'Mass Effect 4: Andromeda' release date news: New protagonist introduced; Game set for March 2017 launch

Bioware has finally presented its much-awaited game project to the public, which is about the upcoming installment of the "Mass Effect" game franchise. During the recently concluded Electronic Entertainment (E3) 2016, Bioware confirmed that "Mass Effect 4: Andromeda" will be hitting the digital markets early next year. The game developer company also released the first official trailer of the video game, which reveals the new protagonist of the "Mass Effect" series.

As presented at E3 2016, Bioware set the release date of "Mass Effect 4: Andromeda" in March 2017. Aside from the game's scheduled release, the latest game trailer shows a new character in the series, IGN reported. The new protagonist named Ryder is revealed to be a fully customizable character, which is something different as compared to the previous "Mass Effect" game titles. For the first time, the players have the freedom to give Ryder a first name. Likewise, Ryder can also be a male or a female depending on the players' preference.

It was also revealed that at least two party members will be joining Ryder in the game, although their names will be identified in the coming weeks. For now, the fans know that the party members will be from the Asari and Krogan species.

Polygon reported that the new protagonist will be very different from the previous "Mass Effect" hero, Commander Shepard. Bioware creative director Mac Walters told the publication at E3 that Ryder is going to be a newcomer to a totally unfamiliar terrain and the character would have to develop first before becoming a hero, unlike Shepard.

"People are kind of looking at you and going, 'Well, who are you and what are you doing here?'" Walters said. "This isn't your home and the only way that works is if we really make that an integral part of the story, and the story of the characters that you meet when you're there."

It was also revealed that Ryder will not be as skilled and as experienced as Shepard, although the character will be well-equipped and has enough combat knowledge that can be used throughout the journey. This change was done in order to give the players a whole new perspective regarding the "Mass Effect" protagonist. as the team wanted the people to feel the motivation of the character in saving the world as something that he wants to do, not a responsibility that was vested upon him as a soldier.

"We're freeing ourselves up with in this game," Walters added. "It's new to the protagonist in the story as well, so you get to experience it with them, ask all the questions that they're probably asking as well and kind of go on that journey together."