Watch Mass Effect: Andromeda's intro and first crisis in a 13-minute gameplay video

If you're determined to avoid Mass Effect: Andromeda spoilers, then you'll definitely want to avoid this IGN video of the game's first 13 minutes. It introduces Scott Ryder and his dad, the Simulated Adaptive Matrix—Sam, for short—Cora, the captain, and a doctor with a very familiar voice. Naturally, the game's first crisis comes into play, too. After all, it wouldn't be much fun if it was smooth sailing all the way. 

The video demonstrates how tone choices will work in conversation and shows off a few other basic mechanics, and it looks absolutely fantastic. Beyond that, I'll say no more, except to warn that this is obviously deep and heavy spoiler territory. Govern yourselves accordingly. 

Well, one more thing: Andromeda isn't out yet and so there's no way to check the credits to be sure, but if that doctor who greets Ryder after he wakes up—the first NPC voice you hear, no less—isn't being voiced by Brandon Keener, the real-life alter ego of original trilogy heartthrob Garrus Vakarian, I'll eat my elite Pathfinder-grade helmet. 

Mass Effect: Andromeda launches on March 21 in North America, and March 23 in Europe.

Andy Chalk

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.