Why ditching old companions for Mass Effect 4 might be the best choice

Thanks to the sparse information about Mass Effect 4In development since its initial announcement, few details surrounding the upcoming return to one of BioWare's most iconic RPGs have so far provided the only clues about the game. The return of post-trilogy Liara T'Soni and a sleeker design are the only confirmations that can be found in the teasers so far, but the game's status as the last in the timeline is one concern that should be avoided. While the return of popular characters from previous titles is an exciting prospect for longtime fans, the burden of having to address their current status risks weighing Mass Effect 4 down.

In a message on X, which managed to cause a stir shortly after the long-awaited release Dragon Age: The VeilguardBioWare's Michael Gamble encouraged fans to play Mass Effect 2Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC. The connection between Liara and this mantle strongly points to a new direction for the future ME4but she might be better as one of the only returning characters. Despite the controversial reception Andromeda received, the choice to feature an entirely new cast may have even more merit down the line.

Mass Effect 4's potential connections to the Shadow Broker could complicate relationships with many previous companions

Some characters could be more convincing as NPCs

A much less armored character design shown in the Mass effectThe N7 Day 2023 teaser is a stark contrast to the look that Commander Shepard is known for, leading to speculation that the next game could take a more espionage direction. This evolution could mean leaving out more militaristic companions like Garrus or Ashley, as their roles will be limited to a more nuanced main mission.

Don't discount a change in commitment

Liara's role as a shadow broker in Mass Effect 4 would align it with a potential focus on information in the underworld of space, but it could also be a sign of the more questionable morals of the new party as a whole. Depending on the canonical basis on which her next appearance is built, the events of ME3The last war could push Liara deeper into her underground criminal operations. If Mass Effect 4 to see another dive into a shadowy organization like Cerberus, it's hard to imagine that the legitimate or righteous members of the previous parties will have friendly faces.

Moving on from the return of the trilogy's companions will give Mass Effect 4 room to establish its own identity

Honoring the aftermath of ME3 is the elephant in the room

The addictive level of decision-making that carries over between games has been a major tenant of the Shepard titles, and it's left many characters with wildly different outcomes depending on the player's actions. Rex could lead the Krogan race into a new era of glory or die a few years before it ends Mass Effect 3and Mordin could choose to survive instead of treating the Genophage. Canonizing some of these routes and alienating some players is inevitable in a sequel, but avoiding it as much as possible would be in keeping with the legacy of the player-driven narrative. Instead of repeating companions for fan service, leaving them alone in favor of unseen parts of the galaxy, it seems better to respect the changes in Shepard's journey through the playthroughs.

Shifting focus to more underdeveloped species and factions Mass effect there could have been more of a chance to capture the same sense of wonder that the original trilogy had. With quirky world-building pieces like Volus, Elkor, and Vorcha being relegated to side character status outside of multiplayer in the past, continuing to focus on the same alien races as before will likely feel redundant.