220 réponses à ce sujet

[CmdrSlander]

@sadako By making the Normandy the answer to this she becomes far more than a warship, she becomes the hope for a Unified Galaxy, embodied. The Normandy also becomes the prize, making the idea of creating a fleet for her protection (in exchange for slipspace transport services) a worthier goal. Also, I like the element that instant accurate travel brings to space combat, imagine how the ME3 final battle would have gone if the Normandy could have just jumped into atmo and shot her way to the beam.

[CmdrSlander]

Actually, Sidra2099, that is what I was going for In a way. Remember that Captain Moreau (yes captain, a civilian ship commander is a captain and the player character was in a merchant fleet) is not a military person like Shepard, they have a variety of goals and those aren't always victory or death over an absolute enemy. It is okay for a well known franchise to shift its tone so long as it is done in a well explained and clean way. That being said, there are going to be huge space battles... huge.

Also, a Paragon Capt. Moreau would turn down the role of supreme ruler of the universe (value of democracy, "the man who would not be king"), a Renegade might take that power and abuse the heck out of it.

Modifié par CmdrSlander, 24 mars 2012 - 07:22 .

[CmdrSlander]

By cleanly, I mean not having Shepard return as the player character. New motivations, new ideals, etc. However, a lot of what is left of the galaxy is totally lawless, lots of landing on uncharted worlds and duking it out with hostile colonists, daring slave rescues, busting up Red Sand labs (or taking them over if your feeling Renegade) Capt. Moreau is not going to sit in his/her cabin and review income reports all day that's for sure.

The Systems Alliance, the only force strong enough to do any meaningful enforcement has basically done what the US did after WWI and, having be soured by conflict, become highly insular/isolationist (in that one respect, Cerberus has won).

[CmdrSlander]

Anybody Else?

[vaylander]

Mass Effect 4, which I despise with every fiber of my being. It deludes the idea of Shepard's fight with the reapers during a closed trilogy they've promised for nearly seven years. It's rediculous and stupid. Same reasons we've "finished the fight" when Halo 3 was being promoted. Now there's a new supposed Halo trilogy in the works, what's the point? It's done, over, on to a new damned exciting IP. I'm looking onward to a brand new fresh BioWare IP, who wouldn't?

[jarms48]

GnusmasTHX wrote...

So you're telling me they found one of the Three Great Hyperspace Cores?

lol

Militarized wrote...

I like the idea, it's a good way moving past the endings but...

and
I don't mean to burst your bubble... but the notes for the game say the
Stargazer scene is 10k years in the future. That's a lot more then ten
decades. It's ten centuries.... and they don't even have space flight,
according to the Stargazer.

No, 10 thousand years is 10 millienias, not centuries a century is a hundred years silly.

Modifié par jarms48, 24 mars 2012 - 09:44 .

[Risllot]

There won't be a Mass effect 4 Cmdr, since it's a trilogy and all...

Most likelly, they will expand previous "acts" of the past, like the Blitz or even some parts of the first contact war.
They may even write a side story (with a different character then Shepard)  for Mass Effect 3, wich is my bet, but i doubt you will see the "future" of the galaxy.

Just my 2 cents

Modifié par Risllot, 24 mars 2012 - 10:06 .

[Sidra2099]

Not too much point arguing about whether there's going to be ME4, and whether its going to be a disappointment or not. It's like those people who argue that 'marauder shields is stupid because he dies in the game'.
Don't take everything so damn seriously.

[Auriel]

*sigh* I wish they would make a new ME (RPG!) that took place in time after ME3.

However, even though the endings are so similar, the outcome is wildly different for each one (mainly, synthesis or the two other choices). They couldn't possibly write a new game that could take that into account. To be honest, it's slowly becoming the main reason why I'm so sad about the endings.

[CmdrSlander]

@Auriel

Watch me:

Synthesis: Only their DNA was altered, organics and synthetics are now the same type of life, so destroying each other would be self destructive.This ends the Reaper cycle but not all conflict. Above (in an earlier post) I explained away why everyone was glowing and what happened to the Reapers in the synth ending.

Control: The Reapers, who were once sapient beings, reject being controlled by a lowly human, and with no signal from the Catalyst (their master) shut down/self destruct. Since control was TIM's option, it was obviously the Renegade/Evil choice so you more or less gain nothing by taking it. Reapers are gone, Shepard is dead. Only benefit is that non-Reaper synths can still live. If you believe the Indoc. theorists then control actually means you give into the Reapers anyway.

