Summary
Between an upcomingMass Effectset to follow up on Shepard’s adventures, and the long-awaitedDragon Age: Dreadwolfwhich is set to follow Inquisition’s cliffhanger, fans ofBioWarehave no shortage of projects to look forward to. When considering the reality of the production timelines of these anticipated titles, however, it’s become increasingly clear thatBioWarenow has the chance to redefine its IPs within the context of the modern state of gaming.
The allegedly rockydevelopment history ofDragon Age: Dreadwolfhas set an uncertain precedent as to how the nextMass Effectwill end up being handled, but there’s still a solid chance that these titles could deliver in a way that redeems the reputation of BioWare. Following the disappointing results yielded by the releases of titles such asMass Effect: AndromedaandAnthem, fans of the more classic formulas established in games likeKOTORand the originalBaldur’s Gatehave become increasingly skeptical of the nextDAandME. With titles likeBG3cashing in on what some players consider an improved version of the BioWare style, the studio might now be more inclined to explore innovation through brand-new gameplay design and features.
Strictly Adhering to the Systems of Classic Dragon Age and Mass Effect is Likely to Feel Dated
RPGs Have Changed During Nearly a Decade Between Mainline Entries
Mass Effect 3launched in 2012 andDragon Age: Inquisitionis approaching its 10th anniversary later this year, meaning players of these well-received mainline entries have spent most of their time with other games in the years since. The rise of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne genre, CD Projekt Red, Larian Studios, and changes at Bethesda are all just some examples of influential forces within the genre who have set the tone for modern action and tactical RPGs alike, but the previous formulas ofBioWare’s best-reviewed franchisespredate many of these important releases.
Precedence for Evolution Within BioWare Already Exists
There’s an overall similarity between the games withinMass EffectandDragon Agerespectively, but each of their entries has also managed to show a desire to change and grow in novel ways. WhileMEbecame more streamlined and action-oriented over time,DA’s three titles all differ from each other vastly in terms of gameplay. The shift fromthe tactics ofDragon Age: OriginstoDA2’s more prevalent action, and thenInquisition’s open world feeling has created a pattern of innovation, and leaks have indicated thatDreadwolfmight be taking on a new identity of its own.
The Gap Between Major BioWare Releases is the Perfect Excuse for Experimentation
How Changes like Dreadwolf’s GOW-Inspired Action and ME4’s Espionage Could Materialize
While both the nextMass EffectandDragon Agehave been teased multiple times, the lack of any official gameplay showcases has left them with open-ended possibilities. Leaks have shown thatDreadwolfmay be taking notes from the concise and controller-based combat system of the recentGod of Wartitles, while the sleek character design shown off in theN7 Day 2023 trailerseems to evoke a vibe far removed from the overtly militaristic adventures of Commander Shepard.
Changes like these could diverge quite heavily from where their franchises began, but moving past what could be seen as outdated design has the potential to provide these dormant series with new leases on life no matter the direction.
Even if the same formula seen in older titles is repeated in BioWare’s upcoming releases, many players have now been exposed to recent efforts from the likes of Larian and Obsidian which surpass the classics in the eyes of some. In a landscape where other developers have spent considerable focus on utilizing the same character-driven RPG style during a time when BioWare began to lag behind, incorporating elements from outside its typical format could be the key to makingthe nextDragon AgeandMass Effectshine.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth game in the franchise, serving as a direct sequel to the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players will attempt to stop Solas from tearing down the Veil, among other possibly major plot points. Its events see players travel to Tevinter, the Anderfels, Rivain, and Antiva.
