Mass Effect 4: 10 Ways It Can Revolutionise The Franchise
8. More Flexible And Detailed Relationships
One of the most memorable aspects of the Mass Effect series is the relationship dynamics between your character and the non-playable cast, more specifically the ability to open up a romance with certain characters should you choose to do so. While not the first video game to utilize this mechanic, Mass Effect popularised it to the point where Its pretty much an expected feature in all of Bioware's games. Mass Effect wasnt always flawless in its execution of these relationships, no doubt due to limitations of time and technology. With the franchise now entering the next generation, it could use a bit of an overhaul. More specifically, relationships could stand to be less ridged and more natural. Mass Effect has always treated its romances too much like a game, and as a result they sometimes dont come off quite as genuine as they could be. If relationships felt a little more nuanced and reactionary they would benefit greatly. And this system shouldnt just apply to romances. The way characters felt about Shepard was always set in stone regardless of your actions. The next Mass Effect should have all characters react to you in a positive or negative way in accordance to their personality. The Dragon Age series has been doing this for years already, and its about time Mass Effect did the same. It could even improve upon that system and make the way characters speak and act towards you different in ways both obvious and subtle. Imagine a Mass Effect game where a character could become your close friend in one playthrough and distant in another. Maybe you never take the time to chat a certain character up and they dont react to you as affectionately as they would if you had. Small details like that would make your interaction with the cast feel more detailed and personal.
