After the recent N7 Day, fans were hoping that BioWare would reveal more about the upcoming Mass Effect 4, but the next installment in the beloved series is as mysterious as ever. That isn't to say players don't know anything about the next Mass Effect, but details are still relatively few and far between. BioWare has assured fans that development is proceeding well, with work underway on both new characters and locations, as well as some familiar favorites. With a likely return to the Milky Way, gamers are wondering what areas the newest game will cover.
Inevitably, there has been some concern among fans that Mass Effect 4 won't be able to capture the magic of the original trilogy, especially after some were left disappointed after Mass Effect: Andromeda. The last entry in the franchise tried to move the narrative in a different direction, and some players weren't too happy with where it ended up. Mass Effect 4 looks like it will be combining this approach with a return of older elements, and while some may think the possible reappearance or exemption of Shepard could be the game's biggest complication, how it handles its companions could actually be the thing that makes or breaks it.
Mass Effect 4's Milky Way Return
BioWare has been clear that it wants to try and incorporate both the original Mass Effect trilogy alongside Mass Effect: Andromeda and their different settings in Mass Effect 4, but it isn't clear to what extent the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy will be featured just yet. With the Mass Effect 4 teaser trailer, concept art, and other details, players know that the next installment will feature returning characters like series regular Liara. While some aspects will be returning, Shepard remains a question mark. However, many believe that the most pressing concern is what kinds of companions the next game will feature.
Shepard was definitely a major part of the original Mass Effect trilogy's popularity, but their companions were a close second. Crew members like Wrex, Garrus, and Tali remain among the most beloved video game characters of all time for many fans, and it was difficult to top them in Mass Effect: Andromeda after its move to a new galaxy. After the last game, the developer has its work cut out for it if it wants to create as memorable a crew as the first three Mass Effect games. While Liara will be making a comeback, with a potential time jump to incorporate Mass Effect: Andromeda, many other companions might not be able to feature in Mass Effect 4.
The Problem Of Mass Effect 4's Companions
Fans may be disappointed that only a handful of aspects of the popular Mass Effect trilogy will be featured, but to include a previous companion like Liara without some of the more beloved characters seems like a missed opportunity. The asari could serve as more of a link between the different narratives of each game, and therefore her inclusion would make sense, but it's difficult to imagine a Mass Effect game set in the Milky Way without the internet's favorite space boyfriend, Garrus. Some players might prefer Mass Effect 4 to not have any returning characters at all if it can't include the best ones, but others will welcome the nod to the older entries.
Mass Effect 4 will have to walk a fine line between pandering to fans and forging ahead with its own unique adventure. The challenges the next game will face are immense, from repairing the franchise's reputation after Mass Effect: Andromeda's minor missteps to meeting fan expectations, and with companions being such a large part of Mass Effect's gameplay, the next game will really have to think carefully about who is included and who will be left behind.
Mass Effect 4 is in development.