WithMass Effect 4officially on the way, fans of the prolific BioWare sci-fi RPG series are looking forward to seeing the galaxy again after years of uncertainty regarding a new entry. WhileMass Effectmay have started out incredibly strong by bringing its blend of cinematic and action RPG gameplay, many gamers are familiar with the later controversies ofMass Effect 3’s ending and the release state ofMass Effect: Andromeda. The most recent release outsideLegendary Edition,Andromedais often considered the low point of the series for lacking what drew players to the original trilogy. The next entry has the potential to be a serious return to form, however, as long asMass Effect 4can recognize what didn’t work in the last game.
Not quite the terrible release that some players have described it as,Mass Effect: Andromedais a game with flaws that overshadowed its legitimate merits. Featuring what is likely the best combat of the franchise,Andromedaended up being dragged down by its rushed development that compromised the cinematic qualityMass Effecthas always been known for. Odd facial animations that needed to be quickly patched, tedious quests, and a lack of a compelling antagonist all hurt the game, but its set of companions fell short in one major way.
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Mass Effect: Andromeda’s Party Lacked Originality
TheMass Effectseries is famous for its cinematic presentation that pushed the medium of gaming forward, but it’s also known for the deep lore of its universe occupied by diverse alien races. Races from Asari to Krogan have created a unique identity for the series, and the presence of a new species in the party always gave each game a distinct style.Andromedafollowed this trend with the addition ofJaal and the Angara, but it also stuck to the archetypes of the past when it came to the rest of the party.
Players may have expected a bolder shift in direction with a trip to a new galaxy, but the companions showcased howAndromedaended up largely following the status quo. Drak, a Krogan veteran, retreaded the concept ofMass Effect’s Wrex, Cora and Liam were yet another human duo in the vein of Kaidan and Ashley or Miranda and Jacob, and even Vetra’s status as a female Turian wasn’t very impressive to players familiar with Nyreen Kandros. Even Jaal’s outsider status evoked the likes of Javik, and Peebee’s status as yet another lone Asari largely deemphasized her unique quirks. The original trilogy’s companions featured a creative spark that wasn’t able to be replicated, but the next game can change this.
Mass Effect 4 Can Learn From Andromeda’s Mistakes
AsMass Effect 4seems to be set in a galaxy recovering from the“Destroy” ending ofMass Effect 3, it’s perfectly primed for shaking up its set of party members like never before. Whether or not it focuses on rebuilding or a new future, the circumstances of every race are sure to be different now. A Salarian soldier or a Turian biotic expert could be subversions of their usual representation that also fit into the fractured nature of civilization. Even less humanoid races like the Elcor, Hanar, Volus, or even Vorcha could be on the table, offering a perspective that fans have desired for years.
There’s much speculation regarding how BioWare will even approach it, butMass Effect 4is still a mystery in terms of characters. Following the uncertain fate ofCommander Shepard, Liara’s appearance in its announcement trailer has even led some fans to consider that she may step into the protagonist role herself. Regardless of whether it follows the same party structure as previous titles,Mass Effect 4is likely to shake the series up as it potentially enters a post-Reaper timeline.
