Highlights
Mass Effect 4 should pay homage to Commander Shepard's famous line "I should go" by making a quick, throwaway reference, which would delight fans.
In Mass Effect 4, the inclusion of Khalisah Al-Jilani, the bothersome journalist notorious for attacking Shepard, would be beneficial. This could be achieved by acknowledging the government's association with the media or by granting players the opportunity to confront her once more.
Furthermore, to capitalize on the popularity of Garrus' iconic line on calibrations from Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 4 should incorporate this phrase into both dialogues and gameplay. The abundance of memes inspired by this line makes it an ideal addition to the game.
Mass Effect, known for its serious storyline about the potential destruction of intelligent life in the Milky Way, still manages to have its fair share of comedic moments. Fans have embraced these moments, turning them into memes that have become a significant aspect of the series' culture and fanbase. As the highly anticipated Mass Effect 4 approaches, it is expected to not only bring back familiar scenarios, conflicts, characters, and locations, but also pay homage to the iconic memes that have become synonymous with the franchise.
Since its release in 2007, the Mass Effect fanbase has had ample time to create a plethora of jokes revolving around the series. However, there are certain memes that have endured the test of time. Whether it's a clever line of dialogue, an exaggerated interaction, or an unintentionally amusing oversight, Mass Effect 4 should include these beloved and heavily memed moments as references to please the fans.
Mass Effect 4 Needs to Pay Homage to One of Shepard's Famous Lines
Commander Shepard is renowned for various reasons; although not the most stylish character in Mass Effect, they stand as humanity's potential rescuer, a formidable soldier, a romantic partner, a loyal friend, and a skilled diplomat. Being a busy individual with numerous talents and abilities, Shepard cannot always spare time for lengthy conversations. While they typically find a graceful way to end a discussion, there are moments when they simply utter "I should go" before promptly departing the room. Mass Effect 3's Citadel DLC previously satirized Shepard's frequent use of this catchphrase, hence Mass Effect 4 runs the risk of overusing the joke. However, a quick and fleeting allusion would likely elicit a chuckle from many fans.
The Annoying Journalist Should Be Referenced in Mass Effect 4
Mass Effect's missions are steeped in cosmic horror, yet some characters within the game view Shepard's adventures with a flippant and opportunistic attitude. Among them is Khalisah Al-Jilani, a reporter who consistently launches thinly veiled accusations at Shepard and portrays them negatively. Al-Jilani appears in all three Mass Effect games, offering players the choice to respond to her behavior by delivering a punch. These comedic scenes could potentially gain a more reflective tone in Mass Effect 4, delving into the complexities of the government's relationship with the press. Alternatively, players might opt to punch Al-Jilani, or perhaps another journalist, for a fourth time.
Garrus Should Still Do Some Calibrations in Mass Effect 4
Mass Effect fans adore Garrus for being one of the most exceptionally written characters in the series and for remaining a loyal member of the player's squad throughout all three installments. However, some fans may have felt let down when, in Mass Effect 2, he frequently brushed off Shepard's attempts to bond with the infamous response, "Can it wait a bit? I'm in the middle of some calibrations." This recurring line left many wondering just how much time Garrus actually devoted to these mysterious "calibrations". Consequently, a plethora of memes poking fun at the beloved Turian emerged, presenting Mass Effect 4 with countless opportunities to cleverly allude to this inside joke through dialogue and gameplay.
While the upcoming Mass Effect may embrace cosmic horror more intensely than its predecessors, this doesn't mean it has to sacrifice its trademark humor. The Mass Effect series has always centered around finding light in the midst of darkness and forging deep connections with the Normandy crew. Comedy, whether intentional or not, can play a significant role in achieving this. Whether Mass Effect 4 chooses to revisit, mock, or reimagine these memes, it would undoubtedly establish a strong bond between players and the newest installment, while paying homage to its predecessors.
Mass Effect 4 is in development.