If we get a brand new protagonist it would be interesting to see what backgrounds are available. To reference the original 3 from ME1 with random examples: Earthborn (you fought the Reapers), Colonist (your parents were taken by Cerberus when you were a kid), Spacer (you are a former Blue Suns merc). So many possibilities.
I'd like the Paragon & Renegade system to return, but for it to be reworked or levelled up similarly to ME1... I found Paragon/Renegade dialogue & Interrupts vague at times that limited players freedoms & abilities for future choices if they played neutral (Paragades/Renegon) & didn't want to solely be Paragon or Renegade... I liked Andromeda made the actions more clear & morally grey. If Bioware use this as a point in changing & adapting the mechanic in ME5, that'd be great.
Agree. A blue/ red interrupt button tells me literally nothing. I know as in ME3 when there was a red interrupt button in the bar on the citadel with the human male companion I completely forgot his name and I didn’t press it. Only to find out later it was not an asshole interrupt which really confused me. For a lot of the problems Andromeda has, at least the interrupts literally tell you with a few words what you are going to do.
The light / dark side system used in ME and their other titles is a bit limiting. I think the issue isn't that they swapped to a 4 dialogue system it is just that they didn't make each choice distinct and divergent enough for any of them to really matter. Paragon and Renegade had those differences. So I would sum it up as 2 good and different distinct options beat 4 that all end up mostly the same (looking at you Fallout 4, dragon age, ME andromeda). I would love to see the four options again, but each with their own reactions and changes for that wonderful grey you yourself mentioned!! Also thanks for your time I don't have anyone in my life interested in such things and therefore am regulated to sharing a bit here on the danger zone of comments! Not opposition to anything you said I just wanted to add 2 cents. Have a great day.
@@BlueMarsalis To be fair, they received a lot of stick for Shepard being po-faced and humourless. BW has a tendency to overcompensate when reacting to feedback.
I think Bioware saw the popularity of the Citadel DLC for ME3 and decided it would be a good idea to make an entire game with that tone, missing that fans liked the tone of the Citadel DLC because it was just a small dose of silly that broke up the ominous tone of ME3.
@@Klijpo bro, I hated when they added on shepard the ability to smile in mass effect 2 dialogs. I remember being horrified of this smily paragon Shepard . Went with renegade just to avoid it to the maximum
@@felipeporto5835 Well Shepard's smile could be downright terrifying in 2! Thing is, having humour does not necessarily mean "quippy". A character with an occasional sardonic put down (such as Spock or Kirk) would easily fit into a ME vibe. Even the odd Bondism wouldn't be that out of place, given how Shepard is quite Bond-like.
Agreed on basically all points. Especially the Paragon and Renegade system returning. I'd like for it to be more nuanced and maybe less "black and white". I really would like to see the choices we make have a bigger impact on story things that can happen, whether crew members will even join (or even abandon) you, and possibly even impact who you can romance.
@@Jeff_Saba This is also a feature in Dragon age Franchise. You can kill them, selling them or they can leave on their own manners. You can even put in chains some of them. I would love to see this in the next ME5 but i am not so sure if they will.
I really will love the possibility of playing as others races, with unique backgrounds storys, just like DA:origins. For example, playing as a turian will give the option to start as a military spec ops, or a mercenary, the asari options could be of a Young one trying to go out of his matriarch's shadow or a rogue commando
Mass effect, as stated by the devs on multiple occasions. Is a human story, focused on humans and their part in the galaxy. So no, it should not ever have a protagonist that isnt human
@@supervastgut1568 the original trilogy is, but frankly it'd be shallow to never allow us to play as the alien races, we've been humans, we've explored how oppressed they are in citadel space we do not need to rehash the same old story when there are so many other races that could teach us something more, and frankly have more interesting stories, and in the whole trilogy the human characters always have the least intriguing stories, it's why nobody liked jacob, it's why if we can help it we never take ashley or kaiden, it's why we stan literally ever non human over stuff like kai lengmass effect is about stories as was dragon age. Don't be the space racist that we as commander shepherd faught against
@@salt7625 they literally ignored a literal attack on them in which you sacrifice hundreds of human lives saving their, in the end, absolutely pointless and useless sacks of flesh, seamlessly replaced by a generic individual of the same color should you let them burn. All you get is dismissal from them, the asari have kept the other species in the dark for millenia insuring their control, so they are power hungry parasites that can overtake any species by breeding them out, something parasites on earth do. Turians are a militaristic fascist society that attacked humans on sight, with no warning or even attempt at communication, quarians are space gypsies that hate outsiders more than anyone else. And the salarians are a species of nazi scientists that literally sterilize species they destroy by influencing in the first place. Yeah they sound fucking great
I would love more interactions with the crewmates, being able to participate in activities (such as the ones in the Citadel DLC in ME3), being able to crate different bonds and friendships and learn more about their backstory (absolutely loved the loyalty missions in ME2). But an overlooked aspect is also the crewmates interacting with each other. Being able to bring two different crewmates during a mission and hearing them talk to one another that fits their personality would be sooooo immersive. Great video, I agree on all points!
Amen to all your suggestions. But above all else for me, Bioware's story needs to nail the ending. Please hire an exclusive team of facial animators, Bioware.
Andromeda was developed by a entirely different dev team that had never done a AAA game before. Bioware barely had any say other than plot pretty much.
@@ideadlift20kg83 For sure I don't want a repeat case of Andromeda's tired face. ME5 for all intents and purposes will mostly be a new team with another new engine so I feel my concerns are valid. Facial expression brings a good story to life!
I forgot to add: More intricate romances. Go out on actual dates. Give/receive gifts. Be affectionate. Act like a couple on missions. It doesn't have to be a huge thing, but it should matter more than it has. Like with Garrus, it feels like you have three diague sessions and that's it, lol.
A couple more things I would like to see are: The movement system we got from Andromeda (jetpack boosts and dashes are my favorite gameplay style) and More Unique Alien races that populate the Galaxy(-ies), if we explore more of the Andromeda Galaxy, let the creativity go wild with the new Aliens to make them stand out. Maybe show us how the Galaxy would react to seeing peaceful Rachni. Great points made in the video, Keep up the Good Work!
If we end up back in andromeda the galaxy really needs to be flushed out more with a lot more races it felt empty with a lot of cut and paste, another thing I would like is the ability to play as other races the latest dragon age did it so I hope this does this does too if we are playing a new character
A thing they should definitely continue as is, because they really nailed it IMHO: The humor, both in many dialogue choices and in the funny banter between crew members (elevator scenes, talks on the bridge, talks while driving on the surface).
I just hope the they keep the combat and exploration from andromeda, man andromedas combat was fluid. As for exploring the conversations your team would have driving around in the nomad where amazing and a great extra way to flesh out the characters
Very good video! I agree that the morality system should make a comeback but at the same not be punitive for not sticking to one morality and possibly incentivize mixing up "renegade" and "paragon" options
I'm a mix paragon and renegade, l disliked on how mass effect 3 renegade shep is often an asshole and made me regret to chose it sometimes. I liked how renegade dialogs are a bit rispid and short, kinda cold and avoinding a little smile here and there before me3. But in 3, renegade shep made me fear regreting the renegade option cause he was so douchy at times.
Having played through the legendary edition, keeping almost every crew member alive besides the unavoidable deaths and achieving the Shepard lives ending, I'd be entirely fine with and excited to play another character, that being said since your save file can influence new games even a small reference to his survival, potential future and romance outcome will leave me satisfied, otherwise my Shepard journey and outcome will just haunt me playing a new game 😂
They 100 percent need to give back control of squadmates. Being able to use their abilities was a huge part of the combat for me. Changing tactics by switching their guns is a must for the next game.
What’s funny is that I actually really liked Ryder’s father, and would have been perfectly happy with him as the protagonist. He would have had the “mature, professional” style and personality that the main character in a completely separate galaxy SHOULD have.
I don't expect alternate story lines because of what things costs these days. We should see what they do with Dragon Age which is expected this year. Although Bioware reported unexpected success from the Legendary Edition so maybe they can somehow preserve its essence.
I found your channel some time ago partly thanks to MrHulthen. And it's great. This video too. I agree with all points. Especially with that "Shepard's shadow" thing.
Expanding on your last item, personalization is a big one. Providing the players the tools to craft their own, unique experiences: Player choices that range from determining who remains in the party to influencing and reshaping the state of the universe. Gameplay and Cosmetic customization options through the character creator, player and squadmates' classes, loadouts, and skins.
I aa (ree with all of your points. Especially about a pet/ I so wish Shepard had the opportunity to keep the varren that followed him around Tuchanka (if you choose to feed him/her ? and pet him/herh alive in the early games was ). The Hamster was a great inside joke and the struggle to keep the fish alive in ME1 and parts of ME2 was a small detail in the Mass Effect games I will never forget.
Basicly i DONT want a EA-Disneyland-ME5 - a Bioware-Story-Land is ok. I think the Makosequenzes in ME1-3 was the test for the open world in MEA. Exploring and finding some treasures will be the better way to become resources on a planet, i guess, and the moving/combatsystem from MEA IS better. But to bring a storyline forward - it have to be in a line... no easy contend... Kala - i like your "diagnostic"! ^^ Mr Hulten a You - great Vids! Thanks!!! Greetings from Austria!
Great video! I think we need the Paragon/Renegade system back but not so extreme. In the OT you are always BIAS towards the colors. "Oh the option is blue? then I have to say this" and that kills a little bit the roleplay factor. But it's true that the change in ME:A added more roleplay but killed all the character development and the stakes. They have to walk the fine line of a dialogue system where the stakes are high and your choices impact the story but you also feel like you are making the decision because you want to make it and not because Paragon = Good Renegade = Bad.
I would also like the combat from Andromeda brought back for the next mass effect game as well. And be able to customize your character not just the armor at any time in the game and be able to carry any weapon like you did in Andromeda
They need to bring back more competent writing before anything else. But i agree with the points you listed. You mentioned a strong protagonist, but what about the antagonist ? Archon was literally the most generically bland,uninspired antagonist i can think of in a looooong time.(same goes for Ryder) Previous Mass Effects antagonist were quite high up on the list of antagonists in gaming.
