With a release date of May 14, 2021, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition promises to be the most complete version of the series yet.
The trilogy is planned for a host of platforms:
- PC (both on EA Play and Steam)
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
The package includes Mass Effect 1-3 fully remastered with 4K visuals, and over 40 DLC originally released with the games.
You can watch the reveal trailer below:
Graphical Improvements
According to the official documentation, these are the main graphical improvements players can expect with the Legendary Edition:
- All three titles in 4K Ultra HD with HDR;
- Improved character models, textures, shading and VFX;
- Light and shadow management greatly improved, with modern options such as volumetric shadows, depth of field and more;
- Cinematics have been updated to bring them in line with the rest of the game.
Other Improvements
- Load times have been greatly reduced;
- 21:9 resolutions now supported, alongside DirectX 11
- Character customization options unified among the three titles, and expanded upon;
- The default appearance of the female version of Commander Shephard, introduced in Mass Effect 3, is now available in Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.
Mass Effect 1 Updated
While Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 solidified the series'' mechanics, with an improved and modernised formula, the first Mass Effect has aged rather badly in terms of gameplay and interface.
For Legendary Edition, the first title has received special attention, with the planets' environments and key locations enriched.
- The interface has been updated, with many improvements to the quality-of-life;
- Aspects of combat and exploration have also been improved, including aiming, squad control, and character AI;
- The infamous Mako vehicle, which traumatised a generation of players, should now be more enjoyable to drive. Try climbing a steep hill now!
The Mass Effect series is officially set to continue in an upcoming entry, as confirmed by a teaser trailer shown during The Game Awards 2020.
