10 Great Action Video Game Franchises (That Died Too Soon)
1. Mass Effect
Mass Effect is the biggest franchise on this list, and the most recently active. You may wonder why it’s even included on such a list considering Mass Effect: Andromeda was only released in 2017. However, Andromeda was all but the final nail in the coffin for the franchise.
The core trilogy of the Mass Effect series is one of the most celebrated in game history. Mass Effect was released in 2007, Mass Effect 2 in 2010, and Mass Effect 3 in 2012. You played as protagonist Commander Shepard as he attempts to recruit a team from across the galaxy in order to stop the destruction caused by the Reapers. Mass Effect was praised for its detailed lore, grand open world full of diverse planets, and its development of character relationships. The game had progressive skill sets, and a unique blend of cover based shooting, biotic powers, and team commands. Mass Effect had it all, and the ending of the final game featured a hidden end credit Easter egg that gave hope for the return of Commander Shepard.
Instead, fans got Andromeda. Andromeda was full of glitchy, uninteresting characters, a disappointing story and repetitive gameplay. It’s safe to say that Andromeda killed the Mass Effect franchise. Continuous rumors have developed over the years about a Mass Effect 4, but nothing concrete has ever emerged. Mass Effect is one of the best ever video game franchises and it would a huge shame if it is truly dead, so let’s hope that one day it does resurface in all its glory.