I would love one massive sprawling city to roam around, if it's set in the milky way, be it the Citadel, Cipritine, Illium or an Earth City, just one that can offer some world building, a chance to discover a culture, meet NPCs a trade hub and have activities that you can do with crew mates and love interests, if it's set after the events of me3 it could also be interesting to roam one of those cities to see how they're rebuilding and Cipritine on Palaven or a City on Earth could offer the best for that imo especially since to my knowledge Palaven and Earth where hit the hardest
I agree with you an all of it. There is a lot Bioware needs to do in Mass Effect 5 and there are big shoes to fill. Would live to see more open world exploration in the new game, but also more inter-planetary/station/ship missions, that really make you travel and explore all there is to see. Would really like to see how the interaction with new Aliens go, if it is a new andromeda or if it’s a continuation from ME3 and they maybe travel through Dark Space? Yes to the Renaged/Paragon system to come back, it gave a lot more depth too thw choices you had to make. Love the idea of more customization and as for the ship, maybe not just cosmetic changes, but also actuall Tech-changed, like you can do in ME2(only in this game). I see what you say about Shepard and yes it will take a lot of work to be able to bring Shepard back, especially depending on the choice you made on ME3. I believe more that there are Memorials of Shepard, but depending on the choices, that may not be so. For Ryder, if they come back, definetly hope for a more older and more experienced Ryder. Thinking of what you said, when you play as Ryder, Ryder is tossed into the roll of Pathfinder, when Ryder was supposed to be only a team member. Ryder has trained as a member only and not for the main role. Ryder basically had to learn all of the Pathfinder responsibilities on their feet. Thining like that, I think Ryder was a well written character, growing into the role as the journey progress, a role meant for their more experienced father. Didn’t expect Ryder to be a new Shepard, cause too me MEA is a different Universe over all, with different rules than those in the ME trilogy. So new hero, how will he be in this new exciting Universe, where more my thoughts. With a more Mature feel too the game, yes can see that. Thinking back on when they were made though, they were probably mature for the time. Sorry for the long comment, hope it makes sense😅 Thank you for another great video and for the very awesome thoughts. Big hugs🫂🫂🫂
Imagine Shepard Junior. Where if you don't have loaded previous save, then Shep Jr. is human and father never appears in game or is detailed much. If you do load then based on romance you get specific mixed Shep Jr. Imagine first Turian-Human or Quarian-Human hybrid. And the sub-plot where it affects some decisions, reactions or comments from other characters. There'd have to be some really good explanation for how those two species managed to have a kid though. Safest approach for Shep Jr. that isn't human would be obviously Asari, but not everyone liked Liara or didn't want to get back to her after ME2.
I tend to agree with you with regard to the Paragon/Renegade system returning. The Andromeda variant seemed to me to be pointless in the main with regard to significant plot adjustments. Although the Paragon/Renegade section has been suggested as too binary, very often in real life, individual decision choices are often binary in nature. You either "do", or "don't do". What is also true is that on average, most will not choose just one of these every time, leading to the balance being moved a little one way or another over time. Your comments regarding the need for high quality scripting is also true. I found Ryder two dimensional, which may be realistic given that in his story he was young, thrown into the deep end and trying to accomplish something that his father was supposed to do based on his many years of experience. I felt Ryder was always trying to "read the manual" and check with the team before being able to do anything. Whilst realistic, I couldn't get immersed in the character as I did with Shepard. There has also been speculation about the Geth. Clearly, from the issued poster, the Geth have some fairly major impact on ME5. It would also appear that the "Destroy" ending is likely to be "Canon", (Creating ME5 to consider all three potential endings would be a colossal task, as will be the inclusion of player choices in the preceding series, although it was done before). So what happened to the Geth? Perhaps they independently constructed an Ark to travel to Andromeda just prior to the final chapter of ME3, after the (hopefully achieved) reconciliation between the Geth and the Quarians, and unknown to the rest of the MW Galaxy. The good news is that the a copy of the Geth's entire collective can be transported in a server on their Ark, including any technical advances required to construct a Mass Relay in Andromeda. At least that would keep the Geth in the picture. There is also the possibility that they "bunkered" another copy somewhere close to, or in, the MW. I also have a bit of a difficulty seeing how Andromeda in it's current state can be seriously connected with ME5 given the 600 year travel time and at travel speeds in excess of 4,100 times the speed of light to achieve it. I could get all wound up in time dilation effects, but suffice it to say, the only way the folks in Andromeda could make any sort of impact on the Milky Way story is for a Mass Relay to be constructed in Andromeda to connect the MW Galaxy. Even then, the passage of time that would have elapsed in their travel to Andromeda would necessarily mean ME5 would have to be set about 600 years after the final battle in ME3. For me, Shepard is ME (Andromeda being considered as a kind of separate although connected story). With all the N7 branding etc etc and our development of Shepard over the 3 games ... let's just say there is a lot of investment in Shepard, and the closest members of the team. I think it may be likely that Bioware recognised this when creating Andromeda, giving it the "Andromeda" title, rather than ME4, given that Shepard was not part of that "Chapter". Clearly some very careful construction of the story is required to move Shepard forward in ME5, or suitable recognition of Shepard if not in ME5. With the many and various viewpoints from the very many fans of the franchise, Bioware has it's work cut out to achieve the quality of ME5 we all hope for, learning from both ME and Andromeda with regard to the game mechanics. Hopefully the use of Unreal 5 will also create some stunning visuals too.
The "mature" subject is something game developers have been clashing against marketing departments and publishers over the last ten years. I'm all for a more mature-themed ME for the next chapter in order to bring all that potential ME2 delivered then it came out; however, it's an eternal battle of 'quality vs quantity' in terms of sales figures: Bioware wants to deliver authenticity via the magic that made the trilogy so iconic, EA wants to sell as many copies as it can through a product unhinged from sophisticated themes. There's a chance the next ME will adapt a player narrative based upon the GTA5 experience of having three interchangeable protagonists you can switch between, something where you will start with Liara from the beginning and then change to Garrus and Ash, while Shepard remains a ghost presence that guides you appearing from time to time through recall memories and in the same fashion of visions you get from the beacon on Eden Prime.
Playing as Shepart's son/daughter (even though not all ME1-3 choices lead there) is my dream. This would allow the writers of ME5 to turn a very difficult dilemma (how a new protagonist can live up to Shepard) into a very core story element. It would honor Shepar's sacrifise by not bringing him back, but it would also make all players inherently connected to the new character. Because we knew his/her father and we want him/her to succeed. This character could be easily written who tries to define him/herself while trying to navigate among the actual ME5 story challenges, the heavy weight his/her father's legacy established to follow, and in general, the wish to define him/herself and live up to high expectations. Many interesting side quests could be made where the character goes to find clues, historical relevance or not-yet told stories about his/her father. Old, still living characters (Grunt, Liara) could guide the character and be mentors in this process. I romanced Liara in ME1-3, and it would be very interesting to see her and her child's dynamics in this growing up process. Obviously, this is wishful thinking and it is very hard to achieve for 2 reasons: 1: not everyone romanced Liara in ME1-3, but she is the only character whose child could live long to reach the story timeline (we strongly assume that ME5 is after ME Andromeda) and 2: even if the Liara romance becomes canon, the "child" is 600 years old, so the above story makes less and less sense...the character is old enough and by then, should be well-matured. Of note: I played male shepard so pardon me for refering to him as "him".
You forgot something else. Bioware have repeatedly said that the history of Mass Effect is the history of mankind and that this is the reason why they always make a human protagonist. The developers also said that each player has their own canon regarding Shepard's gender. So there's no need to apologize
I romanced Miranda with male shepard . She unfortunately couldnt Carry kids because of her modifications. If we would play shepards child, BioWare has to put extra detail in on how it worked. But if we can’t play Shepard the I hope we play his child!
@@jasonrodriguez7242 Other than Miranda, many of Shepard's love interests won't be able to give birth. Only they can give birth: Ashley, Jack, Kelly, Allers, Liara and Samara. But since the Bioware said that the history of Mass Effect is the history of mankind and that is why they always make a human protagonist. Then we cross out the alien protagonists. Only Ashley, Jack, Kelly and Allers remain.
Mass Effect 5 needs the following things: - Engaging antagonists - RPG elements - meaningfull choices - meaningull dialogue - companions relevant to the story (this is actually a problem in ME2. Many of the squadmates only matter because TIM said so, and are only liked due to their disconnected loyalty missions) - set of main quests we can do in any order - character motivation (Andromeda lacked this) - a writer who knows what a plot is and who has skill beyond knowing tropes and "awesome scene nr. 678" - basically everything ME1 did right - E-Zero and the Mass Effect actually mattering in the story for once - a Batarian squadmate - a Race select screen You don't actually need Shepard for a Mass Effect game. He even only mattered in the first game with his connection to the beacon. Mass Effect 2 never gave a good reason for him to return, and Mass Effect 3 has the same problem besides the scene where he can feel the beacon on Thessia, and even then you have Javik.
Supposedly, Eezo mattering was the original end for ME3 according to former devs. The ending was supposed to be about the Reapers' intent to mitigate the effects of dark energy that were killing the universe by resetting organics when they started using it too much. The seeds of that plot arc start with Tali's recruitment mission in ME2 (Haestrom). In the last hours, the starchild was born to replace this idea and the Haestrom/dark energy arc was abandoned and retconned.
@@x3wildcard It wasn't "the original end". It was one of many plot seeds that Karpyshyn included and they chose not to follow through with when he left. There was never a point where they were going the dark energy route for ME3, only to pivot into the synths vs. organics stuff.
I'd love it if The Renegade/Paragon system ends up being a hidden mechanic. I don't want color-coded dialogue options that show the developers hand at the steering wheel when I'm suppose to be driving. Let me fuck up a little when something I would say in a situation is not necessarily the best way to go about handling it.
I think a blend of Andromeda’s wheel retrofitted with the P/R system would be good. We could keep emotional, casual, logical, and professional options, but giving them more distinction, and having situations where 2 lean paragon, while the other 2 lean renegade (maybe with options having a red or blue hue). And which options lean which way could change depending on the situation. For instance, sometimes an emotional response would be compassionate and paragon, while other times the emotional response would be one of anger and renegade. This is a pretty bare bones explanation, but I feel like a great combination of the 2 is possible.
To further add to the pet idea it would be nice to have a number of options for pets used in combat similar to how the Batarians use their hounds. Such as a flying alien, hound style, etc. Having them in cages like a beast master would. Choosing which one works best from mission to mission.
Take the Dragon Age Origins Origin stories & adapt them to Mass Effect! - Asari Stripper on streets of Omega. - Krogan Merc. - Turian Outlaw. There's a few they could go with & let us play as a race other than human.
As much as I love it I doubt that will happen. Mark Darrah made a vid on RUclips explaining how much work that was and why they avoided it in the later games.
I agree with you 100 percent with everythijng.. i think they should expand on the planet grinding a bit more.. i mean land on planets and just explore like andromeda. I do like the jet packs to be honest it would be fun to see liara or shepard with one. I also want javik to return it wasnt really explained how old he was and what his life span can be.. (note i was in ploppys game chat).. lol
Just for the record, that is not Shepard's hamster. That is BioWare's hamster. Its name is Boo, and Boo is a miniature giant space hamster who traveled with Minsc in the original Baldur's Gate games. If memory serves, Minsc is the only character from any BioWare game that has a statue (or maybe it's a portrait, but I think it's a statue) at BioWare's HQ in Edmonton. Minsc's audio clips are legendary and can be found on RUclips. Jim Cummings voiced Minsc, and if his name sounds familiar, you might know him better as Winnie the Pooh or Darkwing Duck.
We absolutely need puncheable reporters and an APC like the Mako but with the controls of the nomad to make those cool intros of the first game when exploring asteroids and planets. But for sure puncheable reporters its a must.
