Star Warsis perhaps the most beloved sci-fi property in all fiction. Its characters are iconic, and the story that unfolds in a galaxy far, far away is one that is known across the globe thanks to the film series leading to numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. In video games, the franchise has been fortunate enough to receive several stellar titles. There is a smattering ofStar Warsgames already in development for the Disney-owned IP, with many offering unique selling points.
However, BioWare is not currently announced to be a developer working onStar Warsprojects. The Edmonton-based company is known for creating high-budget role-playing games, with the likes ofMass EffectandDragon Ageat the center of its legacy. With other games already taking players to theStar Warsgalaxy, giving BioWare another chance at the IP could be a great way to restore the company’s reputation and offer players something worthy of the lofty franchise.
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BioWare’s Work on KOTOR
Of all theStar Warsgames out there,Knights of the Old Republic- an RPG developed by BioWarebefore the company createdMass Effect- is still considered one of the best. It released in 2003 on the original Xbox, and though it would come to other systems down the line, it was one of Microsoft’s powerhouse exclusives. Its story was strong, with a twist that left players shocked by the events that unfolded.
Knights of the Old Republicwasn’t afraid to useStar Wars’deep lore to flesh out its narrative. Players create their character and continue along the main quest, but it is later revealed the protagonist is actuallySith Lord Darth Revan. Without his memories following a betrayal by his apprentice, Darth Malak, Revan is retrained to be a Jedi, hoping that his dark history would be left in the rearview. It’s a story that left a huge impression on fans, and as BioWare showed its capability to craft great stories with more subsequent games, getting back into theStar Warsecosystem would likely please fans again.
Mass Effect is Sci-Fi Royalty
After leaning heavily onStar Warslore to tell a great story inKnights of the Old Republic, BioWare proved it could forge something all its own in 2007 withMass Effect. What would start as a refined RPG with an unspectacular story ended up being one of the finest science-fiction game properties of all time,even rivalingStar Warsin worldbuilding and character development. Its sequel is considered by many to be one of the PS3 and Xbox 360’s best games, as it broadened the horizons of the first in gameplay, storytelling, and action.
Mass Effectshows BioWare at its best, and there are few companies that better understand how to craft a memorable sci-fi experience.Commander Shepard’s Paragon/Renegade personalitychoices are surely inspired by the Jedi and Sith divide fromKOTOR, and the unlikely crew they assemble is new and innovative, while clearly inspired by those present in theStar Warssaga. IfKnights of the Old Republicnever existed and BioWare had found success with justMass Effect,giving the developer theStar WarsIP would have been a no-brainer.
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Star Wars' Expanding Galaxy
For years, fans have been asking BioWare to return to theStar Warsproperty, especially now that the franchise is bigger than ever. Since the release ofKnights of the Old Republicin 2003, there have been six live-action films,several new Disney+ TV shows, and countless video games that center events all across the galaxy far, far away. Each brings a new flavor to the franchise, and lore that could be utilized further.
Star Warshas changed significantly over the last 20 years, and BioWare’s decorated past puts it in the best position to create something fresh and exciting with this new material.Knights of the Old Republicshowed what the developer can do whenStar Warslore was just a fraction of the size, and in doing so it became one of the series' most beloved titles. Whether it be an action-RPG focused onGrand Admiral Thrawn’s fight for power, or an R-2 Series droid looking to get back home from the far reaches of space, there is so much BioWare could take advantage of it.
BioWare Has a Reputation to Restore
There was a time when BioWare had critical and commercial praise from each new release. WithMass EffectandDragon Age,the developer had two of the most revered role-playing franchises of the seventh generation. However, though the companystarted the PS4/Xbox One era well withDragon Age: Inquisition, it fell as 2017’sMass Effect: Andromedafailed to reach the franchise’s lofty heights. The damage was heightened by the arrival ofAnthemin 2019.
Fans of the company are hoping it can return to its glory days, andBioWare wants to rebuild its shattered reputation, so it would benefit from working with more properties it is familiar with.Star Warshas had its own share of criticism in recent years, and partnering the Disney-owned franchise with a developer that knows it well could restore faith among fans.
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