Summary
Though information aboutMass Effect 4is sparse, many fans of the franchise seem to have high hopes for it. Much of the discussion surroundingME4centers on the key question of whether it will improve upon theless-than-successfulMass Effect: Andromeda, which is often maligned by theMass Effectcommunity.
WhetherMass Effect: Andromedais a bad game is, naturally, a matter of opinion, but it’s undeniable that it was a major departure from the original trilogy. For one thing, as the name suggests, the game takes place in a new galaxy, thus featuring completely new characters, planets, and conflicts. On top of this,Andromedaalso made major changes to the gameplay of the franchise, streamlining the more tactical elements of combat in favor of fluid movement and streamlined abilities. These differences, alongside changes made toMass Effect’s RPG mechanics and mission structure, played a role in turning long-time fans off from the game.
Andromeda’s Poor Reputation Might Be Guiding Mass Effect 4’s Creative Direction
It’s certainly possible that the nextMass Effect will feature someAndromedaDNA, but there is reason to believe that BioWare might be drawing more from the original trilogy. While there may very well be several valid, creative reasons to lean more into the lore and setting of the first three games, it’s not too unreasonable to wonder if the strain on the series' reputation, thanks toAndromeda, might be partially responsible for this potential development route.
The Setting of Mass Effect 4
Fans have been speculating about the setting ofME4since the game’s 2020 teaser. Though extremely light on concrete information, the teaser does reveal thatLiara will play a role inMass Effect 4. The extent of her involvement is, unsurprisingly, unclear, but the mere fact that she shows her face in the teaser gives some hints about the game’s setting; since Liara was not involved in the Andromeda Initiative, andMass Effect: Andromedamakes it clear that it takes several hundred years to complete an extra-galactic journey, her appearance in the teaser makes a return to Andromeda seem unlikely. Perhaps even more significant than Liara’s appearance is a shot of what appears to be the Milky Way at the start of the teaser: a seemingly clear message about the game’s broad setting.
ME4could be set in the far future, as Liara’s alien species, the Asari, can live for over 1,000 years.
Why BioWare May Be Choosing to Focus More On the Original Mass Effect Trilogy
BioWare’s decision to setMass Effect 4in the Milky Way and include at least one iconic cast member from the original trilogy may be indicative of the game’s overall creative direction. Andromeda’s move to a new galaxy was symbolic, as it signaled a new start for the franchise afterMass Effect 3’s conclusive finale. By the same token,ME4’s apparent decision to rewind the clock and return to the Milky Way, regardless of the temporal setting of the game, could be symbolic of a return to the original trilogy. This may mean catching up witholdMass Effectcharactersand locations, but it could also mean a greater emphasis on the RPG mechanics and gameplay fundamentals that defined the first three games.
It should go without saying that this is all speculation, but it certainly makes sense for EA and BioWare to draw more from the original trilogy thanAndromeda. Audiences still consider the first threeMass Effectgames to be seminal, important RPG experiences, while time has not been kind toMass Effect: Andromeda. Essentially, drawing more from the narrative, gameplay, and structural fundamentals of the originalMass Effecttrilogy might be viewed as a recipe for success, and a good opportunity to revitalize the franchisefollowingAndromeda’s perceived failures.