My personal worst thing in Andromeda was the bland open worlds, a couple deserts and a snow planet? That's the best we could do in another galaxy? If we're going to have open world environments, I think it should be a mix. Some really open zones with maybe multiple cities as detailed as Novigrad from The Witcher 3, with the appropriate setting and style for Mass Effect of course. And some planets with linear, labyrinth, Dark Souls style of exploration, like Ancient Ruins, that are as big and detailed as Undead Burg from Dark Souls, using the appropriate, lore friendly style and setting.
Hi! While I agree with all of your points, I would add an eighth. Reintroduce the "tactical" feel during the combat phase with the ability to act as a team leader and use a range of abilities from our teammates. This is my most negative point about Andromeda, a ludonarrative inconsistency. The game invites you to be a leader, you can prepare and choose your teammates...but when you play, you are just alone. This feeling is exacerbated by the fact that we can't interact (talk) with our teammates during a mission.
Feel like you're underestimating how much they see Andromeda as a massive commercial and critical failure. Bioware is almost certainly going to pivot hard into original trilogy nostalgia because EA wants their certain investment, and so we are way more likely to see Shepard come back than Rider ever show up again in anything ever.
I think the best way to introduce a new PC and Adress Shephards legacy is this: New game is followed by two questions. Question 1: Shephard was [male][ Female]. Question 2: Who was Shephard lover? Character Creation starts, and you create your character, the Potentially Half-alien Child of Shephard, with certain choices giving bonus effects, like If Liara is the mother a +1to biotic abilities, or if Tali is the mother, bomuses to tech abilities... or if Garrus is the father, A bonus to combat abilities, similar to the backgrounds from mass effect 1.
I'm jealous! I can't bring myself to romance anyone in my playthru's because I kinda love most of the natural pairings. Liara I thought would chill with the drell. Garrus ends up with Tali my favourite 2 people yes! Thane is lovely, but I read his comic and story and now I cannot imagine tempting his heart soo at the end. Jacob has his own happiness as well. Samantha I only found out about now after a google to make sure I didn't miss anyone. Right Carth.... never had a chance as soon as I heard that voice actor I knew we were not going to get along.
I have a weird idea. What if the protagonist was an experiment of the Council to "recreate" Shepard? (To me it would make sense, because he managed to save the galaxy and had a really big influence on it.) Maybe they could even try mixing Shepard's DNA with other species giving us the chance to use a quarian, turian, asari or even krogan protagonist. And maybe make Liara rescue us at the beginning once she finds out the location of the super secret base we're being held at. Make it take place many years after the Reapers defeat (so that they don't have to do a shit ton of work with each variable of who Shepard romanced and who did what in the trilogy) Talking with Liara we'd have the chance to understand what happened to everyone and maybe make the game be us trying to step out of Shepard's shadow. To me it could be an interesting idea.
I do like the idea of making the main characters personal story be that, but at the same time it would feel a little cheap. Like a bring back the citadel clone moment.
Great points! I think I have had a very similar experience to these games as you, especially on later playthroughs. I wholeheartedly agree that Shepard is such a strong character and has such immense fandom that I don't even know how I'd begin to imagine introducing a protagonist that doesn't get overshadowed by Shep. Also agree that Ryder and crew were more light hearted and young, which was a fun and interesting experience for sure, but would need some maturity to be brought back. Edit: I also noticed a lot of Inquisition stuff in Andromeda, which leads me to believe there's sufficient collaboration between the two teams that some DA strengths can be brought into ME, like a more grey universe than binary Paragon / Renegade choices.
I think someone came up with a great system. The "3 captains" system, based on Star Treck's Benjamin Sisko (DS9), John-luke Picard (TNG), and James T Kirk (TOS(?)). As they captain in very different ways. John-luke is the diplomat, but high-moraled, Kirk is passionate, but cavalier, whilst Sisko is willing to get dirty to achieve the higher goal. So a Kirk would punch the guy, and end up in a fight, a John-luke would aim to talk both sides down and achieve the diplomatic solution, whilst Sisko would use less savoury means to apply pressure to have one side back down indirectly.
One of the biggest things I loved about ME was that the choices carried over. If they continue with the OG Shepherd then it would be cool to see some of the choices still carry over to ME5.
This is exactly what I mean when I say I would have never thought of this type of stuff. I loved the trilogy of course and really liked Andromeda. There was some flaws or things at the moment of play through I thought was dumb. However quickly forgot as I played through. But watching your videos and reading the comments I find myself nodding and saying yeah that’s right that could be better or why didn’t they do that. Keep up the amazing work. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
I can still remember when I heard ‘I am the Vanguard of your destruction’, when I flew to the Collector Home base or when I sent the war mongering Quarians to hell but nothing like that comes to mind with Andromenda. The best was the tough fight in a side mission but the rest was normal game fun. ME4/5 needs above else strong Villans and tough choices. I always liked how ME put opposing sides together like when you go to defend Tali and bring Legend with you.
Technicals: -4k/120fps with rt at 60fps with vrr support for ps5 -ME5 on UE5 - Ship to ship combat -full dual sense support Game Design -Canonised destroy ending -Return shepherd or give us a kratos like protagonist who will grow out of shepherds shadow Compelling npcs -Make the Jordan the next reapers
And perhaps more interactions with our crew cause it just felt like over the course of the games you would talk to them and that was about it unless you were in a relationship with one of the members then you would have a few cutscenes with that person so perhaps give us the option to have more downtime when we aren't on missions in a way and maybe give us more customization features for our squad as well
I disagree with the paragon renegade thing. I like the concept but in reality, it was just be a good guy and get every good outcome... If they actually bring it back, at least make sure full paragon goody2shoes who picks choicea based on where they are on the wheel, not what the state of the word is, get's punished sometimes. I realy dislike how someone can basicly ignore the reaper threat to focuse on small thing (kinda like the council...) and still get the best outcome possible across the board.
the ability to create your own protagonist of any race is a must have for me. how cool would it be to go around as a quarian or turian BA or even a drell.
Great list. To it I would add that the next game must have a well-crafted, tight plot (a la ME1). Combat improvements, a largar roster of squadmates and graphics overhaul should not give Bioware permission to go lax on the story department. Give us a gripping main plot, a worthy antagonist (like Saren). Ideally, Bioware should hire the right lead writer for the job.
all i really need is that dragon age style 'play as 3 or 4 different races' option in the character creator....3 main council races then quarians korgans and drell as a playable choice
Kind of Frozen Shepherd and crown stasis while they repaired his injured body cuz we complete Mass effect 3 and got all the war assets in the end she said protect a breath if you choose to destroy it ending
I want to see the backgrounds return if we get a new protagonist and 1 thing I always wanted was actual space exploration like being able to actually fly your ship around the galaxy not just clicking on a planet and going there. I doubt it will happen but I really want it and yes I do want the paragon renegade system back it added lots of depth to the games story and it needs to return and I agree as well as wanting the planets to be more open world.
What I’d like: • More Flirtatious/romantic dialogue with whomever you romance including pet names (like Garrus and Thane, • Better customisation • More Background backstory (eg. Earthborn Shepherd if brought back we get to see parents more often • Ship customisation I like • Bigger choices
Despite Andromeda being how it was I genuinely loved how they changed the gameplay to be more mobility based, I just hope we get a great story with compelling characters and would love to see the return of multiplayer since I loved 3's so much.
The problem wasn’t with the N7 stuff per se it was that we didn’t know anything really about Rider before the game. We saw a badass looking silent character in the trailer jumping around on exotic, dangerous worlds with Ghost riders in the sky playing in the background so we all instinctively thought John Wayne / Clint Eastwood / Boba Fett rather than what Rider actually turned out to be.
I relate to a lot of your points. Most of all the Paragon-renegade choices. I think I'd be ok with shepard returning if there was a truly good reason (he already died twice, after all), but I think I'd be even more on board if we got nither a Shepart, nore a Rider, but someone new altogether. I like the idea of a mature game, but in my opinion the "feeling" should be that of Mass Effect 1. I like the idea of starting exploring something familiar but new at the same time, gathering new companions. To lme it's kinda like Andor for Star Wars. I was tired of cameos by old actors and nostalgia. Andor gave me the feeling I got whenj I first saw A new hope and Empire. I think we should have the same for ME5
I’m hoping ME5 will be what 2018’s God of War was for Sony Santa Monica. A fresh of breath air in terms of gameplay, yet honoring the past without going fan servicey.
I think it would be so cool if the next ME game is either centered around, or eventually has a dlc pack that allows you to experience the galaxy pre-catalyst. Many different species, all under the yolk of the leviathans. Perhaps an AI-hunter squad, attempting to secure the galaxy against AI, directed by leviathans. Aside from tha It would be cool to see things from the perspective of ascended... my face fanfic is from the view of ascended humans
I'm worried that Shepard won't return, but I'm also worried that Bioware will bring him back and they won't be able to concisely and explicitly explain the reasons for his return. The same applies to Ryder. One thing Bioware shouldn't do is drop the N7 distinction as it's iconic in the world of Mass Effect. Yes, they made a mistake by over-hyping the N7 in Mass Effect Andromeda, but they shouldn't erase that distinction. I think if Ryder had been an N7 and developed like Shepard he wouldn't be as unpleasant as a main character. Maybe if in Mass Effect Andromeda we had played with Alec Ryder instead of the twins. Our perception would be different. From the beginning Alec was seen as a character almost at the level or even equal to that of Shepard, especially considering that according to the Ryder twins, Alec was one of the first N7s, and that is definitely seen in the little development he had at the time. beginning of the game. In the next Mass Effect the protagonist has to be yes or yes, an N7 and its development must be more mature so that it is at the level of Alec or Shepard.
On the topic of what choices they would make canon, I believe the best thing to do would be to make what they did in the beginning of ME2 and 3. If you had played the previous games, it would read your save and get your choices in the last games as canon, and for new players, they’d let them pick what happened, like in the interactive comic in ME2 or the menu in ME3. Hell, even the Witcher 3 had something similar when Geralt was being interviewed by the Nilfgaardians, so I think it wouldn’t be too far off for them to create a system where the game reads your saves from the trilogy and Andromeda. That way they could make everyone happy. Of course, they’d have their work cut out for them in order to create content that reflects these several choices, but I think it would be the best way to create the best version of a continuation to the series.
I think that save reading system kinda already exists. Mass Effect Archives is something similar to what Dragon Age has, with all previous games mentioned and important choices on the website to choose from. Currently you are able to import your MEA choices as well as both Ryders look. I assume ME5 onwards will be using that feature.
I like the idea of a new protagonist because it'd allow the player to choose their species. It always peeved me that the world had several interesting, vastly different aliens, but only let you play as a human. Different racial bonuses become a thing (Salarians have faster reflexes, Turians more weapons and tactics knowledge due to military society, Asari greater biotic strength etc), and characters react differently to you depending on what you are, allowing for a whole bunch of storytelling options that'd make it far more replayable.
