Mass Effect 3: Multiplayer Demo

Upon discovering that multiplayer would be implemented in Mass Effect 3, it left me with an extreme feeling of apprehension. I believe many would concur that the inclusion of multiplayer within Mass Effect was not a necessity. The series is renowned for the prowess it possesses in conjuring an illustrious single player experience. With such powerful story telling capabilities and a remarkable following, would implementing a multiplayer function damage the reputation of such a successful series? I’ll be discussing the multiplayer capabilities presented in the Mass Effect 3 demo.

For those who may be apprehensive regarding story spoilers in the demo, the campaign and multiplayer modes are completely separate. Once you begin the demo, you are prompted to select a character. You must assign a class to your character before proceeding to matchmaking.  There are six classes to choose from with each class possessing unique attributes and abilities, which will aid you throughout the multiplayer experience. As you progress and gain experience points, you will unlock additional characters within each class.

Upon selecting your class, the option to customise your character is presented.  The demo allows you to customise the primary and highlight colour of your character’s armour. It also allows you to assign your character a unique name. As you level up, additional customisation options unlock such as patterns, pattern colour and lights. 

Along with experience points, you receive additional points when levelling up that are utilised to improve abilities such as weapon damage and health. As your level increases, additional weapons become available. This allows you increased flexibility when choosing a suitable kit and weapon layout. Details of a weapon’s capability and statistics are displayed which simplifies the task of choosing a suitable weapon for your unique playing style. After completing an objective during a match, you are rewarded credits which allow you to purchase packs that include additional weaponry, items and characters.

The demo allows you to create a lobby which can be toggled to private or public access. Four players are able to simultaneously partake in each match. The multiplayer sets you against waves of enemies with the primary objective of surviving. It also presents secondary objectives such as uploading data and defeating specific enemies. Completion of the secondary objectives awards you with credits, as I mentioned earlier.

There are three difficulties present within the demo, which are represented by ‘bronze, silver and gold’ categories. The demo provides two maps for you to battle the waves of enemies presented. As you traverse the map and defeat enemies, you are rewarded experience points for completing various challenges such as; achieve 25 kills or 10 headshots. There are ten waves present in the demo which become increasingly arduous as you progress.  As you complete the final wave, you are required to vacate to the extraction point and survive and combat the remaining enemies that appear for an allotted time period.

Despite my scepticism regarding the implementing of a multiplayer mode within Mass Effect, I approached this multiplayer demo with an open mind. I enjoyed the multiplayer immensely despite it being somewhat arduous at times. The multiplayer requires a consistent amount of communication and strategic teamwork to achieve success and reach the final wave. The multiplayer becomes difficult when members of the team separate and attempt to defeat the enemies alone.

I still stand by my original statement that the multiplayer mode is not a necessity for the Mass Effect series, but the multiplayer experience that has been implemented is an extremely enjoyable addition.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Hannah