Much of the adoration is directed at Mass Effect 2, as typically fans consider it the peak of the mountain, but the conclusion of the third game was widely panned at launch. Both games are known for those respective things, but Mass Effect doesn’t receive anywhere near as much recognition, nor does it seem to warrant much conversation, as it’s a game that suffered severe growing pains that were necessary for the next entries to improve upon. It’s a fantastic product in and of itself, though, and to shake off the old age it could be best served with a complete remake.
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Mass Effect is a Self-Contained Masterpiece
It’s often overshadowed by what came later, but there’s no denying that Mass Effect is an incredible game as the first chapter of a trilogy that is one of the most revered in gaming. Like Star Wars: A New Hope, it began something great, but is wholly satisfying on its own with a definitive beginning, middle, and end. Saren is a superb villain, and while he is just one piece of a larger puzzle that is alluded to in the closing hours of Mass Effect, the way the game ends ensures it leaves players with a self-contained story that would more than stand up if it was the only game that donned the Mass Effect title.
Mass Effect 2 and 3 don’t have the same luxury, as they build upon what came before. Should they be subject to a ground-up remake, each would have to follow a remake of the first, as new players will be unsure of the story so far. Remaking Mass Effect would be a smart idea, as it can be enjoyed as a single experience, but should gamers want to continue the story they could play through Mass Effect 2 and 3 on the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, where the final pair of titles in the trilogy stand the test of time far better.
Time Has Taken its Toll on Mass Effect
Though the Legendary Edition has made Mass Effect a more streamlined and updated experience, it’s a game that still struggles with feeling old. Its sequel is far superior in both gameplay and presentation, and the third game takes lessons from the first two to make something that stands the test of time with grace. Mass Effect’s overheating weapons, uncontrollable Mako, and dated visuals make it hard to return to. Remaking it while retaining the same core principles of choice-based dialogue, strong character development, and awe-inspiring space exploration would be a key way to bring it to audiences before the launch of Mass Effect 4.
Mass Effect is one of the games of the 2000s that is in most need of a remake. Titles like Demon’s Souls, Yakuza Kiwami, and Shadow of the Colossus are some of the best games to receive the treatment, but the upcoming release of Mass Effect 4 ensures the 2007 BioWare classic is in a prime position for a substantial makeover. It’s old, and has been obviously left behind by its successors in terms of quality, but this wasn’t always the case. It was a pioneer in choice-based dialogue and its all-new sci-fi story was something special. Remaking it before the release of Mass Effect 4 could remind audiences that the series’ beginnings were far greater than some may remember them to be.
Mass Effect 4 is in development.
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