The Mass Effect trilogy is one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time for good reason. It's filled to the brim with unforgettable characters, intricate worldbuilding, a sweeping score, and a plot that leaves players on the edge of their seats. It's regularly hailed by critics and fans alike as BioWare's magnum opus.
Players were excited about the announcement of Mass Effect 4. Unlike Mass Effect: Andromeda, which was more of a spin-off of the landmark trilogy, Mass Effect 4 would directly follow the events of Mass Effect 3, as seen in a teaser trailer that featured Liara. Many players are hoping some of the best parts of the trilogy will make it into Mass Effect 4, and each game has plenty to offer the new addition.
The Genius of Mass Effect's Worldbuilding in the Trilogy
Mass Effect stands out as the introduction to the world, in particular its worldbuilding and introduction to its characters, species of aliens, the Reapers, history, technology, and biotics. It introduced the player to this massive new world through gameplay in the form of missions. By interacting with the world, the player would be exposed to how the galaxy’s society worked without needing to read about it in a codex entry.
Mass Effect also stands apart from its successors in that it’s more of an RPG than an action game, featuring more customization for Shepard’s skills and what they can equip. It was a widely unpopular move to remove a lot of these elements to streamline gameplay and turn Mass Effect into more of an action-RPG game in its later iterations. If BioWare want to recapture that core audience, it may want to re-approach that strategy while maintaining the streamlined action that was so successful in Mass Effect 3.
How Mass Effect 2's Choices Changed the Game
Mass Effect 2 is widely hailed as the best game in the series with its balance of action and RPG, lovable cast of characters, choices that matter, and a final mission where everything comes together in a way worthy of the most gripping space movies. What stands out here is the impact of choice: each feels deliberate, and the game rewards the player for having gone the distance for getting to know the Normandy’s team, while punishing them for any neglect. Meaningful player choice is the most important lesson that Mass Effect 4 could take from Mass Effect 2.
Mass Effect 3 is less remembered for its player choices, and more for its gameplay and grand set pieces. As it takes place in the middle of the war with the Reapers, it has less room for the nuanced character relationships found in Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, for which it suffers. On the other hand, its weapon modifications, epic set pieces, and payoff with former companions such as Wrex and Tali were some of the best moments in the series.
These moments worked so well because of how well they were established at earlier points in the series. Mass Effect 4 doesn’t need three games to establish payoff like this; instead the story needs to be meticulously planned so that these moments may happen within the same game. Games are often much longer now than they were at the Mass Effect trilogy's original release, and it was done on a smaller scale within Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. As long as Mass Effect 4 includes choices that matter, story setup and payoff, memorable companions and characters with meaningful story moments, and in-depth customization of the player character, Mass Effect 4 could be as well-regarded as the original Mass Effect trilogy.
Mass Effect 4 is in development.