Mass Effect 3 Co-op Multiplayer Preview

CVG has doled out a weekend preview of Mass Effect 3, in which the author focuses primarily on the threequel’s newly introduced co-op multiplayer component. I have to appreciate the fact that it’s entirely optional, though I suspect future titles set in the Mass Effect universe won’t be quite so lucky if this experiment turns out to be successful:

Mass Effect 3’s co-op is a ‘survival’ game in the mould of Gears of War’s Horde or Call of Duty’s Zombies, with your team of four battling to outlast waves of brainwashed Cerberus troops in numerous different locations around the Milky Way.

Role-playing games are solitary pursuits by design so it always proves contentious when a multiplayer mode is bolted onto the side of one. BioWare seem to have got the balance right here though; Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer can be totally ignored if you want to – it’s possible to get the optimum endings without ever so much as brushing past the multiplayer tab on the menu screen.

If you do decide to get involved though, you’ll find that your endeavours enhance your single-player game in small but exciting ways. Multiplayer is set in the same story arc as the campaign with your squad being one of many fighting on the frontlines across the galaxy.

Success translates into what is known as ‘War Assets’ – allies, ships and radar stations which can be used in the (again, optional) Galaxy at War strategy system which complements the campaign mode. The aim here is to reinforce the galaxy’s defence systems so they’re ready for the Reapers’ final push – so those added extra units will be gratefully received when it comes to the crunch.