Like so many of the world’s best video game franchises, theMass Effectseries stands out because there’s nothing else quite like it. Naturally, there have been countless sci-fi RPGs, party-based action games, and choice-driven narrative games before and afterthe lastMass Effectgame, but no release has captured the unique character and spirit of BioWare’s space opera opus.
But there have been games that are likely to appeal toMass Effectaficionados before and sinceMass Effect Andromeda, and it’s these that expectantMass Effect 4players might be interested in checking out. After all,Mass Effectis both a culmination of early RPG video games and a seminal release within the genre, so its DNA has seeped into the fabric of the industry, unlikely to ever truly dissipate. For anyone looking to experience any ofMass Effect’s spiritual siblings, some options are better than others, especially as stopgaps betweenAndromedaandMass Effect 4.
Best Games to Play While Waiting for Mass Effect 4 To Release
Mass Effectmay be in a league of its own, but there are definitely some games that draw direct and obvious inspiration from it. Unsurprisingly, BioWare’s other leading RPG franchise,Dragon Age,has plenty in common withMass Effect, despite their clear differences in gameplay and world-building.Dragon Age: Inquisitionmay be particularly suitedMass Effectfans, as it shares the latter’s unique mix of real-time action and intimate, mature storytelling, more so than its predecessors and successor.Greedfall’s developers have directly citedDragon Ageas an inspiration, but more than a bit ofMass Effectgot mixed in with the recipe as well, whileMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis almost like an honoraryMass Effectwrit small. And of course,BioWare’s early work, especiallyKnights of the Old Republic, is required reading forMass Effectfans.
But anyone looking forward toMass Effect 4may have already played those games, and could be casting a wider net. In that case, other contemporary RPGs with strong writing and well-written characters, such asClair Obscur,Metaphor: ReFantazio,Yakuza: Like a Dragon,Final Fantasy 7 Remake, andFinal Fantasy Rebirth, could be just what the doctor ordered. There’s a fairly wide spread of experiences in this category, with theFinal Fantasy 7remake games having a strong mix of real-time and strategic, abilities-and-squad-focused combat that might land well with fans ofMass Effect’s unique gameplayflavor. Meanwhile,Like a Dragon,Clair Obscur, andMetaphor: Refantazioare turn-based games through-and-through, but their squad-based antics and lovable casts make them niceME-chasers.
Closer to the other end of the gaming spectrum are very different, more action-oriented experiences, starting with CD Projekt Red’s two most recent games,Cyberpunk 2077andThe Witcher 3. Though these games are open-world action-RPGs that lack the linear and party-focused nature of theMass Effectseries, they are nevertheless strong alternatives for those seeking more mature, sophisticated narratives with strong combat and progression systems to boot. Their decision-based storytelling, rich worldbuilding, and stellar environment design make them even more well-suited toMass Effectfans.
Then there’s theDead Spaceseries, published by EA during the same period that the games giant was pushing out the coreMass Effecttrilogy. Interestingly enough, the two series share some minor visual and aesthetic elements, perhaps due to nothing more than the similarities of their time, but the parallels are nevertheless notable. WhileDead Spaceis a traditional survival horror game, andDead Space 3is a bog-standard shooter,Dead Space 2falls nicely in the middle, providing balanced gameplay thatMass Effectfans might want to explore.
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?