Destruction: No explanation needed. Reapers are gone, Shep's alive. Geth/EDI are dead. Destroy fits my new universe better and if I was developing ME4 I would make it the default choice (if you didn't import a Shepard).

Modifié par CmdrSlander, 24 mars 2012 - 06:17 .

[Coachdongwiffle]

First that was good and very similar to my first thoughts when I figured out the ending. But I have two things....A there is no if Sheppard lived I'm fairly certain here was only one real ending. (Besides synch which is stupid) the other two options virtually end the same way and the better do you did just let you see more of their intended ending. which was to destroy all the technology and start over a few years later. but there are to many holes and until they explain it's to hard to see a future game making much sense.

[Zkyire]

CmdrSlander wrote...

First off, since this is my first post, introductions are in order: 

Hello Mass Effect Enthusiasts, I am CmdrSlander. My gaming background before becoming a huge fan of the ME series consisted primarily of Halo, Half Life, Battlefield, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls and Gears of War. The one thing about gaming that I have come to love above all else is the vast variety and possibility that a well crafted open world game or RPG offers. That being said, my primary interest in the gaming industry is narrative and canon/universe development. 

I realize creating a story for ME4 as an outsider is absurd, but it is an interesting exercise and also a form of catharsis for those (such as myself) who were irked by the "conclusion" of Mass Effect 3, which is in itself a conclusion to one of the most intricate works of science fiction seen in modern popular media - the Mass Effect Universe. 

With that out of the way, here is my concept for ME4: 

Opening Scroll:

The year is 2217. 

Three decades have passed since Commander Shepard ended the Reaper threat. 

The races of the galaxy are scattered, with millions of ships having fled their home systems as the relay network imploded. The technologies that made the Galactic Community possible - The Mass Relays, Prothean and Reaper advancements - have been lost to time or buried in the rubble of an untold number of devastated worlds.

Limited to underdevoloped FTL and Sublight drives, the alien members of the Sword Fleet, who were stranded in the Sol System after the destruction of the relay network have embarked on perilous pilgramages back to their homeworlds, which will take centuries. 

For some all hope seems lost, for others it is a new beginning. 

The survivors of The Normandy found themselves a new and fertile home - the garden world Morgana - as did the crews of 200 other ships that also found themselves stranded in the same system as a result of the Catalyst's final directive to the relays  - route organic vessels to systems which can support life, ensuring that organics may live on, and perhaps, in their hubris, restart of the cycle of extinction. 

Optimists theorize that the data and technology stored aboard the SSV Normandy may hold the key to reuiniting the galaxy, but the ship is conspicously absent from her crash site. Her pilot, Jeff  "Joker" Moreau, is, under galactic law and custom, the owner of Morgana, having been the first person to set foot there. With his expertise and newfound prestige, Moreau built a rag tag but succesfull intra-system shipping empire around Morgana. In the dark space around Morgana's system, strange Mass Effect field distortions have been detected. Moreau is no where to be found.

You are his adopted [son/daughter]. Your destiny is written in the stars. 

MASS EFFECT 4

Story Summary:

Joker (Mr. Moreau, since he is now older and distinguished) has spent the last 30 years rebuilding the SSV Normandy piece-by-piece. Testing of the vessel is responsible for the odd readings at the edge of Morgana's system. He has determined (with the help of EDI if she survived or a large science team if she did not) that the Normandy's Tantalus drive core, which was never fully understood in the first place, has, after being exposed the Catalyst's signal and enormous amount of dark energy (remember the "space magic" wave washing over the Normandy) became a slipspace catalyst (with a lower case "c" look - up the definition of catalyst) capable of transporting whole fleets of ships to anywhere in known space, with only destination coordinates, in a matter of hours. The theoretical accuracy and speed of this system rivals the Mass Relays and is no doubt the legacy of the technology of the cycle that created the Relays/Reapers. Moreau, who wished to take the Normandy on her greatest mission (Galactic unification) himself is too old, and dying of exposure to Dark Energy. He never wanted to burden you (his adopted child) with this mission, but you are now his only hope, the galaxy's only hope. 

Meanwhile, an unknown, shadowy group with similar technology has a far sinister mission: achieve what they percieve as the goal of the Reapers, who they have deified. They plan to harness dark energy to enlarge the black hole at center of the galaxy, resulting in the destruction of the entire Milky Way. They must be stopped. 

