Mass Effect 4is likely still quite far off, but it’s nevertheless an exciting prospect to consider—though not for unambiguously positive reasons. In the wake ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’s lukewarm critical receptionand commercial performance,Mass Effect 4has even more riding on it than it would have otherwise, with many viewing it as BioWare’s last chance to recreate its glory days.
Whether this is accurate or not is hardly an objective matter, of course, but it’s fair to say thatMass Effect 4is a particularly important title, as it is bringing back a beloved and long-dormant franchise whose last outing was contentious. “Return to form” is no doubt a phrase that many are hoping to hear in relation toMass Effect 4, whenever it does eventually release, asAndromedawas a major departure from previous entries' RPG mechanics, as well as their mature, nuanced, skillful writing. Indeed, while gameplay is an important factor for BioWare to consider with its next sci-fi opus, storytelling and character writing are even more weighty, having the potential to make or break the overall experience. Few gamers come toMass Effectfor gameplay over story, after all.
Why Mass Effect 4’s Characters Will Be Instrumental
While companions and their associated mechanics are commonplace in RPGs, they areespecially important in theMass Effectfranchise. Not only will these friendly faces play a crucial role in gameplay due to party composition, squad-control features, and specific rock-paper-scissors-style abilities, but they also form the brunt of the series' narrative content. Speaking to teammates between each mission, whether about trivial or life-and-death matters, is what lendsMass Effectits singular charm and sense of immersion: the Normandy would be nothing but a forgettable hunk of spacebound metal without the strong characterization of its crew.
Although audiences give Shepard’s teammates in the field a lot of credit,Mass Effect’s other ally NPCs, like Kelly Chambers, Dr. Chawkwas, and Joker, are often just as well-written and endearing.
This focus on the Team as a concept, and as a unit composed of richly detailed individuals, is typical of classic BioWare games.; many of the aforementioned arguments in favor ofMass Effect’s approach to characterizationcan be made aboutDragon AgeandKnights of the Old Republicas well. But unfortunately, many would agree that this facet of BioWare’s formula has been poorly maintained, with recent releases from the studio failing to offer the same unforgettable casts of their predecessors. This makes it even more imperative forMass Effect 4to get its friendly NPCs right.
BioWare Needs To Make Another Iconic Set of Mass Effect Characters
Although it’s not entirely clear whenMass Effect 4will take place, making the return of various characters uncertain, this is somewhat moot: it’s more than likely thatMass Effect 4will feature a mostly new castof companions, introducing fresh faces to the franchise, regardless of setting. This is because, even if they are still alive by the timeME4starts, legacy cast members have already completed their story arcs; there’s no more room for them to develop, at least in any interesting way.
But even if there is potential for growth with older characters,Mass Effect 4still ought to be more focusedon new blood. The fact is, none of BioWare’s newer characters have achieved the same level of appreciation or icon status as the likes of Mordin Solus or Garrus Vakarian: the casts ofMass Effect AndromedaandDragon Age: The Veilguardare nowhere near as beloved as those of their predecessors. ForMass Effect, and BioWare by extension, to thrive moving forward,ME4needs to stick the landing with this crucial element of the series' formula.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
WHERE TO PLAY
Mass Effect: Andromeda travels deep into the Andromeda Galaxy, far beyond the Milky Way. There, you will lead our fight for a new home in hostile territory where we are the aliens. Take command as the Pathfinder, a leader of a squad of military-trained explorers, with deep progression and customization systems. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and your choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival in the Andromeda Galaxy. As you unfold the mysteries of the Andromeda Galaxy and the hope for humanity lies on your shoulders, you must ask yourself – how far will you go?
