Happy N7 Day! [VIDEO]

Nearly every Mass Effect fan knows that today is N7 Day and we’re all eagerly awaiting news and treats from Bioware on the newest game from the Mass Effect universe – Mass Effect Andromeda.

For the uninitiated (Skip if you know all about N7): “N7 is the vocational code in the Systems Alliance military. The “N” designates special forces and the “7” refers to the highest level of proficiency. It applies to Alliance personnel who have graduated from the Interplanetary Combatives Training (ICT) program.” (Source: Mass Effect Fandom Wikia)

So N7’s would be comparable to Navy SEALS, Special Forces, etc.; essential the most elite soldiers in the Earth Systems Alliance are N7. And our beloved lead character from the Mass Effect franchise up to this point, Commander Shepard, has the designation N7, making November 7th N7 day.

What we know so far is the following:

1. The release date for Mass Effect Andromeda has been pushed back from Holiday 2016 to Spring/Early 2017 but could be even later (Summer 2017). Bioware basically wants to get it right on release and, according to Bioware, they have EA’s full support in this, including delaying the release of the game until they’re confident the experience will be good for fans.
2. The story contains subtle nods to the original Mass Effect trilogy but is a completely new story with new protagonists and characters.
3. The story appears to center around the Ryder family with 3 known characters: Daughter Ryder, Son Ryder, and, Daddy Ryder. The name “Ryder” is a tribute to Sally Ryder, the first American woman in space.
4. You will play as either Daughter or Son Ryder and your brother or sister will exist in the game depending on which protagonist you choose to play as.
5. Daddy Ryder exists in the game or is at least a key part of the story.
6. No mention has been made about Mommy Ryder except to say there will be news about her forthcoming. Perhaps later today?
7. One of your squad members will be an Asari.
8. You (and may others) have traveled to the Andromeda galaxy, on one of many arcs, to … “explore strange new worlds, seek out new life…” and find a place/places to settle humanity.
9. The story appears to take place approximately 600 years after the original trilogy, based on the video released on November 1.
10. The game is being build using the Frostbite engine and is made to take full advantage of 4K displays.
11. The gameplay video below gives some info on one of likely many potential enemies.

Needless to say, we’ll be watching the news all day and will have a compilation of the hottest news, videos and links all wrapped up in a bow for you throughout the week.

While we wait, here are some Mass Effect Andromeda videos and Mass Effect franchise videos. They, and the channels they come from, should help you catch up on everything known about Mass Effect Andromeda and provide a fun refresher on the Mass Effect universe. Also, you can download some cool wallpapers and sign up to stay in the loop on the official site here.

Andromeda Initiative Recruitment Video – Released Nov. 1, 2016:

N7 Day 2015 Video – A Message from Commander Shepard:

Mass Effect Andromeda Game Play Tech Demo – E3 2016:

This video from MEOdyssey covers well everything announced so far about Mass Effect Andromeda.

Though your decisions in the original Mass Effect Trilogy will apparently have no effect on Andromeda (it’s an entirely new story), here are two videos that recap the Mass Effect universe story so far. If you haven’t played the games, we highly recommend that you do. And follow this guide to ensure a happy ending in Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect 1 & 2 Recap from IGN: (MAJOR SPOILERS)

Mass Effect 3 Recap: (Does not include happy ending mod or DLC)

Stay tuned for more Mass Effect news from N7 Day 2016!

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