Video Interview/Details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vWaANoSZSzE
Another New FAQ:
Apparently they answered some more questions.
Posted on Bioware's forum.
4 player co-op multiplayer
Join your friends in the all-out galactic war to take Earth back. The universe of Mass Effect expands with the addition of new co-op multiplayer missions, playable over Xbox Live, PSN and PC internet. Players can choose from a variety of classes and races, form an elite Special Forces squad, and combine their weapons, powers and abilities to devastating effect as they fight together to liberate key territories from enemy control. Success in multi-player will have a direct impact on the outcome of the single player campaign, giving players an alternative method of achieving ultimate victory against the greatest threat mankind and the entire galaxy has ever faced.
Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War
As a bonus to the campaign, BioWare is introducing the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, a new way for players to manage and experience the galactic war from multiple fronts, including a new 4-player co-op mode. The key to saving the galaxy is the Galactic Readiness level, measured by Commander Shepards ability to apply
every possible asset people, weapons, resources, armies, fleets in the final battle against the Reapers. Players can impact their games Galactic Readiness level in multiple ways via the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, including multiplayer. Other platforms and interfaces will be announced in the coming months. It is important to note that the system is entirely optional and just another way players can have control over your game experience it is still possible to achieve the optimal, complete ending of the game in Mass Effect 3 through single-player alone.
F.A.Q.
Why include 4 player Co-op multiplayer in Mass Effect 3?
Being able to explore and fight alongside your friends in the Mass Effect universe has always been something we thought would be fun and compelling, and many players have asked for it for a long time as well. Mass Effect 3 is the best place for us to introduce multiplayer through co-op because of the premise of the game all out galactic war.
Why only 4 player co-op? What not a versus mode?
We have always maintained that we would only add multiplayer into the Mass Effect series if it made sense and did not compromise the power of the single player campaign. Fighting together against a common threat was the multiplayer experience that made the most sense for Mass Effect 3. The way we have designed co-op as a wayto take control of key conflict zones in the galaxy is a natural extension of the premise of Mass Effect 3.
Why did you decide not to include it as a part of the main campaign?
Our priority and focus with Mass Effect 3 has and always will be to deliver a complete and satisfying single player experience.
Does the addition of co-op multiplayer missions impact the scope or quality of the single-player experience?
No. A dedicated team from our recently formed BioWare Montreal studio has been focused on creating the multiplayer game features while the main game continued to be developed by the team in BioWare Edmonton. Both teams are integrated under the same leadership group that produced Mass Effect 1 and 2, led by Casey Hudson. BioWare remains dedicated to delivering one of the most amazing single-player campaigns gamers have ever experienced.
How did developing multiplayer impact the single player game?
BioWare is dedicated and focused on delivering an engaging, fun, and action-packed experience for Mass Effect 3, one that lives up the BioWare standard. To reach that level of quality, last year BioWare opened a studio in Montreal that is home to designers, programmers, engineers, and other developers. Both studios work together as partners, lead by the core Mass Effect team, unified in a single vision. Under the direction of Casey Hudson and other team veterans, both studios make contributions to both the single player and multiplayer modes in Mass Effect 3. Rest assured that no compromises were made to either of these modes in the development of Mass Effect 3.
Which characters can I play in co-op multiplayer? Can I play as Commander Shepard?
Commander Shepards part in the war will take place in the single-player campaign, as will that of other beloved characters in the franchise such as Garrus, Ashley, and Liara these characters do not appear in the multiplayer missions. In multiplayer, players will create custom characters to fight on different and unique fronts in the war. This will include the ability to play as favorites like Turians, Krogans, Asari and more each with their own unique set of abilities.
What if I dont like multiplayer will my experience be negatively impacted?
Mass Effect 3 is a complete, standalone game that will deliver a satisfying story experience, even if you choose not to try multiplayer. The Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system and all of the individual components are meant to complement that amazing game and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of the Galaxy at War experience.
What if I am not good at / do not like multiplayer? Will my readiness rating go down?
