In just one day Mass Effect: Legendary Edition launches, bringing the original Mass Effect trilogy of RPGs to a new generation of gamers. Of course, the modernization of the Mass Effect trilogy isn't just for new players, but for dedicated fans as well. And one of the most exciting things about Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is the changes it makes, particularly to the first game. In fact, Mass Effect fans are already responding to changes made to the original game's sniper rifle.
A new video being circulated on Reddit shows just how dramatic of a difference using the sniper rifle is in the original Mass Effect and in the Legendary Edition. In the original Mass Effect, the sniper rifle has two major issues. First, looking down the scope is extremely floaty. The crosshairs are constantly moving, like a puck on an air hockey table, as the player tries to bump the crosshairs onto the target. Second, recoil is extreme, so every shot sets the floating crosshairs spinning aggressively.
The good news is that the old sniper rifle's aiming system has been completely reworked in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. The crosshairs no longer float, instead staying at the precise point that the player is aiming at until adjusted. There's still a significant amount of recoil with each gunshot, but it feels balanced so that players can't repeatedly fire the rifle without having to adjust at least somewhat.
To be clear, the original Mass Effect sniper rifle was never broken. Rather, BioWare treated sniping like it was an RPG mechanic. Players could level up their sniper rifle skill and it would gradually stabilize. It was only when players were low-level or not spec'd into sniper rifles that the aiming would be so challenging. Some players actually prefer this, as it furthers Mass Effect's role-playing focus. Others, however, don't like having their personal skills intentionally held back by a mechanic.
The majority of responses on Reddit are very positive about the Legendary Edition changes. Several users are saying that they now plan on playing Mass Effect's Infiltrator class this time around, since the sniper rifle has been "fixed." It'll mark a good change from so many players choosing Biotic and Soldier in the original as they were both quite strong and popular.
Mass Effect fans will be able to check out the sniper rifle changes and everything else BioWare has improved in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition tomorrow. It's a great opportunity to experience the trilogy for the first time, revisit it after years away, or prepare for the eventual release of Mass Effect 4.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition releases May 14 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
