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[Revan Reborn]

 

One aspect the Mass Effect Trilogy failed to address was that of being an N7 Operative and being a Spectre. Yes, we had "N7 missions" and we were given "authorities" only a Spectre could have, but it was largely superficial and did not impact the experience of Mass Effect, as a whole.

 

We already know that our new protagonist in the next Mass Effect will be associated with the N7 Program. Given BioWare's current philosophy, I'm under the impression this time around we'll have a much more in-depth experience being a member of the N7 Program.

 

Lets use Dragon Age Inquisition as an example. You start off the game as just a lowly grunt, but you work your way up, gain influence, power, etc. and become the leader of the Inquisition. You then build this organization to be one of the most powerful in all of Thedas. I can imagine having something similar in the next Mass Effect with the N7 Program.

 

It's very possible we will either start out as a N7 Recruit or not a member at all. Perhaps we'll just be a standard marine in the Systems Alliance. Once you receive your commendation and are recommended to be a member of the N7, this will open up all-new opportunities in the game. You will have access to unique armor and weapons. You will have access to special missions that reap great rewards. The farther you progress and achieve success in the N7 Program, the more you will rank up overtime.

 

Perhaps even eventually you could be the leader of the N7 Program itself, but the point is to really flesh out that experience of us being an N7 Operative. I would love to see the same approach taken with Spectres, but I doubt we'll be an N7 Operative and a Spectre again.

 

What are the communities thoughts? How would you like to see the N7 Program addressed? What possible ideas do you have that would truly make it a memorable and addictive experience worth playing?

[Vazgen]

When you say "We already know that our new protagonist in the next Mass Effect will be associated with the N7 Program" do you base it of the top image? Because I haven't heard them saying anything else about the matter and there was a poll with a question "what does N7 mean to you" quite some time after the release of that image. I'm not so sure we will be a part of the N7 program, especially with A.R.K.C.O.N. and Pathfinder Initiative that sound like civilian agencies to me.

Anyway, I'd like to have more information on both the N7 program and Spectres. I just don't want to play as a member of the military, had enough of that through the trilogy

[Revan Reborn]

When you say "We already know that our new protagonist in the next Mass Effect will be associated with the N7 Program" do you base it of the top image? Because I haven't heard them saying anything else about the matter and there was a poll with a question "what does N7 mean to you" quite some time after the release of that image. I'm not so sure we will be a part of the N7 program, especially with A.R.K.C.O.N. and Pathfinder Initiative that sound like civilian agencies to me.

Anyway, I'd like to have more information on both the N7 program and Spectres. I just don't want to play as a member of the military, had enough of that through the trilogy

No.

 

http://www.gamefront...ew-mass-effect/

 

BioWare already confirmed we will have something to do with the N7 Program. Secondly, we already know what the protagonist will look like, and he/she is wearing N7 armor. I'd find it hard to believe if we have the armor but aren't actually a member of the N7 Program. It would certainly be reasonable to believe BioWare would want to actually flesh out what the N7 Program is about since they never have.

[Vazgen]

No.

 

http://www.gamefront...ew-mass-effect/

 

BioWare already confirmed we will have something to do with the N7 Program. Secondly, we already know what the protagonist will look like, and he/she is wearing N7 armor. I'd find it hard to believe if we have the armor but aren't actually a member of the N7 Program. It would certainly be reasonable to believe BioWare would want to actually flesh out what the N7 Program is about since they never have.

My guess was that we'll get an N7 squadmate. Similarly to the Dragon Age Inquisition where we get a Grey Warden squadmate. 

[Revan Reborn]

My guess was that we'll get an N7 squadmate. Similarly to the Dragon Age Inquisition where we get a Grey Warden squadmate. 

Based on the fact that the main protagonist is clad in N7 armor, I'm not following where you see those parallels. We don't know anything about companions, let alone what their occupations will be. All we do know is that the main protagonist has been shown in Frostbite 3 and that he/she is somehow affiliated with the N7 Program. Wearing the armor alone would lead me to believe we are a member rather than someone else. To my knowledge, only N7 Operatives actually wear N7 armor.

[Vazgen]

Based on the fact that the main protagonist is clad in N7 armor, I'm not following where you see those parallels. We don't know anything about companions, let alone what their occupation will be. All we do know is that the main protagonist has been shown in Frostbite 3 and that he/she is somehow affiliated with the N7 Program. Wearing the armor alone would lead me to believe we are a member rather than someone else. To my knowledge, only N7 Operatives actually wear N7 armor.