ME3 is a story about a war against overwhelming force where the most you can hope for us survival. The more you do to fight that war, the more you can change that story into a more optimistic one. You can reach the highest levels of success in the single player experience alone, but Galaxy at War gives you alternative ways to get there. Its about choice, and allowing players to find their own ways to stay immersed in the Mass Effect universe.
Will you be adding any additional maps or modes through DLC?
We cant comment on specifics right now, but can confirm that we are planning on having DLC for Mass Effect 3.
Do save games from ME1 or ME2 impact the co-op multiplayer missions?
No.
Do characters level up in co-op multiplayer? What is the progression system?
Character progression, weapon upgrading and leveling up is present in co-op. Well release more information on this topic in the months leading up to launch.
Is there more info about the other platforms of Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War?
We are not going into details about the other components of the Galaxy at War at this time except to say we are designing each to make sense for that platform. Each component will be able to affect a players Galactic Readiness level in a different way. Again, participation in any or all ME3:GaW elements is entirely optional.
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/8481789/1#8481840
Update:
More info.
http://stickskills.com/2011/10/11/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-details-revealed/
Another New FAQ:
Apparently they answered some more questions.
BioWare said:Thanks for making the thread - figured I'd cherry pick a couple of these smilie.
Bogsnot1 wrote...
- Can the MP mode be done solo, for those who either dont like MP, or want an extra challenge to finish the game without squadmates?
Currently, yes... but it's pretty hard. Though a lot of that depends on difficulty.
- Further to this, are 4 players definately required, or can it be done with 2, or 3? Will there be AI to fill out the teams if 4 are required? ViceVersaMan
You can play with less than 4 players.
- In case of player drop-outs, will their avatar disappear, be taken over by an AI, or will it be a universal "dump to main menu"? Will they come back with the same avatar should they reconnect quick enough?
That player will drop, they can always reconnect.
- Are teams rigid, and set once the game is underway, or can players join in later on?
Players can leave and join.
- What effect will time dilation abilities (A.R, Infiltrator Zoom) have in co-op? sam726
There is no time dilation in MP, the powers that might have normally had it were adjusted accordingly.
- Will there be MP-only achievements? DontTeachMyHamsterToSuckEggs
We're still working on achievements, but it's likely there will be MP specific achievements.
- Will it be Peer to Peer, or Client-Server based? Soul Cool
Server / Client.
- How does pause and the radial meny work in multiplayer and will class abilities function sameway in MP, like they do in singleplay? Juha81FIN
There is no radial menu in MP. There's a simplified version of it (kind of) that doesn't pause the game - as was mentioned above, affected abilities have been adjusted as needed.
- Will there be friendly fire from powers?
Right now, yes... but that's a bug and though funny isn't really what I think we want in the final product... it is after all a cooperative experience. smilie
- How will difficulty levels be handled? ViceVersaMan
Difficulty in MP leverages the same systems we use for SP, though it uses different scaling factors (I believe).
- Will Co-Op contain any spoilers for the SP campaign, or is it totally seperated? Phaedon
Beyond some of the enemy types, which might have specific reveals in SP - no.
- Can we have multiples of the same class? Sir Ulrich Von Lichenstien
Yep!
- Can we name our own characters, or will they just be generic race/class labels? Sir Ulrich Von Lichenstien
You can name them.
Posted on Bioware's forum.
4 player co-op multiplayer
Join your friends in the all-out galactic war to take Earth back. The universe of Mass Effect expands with the addition of new co-op multiplayer missions, playable over Xbox Live, PSN and PC internet. Players can choose from a variety of classes and races, form an elite Special Forces squad, and combine their weapons, powers and abilities to devastating effect as they fight together to liberate key territories from enemy control. Success in multi-player will have a direct impact on the outcome of the single player campaign, giving players an alternative method of achieving ultimate victory against the greatest threat mankind and the entire galaxy has ever faced.
Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War
As a bonus to the campaign, BioWare is introducing the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, a new way for players to manage and experience the galactic war from multiple fronts, including a new 4-player co-op mode. The key to saving the galaxy is the Galactic Readiness level, measured by Commander Shepards ability to apply
every possible asset people, weapons, resources, armies, fleets in the final battle against the Reapers. Players can impact their games Galactic Readiness level in multiple ways via the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, including multiplayer. Other platforms and interfaces will be announced in the coming months. It is important to note that the system is entirely optional and just another way players can have control over your game experience it is still possible to achieve the optimal, complete ending of the game in Mass Effect 3 through single-player alone.
F.A.Q.
Why include 4 player Co-op multiplayer in Mass Effect 3?
Being able to explore and fight alongside your friends in the Mass Effect universe has always been something we thought would be fun and compelling, and many players have asked for it for a long time as well. Mass Effect 3 is the best place for us to introduce multiplayer through co-op because of the premise of the game all out galactic war.
Why only 4 player co-op? What not a versus mode?
We have always maintained that we would only add multiplayer into the Mass Effect series if it made sense and did not compromise the power of the single player campaign. Fighting together against a common threat was the multiplayer experience that made the most sense for Mass Effect 3. The way we have designed co-op as a wayto take control of key conflict zones in the galaxy is a natural extension of the premise of Mass Effect 3.
Why did you decide not to include it as a part of the main campaign?
Our priority and focus with Mass Effect 3 has and always will be to deliver a complete and satisfying single player experience.
Does the addition of co-op multiplayer missions impact the scope or quality of the single-player experience?
No. A dedicated team from our recently formed BioWare Montreal studio has been focused on creating the multiplayer game features while the main game continued to be developed by the team in BioWare Edmonton. Both teams are integrated under the same leadership group that produced Mass Effect 1 and 2, led by Casey Hudson. BioWare remains dedicated to delivering one of the most amazing single-player campaigns gamers have ever experienced.
How did developing multiplayer impact the single player game?
BioWare is dedicated and focused on delivering an engaging, fun, and action-packed experience for Mass Effect 3, one that lives up the BioWare standard. To reach that level of quality, last year BioWare opened a studio in Montreal that is home to designers, programmers, engineers, and other developers. Both studios work together as partners, lead by the core Mass Effect team, unified in a single vision. Under the direction of Casey Hudson and other team veterans, both studios make contributions to both the single player and multiplayer modes in Mass Effect 3. Rest assured that no compromises were made to either of these modes in the development of Mass Effect 3.
Which characters can I play in co-op multiplayer? Can I play as Commander Shepard?
Commander Shepards part in the war will take place in the single-player campaign, as will that of other beloved characters in the franchise such as Garrus, Ashley, and Liara these characters do not appear in the multiplayer missions. In multiplayer, players will create custom characters to fight on different and unique fronts in the war. This will include the ability to play as favorites like Turians, Krogans, Asari and more each with their own unique set of abilities.
What if I dont like multiplayer will my experience be negatively impacted?
Mass Effect 3 is a complete, standalone game that will deliver a satisfying story experience, even if you choose not to try multiplayer. The Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system and all of the individual components are meant to complement that amazing game and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of the Galaxy at War experience.
What if I am not good at / do not like multiplayer? Will my readiness rating go down?
ME3 is a story about a war against overwhelming force where the most you can hope for us survival. The more you do to fight that war, the more you can change that story into a more optimistic one. You can reach the highest levels of success in the single player experience alone, but Galaxy at War gives you alternative ways to get there. Its about choice, and allowing players to find their own ways to stay immersed in the Mass Effect universe.
Will you be adding any additional maps or modes through DLC?
We cant comment on specifics right now, but can confirm that we are planning on having DLC for Mass Effect 3.
Do save games from ME1 or ME2 impact the co-op multiplayer missions?
No.
Do characters level up in co-op multiplayer? What is the progression system?
Character progression, weapon upgrading and leveling up is present in co-op. Well release more information on this topic in the months leading up to launch.
