Highlights

  • Mass Effect's gameplay blended elements of classic RPGs and third-person shooters, resulting in a unique and engaging experience.
  • While the gameplay of each Mass Effect game has seen some polish, it has not undergone radical reworking, which may be something to consider for the next installment.
  • To match the expectations of modern AAA titles and appeal to new audiences, Mass Effect 4 will need to innovate while incorporating fan-favorite mechanics in a fresh and modern way.

The first Mass Effect was released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 when third-person shooters were extremely popular. Following Capcom's Resident Evil 4 in 2005, games like Dead Space, Gears of War, and Mass Effect, among many others, drew inspiration from the immersive over-the-shoulder camera angle to make combat more engaging. These shooter elements paired with a more classic BioWare movement when not in combat helped Mass Effect feel unique and varied. Mass Effect devised a unique style of gameplay by blending elements of classic RPGs and third-person shooters that went on to remain mostly consistent throughout all the games that followed.

Each Mass Effect did add some degree of polish to the overall gameplay experience in one way or another. But for the most part, the gameplay has not seen any radical reworking, even up to Andromeda. However, the gaming landscape has changed quite a bit even since the release of Mass Effect Andromeda. With rumors circulating that BioWare's highly anticipated Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has completely reworked its gameplay from previous games, it seems possible that the next Mass Effect game may opt to do the same.

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Related
Mass Effect 4's Game Direction is Already a Promising Endeavor

The recent news surrounding Mass Effect 4's general direction has done well to position itself to appeal to fans who were unhappy with Andromeda.

Why Mass Effect's Gameplay Needs to Evolve

Mass Effect 4 teaser image with mock logo

BioWare's New Approach to Gameplay

According to Insider Gaming, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, BioWare's other highly-anticipated RPG, is rumored to have completely revamped its gameplay system in favor of a more hack-'n-slash approach. Though current information comes only from leaks and rumors and is not officially confirmed, the gameplay looks to be shaping into a more Soulslike real-time action game, if not something similar to the recent God of War entries. According to rumors, it is based on the same code as BioWare's 2019 release, Anthem, which also featured high-speed real-time action. All of these rumors came from alpha or pre-alpha builds of the game and could be very different from the final product.

Both Dreadwolf and the new Mass Effect have been in development for many years now, and in that time the expectations of action-RPGs have changed a lot. BioWare will have to live up to the legacy of the original Mass Effect trilogy while still feeling fresh and modern. Recent releases from BioWare, Dragon Age: Inquisition and Mass Effect: Andromeda, have both taken steps towards updating the traditional gameplay of those franchises. Mass Effect 4 may be the time to take things even further.

Mass Effect 4's New Gameplay Direction

For Mass Effect 4's gameplay to match the hype surrounding the game, the quality of the graphics/art style, and the sleek aesthetic of recent promotional material for the game, it will have to have modern polish and a classic feel all at once. Mass Effect has always had fun gameplay, but to appeal to new audiences and match the times it needs to innovate.

The standard for AAA titles in recent years has only gotten higher, with many action games focusing on smooth animations, high frame rates, ease of movement, and the power of choice. There are many great games Mass Effect 4 could take inspiration from, but perhaps the best bet would be to look at remakes that maintain the spirit of the era of the original:

  • Resident Evil 4 (2023)
  • Dead Space (2023)
  • God of War (2018)

Each of these games managed to capture the original feeling of playing its earlier iteration while also pushing the boundaries of modern gaming. Mass Effect 4 will have to incorporate fan-favorite Mass Effect abilities and mechanics from previous games in a way that doesn't feel outdated and instead feels brand new.