Mass Effect Andromeda: 12 Critical Reactions You Need To Know

8. Characters Are Entertaining... But Familiar

"Andromeda’s supporting cast - the lifeblood of any Mass Effect game - are a mixed bunch, but generally entertaining. Peebee and Liam are perhaps the stand-outs...You’ll remember some of the choice encounters you have with them, likely more for their novelty value rather than on any kind of deep emotional level, but the point is that they do add much needed substance to the game. In other words, they’re fun to be around, but you’re unlikely to get too attached." - Gamesradar

"Your crew, meanwhile, is a fairly generic band made up almost entirely of existing Mass Effect humans and aliens, which despite their fairly deep and enjoyable backstories, always gave me feelings of deja vu. After all, how many times can we be introduced to a gruff new krogan warrior or an eyepiece-wearing turian? There’s nothing really wrong with them, but none struck me as memorable stars like Garrus, Tali, or Mordin." - IGN

"Where previous games made recruiting a full squad integral to the story, obliging you to learn about potential companions from afar and earn their trust, Andromeda hands you everybody on a platter early on, and the characters themselves are a mixed bag." - Eurogamer

Variants of the phrase "a mixed bag" came up a lot when critics were commenting on the characters, with most agreeing that, charming though they often are, they're just not up to the standard of those fans grew to love over the course of the original trilogy.

While it's reasonable to accept that this fondness could blossom over future titles, the aforementioned slack writing and dodgy voice work compound an overwhelming feeling that these creations are simply less than or too similar to what came before.