Honestly, I think it would be cool to have a continuation of the Shepart protagnist, but be the offspring of Shepard and whomever you romanced. You can pick your race and appearance based on that. So if you romanced Ashley, you'll play a full human+class+background. If you romanced Tali, you'll have a mixed Quarian and Human+class+background. This could also give way to a buff/debuff system. Such as the case with Tali, you'll have weaker health or defense due to your compromised immune system, but a boost to technology/electronics, hacking, etc. It could be a fun and interesting system.
love the videos keep it up i love mass effect been with this game since day 1 still need people talking about them cant wait for another one no matter what trilogy they go off of or if they make new game mass effect franchise is the best thing ever created i play every singe mass effect 5 times each a year
I totally agree about Paragon/Renegade. Lots of people seem to complain about it, but I loved it. 100% on all points, actually. The only thing I disliked about the Andromeda exploration was the fetch quest aspect of it. This was true of ME1 too, really, with the planet-side missions in the Mako. I'd actually prefer the exploration part be more like Skyrim or something, where there is something narratively interesting to points on the map instead of plant scans or artifact shards, or whatever.
We need more DIFFICULT choices. For example, I'd love to get an Asari sniper who keeps her distance from the crew, trying to avoid closeness, but with persistence, the MC does get close. Always wearing a hood much like Kasumi. Later, we help transport a Justicar to a mission against slavers (though she joins early and helps on our mission while in the process of tracking down the slavers) in which we help her with it. We see how much she cares about helping victims, protecting them from the slavers, etc. so to the point that it's an undercover opp where we have to pretend to be slavers selling her as a slave to the slavers. On the way there, a Paragon/Renegade choice when she tells us to make it more convincing, she suggests that we strike her to injure her face. On the way back from the mission, she says that she has to get to know your Asari crew member (as on the mission if you bring both, the sniper is rather standoffish with the Justicar). But offers to stay with you to help you in your quest after seeing the lengths you are going to protect the innocent blah, blah, blah, and would be certain to get to know her in the process. Once back, the sniper informs the MC that she is leaving, but doesn't give an explanation. As MC intercepts her in the cargo/launch bay to understand what is going on, the Justicar appears and almost immediately attacks. We find out that the sniper is an Ardat-Yakshi whose parents escaped with her into the Terminus systems when it was discovered that her older sister was afflicted with the condition, was sent to the monastery, and lost during the Reaper War. She explains that while she has the condition, she has never acted on the impulses and never will, living a life of loneliness because she knows what would happen to a partner if she gave up her celibacy. The Justicar, of course, sworn to bring in all lawbreakers, and the way the code is written, the Ardat-Yakshi are lawbreakers just for existing outside of the monastery. As the sniper will not go, the Justicar must kill her to protect everyone. In this scenario, MC ends up having to choose who to actually fight alongside against the other, killing that one in the process. A joint loyalty mission where you can only pick one and lose the other of characters you've gotten to know over 2/3 of the game.
If the next Mass Effect is an Andromeda sequel, and we get to play as Ryder again... Then my only request is to bring back Vetra, so I can continue my romance with her.
I would like to have a alien pet that could go on missions with our characters like the mabari dog from Dragon Age. An alien dog/cat that doesn't take up a party slot, but has skills that increase its effectiveness on missions.
All great points. The only thing that will be an impossibility is to make all those different factions of players you named happy. In the end Bioware needs to do what feels good and right. Those who love it will, and those who don't won't. It's the only logical choice humanity itself gives them.
Would be cool to start as a newbie and slowly work ourselves up and build our character over several games or something like that instead of starting as a highly ranked soldier.
Kinda depends on the story that's being told. I agree that that's fun, but it wouldn't have made sense for the trilogy; there wouldn't have been any way to get a youngster into the Spectres. Shepard's accomplishments are what the entire story is based around. It's kinda what happened in Andromeda with Ryder being doubted by everyone, at least to a small extent.
I've been wanting playable species since ME1, but I don't ever think they'll do that. I would enjoy if they put back Paragon and Renegade choices mix with more impactful tone choices for dialogue. A hybrid of the two dialogue systems if done well, I think would be strong. A return of commanding my team's skills would be nice. I also want to see an ability wheel rather than a 3 skill load out.
this what the game needs besides what this video mentioned: 1.) it needs to have all three endings outcomes fully in view. which means if you pricked the kill all reapers, AI, and biotics (the Red Option), than it needs to show that people are now facing the same problem of AI rising up against people, and the Geth can not exist and the Quarians would be extinct because one was a AI and the other relied heavily on Biotic Tech built into their suits, the Asari would need to have regressed genetically because they are born with biotics and much of the knowledge of all races would need to be purged starting us all (every species) back to finding out how to reinvent space travel and our approach to conquering that problem. if you picked become a part of the reapers and have them go to dark space (the Blue Option), then have an explanation of how the galaxy eventually hunted the reapers down in dark space and killed all of the reapers that were inactive in retaliation for the attack and how the reaper tech was eventually used by all groups good and bad, with the Geth also using the tech to further advance their civilization and becoming a dominant galactic power over the other races and the Arbiters of the galaxy's laws and wisdom, allowing for a peace not expected by the player and gives an explanation to why the humans are now building their own Mass Relay (out of pride, with a need to prove that they are better than machines in all aspects of the galaxy's stage). if you became one with everyone, fused machine and man, and created a new DNA for organic and synthetic life (the Green Option), then EDI needs to still be alive as does the Normandy SR2 (possibly piloted by her and joker's 12th gen great grandkids or if you follow the end of the explanation given by EDI in ME3's ending, then possibly Joker because we transcended mortality on a galactic scale as said by EDI), the Geth, Quarians, Krogan, Hanar, Drell, and Elcor need to be on the council as well as the Angara, the galaxy would need to be advanced enough to have found a way to reach the Andromeda Galaxy and also integrated the Remnant tech into their their civilization, the outlaw groups need to be on the verge of total collapse with bases on planets at the edge of the galaxy or in dark space and omega being destroyed, their needs to be Yahg War where they have evolved and like the Krogans and Batarians started a war with the council, the Batarians need to be either fully extinct or like the Drell/Hanar have become the part of another community possibly with the Krogans or joined and elevated the Yahg, and Synthetic Life has to be a extremely Dominant Presence on the galactic stage with them being in aspects of Law, Police, and Record as well as Military. 2.) The Technology needs to be on the levels that reflect your choices in the end of ME3; meaning if you picked Red Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy needs to be just returning to its original mark before ME3, if you picked the Blue Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy needs to be on Remnant Level Tech, and if you pick Green Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy need to be on a Solar System Creation scale (meaning creating planets, stars and whatnot) while also being able to cross galaxies with little to no time and power their civilization like the SWTOR Zakuul Empire. 3.) full customization for planetary headquarters, bases, research stations, mining operations, and settlements on planets, asteroids, and moons, with how defenses are placed, the layout of said locations, the use of the locations, and who is allowed and not allowed there, as well as screening for spies and saboteurs and penial camps and labor. with this the bs that annoys everyone (such as the fact that your bases are raided like in MEA) could be averted and left alone to thrive, allowing the player to dive deep into side missions in said locations that help those locations goals, making each location strategic and personal for the player and allows for more to happen with the new crew. 4.) the crew needs to have the ability to do things that are beneficial for the mission that have actual substance. SWTOR did this with career paths but it can be taken further, by giving crew skills they are good at and allowing players to assign careers to said crewmen that fit their specialties. then you let the crewman go off and do their own thing while you complete missions and they create or bring back to the ship whatever they had achieved, giving the player a feel that the crewman aren't just standing around and instead are heavily committed to progressing your ship, strategic locations, and missions (main and side) further. this also makes it players feel like the crew is really alive and gives them a feel for what is going on in the galactic community. 5.) I would like to see more interactive conversation, like instead of picking a conversation tree. if i speak to a NPC via Headset and it responds to my words whether no matter what it could be. But that is just my wish.
Honestly, I don't want Paragon/Renegade system to return. For me it's just a leftover from KOTOR morality system. But while Star Wars itself always had really rigid black and white view and you can actually play as the bad guy with enough dark side points, Mass Effect really doesn't know how to be consistent, mostly with its Renegade choices that BioWare wants to paint as "pragmatist". But while Paragon Shepard is consistent during the whole trilogy, Renegade Shepard always sways beetwen cool antihero, to rasist who hates alliens, to genocidal maniac, to simply an ashole and maybe sometimes this famous "pragmatist". If your Shepard doesn't want to be a Superman copy or someone who shouldn't even pass psychological entrance test to military, you could try to play in the middle, but then you'll be locked from many important choices because you don't have enough points. There's also the fact that some choices just don't work well with this system, the most egregious example being destroying or rewriting Geths. Which is quite ironic that my Ryder is an actual pragmatist. Someone who normally is polite and helpful, but if he's forced he is ready to sacrifice people for the greater good and he isn't doing it with a cocky smirk on his face. What disappoints in Andromeda is that I think they were inspired by Dragon Age 2, when you're diplomatic, humourus or aggressive Hawke really feels like different people (and the game's important choices aren't locked to Hawke's personality), but Bioware just wasn't able to make Ryder's personality expressive enough. There's also the fact that Hawke was just a better written character.
If we get a brand new protagonist it would be interesting to see what backgrounds are available. To reference the original 3 from ME1 with random examples: Earthborn (you fought the Reapers), Colonist (your parents were taken by Cerberus when you were a kid), Spacer (you are a former Blue Suns merc). So many possibilities.
I'd also like to see the backgrounds have an impact beyond merely being referenced in conversation.
I'd like the Paragon & Renegade system to return, but for it to be reworked or levelled up similarly to ME1... I found Paragon/Renegade dialogue & Interrupts vague at times that limited players freedoms & abilities for future choices if they played neutral (Paragades/Renegon) & didn't want to solely be Paragon or Renegade... I liked Andromeda made the actions more clear & morally grey. If Bioware use this as a point in changing & adapting the mechanic in ME5, that'd be great.
Agree. A blue/ red interrupt button tells me literally nothing. I know as in ME3 when there was a red interrupt button in the bar on the citadel with the human male companion I completely forgot his name and I didn’t press it. Only to find out later it was not an asshole interrupt which really confused me. For a lot of the problems Andromeda has, at least the interrupts literally tell you with a few words what you are going to do.
The light / dark side system used in ME and their other titles is a bit limiting. I think the issue isn't that they swapped to a 4 dialogue system it is just that they didn't make each choice distinct and divergent enough for any of them to really matter. Paragon and Renegade had those differences. So I would sum it up as 2 good and different distinct options beat 4 that all end up mostly the same (looking at you Fallout 4, dragon age, ME andromeda). I would love to see the four options again, but each with their own reactions and changes for that wonderful grey you yourself mentioned!!
Also thanks for your time I don't have anyone in my life interested in such things and therefore am regulated to sharing a bit here on the danger zone of comments! Not opposition to anything you said I just wanted to add 2 cents. Have a great day.
