Sony recently held a PlayStation Meeting conference where they unveiled the PlayStation 4 Pro (PS4 Pro). The new console will get some meaty new features when it releases later this year. As such, a couple of game developers went on stage to show the console in action.

The biggest thing about the PS4 Pro is that it will be able to render games in native and upscaled Ultra High Definition [3840×2160 (4K) resolution].

In an effort to show off the gaming prowess of the PS4 Pro, Bioware went on stage to show off their highly anticipated sequel to the Mass Effect series. This is the first time fans have seen the game in action since E3 2016. I am pretty sure that the gameplay was the highlight for most attendees.

In the new footage, we are told that the game supports the High Dynamic Range (HDR) features on the PS4 Pro. It should be noted, however, that the PS4 Slim and current PS4 will also get HDR support via a software upgrade. The Mass Effect: Andromeda 4K gameplay has been captured in a “pre-alpha” build of the game. It looks near-perfect however, as the entire tech demo ran like butter.

Though the video is rendered at 4K, and even though the developers are going on about how it should be experienced in 4K, I can assure you that it looks just as gorgeous on a 1080p monitor. Do not go out and buy a 4K monitor just because of this footage. [Editor’s note: I watched the footage on a 5K display, and it is indeed quite lovely. Well worth finding a 4K screen to view on, if you already own one]

It shows off new protagonist called Ryder, with the default male avatar, traversing a space station alone. However, voice over banter and a cutscene quickly establish that his companions are also there. It is quite a lengthy look at some of the on-foot exploration Mass Effect: Andromeda has to offer. It also shows some spectacular physics and special effects; such as particles and ambient lighting. The character animation looks very similar to that of Mass Effect 3’s Sheppard, but that is likely to change as the game nears completion.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is set for an early 2017 release. although no specific date has been confirmed. Bioware has promised more information will drop on N7 day (7 November) this year. The game will release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

[Sources: Kotaku, PC Gamer, Rock Paper Shotgun]

Junior Editor at Vamers. From Superman to Ironman; Bill Rizer to Sam Fisher and everything in-between, Edward loves it all. He is a Bachelor of Arts student and English Major specialising in Language and Literature. He is an avid writer and casual social networker with a flare for all things tech related.