The Mass Effect trilogy was a masterpiece of storytelling that utilized BioWare's strengths to create an epic space opera. One of the key factors that made the first game so successful was its immersive setting and rich lore. Each crew member had their own backstory and personal missions that made them feel like real characters, not just disposable NPCs. Every planet that players visited had its own unique story and web of intrigue to uncover. The amount of lore behind the setting was staggering, with even obscure details adding depth to the universe. However, there is one mechanic that could make Mass Effect even more compelling, and it's already been perfected by Destiny 2.
Mass Effect 4 Could Use More Lore to Tell More Stories
A fantastic addition to Mass Effect 4 would be a system similar to Destiny 2's unlockable lore books. These collectibles provided players with additional information about specific topics within Destiny's setting, effectively fleshing out the game world. With Mass Effect's emphasis on storytelling, introducing a similar system would be a perfect fit.
Expanding on Mass Effect's already-extensive lore would offer players even more reasons to delve deeper into the game's universe. While a new Mass Effect game may not be able to repeat party members, introducing unlockable bundles of lore could be a great way to introduce players to a new cast. By providing players with access to a crewmate's backstory through specific missions, players would be incentivized to rotate their crewmates and complete all of their personal missions in order to fully understand their stories. Additionally, even new characters debuting in Mass Effect 4 could have stories on par with the original crew and galaxy's tales.
Incorporating unlockable lore in Mass Effect would be a natural progression for the series, given the plethora of alien species and their fascinating histories waiting to be discovered. While some information can be found on computers or data pads, more ancient lore could be uncovered in old books, records, and even crude plans and drawings. By making the main character a lore-seeking archaeologist, Mass Effect 4 could introduce a new dimension to the gameplay.
Taking inspiration from Destiny 2, Mass Effect 4 could adopt a similar approach to storytelling by dropping snippets of unlockable lore for players to discover. The aftermath of the Reapers' impact on the Mass Effect universe offers a wealth of untold stories waiting to be explored. By rewarding players who delve deeper into the worlds, unlockable lore would add depth to the Mass Effect universe and further enhance the player experience. In whatever galaxy Mass Effect 4 takes place, unlockable lore would be a valuable addition to the game.