Released in 2009 for iOS, Mass Effect Galaxy was a spinoff game that introduced two significant Mass Effect 2 characters: Jacob Taylor and Miranda Lawson. While in many ways the game isn't integral to the overall Mass Effect story, it does provide some interesting insight into Jacob and Miranda. However, all of that was essentially lost when EA removed it from the App Store in 2012. 

In the game, Jacob, a Systems Alliance veteran, is aiming to take a vacation when Battarian terrorists attack his ship. Jacob then springs into action to stop the attack and, ultimately, save the Citadel. During his adventure, Jacob meets Miranda, an informant working with Cerberus. Miranda’s intel assists Jacob on his mission until he succeeds in stopping the terrorist plan. The two characters later find themselves working alongside Commander Shepard, aboard the Normandy SV2 during the events of Mass Effect 2.

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Mass Effect Galaxy makes some major departures from the series' usual formula. While set in the Mass Effect universe, the game is a top-down shooter employing the motion controls of iOS devices. Tilting your device allowed Jacob to maneuver through rooms in-game, and he fired automatically. Jacob's abilities -- which were biotic and tech, like in Mass Effect 2 -- appeared on the right-side of the screen and were activated by player touch.

Like the other games in the franchise, Mass Effect Galaxy also had dialogue options when speaking with characters. However, while Paragon and Renegade options are available, they don't change the main story much.

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mass effect galaxy ios game

While there's nothing about the game that's absolutely essential, Mass Effect Galaxy players also received some additional content for Mass Effect 2 when they connected to EA's servers. When Mass Effect 2 players have Jacob and Miranda on Shepard’s fireteam, there's some additional dialogue with Ish, a side mission character on Omega who needs his packages retrieved. This corrupt businessman played a minor role in both Mass Effect Galaxy and Mass Effect 2.

Overall, Mass Effect Galaxy isn't particularly beloved, due in large part to the clunky controls and seeming like a cash grab for the series. However, EA pulling the game means -- although who purchased it when it was initially on sale can still redownload it -- Mass Effect Galaxy isn't easily accessible for those who want a glimpse into the past of their favorite squadmates. This also means Mass Effect 2 has dialogue most players will never get the chance to hear.

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