While there aren’t a lot of games I would like to see sequels to; in fact I could probably count them all on one hand: Mass Effect is not one of them.
I respect BioWare for everything they have done, and not only just for the Mass Effect series. They are among my favourite developers, and I generally look forward to any new content from them. However the thought of a sequel makes my skin crawl.
Currently in its early stages of design, Casey Hudson posed the question on whether we would “be more interested in a game that takes place before the trilogy, or after?“ Why it shouldn’t be set in the future, should be obvious. Unless BioWare plans on making four different games (and I’m including the ‘Defiance’ ending), then you will undoubtedly see the classic meme, asking “what do you mean none of my choices mattered?”
In terms of setting in the past, the quite obvious choice would be the First Contact Wars. But even so with only approximately 600 casualties on both sides; it would hardly seem like a good choice for a game. The Krogan Rebellions or the Rachni Wars would seem a more sensible conflicts to deal with, but the bigger issue still remains. Regardless of what event is chosen, whether it be in the current cycle or the ones that came before, it will always be a pointless: we know how the story ends.
Mass Effect has already proven to be successful enough in its comic form, to spawn a series in itself. In books, the series has proven a little shaky. Deception probably left those fond of literature with a bad taste in their mouth. Nonetheless, the medium has shown promise, and I have no doubt if given the attention it deserves, it would shine through and represent the series in a good light. In terms of film; an anime is due out at the end of the year, not to mention a Hollywood production in progress with Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.
I like the thought of expanding the lore. But a sequel is not the way to do it; especially with other great avenues to pursue. I cannot seem to shake the feeling that the reason for Mass Effect 4 is for money and not for the fans. Countless series have remained very much in the heart of their fans by transitioning to another medium. Mass Effect has already laid the foundation for such success. Another game would only prove to disillusioned fans that EA’s long standing position of financial gain, has influenced a once great studio.
Despite all that has happened with the series, Mass Effect has a legacy to uphold. In will always have its place in history. And that’s how it should remain; in gaming history. Let it go…
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9 Comments
I agree that any future releases would probably just be for monetary gain but it should still be fun. Personally ME2 was my favourite of the trilogy and the ending to ME3 was……..
I would rent this new game rather than buy it though, just so they don’t get £40 from my wallet!
still . . . I want a SEQUEL
I really really want to fight the thorians mother.
The broad world of this sires leaves so much to the imagination that the thought of nothing eals good coming from it is ubserd. the outlets avalible for future instalments is so overwelming in scope that Bioware could redifine the Mass Effct universe 100X over and (if approched with the same care and attension to detail), Bring event more exitment and lore to an already extenivly defined midium. If some fans lose intrest in future ME titles then they still have the origonal trilogy to reflect on wial giving the die-hards somthing to invest in. Human history has been around for a long time and i think it’t fair to say we are prepared to see the future no matter what it brings, good or otherwise.
I would like to see a sequel to Mass Effect 3, the game is definetly not my favourite because they made a total mess of the game. But I hope they do a better job of ME4 and remember what made ME more than just a game(except ME3).
A sequel would be better than a prequel, if we went with the prequel there is going to be fan outcry of how it contradicts ME1 and 2 and like you said about the bigger picture as past events are irrelavant.
You`re wrong Mass Effect 3 ending its good and unique.
Your logic is flawed. What’s wrong with choosing one of the endings and building the sequel based on that. Nobody expects bioware to build 4 games. We, the fans, can be reasonable
I agree that there would be some minor nerd rage involved; but whether people like it or not, one of the endings is canon just as with the choices made in both ME1 & ME2. So its not a question of if they should make a sequel; but rather when will they. There will undoubtedly be complaints by some about the choices mattering; but in the end a well made product and story will negate any of the initial complaints. As one of those who despised the original unexpanded ending I can say that personally, it wasn’t from the lack of choice, instead it was due to the pervading feel of laziness that permeated the writing if everything that happened after the final arrival at the Citadel. That’s my opinion at least.
I completely disagree.
1. A sequel could easily be made. The 3 different choices are equal in that the reapers are dealt with, no matter how. At the beginning of ME 4 you could either import an ME 3 character, with his choices, or have the option to choose on the spot. Since the reapers are either gone or enslaved or befriended, they don’t need to be featured extensively and no story arc would build around them (pointless). They could have a cameo or not, they could be seen at times in the background or not. We have seen this happening to characters from ME 1 and 2 in ME 3 no problem.
2. Shepard can be revived no matter how ME 3 ended. He could be downloaded into a robot body, for example, like EDI, or could simply have survived in the destruction (red) choice.
3. Prequels can include, but are not limited to the three galactic wars, Shepard’s career, Shepard’s early and later adventures and/or fights etc.
4. Rather than a prequel or a sequel, a spin-off could work better. Garrus, Mordin, Wrex as well as Admirals Anderson and even Hackett could be leads in a ME product happening before ME1. Unfortunately, all the interesting female characters are very young and it would be hard to believe that either Ashley, Tali or Liara have seen much adventure or action before ME1. Still, they would make for very interesting characters in a sequel spin-off of the trilogy. You could even get a little baby Shepard if you romanced one of them (hehe). And why not a ME in which instead of choosing eye shapes and noses, you choose between these and so many other characters? You could even choose to play as Konrad Verner (hehe) (remember, he’s a PhD in engineering physics and an asset in building the Crucible)
5. A spin-off could be set at the same time with the ME trilogy of Shepard. Characters like Miranda and Jacob have a cameo, and so does Wrex if you imported from ME1, but what do they do and where do they fight while you work hard at gathering your (largely useless) war assets in ME3? Samara is almost 1000 years old, and was a justicar for the last 400, can you imagine how much she has seen and been through? The much younger Jack was a criminal before meeting Shepard and is a kick-ass teacher, on the verge of becoming a leader in her own rights in ME3, and she is fun. Irreverent, and fun. The list just goes on and on and on….
Conclusion: not only one sequel/prequel can be figured out easily (took me 15 min, by the Goddess) but many others, plus spin-offs.
So if you don;t think this trilogy and this universe deserves continuation, just don’t play it anymore. But I love ME and I will play.
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