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[InWeirdPeril]

I thought it might be somewhat liberating to voice some predictions for the next Mass Effect. Not just to put it out there, but also

to see when more information becomes available if someone called it. I base my prediction on teased information that is know as of this post and personal guesses. Predictions mind you, not wishes.

 

I will split it into 4 Sections. Story(What will be the premise?), Location(Where will it be set), Gameplay(What changes will the gameplay go through) and Trilogy Legacy(How will it integrate the events/characters?). And two extra Sections, a personal worst case scenario and a redemption section. While the first 5 are pretty self explanatory, the redemption section is supposed to contain things that you could accept as a compromise towards your worst case scenario.

 

# Location #

A Galaxy that is the farthest away from the established one.

 

# Story #

1.) It will start either during the final moment of the reaper war when the fleet jumps away from earth

2.) or that it will be set a couple of 100 years into the future.

 

The Crucible shockwave will cause some kind of freak accident that will catapult ships to the location. Or if refusal is chosen

the freak accident just happens.

 

The Hero will be either part of the fleet that jumped or a descendant of one of the crew.

 

It will focus more on survival. A Stranger in a strange land.

 

The initial Goal will be to get back home.

 

# Gameplay #

 

There will be more than just the Mako as a vehicle.

 

Resource Gathering will be a huge part.

 

Missions, Cut Scenes and Idle story time will be more seamless. I.e. you wont be able to tell that shooting is about to start, because the Hero is wearing armor.

 

The established races will take a huge step back to make room for new ones from the new location.

 

Current Clip System will be ditched.

 

It will be more open world-ish when exploring planets.

 

# Legacy #

This is difficult. Depending on my story predictions...

 

No save game import.

 

Ends wont matter and none will be made retcon.

 

If it plays while the reaper war ravages only Vague reference of events will occour.

If it plays in the future, in a different galaxy, the Reaper War will be completly forgotten.

 

It will all just be a legend. No one really believes it.

 

# Worst Case #

Pretty much all I wrote in the Legacy Section. New Hero and all is fine, but abandoning/ignoring what was before (and that goes double for shepard and the crew) will be what breaks the universe for me.

No elaboration on chosen endings to round it all up will devide the fans and BW could loose one of the 3 groups of potential players and keep those that are ok with that and of course new players that have not tried Mass Effect before.

They could risk even the latter one if they decide to pick up the trilogy afterwards and are dissapointed that they did not try to bridge the two properly.

 

Also, making a reboot that is disguised as a sequel.

 

# Compromise #

Learn from past mistakes and see the oppertounity that is presenting itself. Put the Trilogy to rest by either:

 

Either as a DLC for a possible Remastered Trilogy or a Pequel DLC for the new Game:

An optional Story DLC that acts as a Prequel to the new Game. Let the player slip into the shoes (In the Aftermath) of either the new Hero and let them meet the Trilogy Heroes (and yes, that does include Shepard!) or make him/her a forefather of the hero before the story kicks off. Depending when it will be placed in time. Allow players to say a proper goodbye. Preferably with a less downer tone to it.

 

I am really curious to see, if I called any of them. Only time will tell. Any of you have more predictions?

[Vazgen]

I'll throw my thoughts in here

 

# Location #

A group of previously unexplored remote systems, only connected to the known systems through one key relay.

 

# Story #

Make the relay damaged/deliberately deactivated during the Reaper War, so the Crucible's wave does not reach those systems. 

There are some possibilities here

 

1) To allow save import through something like DA: I Keep system. 