Do you want me to elaborate further on where I got that idea? It will derail the topic and I already gave my thoughts for the questions in OP.

[Revan Reborn]

Do you want me to elaborate further on where I got that idea? It will derail the topic and I already gave my thoughts for the questions in OP.

All you said was you'd "like to have more information on both the N7 program and Spectres," but that hardly speaks to the core of the topic itself. Mainly, the question is implementation and what kind of an impact the N7 Program will have on the next Mass Effect, being as it's very likely if we aren't a member of the N7, we are closely tied to it.

[Vazgen]

All you said was you'd "like to have more information on both the N7 program and Spectres," but that hardly speaks to the core of the topic itself. Mainly, the question is implementation and what kind of an impact the N7 Program will have on the next Mass Effect, being as it's very likely if we aren't a member of the N7, we are closely tied to it.

Ah, I see, you asked for ideas. OK. Here is one (assuming we are not a member of N7):

Based on the codex

"Initially, candidates train for more than 20 hours per day, leading small combat teams through hostile terrain with little sleep or food. Trainees who do well are awarded an internal designation of N1 and are invited to return. Subsequent courses - N2 through N6 - are often held off-planet and include instruction in zero-G combat, military free-fall (parachuting), jetpack flight, combat diving, combat instruction, linguistics, and frontline trauma care for human and alien biology.

The highest grade of training, N6, provides actual combat experience in combat zones throughout the galaxy. If the trainee survives these scenarios in "admirable and effective fashion," he or she finally receives the coveted N7 designation. N7 is the only ICT designation that may be worn on field or dress uniforms."

So I see a few possibilities here. Meeting N1 candidates on some hostile planet, N2-N6 recruits participating in zero-G combat, an N7 operative who was forced to retire due to an injury acting as a weapons expert on our ship, a failed N7 candidate (failure due to insubordination or something like that, not combat inexperience), N7 operative gone rogue as an adversary.

I don't think N7 will have a large impact on ME:Next. It didn't even have a noticeable impact in the trilogy, where our character is an N7 operative. It's special forces - a small and purely military faction that is dependent on Alliance funding. 

 

In the link you provided, quoting 

1. "in fact, the entire presentation showed only “conceptual prototypes,” and Gamble said BioWare was “years” away from final decisions."

2. "It was stamped with the N7 logo, however, and Gamble confirmed that the player character will have “something to do with N7.”"

It can be assumed that at that point they wanted the protagonist to have something to do with N7, but they did ask afterwards "what does N7 mean to you?" and they still haven't told us anything about the protagonist. They teased us with "Pathfinder Initiative" and A.R.K.C.O.N. which, along with new game's focus on exploration, hints at our protagonist not being an N7 operative (I can't see an N7 operative exploring the galaxy at will. We could do that in ME, because Shepard was a Spectre. N7 is a much more rigid structure)

[Revan Reborn]

I don't think N7 will have a large impact on ME:Next. It didn't even have a noticeable impact in the trilogy, where our character is an N7 operative. It's special forces - a small and purely military faction that is dependent on Alliance funding. 

 

In the link you provided, quoting 

1. "in fact, the entire presentation showed only “conceptual prototypes,” and Gamble said BioWare was “years” away from final decisions."

2. "It was stamped with the N7 logo, however, and Gamble confirmed that the player character will have “something to do with N7.”"

It can be assumed that at that point they wanted the protagonist to have something to do with N7, but they did ask afterwards "what does N7 mean to you?" and they still haven't told us anything about the protagonist. They teased us with "Pathfinder Initiative" and A.R.K.C.O.N. which, along with new game's focus on exploration, hints at our protagonist not being an N7 operative (I can't see an N7 operative exploring the galaxy at will. We could do that in ME, because Shepard was a Spectre. N7 is a much more rigid structure)

 

That is exactly why I believe we will be an N7 Operative. It had no meaning in the original trilogy. Also, you still fail to address why the main protagonist is wearing N7 armor. Again, only N7 Operatives are designated to wear that armor, as your codex entry alluded to.

 

1. Your first comment is in response to the Mako and the fact its functions aren't entirely complete. That statement had nothing to do with the N7 armor the main protagonist is wearing.

