What next for Mass Effect?

[HotRod]

So we all know that Mass Effect 3 will be coming out in November and that it will more then likely be finishing up the story of Shepard and the Reapers, at least for now. What I’m wondering is, what comes next? Bioware has already come out and stated that they do have plans to use the universe they created after ME:3 is done and over with, but what will they do with it? I’ve heard some people want a RTS game, some want a pure FPS, while others, like myself have a desire for a different story, with a different cast, but presented in the same fashion as the trilogy. That of a RPG, over the shoulder, action-adventure game. What I would love to have would be a game much in the same vein as say Firefly or even the Han Solo side of Star Wars. A beat up old ship (that you can upgrade) with a crew (that you can assemble) out doing whatever jobs they can do to survive. You could have the choice of being decent people just trying to make their way in the galaxy, perhaps even doing something grand and noble along the way. Or you could be down and dirty pirates willing to do anything to make a buck. The choice is yours. I figure that we have already seen the ME galaxy from a military/paramilitary point of view. Why not now switch to civilian point of view. I think the Mass Effect game series would lend itself well to this idea. Your opinions? Ideas?

 

[Jax]

There is scope in the universe to make games set in different genres but I would like to stay in the RPG/FPS hybrid role we have at the moment...

Just because the Reaper threat is over doesn't mean the there are no stories to tell, with so many species come naturally conflict. Also you could assume a huge power vaccum after the Reaper war with the entire galaxy powerbase re-building allowing for the rise of new enemies.

 

[HotRod]

Yeah, like I stated before, I'm all for sticking with the current style of gameplay. Just seeing it from another point of view other then that of a member of the military. Imagine the situation you just discribed, with the galaxy adjusting to the changes the finale of mass Effect 3 will surely bring. Now imagine seeing all this happening from the point of view of a lowly freighter and its crew, who are just trying to make their way in the "verse".

 

[Owain Taggart]

I heard there's a rumour of an MMO in the works.

 

[HotRod]

That would be disappointing.

 

[Mr Light]

This post-trilogy talk is already starting to scream ODST to me (not in a good way).

 

[Darth_Daver]

Yeah. No prequels, side-quels please.


And definately no MMO (or other PC exclusive craziness)

 

[HotRod]

I didn't mind ODST actually, I just wish it was longer. Plus what I liked about it is that it kind of did what i'm hoping they do with Mass Effect. Make a similar game, from a different perspective, though they obviously stayed military. I think seeing things from a civilian view would really help expand on the already great universe Bioware has made us. But please....no MMO's. I'm a console gamer and theres no such thing as a good console MMO. Plus, they already came pretty close to perfect with the way the games are played already, why change it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And please, no prequels....I want to continue on in the galaxy I helped defend as Shepard. No looking back.

 

[Krisno]

What makes Mass Effect so great is that its your Shephard who's doing all the talking and shooting. The entire trilogy depends on the choices you make as an indivdual gamer. A purely action oriented Mass Effect game would be nothing different from a Gears of War imho. If you take away the story, Mass Effect would turn into an extremely mediocre game.

 

[Jax]

I heard there's a rumour of an MMO in the works.

If Star Wars: The Old Republic doesn't fail then a Mass Effect MMO made by Bioware and published by EA will most likely happen in the future.

 

[HotRod]

I really hope not, not that i would want Star Wars to fail. I may not like MMO's, but others enjoy them so I hope it's great game in their eyes. I just really don't want a Mass Effect MMO. I just don't think it's needed. It's too big of a change from the formula that is shown to work. Plus I view Mass Effect as a console game first and foremost, and consoles just can't do MMO's.

 

[Jax]

By the time any Mass Effect MMO would come out it probably would near the dawn on a new console cycle so MMO's might just happen for them then. I don't care about a MMO for the franchise because all MMO's are just too grindy click based borefests but as long as they make non MMO games as well they can go down that route if they choose to...

I just want some more ME games after 2011 to play.

 

[HotRod]

You and me both my friend, you and me both. I'm almost dreading November. After ME3 I'll have nothing to really really look foward to.

 

[Reverend]

I actually wouldn't mind a prequel in this case. I mean if they're intent on making a more pure-bred action game then the First Contact War would seem to be the obvious choice. Or they could dare to be different and have something with no humans at all. Like say play as a Korgan or Asari over the course of a millennia; starting as a young soldier/commando in the Rachni Wars, going through the rebellions and surviving just long enough to see humans appear on the scene.

It's difficult to speculate on what a post ME3 game might be without knowing how ME3 will end. From what I gather though there's going to be a lot more variability in the end games this time around so anything set after these events will be tricky. They'd either have to pick a 'canon' ending (which would be a shame) or else set it in such a way that the larger state of the galaxy has little effect on the story.

Whatever they come up with, if it's an MMO, I won't be playing it.

 

[HotRod]

I really don't think they should do a prequel. I've heard that idea about the First Contact war before and I can't say I'm a fan. What would be the point? We already know the outcome. Atleast continuing from wherever Mass Effect 3 leaves us would leave the story open to do pretty much anything without having it's hand tied by needing to have a certain outcome to be in sync with the current mass Effect timeline.

 

[clint g]

I actually hope bioware takes an extended break from the Mass Effect universe after the third one is completed. I would like them to revisit Jade Empire instead.

 

[FPAlpha]

Not likely since it has become a huge game and franchise and they are making guaranteed money with them and nothing spells continuation like a 100% guaranteed success.

As others have said the universe is huge and there are many story possibilities so it's a good bet they'll continue. They could branch out into other genres but Bioware seems to be the RPG specialist so it may be risky to try something they've never (or rarely) done.

However i do second a new Jade Empire game.. that was fun and i liked to kick ass martial arts style

 

[clint g]

I'm not saying that a new mass effect isn't welcome but I worry about the franchise becoming too bloated.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Not to mention tired. If they keep on going too quickly, I fear the series might start to feel stale. Yeah, I'd wait a few years and then tackle it again and focus on another of their series.

 

[JD]

I'm another one who'd like to see the same kind of RPG/Action style as the current trilogy, but from a new perspective. I also would love it if they let you have a choice of race next time around. I know that might make the conversation system more complicated for the programmers, but I would absolutely love to have to option of being an Asari, Krogan, Drell or Salarian.