Summary
Mass Effect 4would have an incredible legacy to follow up on, but being connected to such a famous franchise also comes with some potential downsides. TheMass Effectgames forged a strong reputation based not only on the series' solid gameplay but also its cast of characters, especially the protagonist, Commander Shepard. Following up on the original trilogy was always going to be a challenge, as seen by the difficulties faced byMass Effect: Andromeda. However, a direct sequel to the trilogy would not have an easy road either, andMass Effect 4would need to tread carefully.
Whetherplaying throughMass Effect: Legendary Editionor the original releases of the trilogy, fans will be spending a long time in the universe ofMass Effect. Across three games, Shepard’s journey takes them to several planets with plenty of detours along the way. Most notably, every crewmate that Shepard can recruit has their own story, which leads to the loyalty missions that solidify their bond with Shepard. Depending on the player’s actions, Shepard can even end up in a romance. Its sheer amount of story potential was one of the biggest strengths thatMass Effecthad, and a direct sequel tied intrinsically to that canon would be difficult to sustain.
Mass Effect 4 May Face a Minefield of Questionable Canonicity
Commander Shepard Reshaped the Galaxy in the Mass Effect Trilogy
It cannot be denied that even if players don’t seeCommander Shepard return inMass Effect 4, they will have left a massive impact on the galaxy. The fact that they defeated the Reapers is their biggest contribution, of course, but they played a role in so many conflicts and storylines that the universe without Commander Shepard would be a dramatically different place. Ironically, this could turn into a problem forMass Effect 4if elements of the original trilogy are present. Commander Shepard has been so important that seeing the effects of their actions is almost inevitable.
Mass Effect’s Universe Has a Lot of Variables
Almost every notable quest has several options for Commander Shepard, and they’re often more complex than justchoosing between Paragon and Renegade inMass Effect.
Characters can even live or die based on the actions that Commander Shepard takes in various missions. This is one of the biggest obstacles that a direct sequel to theMass Effecttrilogy would face. There are so many possibilities forMass Effect’s universe that there’s no way to ignore the ramifications of Shepard’s actions. If old locations or characters are revisited inMass Effect 4, then BioWare would have even more difficult choices to make.
Canonizing Any Previous Options in Mass Effect 4 Would Be Difficult
While Shepard defeating the Reapers is a given, there are still several possible endings that could potentially be made canon. Likewise, thefates ofMass Effect’s Quarians and Gethare dependent on one important choice fromMass Effect 3, although it is at least possible for both to survive.
In addition, most of Shepard’s potential romance options are still alive and active by the end of the third game, so if any of them reappear, it may be awkward if the topic of Shepard is brought up. Canonizing or decanonizing any potential Shepard ships would surely be a contentious topic.
Mass Effect 4has dozens of hours of incredibly rich lore to build itself off of, but if not handled properly, those story threads could become a tangled knot, presenting aunique challenge forMass Effect 4. The lore of the first three games is consistent with the player’s actions, but unlessMass Effect 4can branch off of a player’s previous saves, canonizing anything would be a difficult endeavor.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
