfeasible.
4. Are there any changes to the achievements in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
Yes, there have been some adjustments. Achievements related to Overlord and Lair of the Shadow Broker have been consolidated, and all achievements for the Arrival DLC have been removed.
5. Does Mass Effect: Legendary Edition include Mass Effect Andromeda?
No, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition only includes the original trilogy: Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3. Andromeda was built on a different game engine (Frostbite 3) and was not part of this remaster.
6. What DLC is included in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
The Legendary Edition includes all the major single-player story DLCs, such as:
- Bring Down the Sky (Mass Effect)
- Lair of the Shadow Broker (Mass Effect 2)
- Overlord (Mass Effect 2)
- Arrival (Mass Effect 2)
- Kasumi – Stolen Memory (Mass Effect 2)
- Citadel (Mass Effect 3)
- Leviathan (Mass Effect 3)
- Omega (Mass Effect 3)
7. What are the graphic differences between the original trilogy and the Legendary Edition?
The Legendary Edition features significantly improved visuals, including 4K resolution support, enhanced textures, improved character models, and better lighting and effects. The first Mass Effect received the most substantial visual overhaul.
8. What gameplay improvements are in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
The Legendary Edition includes quality-of-life improvements such as smoother camera operation, adjusted HUDs, and improved vehicle physics. Weapon balance and other gameplay tweaks have also been implemented.
9. Can I transfer my progress from the original Mass Effect trilogy to the Legendary Edition?
No, the Legendary Edition is a standalone experience. You cannot directly transfer saves from the original games. However, choices you made in the original trilogy can be used in the Legendary Edition by creating a new save using the import feature.
10. Does my Shepard’s appearance carry over between games in the Legendary Edition?
Yes, Shepard’s appearance can be transferred between games, allowing for continuity throughout the trilogy. You can also customize Shepard’s appearance at the start of each game if you choose.
11. What is the difference between Legendary Mode and Classic Mode in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
Legendary Mode offers less frequent leveling up but grants more skill points per level. Classic Mode, on the other hand, provides more frequent leveling with fewer points per level. The choice is largely aesthetic and depends on your preferred playstyle.
12. Are there any changes to the ending of Mass Effect 3 in the Legendary Edition?
While the fundamental ending choices remain the same, the Legendary Edition incorporates some improvements to address criticisms of the original ending. The extended cut DLC is included, providing more closure and context.
13. What order should I play the Mass Effect games in the Legendary Edition?
The intended order is: Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and then Mass Effect 3. Playing them out of order can significantly impact the story and character development.
14. Are there any new weapons or armor in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition?
The Legendary Edition includes all the previously released promo weapons and armor from the original trilogy, but there are no entirely new additions beyond what was available in the DLC.
15. How does the Legendary Edition impact learning through gaming?
The Games Learning Society promotes research into how games foster learning. While Mass Effect: Legendary Edition focuses on narrative and gameplay enhancements, it also preserves the core story and choices that allow players to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas. The GamesLearningSociety.org champions the use of games in educational contexts.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Package, Despite the Absences
Despite the absence of the multiplayer component and Pinnacle Station, the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition remains a stellar package. The visual enhancements, gameplay improvements, and inclusion of over 40 DLCs offer a comprehensive and engaging single-player experience. Understanding what’s not included helps to manage expectations and appreciate the scope of what BioWare did deliver: a beautifully remastered version of one of the greatest RPG trilogies of all time.