Is there more info about the other platforms of Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War?
We are not going into details about the other components of the Galaxy at War at this time except to say we are designing each to make sense for that platform. Each component will be able to affect a players Galactic Readiness level in a different way. Again, participation in any or all ME3:GaW elements is entirely optional.
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/8481789/1#8481840
Update:
More info.
http://stickskills.com/2011/10/11/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-details-revealed/
Mass Effect 3 multiplayer has been planned since the original Mass Effect.
- Mass Effect 3 represents the first time that Casey Hudson had felt comfortable implementing multiplayer into the series.
-The multiplayer experience boils down to a four player co-op survial style mode that lets you fight increasingly difficult waves of Cerberus foes.
- The enemies youll encounter can range from your most basic foot soldier to assassin-like Phantoms and even the hulking metal titan-esque Atlas mechs.
- Each stage allows you to go up against eleven waevvs that must be finished in order to complete that section. The mode reminds quite a few of Gears of Wars horde mode, allowing you to net experience points regardless if you finish the wave alive or not.
-The Galaxy at War mode gives you a reward system, character-progression suite, and a stake in the larger battle thats taking place in your single-player campaign.
- How you perform in the multiplayer missions has a result on your success in the main storyline as Shepard, but only if you want it to.
- Everything you do in the singleplayer campaign will earn you in-game currency called War Assets. War Assets allow you to purchase things such as allies, friendly fleets, or even a facility such as a radar station.
-Successfully completing various side-missions, larger plot points, and destroying your enemies will net you the War Assets needed to purchase the upgrades.
-The more you play and build up your multiplayer characters to surive increasingly tough odds, the more power and influence your single-player Shepard will wield by the time the endgame comes based on the amount of War Assets earned.
- If youre one of those gamers that loves to complete every piece of a game, then youre in luck. By doing enough in the singleplayer campaign, you will be able to earn enough War Assets, you wont phave to participate in the galactic war.
- While youre going through a variety of locations in singleplayer, youll see first-hand how the war has hit different colonies. Galaxy at War mode follows suit, allowing your individual character and team to take up arms to defend these various locations. Your squad is under the command of the Alliance Navy officer Admiral Hackett, making his return from each game. Fighting in each various area will and successfully defending it will win for interstellar freedom.
- As you complete each area or defend newly freed areas, your progress will be detailed on a color-coded map that youll be able to view while youre in the game or a few other platforms. iOS devices, Facebook, and more will allow these to be viewable and have their own unique hooks into the Galaxy at War mode.
- In the build described in the magazine article, four character classes were mentioned: Soldier, Infiltrator, Engineer, and Sentinel. The final version of the game has been confirmed to have more classes than this to initially choose from, as well as unlockables.
- Each class that you select from will allow you to select from a variety of races. Ranging from the likes of a Krogan to a Drell, youll have a good bit of variety to choose from. Yes, a drell, the same race as Thane from Mass Effect 2 (were excited).
-As you can probably figure, each class will allow you to possess specific abilities as well as the ability to upgrade a few. Krogan soldiers were described as being able to use a charge attack to known down enemies, along with Soldiers being able to use the Omni-blade for a few rather lethal attacks. For those wondering, youll also be able to choose your gender when choosing any class.
- Theres a set level cap of 20.
- While you can stockpile characters, the experience you earn only records for that characters specific class. Once you level up, youll be able to assign those earned points to different abilities.
-Before heading into action, you can select your weapon & biotic-powers from the available options.
- Armor and weaponry can be upgraded to your individual tastes.
- Points can and will be earned for assists, kills, and other similar actions during multiplayer.
- When an ally goes down, youll have a limited amount of time to revive them. The article mentioned spamming the A button while down to increase the amount of time before bleeding out.
- Along with killing your enemies, mission objectives will be sprinkled here and there. Retrieving data packets around the map and protecting an ally while they hack a series of terminals were a few of the described mission objectives.
Endless said: