Why Dragon Age Is Secretly Better Than Mass Effect

Science Fiction Versus Fantasy

At first glance the main difference that appears to distinguish these landmark titles is their respective genres: science fiction for Mass Effect and fantasy for Dragon Age. And – on the surface at least – this distinction opens vastly different worlds to players.

In Mass Effect, players are whisked into a technologically advanced future in which humans have cracked interstellar travel and are able to forge relationships with different extra-terrestrial species across the galaxy. Dragon Age, on the other hand, transports us to the fantastical lands of Thedas where magic, fantastical creatures, and (of course) dragons exist.

Swapping Mass Effect’s futuristic technology for medieval weaponry and spells, Dragon Age is by and large your typical epic fantasy experience as much as Mass Effect embodies what you’d expect from a spectacular sci-fi saga.

Of course, there is an element of personal preference when it comes to these settings. If you’ve never been able to buy into mythical worlds of magic and fantasy creatures, then Dragon Age isn’t going to win you over. And, likewise, if sci-fi isn’t to your tastes Mass Effect won’t change your mind either.

In fact, both franchises play so much into their genre’s tried and tested tropes that it could be a crucial factor in your enjoyment.