Breathtaking Nightmares Await in Mass Effect 4

Highlights

Mass Effect 4 could potentially lean into cosmic horror to create a new and dire villain that stands out among the series' best.

To enhance the cosmic horror element in Mass Effect 4's storyline, incorporating ambiguous explanations and unsettling approaches could intensify the atmosphere of fear connected to the main antagonist. By infusing horror elements into the game, Mass Effect 4 would present players with challenging choices and unexpected consequences, setting it apart from the original trilogy.

A follow-up to the renowned Mass Effect trilogy is still far away, but fans have been eagerly speculating about its nature based on the teasers released by BioWare over the years. With limited information available, there are numerous directions that Mass Effect 4 could take. However, there is one possibility that could raise the stakes of the narrative and introduce a villain that rivals the best in the Mass Effect universe.

While elements of cosmic horror have appeared in various forms in Mass Effect, they have mostly been confined to specific missions or moments. Although adversaries like the Collectors and Reapers are presented as horrifying entities, the trilogy ensures that they remain a feasible threat that players can overpower with sufficient firepower and strategic planning. This implies that the series has yet to introduce a villain that embodies an incomprehensible menace.

Mass Effect 4's Narrative Should Lean Into Cosmic Horror

The Milky Way Galaxy in the trilogy has a realistic and lived-in atmosphere, but there are numerous lesser-known species in Mass Effect. An example of this is the Leviathans in the third game, who have remained hidden for an extensive period despite their immense size. Although initially portrayed in a positive light, the presence of an entire species of that magnitude being dormant presents the possibility of more malevolent beings in a similar state.

A comparable pattern is seen with the Reapers in Mass Effect. In the beginning, they were an enigmatic threat, with Sovereign being the only representation in the first game. However, as the trilogy progressed, the threat posed by the Reapers became more apparent. By the conclusion of the story, players had gained extensive knowledge about the Reapers, including their origins from the Leviathans. While these details were intriguing, they diminished the overall aura of mystery surrounding the Reapers and made them somewhat less captivating.

To enhance the cosmic horror experience of Mass Effect 4, explanations should be deliberately ambiguous, contributing to a sense of dread surrounding the unknown antagonist. This approach is inspired by classic cosmic horror tales, in which civilizations have long been aware of a terrifying entity but lack the language to accurately describe it, due to their inability to comprehend its true nature.

Unlike Shepard's military background, the new protagonist could assume an investigative role, intensifying the urgency to uncover the mysteries within the narrative. This choice would align with the tradition of cosmic horror stories, where protagonists often function as detectives or investigators. Moreover, the story could gradually shift its focus towards survival, as the troubled region of the galaxy depicted in the game becomes increasingly perilous.

Mass Effect has always prioritized player choice, and introducing a horror element to the concept could lead to challenging decisions with uncertain outcomes. If the game incorporates a body-snatching storyline or an infection theme, it could also impact party dynamics, causing members to either become infected or be replaced by imposters.

While Mass Effect 4 is not obligated to adopt a sci-fi horror theme, doing so would distinguish it from the original trilogy and create a sense of urgency in the plot. While BioWare is unlikely to reveal Mass Effect 4 at this point in the year, their strong talent in world-building makes it intriguing to explore a direction where the enemy cannot be easily explained. Until the game is officially announced, all details about Mass Effect 4 will remain speculative.

Mass Effect 4 is in development.