2. We know the main protagonist has "something to do with N7" and that BioWare has shown him/her multiple times wearing different colored variants of the same N7 armor. We also know that this information has been revealed at E3 and Comicon, unlike your other teases that were done through social media and not to the overall gaming community.

 

You make a lot of speculation, but I still fail to see why you believe the main protagonist likely won't be a member. Based on the E3 footage, Comicon footage, and the N7 Day footage, BioWare seems to be suggesting we will be an N7 Operative. At the very least we are still very much part of the military, as we will have the Mako as our main vehicle for planet travel. I will not be surprised if we have a ship similar to the Normandy SR-2 as well.

[Nitrocuban]

Why not N8?

That's one better than 7, right?

[Revan Reborn]

Why not N8?

That's one better than 7, right?

Ha ha ha. Do you actually have anything to add to the discussion and what you would like to see done with the N7 in the next Mass Effect?

[Vazgen]

Uniform can be stolen, looted from a dead N7 soldier, worn by an N7 defector... Again, there is no source that the picture depicts the main protagonist.

 

1.  "in fact, the entire presentation showed only “conceptual prototypes,” and Gamble said BioWare was “years” away from final decisions."

2. Feel free to link those multiple variations of N7 armor you're talking about. The only armor with N7 logo they showed is in the OP

 

Regarding the reliability of early conceptual prototypes shown at E3 check out ME1 E3 trailer. About 80-90% of that trailer didn't end up in the end product.

Having a Mako means nothing, Elanos Haliat steals your Mako in ME1. Also, it's design is nowhere close to ME1-3 Mako, it may as well be a model released for a general public (which makes sense, considering that it lacks a turret and looks a lot lighter - probably at the expense of armor). Having a ship does not mean you will be a soldier too. 

You keep making assumptions over the limited bits of info they showed, they don't prove anything. Unless you can give some solid proof that our character will be a soldier I'm going to believe otherwise. Which has nothing to do with the topic, as I already mentioned.

[Revan Reborn]

Uniform can be stolen, looted from a dead N7 soldier, worn by an N7 defector... Again, there is no source that the picture depicts the main protagonist.

 

1.  "in fact, the entire presentation showed only “conceptual prototypes,” and Gamble said BioWare was “years” away from final decisions."

2. Feel free to link those multiple variations of N7 armor you're talking about. The only armor with N7 logo they showed is in the OP

 

Regarding the reliability of early conceptual prototypes shown at E3 check out ME1 E3 trailer. About 80-90% of that trailer didn't end up in the end product.

Having a Mako means nothing, Elanos Haliat steals your Mako in ME1. Also, it's design is nowhere close to ME1-3 Mako, it may as well be a model released for a general public (which makes sense, considering that it lacks a turret and looks a lot lighter - probably at the expense of armor). Having a ship does not mean you will be a soldier too. 

You keep making assumptions over the limited bits of info they showed, they don't prove anything. Unless you can give some solid proof that our character will be a soldier I'm going to believe otherwise. Which has nothing to do with the topic, as I already mentioned.

You really want me to link every image of the main protagonist shown so far? So be it. Here is just a few:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This armor is far from being a "conceptual prototype." It will be in the finished product, and BioWare even alluded to the fact it would likely be highly customizable with various pieces being removed or added. There is also a basic exoskeleton beneath the plated armor that will probably be for casual use outside of battle.

 

You are just grasping at straws here. The Mako is a Systems Alliance vehicle. This is straight from ME wiki:

 

"The M35 Mako infantry fighting vehicle was designed for the System Alliance's frigates. It is designed to fulfill the role of rapid deployment that its predecessor, the M29 Grizzly, fell short of accomplishing. Though the interior is cramped, an M35 is small enough to be carried in the cargo bay and easily deployed on virtually any world."

 

The Mako's features are not finished (may explain why it lacks a gun currently). As the quote above suggests, a frigate-class Systems Alliance ship carries the Mako, such as the Normandy. This has the military written all over it, whether you want to connect the dots or not. Lets not be ridiculous here. Believe what you want though. I've provided more than enough evidence to show we will be a soldier and likely a member of N7 as well.