06:25 - Hilarious but good point. The Shepard shuffle is part of Sheppy's identity, despite how silly it may sound.
I'm putting it out there, I think the new protagonist should be very good at dancing.
I couldn’t agree more with the more mature feel. This is an absolute must for me. My issue with andromeda is how “silly” it feels.
That's been Bioware since Inquisition sadly, quirky writing with twee characters in place of anything interesting.
@@BlueMarsalis To be fair, they received a lot of stick for Shepard being po-faced and humourless. BW has a tendency to overcompensate when reacting to feedback.
I think Bioware saw the popularity of the Citadel DLC for ME3 and decided it would be a good idea to make an entire game with that tone, missing that fans liked the tone of the Citadel DLC because it was just a small dose of silly that broke up the ominous tone of ME3.
@@Klijpo bro, I hated when they added on shepard the ability to smile in mass effect 2 dialogs. I remember being horrified of this smily paragon Shepard . Went with renegade just to avoid it to the maximum
@@felipeporto5835 Well Shepard's smile could be downright terrifying in 2! Thing is, having humour does not necessarily mean "quippy". A character with an occasional sardonic put down (such as Spock or Kirk) would easily fit into a ME vibe. Even the odd Bondism wouldn't be that out of place, given how Shepard is quite Bond-like.
Agreed on basically all points. Especially the Paragon and Renegade system returning. I'd like for it to be more nuanced and maybe less "black and white". I really would like to see the choices we make have a bigger impact on story things that can happen, whether crew members will even join (or even abandon) you, and possibly even impact who you can romance.
Party members abandoning you etc. was a feature in Baldurs Gate I really appreciated and it would be cool if they could bring that back again
@@Jeff_Saba This is also a feature in Dragon age Franchise. You can kill them, selling them or they can leave on their own manners. You can even put in chains some of them. I would love to see this in the next ME5 but i am not so sure if they will.
I really will love the possibility of playing as others races, with unique backgrounds storys, just like DA:origins.
For example, playing as a turian will give the option to start as a military spec ops, or a mercenary, the asari options could be of a Young one trying to go out of his matriarch's shadow or a rogue commando
Mass effect, as stated by the devs on multiple occasions. Is a human story, focused on humans and their part in the galaxy. So no, it should not ever have a protagonist that isnt human
@@supervastgut1568 the original trilogy is, but frankly it'd be shallow to never allow us to play as the alien races, we've been humans, we've explored how oppressed they are in citadel space we do not need to rehash the same old story when there are so many other races that could teach us something more, and frankly have more interesting stories, and in the whole trilogy the human characters always have the least intriguing stories, it's why nobody liked jacob, it's why if we can help it we never take ashley or kaiden, it's why we stan literally ever non human over stuff like kai lengmass effect is about stories as was dragon age. Don't be the space racist that we as commander shepherd faught against
@@salt7625 they literally ignored a literal attack on them in which you sacrifice hundreds of human lives saving their, in the end, absolutely pointless and useless sacks of flesh, seamlessly replaced by a generic individual of the same color should you let them burn. All you get is dismissal from them, the asari have kept the other species in the dark for millenia insuring their control, so they are power hungry parasites that can overtake any species by breeding them out, something parasites on earth do. Turians are a militaristic fascist society that attacked humans on sight, with no warning or even attempt at communication, quarians are space gypsies that hate outsiders more than anyone else. And the salarians are a species of nazi scientists that literally sterilize species they destroy by influencing in the first place. Yeah they sound fucking great
I would love more interactions with the crewmates, being able to participate in activities (such as the ones in the Citadel DLC in ME3), being able to crate different bonds and friendships and learn more about their backstory (absolutely loved the loyalty missions in ME2). But an overlooked aspect is also the crewmates interacting with each other. Being able to bring two different crewmates during a mission and hearing them talk to one another that fits their personality would be sooooo immersive.
Great video, I agree on all points!
Amen to all your suggestions. But above all else for me, Bioware's story needs to nail the ending. Please hire an exclusive team of facial animators, Bioware.
Andromeda was developed by a entirely different dev team that had never done a AAA game before. Bioware barely had any say other than plot pretty much.
@@ideadlift20kg83 For sure I don't want a repeat case of Andromeda's tired face. ME5 for all intents and purposes will mostly be a new team with another new engine so I feel my concerns are valid. Facial expression brings a good story to life!
@@quintyss1290 Aye, agreed.
I forgot to add: More intricate romances. Go out on actual dates. Give/receive gifts. Be affectionate. Act like a couple on missions. It doesn't have to be a huge thing, but it should matter more than it has.
Like with Garrus, it feels like you have three diague sessions and that's it, lol.
A couple more things I would like to see are:
The movement system we got from Andromeda (jetpack boosts and dashes are my favorite gameplay style)
and
More Unique Alien races that populate the Galaxy(-ies), if we explore more of the Andromeda Galaxy, let the creativity go wild with the new Aliens to make them stand out. Maybe show us how the Galaxy would react to seeing peaceful Rachni.
Great points made in the video,
Keep up the Good Work!
Yes the dash and jump pack as well as the hover ability from Andromeda is a must .
If we end up back in andromeda the galaxy really needs to be flushed out more with a lot more races it felt empty with a lot of cut and paste, another thing I would like is the ability to play as other races the latest dragon age did it so I hope this does this does too if we are playing a new character
A thing they should definitely continue as is, because they really nailed it IMHO: The humor, both in many dialogue choices and in the funny banter between crew members (elevator scenes, talks on the bridge, talks while driving on the surface).
IMHO?
I just hope the they keep the combat and exploration from andromeda, man andromedas combat was fluid. As for exploring the conversations your team would have driving around in the nomad where amazing and a great extra way to flesh out the characters
Very good video! I agree that the morality system should make a comeback but at the same not be punitive for not sticking to one morality and possibly incentivize mixing up "renegade" and "paragon" options
Make it 3-way, with a neutral professional choice.
I'm a mix paragon and renegade, l disliked on how mass effect 3 renegade shep is often an asshole and made me regret to chose it sometimes. I liked how renegade dialogs are a bit rispid and short, kinda cold and avoinding a little smile here and there before me3. But in 3, renegade shep made me fear regreting the renegade option cause he was so douchy at times.
Having played through the legendary edition, keeping almost every crew member alive besides the unavoidable deaths and achieving the Shepard lives ending, I'd be entirely fine with and excited to play another character, that being said since your save file can influence new games even a small reference to his survival, potential future and romance outcome will leave me satisfied, otherwise my Shepard journey and outcome will just haunt me playing a new game 😂
They 100 percent need to give back control of squadmates. Being able to use their abilities was a huge part of the combat for me. Changing tactics by switching their guns is a must for the next game.
squadmate customization in general would be good, hell let me toggle armor flair on their gear
What’s funny is that I actually really liked Ryder’s father, and would have been perfectly happy with him as the protagonist. He would have had the “mature, professional” style and personality that the main character in a completely separate galaxy SHOULD have.
Recently found your channel from Mr. Hulthen and I just want to say I'm really enjoying it. Keep up the good work and keep the content coming!
I don't expect alternate story lines because of what things costs these days. We should see what they do with Dragon Age which is expected this year. Although Bioware reported unexpected success from the Legendary Edition so maybe they can somehow preserve its essence.
I hope they take inspiration from Baldurs Gate 3. That game has nailed how choices should be done imo
I found your channel some time ago partly thanks to MrHulthen. And it's great. This video too. I agree with all points. Especially with that "Shepard's shadow" thing.
Expanding on your last item, personalization is a big one. Providing the players the tools to craft their own, unique experiences:
Player choices that range from determining who remains in the party to influencing and reshaping the state of the universe.
Gameplay and Cosmetic customization options through the character creator, player and squadmates' classes, loadouts, and skins.
Or in short the big thing missing from most of ME:A. Meaningfyl consequences of a choice.
I aa (ree with all of your points. Especially about a pet/ I so wish Shepard had the opportunity to keep the varren that followed him around Tuchanka (if you choose to feed him/her ? and pet him/herh alive in the early games was ). The Hamster was a great inside joke and the struggle to keep the fish alive in ME1 and parts of ME2 was a small detail in the Mass Effect games I will never forget.
Basicly i DONT want a EA-Disneyland-ME5 - a Bioware-Story-Land is ok. I think the Makosequenzes in ME1-3 was the test for the open world in MEA. Exploring and finding some treasures will be the better way to become resources on a planet, i guess, and the moving/combatsystem from MEA IS better. But to bring a storyline forward - it have to be in a line... no easy contend... Kala - i like your "diagnostic"! ^^ Mr Hulten a You - great Vids! Thanks!!! Greetings from Austria!
Great video! I think we need the Paragon/Renegade system back but not so extreme. In the OT you are always BIAS towards the colors. "Oh the option is blue? then I have to say this" and that kills a little bit the roleplay factor. But it's true that the change in ME:A added more roleplay but killed all the character development and the stakes.
They have to walk the fine line of a dialogue system where the stakes are high and your choices impact the story but you also feel like you are making the decision because you want to make it and not because Paragon = Good Renegade = Bad.
I would also like the combat from Andromeda brought back for the next mass effect game as well. And be able to customize your character not just the armor at any time in the game and be able to carry any weapon like you did in Andromeda
Only if they let you control squadmates powers and switch their weapons like the original trilogy.
@@bluemoon1716 yes exactly mix both Andromeda with the original trilogy combat.
They need to bring back more competent writing before anything else. But i agree with the points you listed. You mentioned a strong protagonist, but what about the antagonist ? Archon was literally the most generically bland,uninspired antagonist i can think of in a looooong time.(same goes for Ryder) Previous Mass Effects antagonist were quite high up on the list of antagonists in gaming.
So I was not the only one who felt, that with Andromeda, I’m going back to high school after spending 3 games amongst adults:)
nope, this is my biggest issue with Andromeda actually
I would love one massive sprawling city to roam around, if it's set in the milky way, be it the Citadel, Cipritine, Illium or an Earth City, just one that can offer some world building, a chance to discover a culture, meet NPCs a trade hub and have activities that you can do with crew mates and love interests, if it's set after the events of me3 it could also be interesting to roam one of those cities to see how they're rebuilding and Cipritine on Palaven or a City on Earth could offer the best for that imo especially since to my knowledge Palaven and Earth where hit the hardest
"Why do you need a pet? You can't tell the aliens from the animals."
Ashley Williams.
i followed you for your art on Twitter, but i’m definitely staying for your quality takes on Mass Effect 😌
Thank you
"This can't be a somehow palpatine returns" perfect wording
So glad I found this channel! Great content :)
I agree with you an all of it. There is a lot Bioware needs to do in Mass Effect 5 and there are big shoes to fill.
Would live to see more open world exploration in the new game, but also more inter-planetary/station/ship missions, that really make you travel and explore all there is to see.
Would really like to see how the interaction with new Aliens go, if it is a new andromeda or if it’s a continuation from ME3 and they maybe travel through Dark Space?
