Preview: Mass Effect 3 Special Edition (Wii U)

I was lucky enough to get some hands-on time with the Wii U version of Mass Effect 3 Special Edition, as well as sitting down with Melanie Faulknor, — Bioware’s External Producer on ME3 Wii U, for some dialog options. Scanning complete, probe your way to some shadowy info in the following codex entry.

What could make Mass Effect better? Very, very little in my opinion. There are those that cried out for a better ending to Mass Effect 3. I was not one of them. There are those that bemoaned the Mako, whereas I was merely mildly upset by it’s non inclusion in Mass Effect 2. I am unashamedly, unreservedly and publicly noted as a Mass Effect (and possibly a general BioWare) fanboy. As far as I am concerned, the series has done little wrong up till now…but even I think a Wii U version of Mass Effect is going to be a hard sell.

I am sure there is certain section of Nintendonly gamers that have been waiting for this with more patience/patients* than a Citadel hospital, but I question just how many other people will be willing to invest in a (potentially more than) full price game that was clearly not designed from the ground up with the Wii U in mind.

*Apologies, I’ll save the “audio only” puns for the podcast in future.

After a hands-on session with a (now slightly older) build of the Wii U version of Mass Effect, I have reached a conclusion — something I rarely look to do with a preview — I now have little or no reservations about the software. All of my concerns are reserved for the hardware. And even those concerns have been reduced…but not by much.

On display in the demo available was one weapon that was an all new addition to the Wii U version, the M-597 Laden – a rocket launcher with a six missile payload that allows you to select targets using the touchscreen. It makes short explosive work of groups of enemies behind cover or any Atlas foolish enough to go head-to-head with a Shepard armed with a new shiny space toy.

I could undoubtedly play through Mass Effect 3 on the Wii U and have a very good time doing so. I would go as far to say that the functionality of the Gamepad device adds usability that could easily and positively enhance the experience of saving the Universe one Reaper infested system at a time. Having a permanently available map on the Gamepad screen is useful and negates the need for menu digging or mini-map squinting. Added to this for the Wii U version is a radar function which highlights enemy positions in red. Friendly green arrows highlight squadmate positions and these can be dragged with swiping motions on the touchscreen to be moved into position. The Gamepad also displays more of your available powers – allowing access to eight customisable powers instead of the three that are available on 360 and PS3 pads. Although it is worth noting, for those afraid of touchscreens, the standard three buttons system is still available — and if completely touchscreenaphobic, then the Pro Controller support will come to your rescue. Although, when cornering Melanie Faulknor for a line of renegade questioning, she was unable to confirm if you can use the two at the same time, with the minimap on the screen and Pro controller in control, but this option had been experimented with during production.

The Wii U version includes all of the single and multiplayer player content on the Xbox/PS3 versions and includes the additions of the day one DLC, From Ashes and the Extended cut. It will also come equipped with Genesis 2 — The Darkhorse, backstory interactive comic that allows players to choose some of the major decisions available throughout the stories of Mass Effect 1 and 2, allowing them to effectively simulate the importing of a save into the start of Mass Effect 3. Useful, as this will allow access to the different story options available that effect the consequences that play out in Mass Effect 3.

Perhaps the ace in Wii U’s hand could be the ability to switch to the Gamepad as the primary viewing device, allowing for the TV to be turned off and the gaming to continue. Seeing this in practice is both smooth and impressive. Mass Effect looks awesome on the small screen. It actually left me literally begging for them to produce a version for 3DS and Vita – Please? I’ll buy a Vita especially for it. I’ll buy two if you decorate them with Wrex’s face or Miranda’s bum! Seeing the action on the Wii U’s 6.2 inch screen is both a highlight of the port of the game and the hardware itself. This could actually be a selling point for the Wii U. A selling point that might actually sell *me* a Wii U…but the Gamepad itself gives rise to another concern.

This is the third time I have have had the opportunity to get my grubby paws on a Wii U. I worry about the comfort of the Gampad. I have yet to have an extended hands-on session with the hardware, but am currently unsure if it is merely my lack of familiarity with the placement of buttons and controls…but something is definitely not quite right with those anolog sticks. The placement feels wrong or at least, currently uncomfortable. I did raise a concern with the feeling on the movement in the Mass Effect 3 demo, as the controls felt almost rigid, four or perhaps eight way directional — i.e. not anolog. This is something that has been extensively tweaked since the version I was playing. This was apparently to allow for the differences in programming for the Wii U hardware, which I can fully understand and easily excuse when viewing early software…not so much for hardware so close to launch. The height/length of the sticks feels too short. They feel much more akin to a slightly larger handheld console anolog stick, rather than the more comfortable console counterparts. The height of the Pro Controller sticks is not an issue, but again I was either unfamiliar or possibly just plain uncomfortable with their placement – I think I would prefer the right stick to be lowered slightly.

As Mass Effect 3 Special Edition is aiming for a launch window release that will definitely be “pre-Christmas” they have a little more time to sort out any issues. From what I have seen it is likely that they will be giving any Wii U owners who have yet to play ME3, no excuse not to put this on the list to Santa. As well as giving some people a reason to pick up a Wii U, to experience the game in a whole new way. More Mass Effect in the Universe is never a bad thing.

Tags: , , ,

Comments

  1. Lukas Heinzel

    I may pick this up, Mass Effect 3 is my favourite of the series.

  2. While 3 was arguably the better game I actually preferred ME2 = /

    *If* I was gong to pick up a Wii U then I would almost definitely get ME3 for it. As I have had difficulty transferring my saves on the 360, the chance to start again with 3, but still get to choose some of the choices I made in 3 is quite appealing. Also, it adds just enough to the game to feel like a different method/way of playing without detracting from the core elements that make the series enjoyable.

Leave a Reply

BRB UK 582: A Tale of Two Kongs

Finally we are, here for you. It's the latest show, with the Podcast crew

Tabletop Tuesday

BRB Weekly Events; Tabletop Tuesday   You may have seen...

Big Red Barrelcast 43: RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman

On this week's episode, Dave, Kev and PacManPolarBear are joined by Yoshifett to blabber on about Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nintendo, and Gears Of War.

BRB UK 470: 12 Inches of Christmas

Here's your first gift while the team are away, let's take a look at this year's best games

BRB Boom 95: LeBron’s Groin Band-Aid

Don't call it a comeback, it's a new episode of the Boom

Element Gaming Palladium Keyboard

Richard reviews a gaming keyboard with an elegant design and pretty lights - What more could you want?

© Big Red Barrel 2011 - 2024