The Next Installments of Animal Crossing and Mass Effect 4: A Shared Evolution

Highlights

Mass Effect and Animal Crossing could benefit from featuring non-human protagonists, allowing for deeper immersion and connection with the game world.

The unique biological and cultural characteristics of Mass Effect's alien races have the potential to greatly enhance gameplay and shape the overall narrative. Similarly, Animal Crossing could provide players with more personalization and aesthetic freedom by allowing them to play as specific animals. Although there may be some risks involved, including non-human player characters could potentially refresh and enhance the experience of both franchises, even though it might dilute the series' identity.

With the highly anticipated release of Mass Effect 4 and the next Animal Crossing installment still far off, fans are left eagerly wondering what surprises BioWare and Nintendo have in store for these beloved franchises. While both Mass Effect and Animal Crossing are expected to introduce significant updates in their upcoming iterations, there is one particular change that could truly capitalize on their unique concepts.

Despite their apparent differences, both series share a fundamental commonality: the inclusion of non-human species possessing human-like intelligence. Animal Crossing showcases anthropomorphic animals that players can enlist in their community and forge meaningful relationships with. Similarly, Mass Effect boasts a diverse array of alien races that can join the player's crew, forming lasting bonds with the protagonist, Shepard. As the series embarks on its fourth mainline entry, it may be opportune for Mass Effect to feature a non-human protagonist, and perhaps Animal Crossing should also explore this captivating possibility.

Why the Mass Effect and Animal Crossing Games Could Benefit from Non-Human Heroes

Both Mass Effect 4 and the upcoming Animal Crossing game could benefit from having a non-human player character. However, the reasons for this differ slightly based on the nature of each franchise's core gameplay and lore. In Mass Effect, the aliens possess distinct biological and cultural traits that set them apart from humans within the framework of a typical RPG. For example, the Asari possess awe-inspiring biotic powers, while the Krogan are known for their size and aggression. These physical attributes have the potential to significantly impact gameplay, and the cultural and psychological differences of each race could influence the player's interactions with non-playable characters and shape the overall narrative. These unique qualities have the ability to greatly enrich and deepen the gaming experience.

Playing as an animal in Animal Crossing may not be as groundbreaking, but it has its advantages. Animal Crossing is known for its casual gameplay and emphasis on personalization and aesthetics. Allowing players to be a specific animal would enhance their creative freedom, enabling them to create themed homes or villages and express themselves through their in-game avatar. Since Animal Crossing games are generally simple, playing as an animal would likely not have a major impact on gameplay. However, there could be opportunities for players to access exclusive collectibles, apparel, and decorations related to their chosen species, adding potential to the concept.

Both franchises prioritize player expression and creativity, despite their differences. Mass Effect games, as RPGs, aim to immerse players in a world that responds to their decisions. While customization isn't the central focus, players still feel a strong connection to the protagonist they have shaped throughout the original trilogy. Introducing the option to create a non-human protagonist could strengthen this sense of connection and allow for a fresh experience. Animal Crossing already offers extensive customization options, but playing as an animal would provide an additional layer of gameplay diversity.

Certainly, there are some possible drawbacks associated with this concept. Supporters of both series could raise concerns that the essence of Animal Crossing, which centers around constructing in an animal-populated world, is being weakened by the idea of playing as an animal. Similarly, Mass Effect, known for its relatively linear gameplay compared to other RPGs, may lose its distinctive nature. However, on the other hand, it is possible that both franchises could benefit from a revitalization of their identities.

The development of Mass Effect 4 is currently underway.