Mass Effect 3 is all set to be the first game in the franchise to offer a multiplayer experience and developers have already unveiled details regarding its much touted online co-op mode. Dubbed as Galaxy at War, this mode will pit two to four players against waves of Reaper forces, while also offering an RPG progression system.
It was disclosed on the PlayStation blog that the co-op mode will include an interactive map that will enable teams to enter different patches of war spread around the galaxy. A notable feature about this is the fact that gamers will be required to create a new character who will keep earning XP by killing enemies and completing certain objectives. Galaxy at War will apparently comprise combat focused objectives like uploading computer files or disarming bombs.
“Single-player purists can stop worrying: Mass Effect 3’s story-focused campaign will still be a strictly solo affair,” posted Sid Shuman, Senior Social Media Specialist, Sony, on the blog. “Galaxy at War, however, provides a rare opportunity to experiment with a plethora of character builds away from the stiff consequences of the single-player battlefield, and bust some Reaper heads with your friends. Playing the multiplayer mode will also unlock certain content in the single-player campaign, though exactly what that content is remains a mystery for now.”
Progression of the co-op mode in Mass Effect 3 is said to be ‘wave-based and hierarchical.’ Akin to its single-player mode, the level cap in this mode too will be limited at 20. Galaxy at War will also force games to choose their partner wisely as different sets of skills will be required during varied situations.
Mass Effect 3 will be released along with its co-op mode on March 6, 2011. It can currently be pre-ordered at 59.99 USD (approx Rs. 2,925).