Summary
The firstMass Effectwas released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 when third-person shooters were extremely popular. Following Capcom’sResident Evil 4in 2005, games likeDead Space,Gears of War, andMass 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 helpedMass Effectfeel unique and varied.Mass Effectdevised 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.
EachMass Effectdid 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 toAndromeda. However, the gaming landscape has changed quite a bit even sincethe release ofMass Effect Andromeda. With rumors circulating that BioWare’s highly anticipatedDragon Age: Dreadwolfhas completely reworked its gameplay from previous games, it seems possible that the nextMass Effectgame may opt to do the same.
Why Mass Effect’s Gameplay Needs to Evolve
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 moreSoulslike real-time action game, if not something similar to the recentGod of Warentries. 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.
BothDreadwolfand the newMass Effecthave 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 ofthe originalMass Effecttrilogywhile still feeling fresh and modern. Recent releases from BioWare,Dragon Age: InquisitionandMass Effect: Andromeda,have both taken steps towards updating the traditional gameplay of those franchises.Mass Effect 4may be the time to take things even further.
Mass Effect 4’s New Gameplay Direction
ForMass Effect 4’s gameplayto 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 Effecthas 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 gamesMass Effect 4could take inspiration from, but perhaps the best bet would be to look at remakes that maintain the spirit of the era of the original:
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 4will have to incorporate fan-favoriteMass Effectabilities and mechanicsfrom previous games in a way that doesn’t feel outdated and instead feels brand new.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
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. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
