Unveiling the Ultimate Formula for Mass Effect 4: An Ingenious Final Fantasy 16-inspired Planetary Adventure

Mass Effect 4, or a similar spin-off like Mass Effect: Andromeda, is not expected to be released for quite some time. As BioWare is currently focused on developing Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, there will be limited information about the next Mass Effect game until after its release. Despite the long wait, the next Mass Effect game can look to Final Fantasy 16 for inspiration on one of its core mechanics - exploration. Final Fantasy 16 offers players two types of maps: one for main missions with a predetermined critical path, and another for semi open-world sections and side missions that allow for exploration without becoming overwhelming. These "zones" in Final Fantasy 16 can serve as a great model for Mass Effect 4's space exploration and planet-hopping.

How FF16's Zones Could Work in Mass Effect 4

Each game within the Mass Effect trilogy had its own distinct approach to space exploration and surface excursions. Interestingly, the original Mass Effect featured the most extensive and comprehensive planet scanning and exploration mechanic, while subsequent entries focused more on providing meaningful experiences for players on the ground. To strike a balance for Mass Effect 4, it would be beneficial to adopt a similar concept to Final Fantasy 16's Zones, offering appropriately-scaled maps that are neither too restrictive nor fully open-world.

In Mass Effect's future installment, players could still engage in planet scanning and surveying via a galaxy map. However, there would be a deliberate limitation on the number of planets available for landing and pursuing side quests. By reducing the number of explorable planets, each one could be roughly equivalent in size to a Zone in Final Fantasy 16. These areas would serve as spaces where players continuously return to complete various side quests. The outcome would be fewer semi open-world regions to explore, but they would be exceptionally immersive and encourage frequent revisits.

A Semi-Open World Could Help Focus Mass Effect 4

The years following the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda have witnessed significant advancements in technology and the portrayal of open space exploration in video games, as showcased by titles like No Man's Sky and the upcoming Starfield. Even with a limited budget, indie game The Outer Wilds has set new standards for what space exploration in video games can achieve. However, when it comes to the next installment in the Mass Effect series, it is essential to deviate from imitating these titles.

Mass Effect has always been primarily driven by its narrative. Although some narrative-focused single-player RPGs often struggle to maintain engaging storytelling throughout the entire experience, a few exceptions like Final Fantasy 16 stand out. Nonetheless, even Final Fantasy 16 falls short of consistently providing captivating story-driven content throughout its entirety. Unlike Mass Effect, both Starfield and No Man's Sky emphasize player-created narratives derived from moment-to-moment emergent gameplay. Instead, the next Mass Effect game should prioritize its story by reducing the focus on space exploration, ensuring a higher quality of content rather than quantity.

Mass Effect 4 is in development.