Summary
As fans of BioWare await what could be an upcoming new generation of the studio’s IPs, the nextMass Effectgame is set to bring the sci-fi RPG franchise back after years of absence. Announced with a teaser trailer back in 2020, this title appears most likely set to follow the events of Commander Shepard’s adventures after the original trilogy. A lack of vehicle sections was a highlight of the thirdMass EffectandAndromeda’s Nomad improved on the formula, but the next title could be better off without this kind of gameplay entirely.
Mass Effecthas become one of the more prolific sci-fi RPG franchises of the last few decades through its mix of player-choice-driven storytelling and third-person shooter action, but vehicle levels have also existed from the start. Some of the most widely criticized parts of the franchise are the segments includingMass Effect’s Makowhich see the player driving an all-terrain vehicle on the ground of various planets, a concept that worked out better in theory than in execution.
Mako Sequences Stick Out as Low Points of Mass Effect
Driving through linear areas of rough terrain with clunky controls, as well as fighting through repetitive combat that was limited to the Mako’s weapons, made the few times the vehicle is mandatory stick out as frustrating tests of patience. The improvements that came withMass Effect: Legendary Edition’s Mako changesrepresent attention to player feedback on the part of BioWare, but it persists as what could possibly be its game’s weakest aspect. Most of these flaws were addressed in some way by making the vehicle more capable, but the levels that require it are usually hardly as compelling as those that involve controlling Shepard.
There was no vehicle gameplay featured in the base game ofME2, but the Firewalker Pack consisted of several missions based around the Hammerhead hovercraft. Better handling and mobility made this feel like a response to the criticism of the Mako, but the Hammerhead’s lack of defensive capability and isolated place in the game haven’t earned it the highest praise either.
While more quality can be found in the premium content of the FirewalkerDLC included inMass Effect: Legendary Editionthan the predictable structure of extra Mako-based sidequests, neither have become remembered as highlights of their respective entries in the eyes of many players.
The Next Mass Effect Might Be Better Off Skipping Vehicles Entirely
Ground Combat and Narrative Are Where Mass Effect Shines
While it has always balanced action with RPG elements, the presence of the latter could be argued as what has drivenMass Effect’s lasting appeal. Customizing gear and skills contribute just as much as dialogue choices to thereplayable nature ofMass Effect, and both of these have essentially been absent from their vehicle sections.
If the next title hopes to bring BioWare back to its former prominence, it may be best to focus on the type of gameplay that has kept the franchise relevant over the years. Activities like space exploration have mostly been limited to navigating a map with a miniature ship, and resources could even be better spent on expanding that kind of vehicle instead.
It Would Take an Overhaul like Andromeda’s to Make a New Mako Work
The overall game is not remembered fondly by some gamers, butAndromeda’s Nomad is a solid showcase of a better implementation of the Mako concept. With different modes based around speed or overcoming terrain obstacles and more robust upgrades than those of the Hammerhead, the Nomad is not nearly as much of a low point withinMass Effect: Andromeda’s open-world design. If the nextMass Effectcan figure out a new way to handle exploration overall, though, leaving vehicles like the Mako behind altogether might become a necessary change.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
