No matter how you slice it,Helldivers 2is a smash hit. Many probably won’t expect it to become one of the most buzzworthy and funPlayStationtitles in a while, especially withSony releasing fewer games this generation. Yet Helldivers 2 proves there’s still magic in the simplejoy of teaming up to blast through wavesof space baddies in a four-player crew.
Of course, Helldivers 2’s basic recipe isn’t groundbreaking.Co-op shooters come and go, from classics likeGears of WarandLost Planet 2to more recent titles likeStrange BrigadeandAnthem. Mass Effect 3’s initially unwanted multiplayer is one such example that turned out to be an absolute blast — one I still pine for now and then.
Wanted By No One, Played By Everyone
Mass Effect 3marked the series’ first foray into multiplayer, and despite initial skepticism from fans who saw it asEA’s money grab, the experiment was a resounding success. It kicked off with a beta a month before the game’s release, and even in its limited form, it hinted at something that could sway even the most doubtful fans.
It struck the perfect balance of thrills and fun to evoke that “just one more match” feeling.
With solid shooting mechanics, diverse weapons, and a variety of enemy types, the beta offered a thrilling taste of galactic warfare. It left a strong first impression, and the full release didn’t disappoint either.
I Played Helldivers 2 As A Pacifist, And Everyone Was Chill About It
Hacksaw Ridge, Super Earth style.
Like Helldivers 2, the concept was refreshingly straightforward: pick your character and gear, team up with three buddies, select a difficulty, and dive into hotspots scattered across the galaxy map. There, you’d face off against three major factions: the Reapers, with some enemies being insects like theTerminids; the Geth, a robotic race with a loose resemblance to theAutomatons, and the human forces of Cerberus.
Despite this simplicity, the developers sprinkled in enough content and variety into the mix to keep players hooked for hours. It struck the perfect balance of thrills and fun to evoke that “just one more match” feeling.
Playing To All Its Strengths
Mass Effect 3’s co-op mode was a blast whether you were playing with friends or random teammates. With difficulty settings catering to every taste, you could easily tailor the experience to suit your preferences. Whether you were breezing through missions to test out new skills or freshly-unlocked weapons, or facing off against the toughest enemies in grueling sorties, where every squad member’s equipment had to be carefully considered to survive all ten waves, the multiplayer offered hundreds of hours of thrilling gameplay.
On top of that, the progression and customization systems were deep enough to keep things fresh as you grew more experienced and battle-hardened, learning to tackle each foe more effectively with every match.
Helldivers 2 Needs More Overpowered Weapons (Skip The Nerfs)
I’m tired of seeing the same meta loadouts, but nerfs aren’t the answer.
What really made Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer shine was the rich, established universe it was set in by the time of its third installment. With three distinct enemy factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and a rich roster of weapons and skills that could be combined to deadly effect, everything was already in place for an unforgettable experience. Add in some quality maps set in the beloved sci-fi universe, and you have a recipe for success.
ButBioWaredidn’t just rest on their laurels. Far from it. Not only was the multiplayer mode incredibly fun and addictive from the get-go, but the studio also did an excellent job of supporting it with regular and substantial content updates for more than a year. These updates included new maps, weapons, character classes with unique skills, time-limited operations events, and even the introduction of a new enemy faction — the menacing Collectors fromMass Effect 2. Overall, it was an incredible journey that I happily poured over 500 hours into, and I have no regrets — just a nostalgic longing to dive back in every now and then.
Just remembering all the fun moments from those good ol’ days brings a smile to my face. One time, my friends and I tore through enemies with the lightning-fast Vorcha on Tuchanka, armed only with claws and flamethrowers. Another day, we’d be struggling to lure the horde of screaming Banshees (you hear that word, right?) away from a key point on Noveria we needed to hold for an extra 20 seconds. Or those exhilarating moments of playing as an almost unstoppable Geth Juggernaut or mighty Krogan Warlord, cutting through enemy lines like butter. Man, what a game it was.
Andromeda Failed, But What Comes Next?
Unfortunately for fans,Mass Effect: Andromedafailed to build upon that solid foundation five years later. Not only did Andromeda receive a mixed reception for its world, story, and characters, but the game also disappointed in its online component. Despite having a more robust combat system, instead of enhancing the existing formula, Andromeda significantly shortened match lengths in a desperate attempt to conceal its small maps, lack of variety in tasks, and somewhat limited enemy assortment (the new Kett and Remnant factions).
Was There A Game That Did Enemies Better Than Mass Effect 3?
In space, everyone can hear the Banshee’s scream.
Compounded by the game’s troubled technical state at launch, the multiplayer suffered from sluggishness and a severe lack of content, with no substantial updates to ensure its lasting appeal. Consequently, it’s hard to find players who stick with it for long before losing interest altogether.
However, just because Andromeda stumbled doesn’t mean that the devs should abandon this exciting chapter of Mass Effect entirely. While wecurrently know very littleabout the franchise’s next installment, there’s a good chance that BioWare will reintroduce the online mode in some capacity.
With Helldivers 2 reminding us of the joy of battling alien lifeforms with friends, there’s no reason for EA not to take heed of its lessons, especially with years until the next Mass Effect release. An online component could have a bright future in the series and is something that fans truly deserve.
Exodus Might Achieve What Mass Effect Andromeda Couldn’t
Exodus just may be the family-centric sci fi story I’ve wanted.
