Summary
WithMass Effect 4on the distant horizon, many long-time fans are likely wondering what sort of gameplay staples it will adopt. The return of BioWare’s sci-fi opus could lean into modern trends, but it could just as easily serve as a throwback toMass Effect’s roots.
Once upon a time, cover shooters were a dime a dozen, andMass Effectwas one of the bestof its class, sitting right alongside iconic franchises likeGears of WarandUncharted. After a while, though, the term “cover shooter” became something of a dirty word, associated with on-rails or overly linear, sluggish gameplay, with the genre being outshined by third-person shooters prioritizing aggressiveness or satisfying movement mechanics. These days, cover shooters are all but extinct, butMass Effect 4might benefit from turning back the clock.
Mass Effect 4 May Want to Reprise the Series’ Cover Shooter Mechanics
Mass Effect’s Cover Shooting Is Special
Though the cover shooter archetype has grown to be somewhat maligned,Mass Effect’s shooting mechanicshave aged like wine. The common criticisms of cover shooters – that they are slow, too restrictive, and encourage a conservative playstyle – are all actually points that synergize withMass Effect’s other combat features.
Mass Effect’s combat revolves around several key abilities that play on the strengths and weaknesses of enemy NPCs. For instance, synthetic enemies or those with tech shielding are susceptible to the Overload ability, while biotic shields and tank enemies can be obliterated quickly by Reave or Concussive Shot. This combat system, combined with the pact that the player can command friendly NPCs to reposition themselves and use particular abilities, makes for a rewarding, tactical gameplay experience, especially on higher difficulties. This strategic combat is aided and improved byMass Effect’s of-the-era cover shooter mechanics, as it allows players to carefully consider their next moves while still improvising, giving battles a methodical feel and encouraging players to think critically about positioning, movement, area control, and enemy behavior.
Mass Effect’s combat evolves over the course of all four mainline entries, withMass Effect 3arguably achieving the best combination of real-time gameplay and strategic planning.
Additionally, and maybe more significantly,Mass Effect’s flavor of combat works in tandem with the series’ narrative. Commander Shepard is supposed to be a leader, guiding small fire teams on the battlefield with precision, direction, and fearlessness. The cover shooter formula serves this military command fantasy without sacrificing immediately enjoyable real-time gameplay. Essentially, players can more believably and intimately connect withMass Effect’s iconic protagonistthrough combat.
With all that said,Mass Effect’s approach to cover shooting isn’t perfect, and there are ways that the next game can build upon it and land a good blend of classic and modern gameplay. Although many fans would argue thatMass Effect: Andromedais too great of a departure from the franchise’s classic gameplay, it’s hard to deny that the game offers improvements when it comes to mobility and general game feel. PerhapsBioWare will take a note out ofAndromeda’s playbookin this regard, giving players new movement tools and smoother controls while maintaining an emphasis on methodical combat.Mass Effect 4could also lean into freedom and flexibility, providing opportunities for players to bolster strategic or aggressive playstyles via leveling, gear, and build-crafting.
Times have changed quite a bit sinceMass Effect 3andMass Effect: Andromeda. Expectations are high for BioWare to deliver a polished,innovative RPG withMass Effect 4. While adopting and adapting contemporary game design conventions could certainly work toMass Effect 4’s benefit, the game should also pay homage to the series' untouchable identity, and its slow, thoughtful cover shooting mechanics are part of that.
Mass Effect Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.RELIVE THE CINEMATIC SAGA: Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling where you decide how your unique story unfolds.EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND OF SHEPARD: Create and customize your own character, from appearance and skills to a personalized arsenal then lead your elite recon squad across a galaxy in turmoil.REFLECT ON YOUR CHOICES: Your choices seamlessly travel from one game to the next. Each decision you make will control the outcome of every mission, every relationship, every battle – and even the fate of the galaxy itself.
