Mass Effect: G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N.

Mass Effect: G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N. is an action role-playing video game developed by Bioware and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. Released worldwide in April 2018, the game takes place in an alternate universe where Commander Shephard, their associates and the reapers do not exist. Under the Banner G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N (Meaning Galactic United Alliance to Resist, Defend, Intercept, Attack and Negotiate), Cortez is recruited into the First Fleet when Asgard Station is attacked by The Outsider. Cortez and their associates must stop him before he destroys G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N. The game acts as a spin off as it takes place in an alternate universe.

Plot
TBA

Gameplay
Mass Effect G.U.A.R.D.I.AN. plays similarly to the last few entries, being a third person shooter and vital choices that progress the story. The player can choose Cortez's gender, customise their look and change their backstory. Upon starting the game the player is greeted by August Emerson, who asks you asks you some questions, which determines your skill set and upon choice you will be put in one of three squads being Pantheon Squad, Farixen Squad and The Gearheads (this can be changed if the player does not like August's decision). Being in one of the squads will boost relationships with the characters within it.

Cortez can navigate the system in a ship called The Leviathan, for the first half of the game they will only request to go to a certain planet and it will switch to the Admiral's Point of View, however in the Second Half they is ranked up to Admiral. The game also adds space combat, meaning the player can fight enemy ships in space during salvage missions. Adding to this, the player can exit the ship and fight enemies attempting to hijack the ship. The Paragon/Renegade system also makes a return from Mass Effect 3, as it was absent from Andromeda.

Production
The game began production in 2013 while being developed along with Andromeda. The Alternate Universe concept worked for Bioware as they could start over with a different version of the Original Lore. The Original Concept for this game was a prequel that focused Garrus but decided to go with the Alternate Universe. Bioware themselves says this was their hardest game to make, but was worth it in the game.

Reception
The Game received positive reception, especially from IGN who claimed it was much better than Andromeda, having better facial animations and being all around more fun to play.