Yes to the Renaged/Paragon system to come back, it gave a lot more depth too thw choices you had to make.
Love the idea of more customization and as for the ship, maybe not just cosmetic changes, but also actuall Tech-changed, like you can do in ME2(only in this game).
I see what you say about Shepard and yes it will take a lot of work to be able to bring Shepard back, especially depending on the choice you made on ME3. I believe more that there are Memorials of Shepard, but depending on the choices, that may not be so.
For Ryder, if they come back, definetly hope for a more older and more experienced Ryder. Thinking of what you said, when you play as Ryder, Ryder is tossed into the roll of Pathfinder, when Ryder was supposed to be only a team member. Ryder has trained as a member only and not for the main role. Ryder basically had to learn all of the Pathfinder responsibilities on their feet. Thining like that, I think Ryder was a well written character, growing into the role as the journey progress, a role meant for their more experienced father.
Didn’t expect Ryder to be a new Shepard, cause too me MEA is a different Universe over all, with different rules than those in the ME trilogy. So new hero, how will he be in this new exciting Universe, where more my thoughts.
With a more Mature feel too the game, yes can see that. Thinking back on when they were made though, they were probably mature for the time.
Sorry for the long comment, hope it makes sense😅
Thank you for another great video and for the very awesome thoughts. Big hugs🫂🫂🫂
Imagine Shepard Junior. Where if you don't have loaded previous save, then Shep Jr. is human and father never appears in game or is detailed much.
If you do load then based on romance you get specific mixed Shep Jr. Imagine first Turian-Human or Quarian-Human hybrid. And the sub-plot where it affects some decisions, reactions or comments from other characters. There'd have to be some really good explanation for how those two species managed to have a kid though.
Safest approach for Shep Jr. that isn't human would be obviously Asari, but not everyone liked Liara or didn't want to get back to her after ME2.
It’s a nice thought but for someone who never chose aliens as romance option but only human, how would it work?
I tend to agree with you with regard to the Paragon/Renegade system returning. The Andromeda variant seemed to me to be pointless in the main with regard to significant plot adjustments. Although the Paragon/Renegade section has been suggested as too binary, very often in real life, individual decision choices are often binary in nature. You either "do", or "don't do". What is also true is that on average, most will not choose just one of these every time, leading to the balance being moved a little one way or another over time.
Your comments regarding the need for high quality scripting is also true. I found Ryder two dimensional, which may be realistic given that in his story he was young, thrown into the deep end and trying to accomplish something that his father was supposed to do based on his many years of experience. I felt Ryder was always trying to "read the manual" and check with the team before being able to do anything. Whilst realistic, I couldn't get immersed in the character as I did with Shepard.
There has also been speculation about the Geth. Clearly, from the issued poster, the Geth have some fairly major impact on ME5. It would also appear that the "Destroy" ending is likely to be "Canon", (Creating ME5 to consider all three potential endings would be a colossal task, as will be the inclusion of player choices in the preceding series, although it was done before). So what happened to the Geth? Perhaps they independently constructed an Ark to travel to Andromeda just prior to the final chapter of ME3, after the (hopefully achieved) reconciliation between the Geth and the Quarians, and unknown to the rest of the MW Galaxy. The good news is that the a copy of the Geth's entire collective can be transported in a server on their Ark, including any technical advances required to construct a Mass Relay in Andromeda. At least that would keep the Geth in the picture. There is also the possibility that they "bunkered" another copy somewhere close to, or in, the MW.
I also have a bit of a difficulty seeing how Andromeda in it's current state can be seriously connected with ME5 given the 600 year travel time and at travel speeds in excess of 4,100 times the speed of light to achieve it. I could get all wound up in time dilation effects, but suffice it to say, the only way the folks in Andromeda could make any sort of impact on the Milky Way story is for a Mass Relay to be constructed in Andromeda to connect the MW Galaxy. Even then, the passage of time that would have elapsed in their travel to Andromeda would necessarily mean ME5 would have to be set about 600 years after the final battle in ME3.
For me, Shepard is ME (Andromeda being considered as a kind of separate although connected story). With all the N7 branding etc etc and our development of Shepard over the 3 games ... let's just say there is a lot of investment in Shepard, and the closest members of the team. I think it may be likely that Bioware recognised this when creating Andromeda, giving it the "Andromeda" title, rather than ME4, given that Shepard was not part of that "Chapter".
Clearly some very careful construction of the story is required to move Shepard forward in ME5, or suitable recognition of Shepard if not in ME5.
With the many and various viewpoints from the very many fans of the franchise, Bioware has it's work cut out to achieve the quality of ME5 we all hope for, learning from both ME and Andromeda with regard to the game mechanics. Hopefully the use of Unreal 5 will also create some stunning visuals too.
The "mature" subject is something game developers have been clashing against marketing departments and publishers over the last ten years. I'm all for a more mature-themed ME for the next chapter in order to bring all that potential ME2 delivered then it came out; however, it's an eternal battle of 'quality vs quantity' in terms of sales figures: Bioware wants to deliver authenticity via the magic that made the trilogy so iconic, EA wants to sell as many copies as it can through a product unhinged from sophisticated themes. There's a chance the next ME will adapt a player narrative based upon the GTA5 experience of having three interchangeable protagonists you can switch between, something where you will start with Liara from the beginning and then change to Garrus and Ash, while Shepard remains a ghost presence that guides you appearing from time to time through recall memories and in the same fashion of visions you get from the beacon on Eden Prime.
Playing as Shepart's son/daughter (even though not all ME1-3 choices lead there) is my dream. This would allow the writers of ME5 to turn a very difficult dilemma (how a new protagonist can live up to Shepard) into a very core story element. It would honor Shepar's sacrifise by not bringing him back, but it would also make all players inherently connected to the new character. Because we knew his/her father and we want him/her to succeed. This character could be easily written who tries to define him/herself while trying to navigate among the actual ME5 story challenges, the heavy weight his/her father's legacy established to follow, and in general, the wish to define him/herself and live up to high expectations. Many interesting side quests could be made where the character goes to find clues, historical relevance or not-yet told stories about his/her father. Old, still living characters (Grunt, Liara) could guide the character and be mentors in this process. I romanced Liara in ME1-3, and it would be very interesting to see her and her child's dynamics in this growing up process. Obviously, this is wishful thinking and it is very hard to achieve for 2 reasons: 1: not everyone romanced Liara in ME1-3, but she is the only character whose child could live long to reach the story timeline (we strongly assume that ME5 is after ME Andromeda) and 2: even if the Liara romance becomes canon, the "child" is 600 years old, so the above story makes less and less sense...the character is old enough and by then, should be well-matured. Of note: I played male shepard so pardon me for refering to him as "him".
You forgot something else. Bioware have repeatedly said that the history of Mass Effect is the history of mankind and that this is the reason why they always make a human protagonist.
The developers also said that each player has their own canon regarding Shepard's gender. So there's no need to apologize
I romanced Miranda with male shepard . She unfortunately couldnt Carry kids because of her modifications. If we would play shepards child, BioWare has to put extra detail in on how it worked. But if we can’t play Shepard the I hope we play his child!
@@jasonrodriguez7242 Other than Miranda, many of Shepard's love interests won't be able to give birth.
Only they can give birth: Ashley, Jack, Kelly, Allers, Liara and Samara.
But since the Bioware said that the history of Mass Effect is the history of mankind and that is why they always make a human protagonist. Then we cross out the alien protagonists.
Only Ashley, Jack, Kelly and Allers remain.
Mass Effect 5 needs the following things:
- Engaging antagonists
- RPG elements
- meaningfull choices
- meaningull dialogue
- companions relevant to the story (this is actually a problem in ME2. Many of the squadmates only matter because TIM said so, and are only liked due to their disconnected loyalty missions)
- set of main quests we can do in any order
- character motivation (Andromeda lacked this)
- a writer who knows what a plot is and who has skill beyond knowing tropes and "awesome scene nr. 678"
- basically everything ME1 did right
- E-Zero and the Mass Effect actually mattering in the story for once
- a Batarian squadmate
- a Race select screen
You don't actually need Shepard for a Mass Effect game. He even only mattered in the first game with his connection to the beacon. Mass Effect 2 never gave a good reason for him to return, and Mass Effect 3 has the same problem besides the scene where he can feel the beacon on Thessia, and even then you have Javik.
Supposedly, Eezo mattering was the original end for ME3 according to former devs. The ending was supposed to be about the Reapers' intent to mitigate the effects of dark energy that were killing the universe by resetting organics when they started using it too much. The seeds of that plot arc start with Tali's recruitment mission in ME2 (Haestrom). In the last hours, the starchild was born to replace this idea and the Haestrom/dark energy arc was abandoned and retconned.
@@x3wildcard
Yes. Talis myssion was really strange. Setup without payoff.
@@x3wildcard It wasn't "the original end". It was one of many plot seeds that Karpyshyn included and they chose not to follow through with when he left. There was never a point where they were going the dark energy route for ME3, only to pivot into the synths vs. organics stuff.
I'd love it if The Renegade/Paragon system ends up being a hidden mechanic. I don't want color-coded dialogue options that show the developers hand at the steering wheel when I'm suppose to be driving. Let me fuck up a little when something I would say in a situation is not necessarily the best way to go about handling it.
I have a feeling we'll have 3 companions instead of 2 based on the image that shows the crater and geth.
I think a blend of Andromeda’s wheel retrofitted with the P/R system would be good. We could keep emotional, casual, logical, and professional options, but giving them more distinction, and having situations where 2 lean paragon, while the other 2 lean renegade (maybe with options having a red or blue hue). And which options lean which way could change depending on the situation. For instance, sometimes an emotional response would be compassionate and paragon, while other times the emotional response would be one of anger and renegade.
This is a pretty bare bones explanation, but I feel like a great combination of the 2 is possible.
To further add to the pet idea it would be nice to have a number of options for pets used in combat similar to how the Batarians use their hounds. Such as a flying alien, hound style, etc. Having them in cages like a beast master would. Choosing which one works best from mission to mission.
Take the Dragon Age Origins Origin stories & adapt them to Mass Effect!
- Asari Stripper on streets of Omega.
- Krogan Merc.
- Turian Outlaw.
There's a few they could go with & let us play as a race other than human.
As much as I love it I doubt that will happen. Mark Darrah made a vid on RUclips explaining how much work that was and why they avoided it in the later games.
I agree with you 100 percent with everythijng.. i think they should expand on the planet grinding a bit more.. i mean land on planets and just explore like andromeda. I do like the jet packs to be honest it would be fun to see liara or shepard with one. I also want javik to return it wasnt really explained how old he was and what his life span can be.. (note i was in ploppys game chat).. lol
Just for the record, that is not Shepard's hamster. That is BioWare's hamster. Its name is Boo, and Boo is a miniature giant space hamster who traveled with Minsc in the original Baldur's Gate games. If memory serves, Minsc is the only character from any BioWare game that has a statue (or maybe it's a portrait, but I think it's a statue) at BioWare's HQ in Edmonton. Minsc's audio clips are legendary and can be found on RUclips. Jim Cummings voiced Minsc, and if his name sounds familiar, you might know him better as Winnie the Pooh or Darkwing Duck.
