Mass Effect 4: Embracing Dragon Age: Inquisition's Vital Element

Highlights

The details surrounding Mass Effect 4 remain elusive, however, the teaser footage alludes to the reappearance of Liara and potential entanglement with the Geth. Additionally, it suggests that the Alliance is concealing important information from the Citadel Council.

Mass Effect: Andromeda discontinued the use of classes that were present in previous Mass Effect games. However, if classes were reintroduced in Mass Effect 4, it might adopt the approach used in Dragon Age: Inquisition by featuring each class within the player's party. In this case, Mass Effect 4 could provide greater flexibility in constructing classes, enabling players to select different branches or fully respec their party members, all while retaining the distinct characteristics associated with each class.

BioWare still has a lot of information under wraps when it comes to Mass Effect 4. The game, announced in 2020, will see the return of Liara and involve the Geth in some capacity. Additionally, a teaser for Mass Effect 4 showcased what appears to be a Mass Relay created by humans, and there seems to be a hidden agenda from the Alliance towards the Citadel Council. Apart from these tidbits, the specifics of the game remain shrouded in mystery.

One aspect that BioWare has yet to reveal about Mass Effect 4 is the issue of classes. In the original trilogy, players could choose from three core classes specializing in weaponry, technology, and biotics. Furthermore, there were three hybrid classes, resulting in a total of six options. However, with Mass Effect: Andromeda, classes were eliminated, allowing players to unlock any abilities they desired. Assuming that classes make a comeback in Mass Effect 4, the game may draw inspiration from Dragon Age: Inquisition, where each class was represented within the player's party.

Mass Effect 4's Party Should Showcase its Classes

Dragon Age: Inquisition had a total of three base classes and nine specializations available for players. Each class and specialization was represented by one of the party members in the game. This meant that players could choose any class and specialization without missing out on the other eight options. Additionally, this feature allowed players to preview the unlockable specializations by observing the abilities and skills of their party members. With three followers for each class, it was also easier for players to switch up their party composition during different adventures without completely unbalancing their team.

In contrast, Mass Effect 1 only featured playable classes for Kaiden and Ashley. The non-human squad members in Shepard's team each had a unique class that partly resembled the playable equivalent. For example, Liara's Asari Scientist class possessed the same biotic talents as the playable Adept class, but exchanged the Adept's weapon and armor talents for tech abilities and had different class-specific buffs. Similarly, Garrus' Turian Agent class had similarities to the Infiltrator class, as it combined long-range soldier and engineer skills, but had a different set of talents. The same pattern applied to the squad members' classes in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.

This concept aims to provide a sense of uniqueness to each squad member by assigning them distinct squadmate classes that reflect their individual personality and cultural background. However, the player's ability to personalize their squad mates' abilities is limited, as they are constrained by preset archetypes. Additionally, if a player appreciates a squad mate's class, they are unable to replicate it for their own character.

A potential solution would be to introduce six to nine classes, ensuring that each class is represented by at least one party member. Alternatively, in Mass Effect 4, the game could allow for more flexibility in building and customizing classes by permitting multiple party members per class.

The Vanguard class in Mass Effect combines close-range combat training with biotic powers. However, Mass Effect 2 introduces variations of this hybrid class, such as the Asari Justicar and Drell Assassin. The Asari Justicar combines biotics with rifles and submachine guns, while the Drell Assassin specializes in biotic sniping.

In Mass Effect 4, the combat biotic class can accommodate all three variants by offering a more expansive and flexible skill tree. The Vanguard equivalent in the new game would have three branches in the skill tree: weapons, biotics, and passive abilities. For example, Samara would start in the rifle branch of the weapons tree, as well as in the Pull and Throw branch of the biotics tree, with additional passive buffs. However, players would have the freedom to explore different branches or completely respec Samara as they see fit.

BioWare could apply a similar concept for the remaining five classes in Mass Effect 4, where one or two party members would begin with distinct builds. This implementation allows players to have flexibility in customizing their builds, while still maintaining the universal nature of the classes. Additionally, it creates the opportunity for individual party members to shine.

Mass Effect

Franchise Mass EffectDeveloper(s) BioWarePublisher(s) Electronic ArtsGenre(s) Action RPG