The player is charged with:
-Gathering the scattered alien and human fleets and taking them home, finally. (very emotional, imagine the rebuilt Normandy returning to the Sol system, flying in amongst the debris of the Sword Fleet battle and the Crucible/Citadel. Liara and Samara landing on Thessia after believing they would never see it again. Tali and Rannoch. Etc.)
-"Relighting" the Normandy (finding an Eezo source large enough to power the Normandy for the rest of her days. Hint: Thessia) 
-Defeating the Reaper Cult. 
-Taking back the homeworld of every major species (except humanity, we already did that) from the lawless brigands and madmen who took power in the vacuum left by the end of The Citadel Council and the destruction of the Reapers. 
-Construct a new Citadel to serve as a hub of a galaxy that you rebuild in your own unique way. 
-Reviving the Galactic economy. Establishing new trades and generally making loads of credits (repeatable/side missions) 
-Colonize worlds and provide for their defense. Rule with an even hand or an iron fist!
-Generally helping the galaxy put itself back together.
-100+ Side Quests, some of which are repeatable

Why You'll love my version of ME4:
-Brigther Story in a Darker Galaxy: You're on a mission of hope in a seemingly hopeless setting, not hurtling towards oblivion like in ME3. 
-Closure: If Shepard survived (current 4000+ EMS Destroy Ending) you can see him/her on Earth. Reunite them with Love Interest etc. Most squadmates who live and that have a sufficient life span will return (though not, most likely as Squadmates). 
-Command not only the Normandy but an ever growing fleet in real time. Participate in epic space battles in real time (no adopted son/daughter or Joker grows up without becoming a crack pilot). 
-Varied and Dynamic Settlements: As opposed to ME2  which had two major trade centers (Citadel, Omega) and ME3 which had one trade center (Citadel) the post-relay galaxy has scores of space stations and colonies with their own unique inhabitants and environments.
-New Squadmates and Fireteam mechanic. Bring a seperate squad of three commanded by and AI squadmate or Co-Op partner along with you on missions. 
-Return of the loyalty gameplay mechanic. More side missions and explorations of the new squadmates backstories. 
-New, Deadlier Normandy. The Normandy is equipped with heavier armor and bristles with armaments, from lasers to rail guns, all of which can be upgraded. You can even customize the paintjob and lettering. 


I will be writing "Codex" articles for ME4 and posting them here to add more info about the story and universe. 

What do you think of my concept for ME4? Please be gentle as you slaughter my ideas. 

Honestly?

I'd buy it.

[din626]

CmdrSlander wrote...

@sadako By making the Normandy the answer to this she becomes far more than a warship, she becomes the hope for a Unified Galaxy, embodied. The Normandy also becomes the prize, making the idea of creating a fleet for her protection (in exchange for slipspace transport services) a worthier goal. Also, I like the element that instant accurate travel brings to space combat, imagine how the ME3 final battle would have gone if the Normandy could have just jumped into atmo and shot her way to the beam.

I could also flip that on it's head... the Normandy could also become akin to a Harbinger of destruction, or even a trojan horse after all...

The Normandy united the galaxy, brought them all together and then stranded a large portion of the fleet of numerous species in the Sol system. It also led to the utter destruction of galactic society as we know it which, far from resulting in more peaceful and less threatening existence would see everything go absolutely batsh**.

Far from being a becon of hope she could be feared and reviled by those who come across her, expecting more great destruction to follow. Especially as many many people will blame shepard for "failing" or not informing them that the "Cost was too great." And what was synonymous with Shepard? The Normandy SR2.

I find this project of yours utterly fascinating and would love to be able to contribute in any way possible. One thing that I adore doing is world building and that was why I was so drawn to Mass Effect in the first place. While I dislike the endings, I would quite like to see this sort of thing expanded, and it's said two (or more!) heads are better than one.

[Nenomitrosis]

Did not like, it is a little absurd in my opinion.

[CmdrSlander]

ME4 Codex Article of the Day:

Ships and Vehicles:

MSV Normandy SR3:

Constructed by Moreau's shipbuilding firm, the aptly named Tantalus Heavy Industries, the MSV Normandy (SR3) is an expansion of the SSV Normandy (SR2) and uses salvaged components from that vessel whenever possible. Designed and built in secret on the third moon of Morgana, the MSV Normandy is substantially larger than her predecessor, the SR2. The surviving hull fragments of the SR2 have been integrated into a larger lifting body shroudwhich allows for enhanced maneuverability in atmosphere, provides more armor plating in space combat, and acts as inboard mounting points for an array of traditional and energy weapons. The presence of the shroud gives the Normandy a bulkier and more utilitarian appearance - it is clear that it was the work of commercial, merchant shipbuilders working with limited resources. The Tantalus drive core bay is now a fully sealed compartment that takes up the better part of the Normandy's midsection, when in operation, the entire area glows blue.