The shepherd shuffle part really got me 😢
We absolutely need puncheable reporters and an APC like the Mako but with the controls of the nomad to make those cool intros of the first game when exploring asteroids and planets.
But for sure puncheable reporters its a must.
I also think it would be cool if they could make our choices in the original trilogy matter. I know it's possible
My personal worst thing in Andromeda was the bland open worlds, a couple deserts and a snow planet? That's the best we could do in another galaxy? If we're going to have open world environments, I think it should be a mix. Some really open zones with maybe multiple cities as detailed as Novigrad from The Witcher 3, with the appropriate setting and style for Mass Effect of course. And some planets with linear, labyrinth, Dark Souls style of exploration, like Ancient Ruins, that are as big and detailed as Undead Burg from Dark Souls, using the appropriate, lore friendly style and setting.
Excellent job as usual
Hi!
While I agree with all of your points, I would add an eighth.
Reintroduce the "tactical" feel during the combat phase with the ability to act as a team leader and use a range of abilities from our teammates. This is my most negative point about Andromeda, a ludonarrative inconsistency. The game invites you to be a leader, you can prepare and choose your teammates...but when you play, you are just alone. This feeling is exacerbated by the fact that we can't interact (talk) with our teammates during a mission.
My gosh the alien interactions suggestion is exactly what I love in Mass Effect! It's so neat!!
I always figured the "Shepard Shuffle" was just a reused movement asset, as there are sooo many in this series.
we also need squamates that don't feel like carbon copies or monuments to personality disorders, that is what killed Andromeda for me
Feel like you're underestimating how much they see Andromeda as a massive commercial and critical failure. Bioware is almost certainly going to pivot hard into original trilogy nostalgia because EA wants their certain investment, and so we are way more likely to see Shepard come back than Rider ever show up again in anything ever.
I think the best way to introduce a new PC and Adress Shephards legacy is this:
New game is followed by two questions. Question 1: Shephard was [male][ Female].
Question 2: Who was Shephard lover?
Character Creation starts, and you create your character, the Potentially Half-alien Child of Shephard, with certain choices giving bonus effects, like If Liara is the mother a +1to biotic abilities, or if Tali is the mother, bomuses to tech abilities... or if Garrus is the father, A bonus to combat abilities, similar to the backgrounds from mass effect 1.
Its SO nice hearing about these from another woman's perspective! Femshep and Liara are dear to my heart 💖✨
Thank you! I am also an avid FemShep and Liara lover as well and that is my canon romance!
@@kalaelizabeth Big same! 🥰👭🏻
I'm jealous! I can't bring myself to romance anyone in my playthru's because I kinda love most of the natural pairings. Liara I thought would chill with the drell. Garrus ends up with Tali my favourite 2 people yes! Thane is lovely, but I read his comic and story and now I cannot imagine tempting his heart soo at the end. Jacob has his own happiness as well. Samantha I only found out about now after a google to make sure I didn't miss anyone.
Right Carth.... never had a chance as soon as I heard that voice actor I knew we were not going to get along.
Just subbed to your channel! Saw your video featured on Mr Hulthen's channel!
I have a weird idea.
What if the protagonist was an experiment of the Council to "recreate" Shepard? (To me it would make sense, because he managed to save the galaxy and had a really big influence on it.) Maybe they could even try mixing Shepard's DNA with other species giving us the chance to use a quarian, turian, asari or even krogan protagonist. And maybe make Liara rescue us at the beginning once she finds out the location of the super secret base we're being held at.
Make it take place many years after the Reapers defeat (so that they don't have to do a shit ton of work with each variable of who Shepard romanced and who did what in the trilogy)
Talking with Liara we'd have the chance to understand what happened to everyone and maybe make the game be us trying to step out of Shepard's shadow.
To me it could be an interesting idea.
I do like the idea of making the main characters personal story be that, but at the same time it would feel a little cheap. Like a bring back the citadel clone moment.
Great points! I think I have had a very similar experience to these games as you, especially on later playthroughs. I wholeheartedly agree that Shepard is such a strong character and has such immense fandom that I don't even know how I'd begin to imagine introducing a protagonist that doesn't get overshadowed by Shep. Also agree that Ryder and crew were more light hearted and young, which was a fun and interesting experience for sure, but would need some maturity to be brought back.
Edit: I also noticed a lot of Inquisition stuff in Andromeda, which leads me to believe there's sufficient collaboration between the two teams that some DA strengths can be brought into ME, like a more grey universe than binary Paragon / Renegade choices.
I think someone came up with a great system. The "3 captains" system, based on Star Treck's Benjamin Sisko (DS9), John-luke Picard (TNG), and James T Kirk (TOS(?)). As they captain in very different ways. John-luke is the diplomat, but high-moraled, Kirk is passionate, but cavalier, whilst Sisko is willing to get dirty to achieve the higher goal. So a Kirk would punch the guy, and end up in a fight, a John-luke would aim to talk both sides down and achieve the diplomatic solution, whilst Sisko would use less savoury means to apply pressure to have one side back down indirectly.
One of the biggest things I loved about ME was that the choices carried over. If they continue with the OG Shepherd then it would be cool to see some of the choices still carry over to ME5.
This is exactly what I mean when I say I would have never thought of this type of stuff. I loved the trilogy of course and really liked Andromeda. There was some flaws or things at the moment of play through I thought was dumb. However quickly forgot as I played through. But watching your videos and reading the comments I find myself nodding and saying yeah that’s right that could be better or why didn’t they do that. Keep up the amazing work. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
I can still remember when I heard ‘I am the Vanguard of your destruction’, when I flew to the Collector Home base or when I sent the war mongering Quarians to hell but nothing like that comes to mind with Andromenda. The best was the tough fight in a side mission but the rest was normal game fun. ME4/5 needs above else strong Villans and tough choices. I always liked how ME put opposing sides together like when you go to defend Tali and bring Legend with you.
Technicals:
-4k/120fps with rt at 60fps with vrr support for ps5
-ME5 on UE5
- Ship to ship combat
-full dual sense support
Game Design
-Canonised destroy ending
-Return shepherd or give us a kratos like protagonist who will grow out of shepherds shadow
Compelling npcs
-Make the Jordan the next reapers
Great perspective!
And perhaps more interactions with our crew cause it just felt like over the course of the games you would talk to them and that was about it unless you were in a relationship with one of the members then you would have a few cutscenes with that person so perhaps give us the option to have more downtime when we aren't on missions in a way and maybe give us more customization features for our squad as well
I disagree with the paragon renegade thing. I like the concept but in reality, it was just be a good guy and get every good outcome...
If they actually bring it back, at least make sure full paragon goody2shoes who picks choicea based on where they are on the wheel, not what the state of the word is, get's punished sometimes.
I realy dislike how someone can basicly ignore the reaper threat to focuse on small thing (kinda like the council...) and still get the best outcome possible across the board.
the ability to create your own protagonist of any race is a must have for me. how cool would it be to go around as a quarian or turian BA or even a drell.
They teased it but I want a pet Varren possibly that could double as a combat companion
Great list. To it I would add that the next game must have a well-crafted, tight plot (a la ME1). Combat improvements, a largar roster of squadmates and graphics overhaul should not give Bioware permission to go lax on the story department. Give us a gripping main plot, a worthy antagonist (like Saren). Ideally, Bioware should hire the right lead writer for the job.
all i really need is that dragon age style 'play as 3 or 4 different races' option in the character creator....3 main council races then quarians korgans and drell as a playable choice
Kind of Frozen Shepherd and crown stasis while they repaired his injured body cuz we complete Mass effect 3 and got all the war assets in the end she said protect a breath if you choose to destroy it ending
I want to see the backgrounds return if we get a new protagonist and 1 thing I always wanted was actual space exploration like being able to actually fly your ship around the galaxy not just clicking on a planet and going there. I doubt it will happen but I really want it and yes I do want the paragon renegade system back it added lots of depth to the games story and it needs to return and I agree as well as wanting the planets to be more open world.
What I’d like:
• More Flirtatious/romantic dialogue with whomever you romance including pet names (like Garrus and Thane,
• Better customisation
• More Background backstory (eg. Earthborn Shepherd if brought back we get to see parents more often
• Ship customisation I like
• Bigger choices
All things I'm hoping to see as well and respectively done. I dig it 🔥
Despite Andromeda being how it was I genuinely loved how they changed the gameplay to be more mobility based, I just hope we get a great story with compelling characters and would love to see the return of multiplayer since I loved 3's so much.
The problem wasn’t with the N7 stuff per se it was that we didn’t know anything really about Rider before the game. We saw a badass looking silent character in the trailer jumping around on exotic, dangerous worlds with Ghost riders in the sky playing in the background so we all instinctively thought John Wayne / Clint Eastwood / Boba Fett rather than what Rider actually turned out to be.
I relate to a lot of your points. Most of all the Paragon-renegade choices.
I think I'd be ok with shepard returning if there was a truly good reason (he already died twice, after all), but I think I'd be even more on board if we got nither a Shepart, nore a Rider, but someone new altogether.
I like the idea of a mature game, but in my opinion the "feeling" should be that of Mass Effect 1.
I like the idea of starting exploring something familiar but new at the same time, gathering new companions.
To lme it's kinda like Andor for Star Wars. I was tired of cameos by old actors and nostalgia. Andor gave me the feeling I got whenj I first saw A new hope and Empire. I think we should have the same for ME5
I’m hoping ME5 will be what 2018’s God of War was for Sony Santa Monica.
A fresh of breath air in terms of gameplay, yet honoring the past without going fan servicey.
I think it would be so cool if the next ME game is either centered around, or eventually has a dlc pack that allows you to experience the galaxy pre-catalyst. Many different species, all under the yolk of the leviathans. Perhaps an AI-hunter squad, attempting to secure the galaxy against AI, directed by leviathans. Aside from tha It would be cool to see things from the perspective of ascended... my face fanfic is from the view of ascended humans
I'm worried that Shepard won't return, but I'm also worried that Bioware will bring him back and they won't be able to concisely and explicitly explain the reasons for his return. The same applies to Ryder.
One thing Bioware shouldn't do is drop the N7 distinction as it's iconic in the world of Mass Effect. Yes, they made a mistake by over-hyping the N7 in Mass Effect Andromeda, but they shouldn't erase that distinction. I think if Ryder had been an N7 and developed like Shepard he wouldn't be as unpleasant as a main character.
Maybe if in Mass Effect Andromeda we had played with Alec Ryder instead of the twins. Our perception would be different. From the beginning Alec was seen as a character almost at the level or even equal to that of Shepard, especially considering that according to the Ryder twins, Alec was one of the first N7s, and that is definitely seen in the little development he had at the time. beginning of the game.
