Summary
TheMass Effectfranchise quickly became one of the most prolific and influential science fiction RPGs upon its release back in November 2007. Developed by genre veteran BioWare, the creator ofBaldur’s Gate,Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,Jade Empire,andDragon Age,Mass Effectserved as the evolution of RPGs at the time. Its rich game world, well-written story, interesting characters, and third-person shooter gameplay made it a unique take on the classic genre. The two mainline sequels that followed completed a trilogy of games to go down in history as a benchmark in gaming history.
Several years after the dramatic conclusion ofMass Effect 3, fans were excited to hear of a new game in the beloved series coming soon. Unfortunately,Mass Effect: Andromedawasn’t as beloved as previous titles in the franchise. Though many of the ideas in the game could have been very successful in aMass Effectgame, other aspects failed to land, and altogether the experience did not live up to the quality standards of the previous games in the trilogy. Naturally, when fans heard thata newMass Effectgamewas coming down the line, their expectations may have been tempered. However, the recent news about the game’s overall direction is a promising sign of things to come.
RELATED:Mass Effect 4 Ditching Open-World Elements Would Be for the Best
Why Mass Effect 4 Should Return to Form
Mass Effect 4’s Leaks
The recent information that has been shared aboutMass Effect 4is sure to excite fans of the original trilogy. Though most of the information surrounding the game comes from leaks and rumors, the general talk seems to coincide with the teasers showcased by the developers.
Essentially,Mass Effect 4could be a return to formin a way that focuses on less open-world elements in favor of a structure akin to the original games. Though the original games weren’t necessarily linear, as they did provide the opportunity to explore, they prioritized story-driven moments and intense action segments.
This is especially exciting forMass Effectfans as it shows they are opting to look back at the series and find the best elements that made it so successful in the first place. BioWare could have decided to double down on the direction ofAndromedaand go further with a sequel to that game. Though from what is said in theMass Effect 4rumors, the game will be more of a sequel to the original trilogy. Some even suggest that Shepard may make a return. However, at this point, it’s anyone’s guess.
Mass Effect’s Best Features
TheMass Effectfranchise is at its best when it focuses on compelling characters in a narrative-driven experience, with a strong emphasis on choice. The third-person action gameplay also helped it carve out its own niche among othergreat RPG titles by BioWareand other developers.
Choosing to focus on a location familiar to players, the Milky Way galaxy, also helped it feel more grounded in a way that science fiction franchises like Star Wars could not. IfMass Effect 4manages to capture these core elements and bring the franchise back to the Milky Way, or space beyond, it will be on track to appease fans.
The other crucial factor ofMass Effectversus other RPGs is the preset protagonist. ThoughMass Effectallows character customization, it is still a set character in the original trilogy. It will be interesting to see ifMass Effect 4brings back Shepard and, if so, how it will be handled. Perhaps if Shepard is revived, players will be able to have new ways to influence the design and personality of the character. If Shepard really does return and the game features a more classic structure, it could potentially be theMass Effectcomeback many fans have been waiting for.
Mass Effect Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.RELIVE THE CINEMATIC SAGA: Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling where you decide how your unique story unfolds.EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND OF SHEPARD: Create and customize your own character, from appearance and skills to a personalized arsenal then lead your elite recon squad across a galaxy in turmoil.REFLECT ON YOUR CHOICES: Your choices seamlessly travel from one game to the next. Each decision you make will control the outcome of every mission, every relationship, every battle – and even the fate of the galaxy itself.