Commodore Moreau (Joker) cited the battle for Earth - "All we could was watch, run, and hope" - when he demanded the installation of a full battery of forward firing offensive magnetic cannons to be installed on the Normandy's hull. Alongside these cannons are five missile pods which hold up to 15 Alliance Redhawk ship to ship missiles. Three salvaged Alliance and Cerberus fighters are kept fueled and ready for immediate launch from the shuttle bay. In theory, The MSV Normandy SR3 could eliminate a Turian Dreadnought (the pre-Reaper standard for space combat power) with a few well placed shots.

All of this does not reduce the Normandy's legendary stealth capabilities as most of her surface is now covered in Ablative plating which scatters LADAR scanning. Her propulsion systems are just as capable of running cold (appearing to be debris with an external temperature approaching absolute zero) as they were when she was a new ship. She is still vulnerable to window-based detection methods.

The presence of a dark energy enriched Tantalus Drive Core means the Normandy is capable of moving large amounts of mass throughout the known galaxy by warping and tearing space time. Currently, the MSV Normandy is the only existing vessel capable of traversing the breadth galaxy in under a human lifetime.

[CmdrSlander]

@din626

Welcome aboard. Thanks.

[CmdrSlander]

din626 wrote...

CmdrSlander wrote...

@sadako By making the Normandy the answer to this she becomes far more than a warship, she becomes the hope for a Unified Galaxy, embodied. The Normandy also becomes the prize, making the idea of creating a fleet for her protection (in exchange for slipspace transport services) a worthier goal. Also, I like the element that instant accurate travel brings to space combat, imagine how the ME3 final battle would have gone if the Normandy could have just jumped into atmo and shot her way to the beam.

I could also flip that on it's head... the Normandy could also become akin to a Harbinger of destruction, or even a trojan horse after all...

The Normandy united the galaxy, brought them all together and then stranded a large portion of the fleet of numerous species in the Sol system. It also led to the utter destruction of galactic society as we know it which, far from resulting in more peaceful and less threatening existence would see everything go absolutely batsh**.

Far from being a becon of hope she could be feared and reviled by those who come across her, expecting more great destruction to follow. Especially as many many people will blame shepard for "failing" or not informing them that the "Cost was too great." And what was synonymous with Shepard? The Normandy SR2.

I find this project of yours utterly fascinating and would love to be able to contribute in any way possible. One thing that I adore doing is world building and that was why I was so drawn to Mass Effect in the first place. While I dislike the endings, I would quite like to see this sort of thing expanded, and it's said two (or more!) heads are better than one.

That is a very interesting, I can see a lot of the surivors hating the Normandy. Not too mention the living crew/squadmates disliking or feeling uneasy about The Normandy w/o Shepard in charge. I can see Garrus being annoyed by it. Really, the power to unite the galaxy or tear the very fabric of it apart in the hands of a 26 year old? A civvie no less? You'll have to prove yourself to a lot of people. 

[Iwillbeback]

But Joker could be half organic and Synthetic, sooo.........

[Texhnolyze101]

Don't care.

[din626]

CmdrSlander wrote...
That is a very interesting, I can see a lot of the surivors hating the Normandy. Not to mention the living crew/squadmates disliking or feeling uneasy about The Normandy w/o Shepard in charge. I can see Garrus being annoyed by it. Really, the power to unite the galaxy or tear the very fabric of it apart in the hands of a 26 year old? A civvie no less? You'll have to prove yourself to a lot of people. 

Well in my own playthrough I actually had Garrus step out of the Normandy onto the new planet along with Liara. So it might be interesting in that way...

[CmdrSlander]

Any thoughts on the Codex article?

[Cobra's_back]

sistersafetypin wrote...

Skyblade012 wrote...

I'm sorry. You did some good, solid work here.

But the simple fact is, I can't care about the universe anymore. Everything that made it what it was is over. Mass Effect is dead.

I'm sorry. But expanding from that ending is like grooming a dead horse. You can pretty it up, but you can't bring it back to life.

+++1

[CmdrSlander]

I think this quote sums up how I feel about the series:

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

-Winston Churchill

[Adamski_707]

CmdrSlander. I think you have a great concept going on here. Im reading through this thread with interest, glad i came across it earlier today. Due to a few interuptions i just got though it.

The general idea you have does in m opinion work. And its great to see the depth of detail such as in that codex article you wrote. I might go through it again later.

[CmdrSlander]

@Adamski_707 Thank you. Stay tuned, I'll be writing more.