Explore the galaxy in Mass Effect: Andromeda – available now for Xbox One and PC

Mass Effect: Andromeda, the latest entry in Electronic Arts' flagship sci-fi RPG series, is now available on Xbox One and Windows PCs. After a five-year hiatus, the game marks the franchise's debut on next-generation consoles with some major changes in approach to both gameplay and its narrative.

Mass Effect Andromeda in-progress review: What you'll love — and what you won't

Playing as Sara or Scott Ryder, players take on the role of a new recruit in the Andromeda initiative – an interplanetary scheme designed to colonize new worlds. Over the course of the game's storyline, players will discover the furthest reaches of the galaxy and its inhabitants.

While our full impressions are still in the works, our review in progress is now available on Windows Central. Although we've praised some of the game's diverse combat mechanics and compelling characters, numerous flaws overshadow an otherwise engaging narrative. The title is also held back by some major game-breaking bugs, but that may look to change in an upcoming patch.

Mass Effect: Andromeda can now be downloaded via the Xbox Store and Origin desktop client on their respective platforms. However, for those in Europe, you'll be waiting until Thursday, March 23 for the game to release in your region.

For more news and guides on Mass Effect: Andromeda in the coming weeks, make sure to stay tuned to Windows Central.

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Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.