Six years may have passed since the release of the last mainline entry in the series, but BioWare’sMass Effect 4is still a highly anticipated upcoming release.Mass Effect: Andromedatook the franchise in a slightly different direction that didn’t quite pan out the way the developer intended, butMass Effect 4seems to be bringing things back on track with a reunion of elements from both the original trilogy and the fourth installment. Alongside these returning aspects,Mass Effect 4will likely add its own original ingredients into the mix, but these could also include resurrected elements from another BioWare IP.
With a controversial ending forShepard’s journey inMass Effect 3and a departure that didn’t necessarily pay off inMass Effect: Andromeda, the pressure is on forMass Effect 4to bring fans back on board. Despite some minor missteps, theMass Effectseries remains a beloved part of the developer’s catalog, and there are more than a few players waiting patiently to see where the series goes next. BioWare might be slightly risk-averse given the reception ofMass Effect: Andromedaand the ill-fatedAnthem, but it could use the latter as inspiration for some of the new additions toMass Effect 4.
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Anthem’s Demise
Anthemwas BioWare’s attempt to move away from its long-running series and introduce a new IP that embraced multiplayer. WhenAnthemwas first announced, gamers were intrigued by the concept of an alien planet that they could explore with a variety of enhanced exosuits. This felt different from other science fiction titles that BioWare had released up to that point, but unfortunately with a botched launch and an unfinished product,Anthemfailed to impress. There was a brief moment of hope for fans when it seemed like BioWare might follow in CD Projekt Red’s footsteps and significantly rework the title post-launch, but this was dashed withthe cancelation ofAnthem 2.0.
However, there are aspects ofAnthemand its canceled reboot that could be successfully recycled into one of BioWare’s other science fiction franchises –Mass Effect.Mass Effect: Andromedamade lots of changes when it came to the formula, from switching up the setting to introducing a whole new main cast of characters, and it definitely took some risks. While not all of them paid off, there were aspects that made improvements and added new features. Combat felt more fun, gameplay was more dynamic, and traversal options were really opened up with the use of a jump-jet. Players will be looking atwhatMass Effect 4might includefrom previous entries, but also what it might tweak and innovate from other BioWare properties likeAnthem.
How Mass Effect 4 Could Capitalize On It
Anthemmight have failed to live up to the potential of its premise, and while it could have won players back if it was given the chance, it will remain a slightly dark spot on BioWare’s resume.Anthem 2.0never managed to see the light of day, but it would be a shame if all aspects of the IP are left behind. However, one thing that many agreeAnthemnailed was the use of exosuits and the way the game’s flight was handled, whichMass Effect 4could potentially make use of.
Players will be familiar withthe N7 armorin the first threeMass Effectgames along with other memorable armor sets, as well asMass Effect: Andromeda’s Initiative equivalent, but this space suit could be upgraded to include a version ofAnthem’s Javelins. Not much is known aboutMass Effect 4’s story, but it seems likely that it will take place in a Milky Way galaxy that has suffered greatly not just from the Reaper invasion, but also the destruction of the mass relay system and all AI as well. Space-faring societies will be rebuilding, and this could pave the way for new types of tech, especially those that make use of left-behind advanced Reaper technology which could translate to a Javelin-style getup and ensureAnthem’s survival in one small way.
