This particular statement from Walters came during a rather lengthy special edition of Game Informer’s podcast, where the BioWare creative director also discussed some of the developer’s decisions when it comes to how Mass Effect: Andromeda will be influenced by prior entries in the series, such as its a “bold” ending on par with the first Mass Effect, variations in narrative that are inherent in Mass Effect 2, and the attempt to avoid a conclusion like ME3’s ending with a more concrete and satisfying denouement instead. Of course, regarding fans’ save files in Andromeda, it’s quite possible that the plot in further sequels down the line could be influenced by decisions made in the franchise’s fourth installment.

Not only did Walters address Mass Effect: Andromeda’s story aspects and the necessity for fans to hold on to their save files, but also the creative director touched on other details, such as the PC version’s native controller support and confirmation that there will not be any day-to-night planetary cycles. However, Walters did say that there will be some “different states” that can impact the gameplay in action.

Furthermore, Mass Effect: Andromeda is set to contain occasional allusions and references to the original trilogy, but overall, Walters insists that the forthcoming title will be a complete divergence from Commander Shepard’s tale. Much to fans’ discontent, though, the creative director didn’t reveal any information in relation to how Quarians and other alien races will be worked into the narrative, as BioWare remains relatively quiet about the subject.

Bearing all of this in mind, it seems as if BioWare is doing all it can to polish Mass Effect: Andromeda to the best of its abilities in order to not only have the game be a unique standalone experience, but also an homage to what made the series so great in the first place. With that being the case, here’s to hoping that Andromeda will be able to give fans a science fiction adventure that only BioWare can deliver.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is set to launch sometime in the first quarter of 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.