Very few games make for a similar cinematic experience quite like the original Mass Effect trilogy.
For more than ten years, players have been enthralled with the Mass Effect franchise, which has sold at least 20 million copies over four games. The fervor and devotion of the game’s devotees persist even after 16 years of its initial release. It is likely not insignificant, nevertheless, that Electronic Arts published Mass Effect: Legendary Edition in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mass Effect was first released for the Xbox 360 in 2007 by BioWare, well known for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It was soon hailed as a classic and later remastered for the PC, PS3, and the previously stated collection that came with all DLCs for the Legendary Edition along with the next two games.
There was more to the series. The release of Mass Effect: Andromeda took place in 2017. Although it was criticized for its gameplay mechanics and problems, this game was set 600 years after the events of Mass Effect 3. As is often the case with games, first impressions linger, and even with updates, Andromeda’s bugs and graphical errors were noticeable.
However, when Mass Effect 5 was hinted about at the 2020 Game Awards, excitement surged once more. The community was given hope by the trailer, which emphasized Liara T’Soni, a figure that is dear to the fans. Nevertheless, BioWare has not disclosed any information regarding the game’s development or release date three years after this statement. We do know that the game was in its early phases of production as of last year, trailing Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in priority.
Industry rumors have recently sparked debates about the structure of the game. At the latest “The Xbox Two Podcast” edition, Windows Central’s Jez Corden proposed a major return to the traditional template for Mass Effect: Andromeda’s open-world concept.
There may be cause to think that this is the route that Mass Effect 5 will go, even though this rumor hasn’t been confirmed. Because of its linear structure, the first trilogy was a huge hit and established a high bar for narrative-driven science fiction role-playing games.
But things are not always easy at BioWare. According to recent sources, the studio recently let go of over fifty staff, which has caused concerns about the development of two big titles: Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and Mass Effect 5. However, BioWare has a cushion of hope and resilience thanks to its affiliation with well-known brands.
Final Fantasy Despite its ambition, Andromeda’s open-world strategy didn’t sit well with many fans. The dull plot and characters of the fourth entry drew criticism. It was clear from comparing the series’ storytelling to that of the original trilogy that its strength was in its narrative concentration. In many respects, Mass Effect was more about an immersive cinematic experience than it was about the freedom of role-playing. It was typical to hear comparisons to elite science fiction programs. The series stands out from other games due to its distinctive combination of a rich plot and choices controlled by the player, which guarantees its position in gaming history.
It might be better for BioWare to return to the original format. It was effective to strike a balance between directed storyline and open-world components.
God of War from 2018 and its follow-up, God of War: Ragnarok, which was released just a year ago, are excellent examples of this. A good balance of linear and open-world storytelling was included in both games. A return to the original formula of the series would also help Mass Effect preserve its distinct character amidst the multitude of science fiction role-playing games.
Allowing too much choice to the players could weaken the main narrative’s effect and rhythm. By opting for a highly controlled experience, the series may avoid becoming just another Starfield, which is now receiving unfavorable reviews.
Although the future of Mass Effect 5 is still unknown, one thing is certain: its fan base has great hopes and expectations for a return to the game’s origins.
Fans may anticipate Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s arrival sometime in the upcoming year. However, Starfield, which is presently outperforming The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on Steam, might be more your taste if you’re searching for a more space-centric adventure.