Mass Effect Legendary Edition Is Coming In May

Following a leak early last month (that we now know to be inaccurate), EA has finally confirmed that Mass Effect Legendary Edition is going to be released on May 14th for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It can also be played via backwards compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series S|X, though a version made specifically for those consoles is not happening. A trailer was released this morning that showcased the visual overhaul that the trilogy has received. Each of the games has been remastered with 4K visuals, HDR support, and better frame rates.

If you don’t quite remember how the original games looked, take a look at this image comparison!

When it releases in May, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition will contain all the single-player DLC that was released for the original three games. In addition, the Extended Cut ending that was added to Mass Effect 3 after release is also being included and made canon in the remaster.

The one notable omission from the remastered collection is the multiplayer mode for Mass Effect 3. It was well received when the original game first released and played a key part in the conclusion of the single-player story, so many wondered if it would be making a return. Speaking to IGN, Director Mac Walters said the reason that the team isn’t bringing the multiplayer back came down to “knowing where to draw the line” and the challenges of doing so being “easily commensurate if not greater than uplifting all of Mass Effect 1.” This brought them to instead focus entirely on the single-player aspect of the remaster.

Speaking of the original Mass Effect, it’s that game that’s seen quite possibly the greatest overhaul. Aside from vastly improved visuals, BioWare has also offered gameplay improvements that bring the game up to more modern standards. Areas that saw improvements include autosaves, boss fights, XP balancing, gunplay, and the much maligned elevator rides.

With this reveal trailer and all the conversations that BioWare has had with news outlets about Mass Effect Legendary Edition, it certainly appears as if BioWare is giving their classic sci-fi trilogy the time and love that both it and fans deserve. I, for one, am looking forward to experiencing these games for the first time ever later this year.