• if Synthesis is chosen, make it like the citizens of those remote colonies oppose Shepard's decision and vote on splitting away from the known galaxy. The relay is permanently deactivated and you cant travel to known systems
• if Destroy is chosen, the relay is repaired and the character can travel to a limited number of systems from previous games. Many systems are still working to get their relays operational again. Major homeworlds should be accessible, as well as the Citadel. Everything is in the process of rebuilding, layouts change, a lot of destroyed buildings, security spread thin to protect against marauders etc. See Shepard on the vids, advertisements, a statue of him in the Presidium... Get a glimpse of what other characters are doing, maybe meet some of them in person.
• if Control is chosen - same thing, except there will be less destruction, you'll see Reaper ships protecting the Citadel, husks serving as tools of labor etc. There can also be a religious cult devoted to Shepard's worship, as well as a movement against his decision, creating political and social tension.

2) Do not allow save import.

• The relay is never activated, you can't visit to the systems from other games, you only hear reports of the war being won, no information on Shepard and his/her squadmates. Perhaps some news reports on the fates of Anderson and Udina.

We will be able to choose different backgrounds for the protagonist. A vigilante, soldier, scientist, mercenary, thief... All work within this new set of systems.

Hostile alien species might play a big role in new ME game. Have them invading, or, to go deeper, have a splinter faction that tries to ignite a war between known races and these new aliens. Protagonist works against that faction and ultimately stop the war (or fail to do so).

 

# Gameplay #

Thermal clips will stay as well as cover-based TPS shooter gameplay, though I expect improvements on both systems.

More customization with the ability to customize the ship, the Mako, armor, weapons - all including visual and functional customization (change ship's paint, mount extra cannons on it sacrificing mobility but getting more firepower - cannons are visible in the game).

Some sort of space combat and more open world exploration feel both on global, galactic scale and on local/individual world scale. 

New approaches to the combat - stealth, flanking enemies, different classes getting different options, like hacking a door or a turret with an engineer, lifting a car that blocks a passage with biotics...

 

# Worst Case #

If they completely disregard the events in the series. That will not be a deal-breaker but not adding references to previous games will make the new ME not feel the part of the same universe.

[SNascimento]

# Location #

The Milk Way, except it's a different version of it.

 

# Story #

After the destruction/change of the reapers something started going wrong with time/space due to the reaper connection with dark energy. And we start is a somehow new timeline. 

 

# Gameplay #

 

More open spaces and better design planets for exploration. Similar gameplay to ME3 and ME2... dialogue system will be more natural and organic.

 

# Legacy #

None, at least in the beginning.

 

# Worst Case #

Anything closes to the trilogy. A pequel would be a total extinction level event of a disaster, a story that goes parallel to Shepard's a major extinction level event and a sequel set in a near future would be equally terrible. There should be no reference to the original trilogy, anything directed connected to it would  be a worst case scenario.

 

# Compromise #
it's called Mass Effect.

[Ellanya]

I don't know! 

I just want more RPG and less TPS. More exploration, new worlds, species, adventures. Interesting followers, great romances  , dangerous and powerful enemies, and mysterious space ATMOSPHERE

BUT. It will be absolutely terrible, if will be no connection with my love ME trilogy!

However, I can't imagine how to handle that terrible ending ME-3.

[Gladerunner]

Option 1: During Reaper War
Player assumes role of N7 operative in Rio. With two other squaddies, they fight to the shuttles and escape off planet, where a Cruiser extracts the last survivors before bugging out.
Protagonist is then sent to numerous tactical hotspots such as Feros, Noveria, Illium, with orders to save important assets. Protagonist chooses whether to save civilians, soldiers or assets - roughly equating into Paragon, Pragmatism/Neutrality, and Renegade.
Each main hotspot has a squaddie up for recruitment, hopefully including Batarians and Vorcha.
Numerous worlds are besieged at once, and players have to choose which to save first. Waiting reduces the quality or quantity of assets there in a range of radiant quests.
Main objective is to secure scientists and assets for the impending dark matter ending. A solution for it might progress in later games, with some grand sacrifice being necessary. A colony, ship, close companion, or the deterioration of a sun that may or may not occur.

