Mass Effect: Andromeda producer Michael Gamble has stated that the game will not be the open world game some are expecting it to be. The game will mostly be a linear experience.
In an interview with Xbox magazine Gamble states that he "definitely wouldn't call Mass Effect: Andromeda an open world game" but would instead like to use the term "exploration-based". The game will mostly be a linear experience with "all the great things you come to expect with Mass Effect."
Gamble also states that the layer of exploration won't be apparent everywhere because exploration "happens in open spaces, but not always.". Players also won't be able to explore all planets completely because, according to Gamble, "players can cruise around some of these planets in the Nomad, but it's not the traditional sandbox-type game."
Mass Effect: Andromeda launches on March 21st 2017 for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.