[Vazgen]

I haven't seen the red and blue armors from all angles. That sucks, seems like we'll still be an N7 soldier. That's one minus in my book

[Revan Reborn]

I haven't seen the red and blue armors from all angles. That sucks, seems like we'll still be an N7 soldier. That's one minus in my book

I see it as an opportunity to really bring depth to that aspect of Mass Effect. We never truly were able to appreciate or learn of the experience of being a N7 Operative or a Spectre. Shepard essentially had his ragtag team of companions that did whatever they wanted and got the job done. In ME2, he was killed and then becomes an agent for Cerberus. With ME3 we are back with the military after house arrest, but we are playing diplomat/politician more so than being a soldier or anything beyond that. The story was so appealing that many elements that make Mass Effect interesting were just largely ignored.

 

That's why I created this thread as a way to brainstorm what interesting and compelling systems BioWare could build to bring that soldier/N7 experience to life. I think it's likely the Inquisition structure will have a major impact on how the N7 is incorporated into MENext. I'm sure BioWare will likely go far beyond that, however.

[StealthGamer92]

By going through 8 missions. First one(which would determine youre military background) gives you a choice to either do something heroic(Paragon military background), cold and calculated(Renegade), or to just follow orders and wind up i takeng an objectiv single handedly(Intermediate military background). The next five are "N" missions that give insight into the program as a whole, while also introduce any new game mechanics and maybe a character or two. The seventh would be the mission that gets you the N7 designation. Then your first mission as N7 goes wrong and you go AWOL.

 

You were asking how they could show us the N7 program in-game, right?

[Vazgen]

I'm tired of playing a soldier character. In ME2 we get the idea of what a non-soldier character plays like, we no longer have our hands bound by military discipline, orders etc. Fleshing out N7 special forces is not something I want the next game to focus on. I would've much preferred a Han Solo-type character than "Yes, sir! No, sir! Can't have any fun with a stick up your ass, sir!". 

I also fail to see how "The highest grade of training, N6, provides actual combat experience in combat zones throughout the galaxy. If the trainee survives these scenarios in "admirable and effective fashion," he or she finally receives the coveted N7 designation. N7 is the only ICT designation that may be worn on field or dress uniforms." can be called a blank state for our character.

[Revan Reborn]

By going through 8 missions. First one(which would determine youre military background) gives you a choice to either do something heroic(Paragon military background), cold and calculated(Renegade), or to just follow orders and wind up i takeng an objectiv single handedly(Intermediate military background). The next five are "N" missions that give insight into the program as a whole, while also introduce any new game mechanics and maybe a character or two. The seventh would be the mission that gets you the N7 designation. Then your first mission as N7 goes wrong and you go AWOL.

 

You were asking how they could show us the N7 program in-game, right?

Yes. That's an interesting idea. I wouldn't mind having a set of trials in place to become an N7. I think the idea of starting off as a marine and working your way up is interesting. I'm not so certain about the AWOL part. That more or less happened in ME2, even if it was somewhat against Shepard's better judgment.

 

I'm tired of playing a soldier character. In ME2 we get the idea of what a non-soldier character plays like, we no longer have our hands bound by military discipline, orders etc. Fleshing out N7 special forces is not something I want the next game to focus on. I would've much preferred a Han Solo-type character than "Yes, sir! No, sir! Can't have any fun with a stick up your ass, sir!". 

I also fail to see how "The highest grade of training, N6, provides actual combat experience in combat zones throughout the galaxy. If the trainee survives these scenarios in "admirable and effective fashion," he or she finally receives the coveted N7 designation. N7 is the only ICT designation that may be worn on field or dress uniforms." can be called a blank state for our character.

I'm not going to judge the game until we see the full expanse of what the System Alliance and N7 Program constitutes in the next Mass Effect. For all we know, BioWare could take it in a very different direction than any of us anticipate.

 

Well the developers did say while we won't start out as a legend similar to Shepard, we are going to be skilled and have the tools to become a legend. Now, I don't know if that means we'll be an N7 recruit to start, or if that's something we will have to work to become throughout the game.

 

We'll have to wait and see, but I believe BioWare is taking more of a Dragon Age Inquisition approach to the main character, where he/she is an unknown and as the story progress his/her power and influence grows.

[StealthGamer92]

Yes. That's an interesting idea. I wouldn't mind having a set of trials in place to become an N7. I think the idea of starting off as a marine and working your way up is interesting. I'm not so certain about the AWOL part. That more or less happened in ME2, even if it was somewhat against Shepard's better judgment.

 

 

I really dont want to be a soilder again is all. I will play the game no matter what and probably love it. I just like the idea of working for myself so I feel less awkward choosig renegad options like i did with Shepard.