Option 2: Post reaper war
To tie all 4 endings together, the reapers have no presence. They are either destroyed, repair the mass relays and leave, or harvest 98% of the population and leave, leaving a token of each society to rebuild.
Even if Shepard survives in the Destroy ending, help arrives too late of the destroyed Citadel. He is at least buried this way. Because all technology was destroyed, all hopes of restarting the Lazarus project died with EDI.
In refusal, Shepard lives, but is driven deep into hiding with the Normandy. His life comes at the cost of billions of others. Although he is still a hero, the failure of the Crucible leaves doubts.
50 years later, what remains of the united galaxy rebuilds and consolidates itself for war. With resources being thin, each race recoils their losses, but desperation settles in. Pirates, slavers, and mercenaries take advantage of a weakened galaxy. Omega is the unofficial center of the galaxy, as the might of the council wanes.
The protagonist is a fledging N7 - completely unofficial of course - under the mentorship of an actual one. He commands an old alliance frigate, a remnant of the Reaper war. They have been privateers, as their official services have been waning of late.
Insert plot twist, death of mentor, new adversary, Cold War, new squaddies, good laughs, and profit.

Other options: Different galaxy, Retcon destroy, Shepard has another clone as a squaddie, buy Destiny instead.

Frostbite Engine:
Destructible cover means changed cover mechanics. Players can crouch and prone, but soft cover is more important as cover becomes less effective.
Explosives become more important. Micro fabricated C4 type explosives will be important in punching through walls and vehicles.
Vehicle combat will be sparse but necessary.
Powers will be more sustained and less arc based. More flamer, less incinerate.
Everything will look more refined and realistic. Game won't be dark and sordid like ME2, but explorative and adventurous like ME1.
Effective range of weapons will be increased as maps get larger. Melee attacks will be more refined.
Classes will be intact, as will the class specific powers. Force based powers will be more powerful as they damage cover now.

I hate to say it, but all of Shepard's acquaintances will not get mentions or screen time. Most those characters were expendable. At most, there could be recordings of Shepard's voice for the Diana Allers or Khalisa news broadcasts. They'll use Mike Meer for several other voices, so it's very possible. Getting Jennifer Hale might be tricky, but again, doable.

Just like the transition from DAO to DA2, some major decisions will be carried on. However, expect only brief cameos like the Council, Aria, etc. Anyone who could die will likely not be seen. There are plenty of cool new people to be found.

[Gingin]

However, I can't imagine how to handle that terrible ending ME-3.

 

That's something I'm always wondering...let's see how capable the writers are. 

[Farangbaa]

There will be Mass Relays, aliens and we get to shoot things.

[Azmahoony]

I reckon this bloke has gossip on the next game hes not willing to share.

[InWeirdPeril]

That's something I'm always wondering...let's see how capable the writers are. 

 

I'd bet they are incredibly capable. But I am not sure that they will be allowed to go all out...

[ZipZap2000]

Awake from cryo to find Shepard chose destroy 300 years ago and was killed alongside his LI in some random conflict 5 years after the reaper war. The galaxy is a  mess and entire species have been wiped out earth resembles omega now and the only person still in charge of what they had before the war is Aria T'Loak.

 

Shepard 2.0 now has the task of uniting the galaxy to fight off a resurgent Krogan (After Wrex's assassination)/Rachni/Leviathans/New Geth (resurrected by Admiral Xen).

 

The Asari homeworld has been reduced to rubble in a civil war that would make the Krogan jealous.

 

Quarians no longer wear masks if they're even still alive. But refuse to leave the Veil.

 

Turians are almost extinct after their worlds were annihilated.

 

Salarians are pariahs after refusing to help with the crucible and Sur'Kesh has been conquered.

 

Vorcha outnumber everyone and have spread everywhere.

 

Less advanced civilisations are uplifted on a more regular basis.

 

Shepard 2.0 gathers his team picks his moment and we enter into an ME2 styled SM/ME1 styled Virmire mission.

 

Shepard 2.0 wins.

