To this day, theMass Effectfranchise stands as one of the best narrative-driven experiences in gaming, with each entry providing a unique experience that thrives off decisions that have lasting consequences. While it’s still a ways off before release given thatDragon Age: The Veilguardonly just recently stopped development,there’s plenty to be excited about when it comes to the long-awaitedMass Effect 5. Even if the idea of a return to the legendary sci-fi RPG franchise sounds great on paper, the mixed reception from BioWare’s recent outings doesn’t bode well for the series.
WhileMass Effect: Andromedahas been slowly gaining more appreciation over the years thanks to itsfun gameplay mechanics, it struggled to stack up to the originalMass Effecttrilogy at the best of times. GivenAndromedawas released nearly eight years ago,BioWare has had plenty of time to reflect on what worked best and what could be cut out from the next entry in the franchise. Even if BioWare doesn’t have nearly the same reputation it used to as a development studio, a recent blog announcement points towards a potential return to form for the long-running company.
BioWare Is Reimagining Its Game Development Process
Sparking Hope For A True Return To Form
While BioWare had changes planned all the way back in August 2023,the studio recently published a blog post stating they had moved some developers to other teams at EA, on top of reimagining how they developed games moving forward. While the post is vague on the exact details, it seems to back up BioWare’s claims that they have a clear distinction between the tone of their most recentDragon Ageentry and the grittier sci-fi trilogy withMass Effect.
Starting with a smaller team dedicated to creating a memorable experience is likely the best way to start given the less-than-favorable response to BioWare’s recent outings, allowing them to focus on what made theMass Effectfranchise so popular in the first place.
Director Of Dragon Age The Veilguard Has Left EA & BioWare
A few months after the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the game’s director Corrine Busche, is leaving BioWare and EA to work on a new project.
Given that the blog post also highlights that the core team is developing the nextMass Effecttitle closely under the incredibly talented developers who brought the original trilogy to life in the first place. WhileMass Effect 5seems to only be in the early stages of development,BioWare seems to be putting all their focus into making a title that holds up to the standard of quality they used to be known for.
BioWare Has A Lot To Prove With The Upcoming Mass Effect 5
Proving Their Ability To Make Memorable Games Once More
While it will be incredibly hard for any game to stand up to the iconic status theMass Effecttrilogy has developed over the years, the franchise has plenty of room for improvement. From avoiding the problems withMass Effect 3’s controversial ending and fixing theseries' biggest plotholes,the nextMass Effectentry could naturally build off the franchise rather than just simply follow it.
Regardless of the direction BioWare takes with the upcomingMass Effect 5, after the mixed reception fromAnthem,Andromeda, andThe Veilguard, the series has a lot to prove for dedicated fans still holding out hope for the studio.
A fantastic start to re-creating the feel of the originalMass Effecttrilogy.
While nothing has been confirmed so far, the iconicmorality system is rumored to return, which was one of the biggest features missing from the fourth entry in the series. WithMass Effect 5seems to be a return to form for the series, this simple feature would be a fantastic start to re-creating the feel of the originalMass Effecttrilogy while still giving BioWare plenty of creative freedom.