[Revan Reborn]

I really dont want to be a soilder again is all. I will play the game no matter what and probably love it. I just like the idea of working for myself so I feel less awkward choosig renegad options like i did with Shepard.

I never really felt like I was working for the Systems Alliance, besides perhaps ME3. ME1 you were clearly working for the Council. ME2 you were clearly working for Cerberus. Even in ME3 you aren't playing the role of a soldier, but more of a unifier, diplomat, and peacekeeper for a larger threat. We'll see what direction BioWare takes it, but clearly this is something they want to explore further, and I'm interested to see what they come up with. Especially with respect to Schierf, he knows all about science fiction military and special forces working with Halo, Master Chief, and the SPARTAN II and IV projects. I could see some parallels being drawn from his experience in that. Not to mention the new N7 armor does remind me a bit of MJOLNIR armor in Halo.

[StealthGamer92]

I never really felt like I was working for the Systems Alliance, besides perhaps ME3. ME1 you were clearly working for the Council. ME2 you were clearly working for Cerberus. Even in ME3 you aren't playing the role of a soldier, but more of a unifier, diplomat, and peacekeeper for a larger threat. We'll see what direction BioWare takes it, but clearly this is something they want to explore further, and I'm interested to see what they come up with. Especially with respect to Schierf, he knows all about science fiction military and special forces working with Halo, Master Chief, and the SPARTAN II and IV projects. I could see some parallels being drawn from his experience in that. Not to mention the new N7 armor does remind me a bit of MJOLNIR armor in Halo.

Well it was Shepard more than the military part to be honest, he just had a "good guy" voice to me, but knowing he was always a "career miltary" character didn't help. Also now that you mention it the new armor is kind of like MJOLNIR, hopefully ther is a slim streamlind version.

[Revan Reborn]

Well it was Shepard more than the military part to be honest, he just had a "good guy" voice to me, but knowing he was always a "career miltary" character didn't help. Also now that you mention it the new armor is kind of like MJOLNIR, hopefully ther is a slim streamlind version.

Certainly his paragon side definitely evoked that perspective. I think the issue (and strength) of the original ME trilogy was that Shepard's character had already been defined before we could shape him by our choices. That's why I never really felt it was a military or even a soldier story. Those were secondary to Shepard's story, which was one human trying to save the galaxy from the unknown.

 

Much like with the Spartan IV MJOLNIR armor in Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, it seems the N7 armor is going to be highly-customizable and we'll be able to shape and alter the exterior properties with much more fidelity than previous games. I'm expecting a lot more aesthetic options and tons more possibilities for making our respective soldiers look unique and different.

[RIPRemusTheTurian]

If we were to assume that we'll be playing as an N7 operative, doesn't that mean there won't be multiple options for the player's race?

[Malanek]

If we were to assume that we'll be playing as an N7 operative, doesn't that mean there won't be multiple options for the player's race?

I think that would be the logical assumption. Still an assumption on an assumption though, we don't know exactly what is happening.

[Revan Reborn]

If we were to assume that we'll be playing as an N7 operative, doesn't that mean there won't be multiple options for the player's race?

Considering N7 Operatives are only human, that would be a correct assumption. As I had already explained in the other thread about the main protagonist, playing as another species for the main game wouldn't be practical. Skeletal limitations, facial limitations, overall animation difficulties and lack of armor variety, the list goes on. I'm not merely making this stuff up either, as these were reasons BioWare explained why they couldn't have more variety in species in SWTOR. Can you imagine trying to do a romance scene with a volus? A hanar? An elcor? Turians are barely practical due to their limitations and lack of facial variety. Quarians are an issue due to their weak immune systems, so lack of armor options. Asari will not work because they are female-only. Salarians and krogans are self-explanatory. For all intents and purposes, only a human will work, and I think Mass Effect is more interesting from the underdog human perspective anyways.

 

I think that would be the logical assumption. Still an assumption on an assumption though, we don't know exactly what is happening.

There really aren't any "assumptions" here. BioWare has confirmed the main protagonist has something to do with N7, and considering every concept art and in-game image we have seen of the protagonist has been in N7 armor (only N7 operatives wear the armor), there's not a lot of assuming to do here. BioWare did mention a while ago that they were considering other species but nothing was locked down. I suppose there is a small chance that could still happen, but humans are obviously locked in for certain. If BioWare were to try and do different species (which I explained above not being practical), then I'd be under the impression they would have different origins like DAI. The human would obviously be tied to the N7 Program.