 

OR

 

Shepard 2.0 uses the Citadel relay to head into dark space to look for a lost team that went looking for the reapers old hideout and winds up in some random galaxy and is forced to face off against a new enemy who quickly decide to invade the milky way. Hell breaks lose we kill some bad guys.

 

No references to past trilogy.

 

Shep 2.0 wins.

 

OR

 

Dark energy plot.

 

Shepard 2.0 finally wins after 3 instalments.

 

Worst case scenario: Sidequel/Prequel

 

Worst case in terms of hardcore fan reaction: Complete whitewash. Alternate Universe. Another Cerberus war. Reapers aren't really dead yet.

[InWeirdPeril]

Those are some tough predictions. Usually I agree with your posts, but holy hell will I be damned if anything of that would come true. That would definatly kill the franchise for me.

[ZipZap2000]

I'm not fooling myself into believing it would actually happen.

[Ellanya]

Sorry wrong thread

[SerriceIceDandy]

# Location #
Post ME3 Milky Way + Areas accessed by the previously prohibited Mu relay

 

# Story #
 

With the citadel destroyed, galactic politics have gone awry. Struggling to recover from the near annihilation of their Homeworlds, civilisations have an uneasy alliance.

1) Rebuilding requires new resources, Player Avatar explores new areas of space (unarmed Mako) searching for resources, but instead encounters new civilisations.
OR
2) In lieu of a Galactic Standard Government, The Terminus Systems have expanded into outer citadel space. Piracy is rife, the galaxy are policed by mercenary groups and gangs. Player Avatar is a scavenger/mercenary that stumbles onto something big and plot devicey. New species show up like "'sup" and then **** goes down. Player Avatar meets people, does missions, aquires a frigate, assembles a crew - sorts out new shitstorm.

 

# Gameplay #
 

Same Combat/Power mechanics.

Gameplay will often allow for other approaches to your goals rather than just shooting your way to the end; but do means justify the end?

Mako exploration - unarmed at first but as your mission becomes more perilous than intended, you can kit it out. Give it sweet neon underlights (joking... maybe).

Different outcomes allow for different ship/mako/character upgrades and allow for a variety in expenditure. You will be well enough prepared for the end without casualties ?

Different squadmates respond better to different dialogue routes: One might like the Paragon, another turned off by it.

More and bigger Hub-worlds, and a more open approach to missions than following a line.

 

# Legacy #

One of the ME3 endings is chosen as canon. I personally hope for Destroy (this coming from someone who has thus far only been able to pick Synthesis because I can't kill the Geth and EDI). People who cry about '[their] Shepard didn't choose this' will get over themselves and entertain the possibility that in a series with so many choices, that maybe this story is set in a universe where Shepard wasn't a puppet of their personal moral compass and ideals (Legend of Zelda Timeline fork). Personally hope that IT is true and that was the writer's idea all along. Would tip my metaphorical hat for one of the best twists in gaming.

 

Shepard, and most of his Squadmates and acquaintances are dead; with maybe the exception of those who belong to races of longevity such as the Asari/Krogan. Reapercussions (geddit? I'm so witty...) of the war are still felt in a recovering galaxy. Maybe a nice Museum somewhere, or a daughter of Liara as a polite nod towards the old team. 

 

The Geth are gone, sadly. Maybe the Quarians rebuild them and give them a second chance at life for their sacrifice. 

 

# Worst Case #

The game tries to cater to all three ME3 endings and thus overall experience suffers detriment as consequence.

Prequel; Side-quel; anything to do with the reapers.

Military Wo/Man Avatar (This wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, but I'd like to explore the universe outside of the constrains imposed on Alliance Marines).

 

# Compromise #

I can choose to play as an alien race.

 

# Foot Note #

I'm not going to pretend to understand what doors the frostbite engine opens in terms of game play and content; but these are my guesses based off what little we know, with heavy sugar-coating of what I'd like to see. 

[themikefest]

Worst case

 

A character from the trilogy that's in the next game that makes a cameo, will talk about Shepard that won't apply to the one I played.

