‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ Includes Massive 1,200 Speaking Characters

"Mass Effect: Andromeda" is shaping up to be a game more massive than its predecessors. Lead writer Mac Walters revealed that there will be 1,200 speaking characters involved.

The creative director of "Mass Effect: Andromeda" shared the number of dramatis personae at PAX East, a session that was also streamed live. He also added that the 1,200 speaking characters is double that of the number of both "Mass Effect 2" and "Mass Effect 3" combined. GameSpot shared that the latter installment of BioWare's popular role-playing game only had 670 speaking characters.

However, there is more to look forward to in "Mass Effect: Andromeda" than its large set of 1,200 speaking characters. Producer Michael Gamble told PC Gamer that lines of dialogue will also total more than the lines of the last two games. He said that players' characters will be able to talk about a vaster range of topics with other characters. Furthermore, the dialogue within squads was also beefed up. This means that there will be much more interaction in the squads, players can do a lot more with them and gain more information through conversations.

Additionally, Gamble clarified that the 1,200 speaking characters in "Mass Effect: Andromeda" do not include low-level ones such as shopkeepers. He said that the huge sum is one step above such small roles. And the way that players can meet all these people is by gaining what is called Andromeda Viability points. These points will allow players to awaken colonists and increase the population of Nexus and other nearby space station settlements.

Further, "Mass Effect: Andromeda" players should also note that when it comes to Viability points, there are some that are specific to one planet only. And if they manage to raise their points to a specific level, then they can open new outposts and enjoy a wider variety in the game.