In the next Mass Effect the protagonist has to be yes or yes, an N7 and its development must be more mature so that it is at the level of Alec or Shepard.
On the topic of what choices they would make canon, I believe the best thing to do would be to make what they did in the beginning of ME2 and 3. If you had played the previous games, it would read your save and get your choices in the last games as canon, and for new players, they’d let them pick what happened, like in the interactive comic in ME2 or the menu in ME3. Hell, even the Witcher 3 had something similar when Geralt was being interviewed by the Nilfgaardians, so I think it wouldn’t be too far off for them to create a system where the game reads your saves from the trilogy and Andromeda. That way they could make everyone happy. Of course, they’d have their work cut out for them in order to create content that reflects these several choices, but I think it would be the best way to create the best version of a continuation to the series.
I think that save reading system kinda already exists. Mass Effect Archives is something similar to what Dragon Age has, with all previous games mentioned and important choices on the website to choose from. Currently you are able to import your MEA choices as well as both Ryders look. I assume ME5 onwards will be using that feature.
I like the idea of a new protagonist because it'd allow the player to choose their species. It always peeved me that the world had several interesting, vastly different aliens, but only let you play as a human. Different racial bonuses become a thing (Salarians have faster reflexes, Turians more weapons and tactics knowledge due to military society, Asari greater biotic strength etc), and characters react differently to you depending on what you are, allowing for a whole bunch of storytelling options that'd make it far more replayable.
Honestly, I think it would be cool to have a continuation of the Shepart protagnist, but be the offspring of Shepard and whomever you romanced. You can pick your race and appearance based on that. So if you romanced Ashley, you'll play a full human+class+background. If you romanced Tali, you'll have a mixed Quarian and Human+class+background. This could also give way to a buff/debuff system. Such as the case with Tali, you'll have weaker health or defense due to your compromised immune system, but a boost to technology/electronics, hacking, etc. It could be a fun and interesting system.
Ryder does work given the whole N7 human made mass relay thing, like maybe The Alliance is trying to reach other galaxies with it such as Andromeda
Well laid out, I really enjoyed this!
love the videos keep it up i love mass effect been with this game since day 1 still need people talking about them cant wait for another one no matter what trilogy they go off of or if they make new game mass effect franchise is the best thing ever created i play every singe mass effect 5 times each a year
I totally agree about Paragon/Renegade. Lots of people seem to complain about it, but I loved it. 100% on all points, actually. The only thing I disliked about the Andromeda exploration was the fetch quest aspect of it. This was true of ME1 too, really, with the planet-side missions in the Mako. I'd actually prefer the exploration part be more like Skyrim or something, where there is something narratively interesting to points on the map instead of plant scans or artifact shards, or whatever.
We need more DIFFICULT choices. For example, I'd love to get an Asari sniper who keeps her distance from the crew, trying to avoid closeness, but with persistence, the MC does get close. Always wearing a hood much like Kasumi. Later, we help transport a Justicar to a mission against slavers (though she joins early and helps on our mission while in the process of tracking down the slavers) in which we help her with it. We see how much she cares about helping victims, protecting them from the slavers, etc. so to the point that it's an undercover opp where we have to pretend to be slavers selling her as a slave to the slavers. On the way there, a Paragon/Renegade choice when she tells us to make it more convincing, she suggests that we strike her to injure her face. On the way back from the mission, she says that she has to get to know your Asari crew member (as on the mission if you bring both, the sniper is rather standoffish with the Justicar). But offers to stay with you to help you in your quest after seeing the lengths you are going to protect the innocent blah, blah, blah, and would be certain to get to know her in the process.
Once back, the sniper informs the MC that she is leaving, but doesn't give an explanation. As MC intercepts her in the cargo/launch bay to understand what is going on, the Justicar appears and almost immediately attacks. We find out that the sniper is an Ardat-Yakshi whose parents escaped with her into the Terminus systems when it was discovered that her older sister was afflicted with the condition, was sent to the monastery, and lost during the Reaper War. She explains that while she has the condition, she has never acted on the impulses and never will, living a life of loneliness because she knows what would happen to a partner if she gave up her celibacy. The Justicar, of course, sworn to bring in all lawbreakers, and the way the code is written, the Ardat-Yakshi are lawbreakers just for existing outside of the monastery. As the sniper will not go, the Justicar must kill her to protect everyone. In this scenario, MC ends up having to choose who to actually fight alongside against the other, killing that one in the process. A joint loyalty mission where you can only pick one and lose the other of characters you've gotten to know over 2/3 of the game.
If the next Mass Effect is an Andromeda sequel, and we get to play as Ryder again... Then my only request is to bring back Vetra, so I can continue my romance with her.
I would like to have a alien pet that could go on missions with our characters like the mabari dog from Dragon Age. An alien dog/cat that doesn't take up a party slot, but has skills that increase its effectiveness on missions.
If the protagonist can be whoever and whatever you want, I hope it won't be limited to just humans. Would love to play as a turian or a krogan
All great points. The only thing that will be an impossibility is to make all those different factions of players you named happy. In the end Bioware needs to do what feels good and right. Those who love it will, and those who don't won't. It's the only logical choice humanity itself gives them.
Would be cool to start as a newbie and slowly work ourselves up and build our character over several games or something like that instead of starting as a highly ranked soldier.
Kinda depends on the story that's being told. I agree that that's fun, but it wouldn't have made sense for the trilogy; there wouldn't have been any way to get a youngster into the Spectres. Shepard's accomplishments are what the entire story is based around. It's kinda what happened in Andromeda with Ryder being doubted by everyone, at least to a small extent.
I've been wanting playable species since ME1, but I don't ever think they'll do that. I would enjoy if they put back Paragon and Renegade choices mix with more impactful tone choices for dialogue. A hybrid of the two dialogue systems if done well, I think would be strong. A return of commanding my team's skills would be nice. I also want to see an ability wheel rather than a 3 skill load out.
this what the game needs besides what this video mentioned:
1.) it needs to have all three endings outcomes fully in view. which means if you pricked the kill all reapers, AI, and biotics (the Red Option), than it needs to show that people are now facing the same problem of AI rising up against people, and the Geth can not exist and the Quarians would be extinct because one was a AI and the other relied heavily on Biotic Tech built into their suits, the Asari would need to have regressed genetically because they are born with biotics and much of the knowledge of all races would need to be purged starting us all (every species) back to finding out how to reinvent space travel and our approach to conquering that problem. if you picked become a part of the reapers and have them go to dark space (the Blue Option), then have an explanation of how the galaxy eventually hunted the reapers down in dark space and killed all of the reapers that were inactive in retaliation for the attack and how the reaper tech was eventually used by all groups good and bad, with the Geth also using the tech to further advance their civilization and becoming a dominant galactic power over the other races and the Arbiters of the galaxy's laws and wisdom, allowing for a peace not expected by the player and gives an explanation to why the humans are now building their own Mass Relay (out of pride, with a need to prove that they are better than machines in all aspects of the galaxy's stage). if you became one with everyone, fused machine and man, and created a new DNA for organic and synthetic life (the Green Option), then EDI needs to still be alive as does the Normandy SR2 (possibly piloted by her and joker's 12th gen great grandkids or if you follow the end of the explanation given by EDI in ME3's ending, then possibly Joker because we transcended mortality on a galactic scale as said by EDI), the Geth, Quarians, Krogan, Hanar, Drell, and Elcor need to be on the council as well as the Angara, the galaxy would need to be advanced enough to have found a way to reach the Andromeda Galaxy and also integrated the Remnant tech into their their civilization, the outlaw groups need to be on the verge of total collapse with bases on planets at the edge of the galaxy or in dark space and omega being destroyed, their needs to be Yahg War where they have evolved and like the Krogans and Batarians started a war with the council, the Batarians need to be either fully extinct or like the Drell/Hanar have become the part of another community possibly with the Krogans or joined and elevated the Yahg, and Synthetic Life has to be a extremely Dominant Presence on the galactic stage with them being in aspects of Law, Police, and Record as well as Military.
2.) The Technology needs to be on the levels that reflect your choices in the end of ME3; meaning if you picked Red Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy needs to be just returning to its original mark before ME3, if you picked the Blue Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy needs to be on Remnant Level Tech, and if you pick Green Ending your civilization as well as the galaxy need to be on a Solar System Creation scale (meaning creating planets, stars and whatnot) while also being able to cross galaxies with little to no time and power their civilization like the SWTOR Zakuul Empire.
3.) full customization for planetary headquarters, bases, research stations, mining operations, and settlements on planets, asteroids, and moons, with how defenses are placed, the layout of said locations, the use of the locations, and who is allowed and not allowed there, as well as screening for spies and saboteurs and penial camps and labor. with this the bs that annoys everyone (such as the fact that your bases are raided like in MEA) could be averted and left alone to thrive, allowing the player to dive deep into side missions in said locations that help those locations goals, making each location strategic and personal for the player and allows for more to happen with the new crew.
4.) the crew needs to have the ability to do things that are beneficial for the mission that have actual substance. SWTOR did this with career paths but it can be taken further, by giving crew skills they are good at and allowing players to assign careers to said crewmen that fit their specialties. then you let the crewman go off and do their own thing while you complete missions and they create or bring back to the ship whatever they had achieved, giving the player a feel that the crewman aren't just standing around and instead are heavily committed to progressing your ship, strategic locations, and missions (main and side) further. this also makes it players feel like the crew is really alive and gives them a feel for what is going on in the galactic community.
5.) I would like to see more interactive conversation, like instead of picking a conversation tree. if i speak to a NPC via Headset and it responds to my words whether no matter what it could be. But that is just my wish.
Honestly, I don't want Paragon/Renegade system to return. For me it's just a leftover from KOTOR morality system. But while Star Wars itself always had really rigid black and white view and you can actually play as the bad guy with enough dark side points, Mass Effect really doesn't know how to be consistent, mostly with its Renegade choices that BioWare wants to paint as "pragmatist". But while Paragon Shepard is consistent during the whole trilogy, Renegade Shepard always sways beetwen cool antihero, to rasist who hates alliens, to genocidal maniac, to simply an ashole and maybe sometimes this famous "pragmatist". If your Shepard doesn't want to be a Superman copy or someone who shouldn't even pass psychological entrance test to military, you could try to play in the middle, but then you'll be locked from many important choices because you don't have enough points.
There's also the fact that some choices just don't work well with this system, the most egregious example being destroying or rewriting Geths.
Which is quite ironic that my Ryder is an actual pragmatist. Someone who normally is polite and helpful, but if he's forced he is ready to sacrifice people for the greater good and he isn't doing it with a cocky smirk on his face. What disappoints in Andromeda is that I think they were inspired by Dragon Age 2, when you're diplomatic, humourus or aggressive Hawke really feels like different people (and the game's important choices aren't locked to Hawke's personality), but Bioware just wasn't able to make Ryder's personality expressive enough. There's also the fact that Hawke was just a better written character.
An older wiser Ryder would be so cool