N7 Day, observed annually on November 7th, is a special celebration for Mass Effect fans. This day is marked by exciting announcements, promotions, and community activities all centered around the beloved Mass Effect franchise. The N7 Program, known as the elite training program for humans, is a core element of this universe, embodying the pinnacle of human achievement and excellence.
Bioware has undoubtedly faced more prosperous times. While the Mass Effect Legendary Edition received a positive reception, the speculated update including Mass Effect 3 multiplayer in that Legendary Edition did not materialize, leaving some fans disappointed. Earlier this year, Bioware also let go of a significant number of game developers, raising concerns about the studio's stability. As for the future, the status of Mass Effect 5 remains uncertain, and the community eagerly awaits news.
Bioware's current focus on the next installment of the Dragon Age series is undeniable, and it's evident that these games have a dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating the next entry. However, not every gamer resonates with every series, and for some, like me, the Dragon Age series may not be our cup of tea. I gave Dragon Age: Origins a try, but it didn't quite capture my interest, and my exploration of subsequent entries was brief. While I may not be a part of the Dragon Age fanbase, I can appreciate that these games have their own unique appeal. In the end, I hope the series performs well for Bioware and brings in the revenue they need to continue their work. As a die-hard Mass Effect enthusiast, my heart remains firmly invested in the adventures of Commander Shepard and the vast, immersive universe of Mass Effect.
As much as I love Commander Shepard and would relish the opportunity to continue her saga, it's clear that her story has been comprehensively told. The rich tapestry of her adventures, the bonds formed with memorable companions, and the galaxy-saving heroics have left an indelible mark on the Mass Effect series. Shifting the focus to a new hero in the Mass Effect universe is a logical step forward, one that offers a fresh perspective and potential for captivating storytelling. However, this transition also carries a substantial risk – the challenge of winning over fans who've grown deeply attached to Shepard's journey. It's a heart-wrenching dilemma, for Bioware stands at the crossroads, tasked with making a pivotal decision that will significantly shape the future of the series.
If someone were to ask for my opinion, I'd advocate for letting Shepard's epic saga come to a natural conclusion. Making the "Destroy" ending the canon choice seems like the right move for the series, as it leaves the galaxy in a state of rebuilding and opens up countless possibilities for the next chapter. The other endings, with their different outcomes, might indeed limit the potential threats and create a repetitive narrative of ever-escalating evil forces (we would have the Reapers as allies in that, and they would be just to OP). This kind of storyline can often veer into the territory of clichéd "the next big evil is even bigger than before" tropes, which, to me, feels somewhat formulaic and less compelling. By choosing "Destroy," Bioware can maintain the sense of vulnerability and uncertainty that has made Mass Effect's universe so engrossing.
Indeed, it's been communicated in past N7 Days that the Geth will have an expanded role in the Mass Effect universe. While many fans are excited to see how the Geth will be integrated into the storyline, there's room for intriguing possibilities. Exploring a Geth population that has achieved singularity and exists as a superintelligence is a fascinating concept. Similar to the concept of the superintelligence on the Moon in the Perry Rhodan series, this could present an opportunity to delve into a unique and advanced civilization within the Mass Effect universe.
Such a Geth superintelligence could have emerged from the convergence of countless individual Geth platforms and their collective experiences. This superintelligence could serve as a mirror of Shepard, perhaps created during Shepard's journey into the Geth core with Legion on Rannoch. This digital image of Shepard could become a central figure in interactions with the Geth, offering a new and intriguing perspective on the ever-evolving narrative of Mass Effect. It would add an exciting layer to the game, exploring themes of AI, identity, and the potential for cooperation between humans and Geth in this brave new world.
Depending on the viewpoint and the allegiances of the various factions in the game, this being could be perceived in vastly different ways. Its actions and intentions might appear heroic or nefarious, and the dynamic nature of such a character would give players the power to shape the narrative. This moral ambiguity and the choices players make could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the story but also for their relationships with the Geth. It's a compelling notion that underscores the richness of storytelling within the Mass Effect franchise.
But what do i know.
Amidst the concerns over the layoffs at Bioware, there is a glimmer of hope with the notable addition of Mary DeMarle to the team. With her impressive track record in narrative and writing, particularly in the recent Deus Ex titles like Mankind Divided and Human Revolution, as well as her leadership in crafting the story of 2021's Guardians of the Galaxy, which earned the prestigious Game Award for Best Narrative, her involvement instills a sense of confidence in the storytelling aspect of the next Mass Effect installment. Personally, I found Guardians of the Galaxy to be a standout title, and I'm excited to see how her expertise will shape the narrative of Mass Effect's future.
As we wrap up, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity about what's to come on N7 Day next week. I'll be eagerly waiting for any news regarding Mass Effect and will follow up on our discussion when those updates finally arrive. Until then, let's stay tuned and look forward to the next chapter in this iconic series.
Update // N72023 // 10 Nov. 2023
So, we've got some new content dropped — a few cryptic messages that I know are intricately woven into the creation of Mass Effect. Right now, I'm not diving too deep into that detail. It's something that needs to grow on me. Let's start with the trailer. The prominent N7 insignia, a symbol Bioware loves to showcase, hints at certain aspects. It strongly suggests our next main character is likely human. The rationale? Climbing the ranks in the human military and being selected as an N7 participant is no easy feat. The trailer's helmet design rules out most other alien races, and the distinctly human legs reinforce this notion. For now, I'm leaning towards a human protagonist.
Now, onto the reveal, like the poster. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that they simply go with "Mass Effect" as the next title. It would almost be surprising if they decide otherwise. The poster is filled with characters and races. I don't completely agree with the speculations about a Geth being present. It seems an odd fit, considering their usual appearance without clothes. Given the way the Geth have been introduced, it's not in line with their style, especially considering they don't even build their chips with windows.
Now, on the other hand, I'm fairly confident about spotting an Angara. There are various ways to integrate this into the story. Despite being an Andromeda race, the Angara are a laboratory creation, stemming from another race. If I recall correctly, we don't see their creators. Now, we have two potential scenarios: they were also created in the Milky Way, or a connection has already been established. I would likely lean towards the idea of building mass portals to connect the galaxies.
Now, I'm quite certain that the community will spot new details in the coming weeks. There's also a chance for more information at The Game Awards on December 7th, but that's speculative. I'd estimate the likelihood to be around 15%. Considering it's still early in development, there's a cautious optimism. Some speculate that the trailer is made in Unreal Engine, suggesting that a few assets are already pieced together. However, I'm aware of how different scenes can appear with even a slight change in angle. It doesn't necessarily mean there's more content than what we've seen, but it's certainly more than just brainstorming notes on a piece of paper.
I fear a bit that they might stretch that style a bit too far. I want to hear on N7 Day 2024 whether we play as Commander Shepard or another N7. Personally, my logical side would prefer a new character, but my sentimental side would likely choose Shepard. My ideal scenario would involve the lifespan of Shepard being extended by the Cerberus reconstruction from Mass Effect 2, making us the enduring beacon of humanity, akin to Perry Rhodan. However, I acknowledge that this is my fan fiction merger of two series close to my heart.
I will revisit this topic when new information emerges, or if I have a stroke of genius. But now: "I should go."