[Kabooooom]

I won't predict much, except one thing: it will follow a "stranger in a strange land" sort of story/plot. Whether that is in another galaxy, or an isolated part of the Milky Way - doesn't matter. This is what we will get. Calling it right now. It is so incredibly predictable and so incredibly tempting from a writing standpoint as an easy-out for the ME3 ending debacle that it's almost impossible that they won't choose it.

[XCopperCrowX]

Worst case scenario- *for me*:

- Would be to play as another enlisted N7 alliance soldier.

- Playing in the same time period of the Reaper invasion.

- Same limited facial customization (console player)

- No added/newly discovered races.

 

Best case scenario- *for me*:

- At most- a former N7 soldier

- Time period takes place AFTER Shep-triogy.

- Mass relay tech built within ships

- Broader character enlistment options

- Expanded character customization

- Expanded Ship customization

[spinachdiaper]

the most likely worst case senario: next Mass Effect is a sidequel that takes place during the two year dead Shepard period at the beginning of ME2 which would make the entire new game a pointless exercise in futility.

[Iakus]

Location:  milky Way, at least partly in CItadel Space.  20-30 years after ME3

 

Story:  Save the galaxy.  But from a new threat from beyond explored space, not an old one this time

 

Game Mechanics:  Exploration, heavy TPS emphasis.  Race selection Human, salarian, turian, asari.

 

Legacy: Synthesis will be subtlely canonized.

 

Worst Case Scenerio:  Strong MP emphasis.  More Action Mode.  Minimal dialogue options.  Attempts to juggle all the massive and often mutually exclusive changes brought about by ME3 spreading resources too thin.  Marginalizing fans who hated the endings to begin with.

 

Compromise:  Don't acknowlege any endings.  Keep the Reaper War a footnote and don't canonize any of the possible endings.

[InWeirdPeril]

Well, one thing is for sure, those are some pretty grimm predictions in here. But they all seem to have something in common. Not much faith in BW to get it right.

Really sounds like no one believes (only hopes) that they can come up with something that can please everyone.

 

I dont envy the talents behind the new game for having to clean up that mess. Or even worse, they are forced to make it worse because of someone elses decision.

Don't get me wrong though, still loving the trilogy and I don't blame BW in general. I am just hoping that they will be allowed the opportunity to go all out and come up with something that will make things right. I hope they will seize the opportunity and correct past mistakes and in the end, show us a game that is responsible for mending things once and for all by having something in it to please everyone.

[SerriceIceDandy]

 Not much faith in BW to get it right.

 

 

I'm not necessarily worried that they're not capable; they certainly are. My concern lies with BW trying to please everybody; because they simply won't be able to. I'd much rather they focused on creating a sound stand alone game (or trilogy) than worrying about trying to incorporate every ending of ME3 somehow. I'd bet that half the people who claim they won't buy the game on condition not meeting their personal standards will buy it anyway, so I'd rather see BW do what they do best.

[InWeirdPeril]

 I think I know what you mean, though I still have some kind of hope that they at least try to please everyone. A little specific fanservice can go a long way and not take too much time from the main game. It really isn't witchcraft to come up with something to bridge the games properly and without antagonizing the fans.

I am guessing of course, but I think effectively they only have to take 3 endings into account. The High EMS Versions of Red/Green and Blue. I am fairly certain, that the majority would accept these. And coming up with 3 different stories is not that big of a deal. Sure, there are other things to consider but depending on the setting of the new game and where it is located. It can play out well. Even with races being dead or not and lets be realistic... if it is a stranger in a strange land setting, chances are high that even "extinct" races have at least a handfull survivors. And BW basically only needs to change their reaction and dialog around for it to make sense.

 

That people will eventually buy the game, I have no doubt. The question is when. If they skip it when it comes out and grab it as a budget version.. things might get hairy for a sequel. Or whatever may come afterwards. Or even worse, people who buy the game anyway are dissapointed again. And I am not sure they will take too kindly to that. But like I said, the have an oppertunity here, the question is if they can take it.

