WhenMass Effect: Legendary Editionreleased last month, fans of the franchise were able to board the Normandy again and relive the adventure of the original trilogy with improved graphics, quality-of-life changes, and streamlined systems spanning all three games. Although theLegendary Editionhas been well-received, it also points to one ofMass Effect 4’s biggest challenges.
Mass Effect: Legendary Editioncapitalized on nostalgia to great success, but withMass Effect 4seemingly picking up from the ending of the original trilogy, BioWare needs to strike a careful balance between the nostalgic and the new. This could be difficult based on what’s been seen so far, as BioWare needs to embrace change if it’s going to recapture the spirit of the original trilogy.
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Rebuilding The Past
Mass Effect 4’s trailer has a clear message - the next chapter in theMass Effectfranchise will have more explicit connections to the original trilogy thanMass Effect: Andromeda. Although a shot oftwo galaxies in theMass Effect 4trailerhints elements fromAndromedawill be reintegrated into a new storyline, the trailer focuses on fan-favorite companion Liara returning and hints that Shepard may have survived the events ofMass Effect 3.
It seems unlikely that BioWare would hint at Shepard’s return if the studio wasn’t willing to follow through. The dead Reaper seen in the trailer and an image released by BioWare on Twitter showing aMass Relaybeing reconstructed both point toMass Effect 4taking place in a timeline where Shepard chose to destroy the Reapers and Mass Relays. It seems likely thatMass Effect 3’s Destroy Ending has been made canon in-part because it’s the only original trilogy ending that can hint at Shepard’s survival if the player has a high Effective Military Strength.
Bringing back Shepard poses some big challenges for moving the franchise forward. While players won’t necessarily be expecting to see all of their original trilogy choices reflected in the new game, many will be expecting elements like romance options returning. A player whose experience of the original trilogy involvedromancing Garrus, for example, would likely be disappointed to see him left out of the new game.
This raises a big question forBioWareon where the studio draw the line when it comes to bringing back elements of the original trilogy. On one hand, leaving out some of the iconic characters from the original trilogy and introducing a new crew could feel like it’s leaving important storylines behind. On the other,Mass Effect 4will need the ambition to tell its own story and start setting up its own stakes, rather than relying on the player’s attachment to the first three games.
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Changing The Mass Effect Universe
While the challenge applies to returning characters, it also applies to the plot and setting ofMass Effect 4as a whole. BioWare will have to choose whether it’s going to try and tell a story aboutMass Effect 4’s protagonist- Shepard or otherwise - facing another galaxy-level extinction event. If it is, it could feel too similar to the original trilogy. If it isn’t, BioWare could risk lower stakes.
BioWare has already hinted at some of the changes coming to theMass Effectuniverse, but it’s clear there’s a level of hesitancy to change too much.The Destroy Endingimplied the destruction of the Mass Relays would fundamentally change the galaxy, potentially making FTL travel and a galactic community impossible. While the Twitter image shows a Mass Relay being rebuilt in a new style, the fact that Mass Relays are being rebuilt at all could be a missed opportunity to show a different version of theMass Effectuniverse rather than returning things to the status quo from the start ofMass Effect 1.
Assuming Shepard does return, their characterization could also be a tough area to balance nostalgia and change. The Shepard seen in the next game could be at a different stage in their life, similar to Kratos' return in 2018’sGod of War. This could be an opportunity to tell a new kind of story, but could also risk alienating fans if they feel Shepard has changed too much.
If BioWare is really going to draw people back into theMass Effectuniverse for a new story, it needs to embrace change. The originalMass Effecttrilogy is one ofBioWare’s greatest achievements, but one of the reasons players fell in love with the games was how fresh and compelling its universe and story felt. The individual elements that made up the original trilogy, including the companions, Shepard, and the Normandy, were all important. However, they will never have the same impact now as when they were new.
The Future Of Mass Effect
Mass Effect 4is a chance for BioWare to tell a story that feels thematically distinct from the original trilogy, explore the galaxy in the wake ofthe Reaper invasion, and introduce new companions. Nostalgia can draw fans in, but it is unlikely to sustain the story for long, or helpMass Effect 4be met with the same acclaim as the first three games.
There are still many different kinds of stories BioWare can tell in theMass Effectuniverse. A dark matter plotline cut fromMass Effect 2would have involved time manipulation, while a cancelledHan Solo-inspiredMass Effectspin-offwould have put the player in the shoes of a mercenary or smuggler to explore the galaxy from a different angle.
Even ifShepard returns,Mass Effect 4should not try to tell another story about Shepard overcoming all odds to save the galaxy. It should not rely on returning characters, rekindled relationships, or references to memorable moments from the original trilogy. A return to Shepard and the Milky Way can still form a strong foundation for the next game, but if BioWare doesn’t leave the original trilogy behind it risks being held back by nostalgia.
Mass Effect 4is currently in development.
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