 

But granted, the pessimist in me yells way too loud: "None of that will come true. We will see an easy way out, no reference, no cameos, burry the whole thing."

[Tonymac]

That's something I'm always wondering...let's see how capable the writers are. 

 

I saw how capable they are with the ending(s) to ME3.  Who is to say they won't trash another one.  Some of the previous writers *coughcoughcoughMaccough* are still at Bioware.  They still have their hand in a leadership position - and they will undoubtedly flip us off again to the rhythm of "ar-tis-tic in-teg-rit-ee".  

 

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.

[InWeirdPeril]

I saw how capable they are with the ending(s) to ME3.  Who is to say they won't trash another one.  Some of the previous writers *coughcoughcoughMaccough* are still at Bioware.  They still have their hand in a leadership position - and they will undoubtedly flip us off again to the rhythm of "ar-tis-tic in-teg-rit-ee".  

 

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.

 

At least one of them spoke openly about it. If I could just find the damn link...

And BW admitted to underestimating the fans reaction. So, who knows, maybe we wont reach the breaking point

[Tonymac]

 I think I know what you mean, though I still have some kind of hope that they at least try to please everyone. A little specific fanservice can go a long way and not take too much time from the main game. It really isn't witchcraft to come up with something to bridge the games properly and without antagonizing the fans.

I am guessing of course, but I think effectively they only have to take 3 endings into account. The High EMS Versions of Red/Green and Blue. I am fairly certain, that the majority would accept these. And coming up with 3 different stories is not that big of a deal. Sure, there are other things to consider but depending on the setting of the new game and where it is located. It can play out well. Even with races being dead or not and lets be realistic... if it is a stranger in a strange land setting, chances are high that even "extinct" races have at least a handfull survivors. And BW basically only needs to change their reaction and dialog around for it to make sense.

 

That people will eventually buy the game, I have no doubt. The question is when. If they skip it when it comes out and grab it as a budget version.. things might get hairy for a sequel. Or whatever may come afterwards. Or even worse, people who buy the game anyway are dissapointed again. And I am not sure they will take too kindly to that. But like I said, the have an oppertunity here, the question is if they can take it.

 

I want to see how they do it - how plausible the story is.  I grew up reading the works of SciFi writers I called the Greats.  Niven, Asimov, Bradbury, Heinlein, and Clarke.  In that regard, I might be a little critical of some of the Mass Effect writing.

 

In the end, I think they should just work on it being fun,  I play games for fun and challenge.  I like stuff like quick thinking, fast reflexes, do your research and understand your character's  and team mates powers, etc.  In a game like Mass Effect 1,2 I loved the story as well.  Its not just SciFi, you live it!  Run around on the Citadel and take in the atmosphere.  How long did it take you the first time to find Barla Von?  Took me a sweet minute.  I can state as a Fact that Keepers take smoke breaks in non-accessible areas - especially the little booger near Udina's office.  I love how the ME games incorporated all of those features.  You got the be there and experience it.  I roamed many a world with amazing skies and land features in ME1.  The exploration really let you take in the vastness of the Galaxy, even if the interface with the Mako was pretty clunky.

 

I just want them to avoid stuff like ME3.  The feel of the game was depressing.  I get it - its a Reaper war and its not gonna be pretty.  Its not sunshine and daisies neither.  Bioware focused on that so much that they lost the fun somewhere in the mix.  Its a trap any writer or development team can run into.  Their response was what got me.  Instead of reconsidering their position carefully they blundered somewhat.  Play our depressing game, choose the color of dreadlasers of doom, and deal with it.  If you did your best you get a breath scene.  Wow, what a reward.  With so much doom and gloom, why would I play that again?  Instead of their being a full spectrum of possibilities (like ME2), I got ....  well....  you saw it.