Ever since the release of the first Mass Effect game, my outlook on what video games are capable of has changed. Mass Effect opened the door for a level of storytelling and customization of the player's experience that was just unlike anything I had ever experienced before. And that door opened wider and wider as Mass Effect 2 & 3 were released.
I have played the Mass Effect trilogy numerous times now, and I certainly will many times more. Each time I start at ME 1 and work my way to the end. I am amazed at how after nearly a dozen playthroughs of each game how different the overall experience is, as far as story is concerned. And it's not just the customization that is fun, but the core story itself (that which is unchangeable) is just brilliant. Everything from the dialogue, the characters, the relationships, the music, the gameplay, the missions and much, much more make up what has become easily my favorite gaming series of all time. So first and foremost, BioWare, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for creating such a wonderful and enriching experience.
Now I hear that you guys are considering remastering the trilogy for the next generation consoles. I can't tell you just how excited this makes me. I'm not ashamed to admit that if this happens I will own both the XBox One and PS4 versions. I also understand that you guys are listening to fan feedback. If you were any other company I would take such a statement with a grain of salt. However, you guys have shown in the past and with this very franchise, no less, that you live up to your word. When the public cried out over an ending they weren't satisfied with, you guys put out a better one. Let me first say that I actually love the ending of Mass Effect 3. I thought the story played out to a logical conclusion and was very poetic. That being said, what you guys added to it made it even better. So again, thank you for listening to the people who love your games.
As for my own feedback, I suppose I could name the obvious things that everyone else is talking about: 1080p/60 fps, high-res textures, all DLC, and while I didn't think of it at first, the idea of a seamless experience (which I heard Aaryn Flynn mention) is a very good idea indeed. I admit that my own ideas aren't likely to break any new ground, but here I go anyway. As I'm sure others have brought up, I would love to see Mass Effect 1's gameplay be updated to match the excitement and smoothness of 2 & 3. I still think it's a solid experience, but even I can't help but notice it to be outdated a bit. I would also love to see the character creator have more options at the player's disposal. I have to admit that I get a bit jealous at times when I see what PC gamers are able to do with their Commander Shepard because of the amazing mods available to them or made by them.
My last idea, which may be a bit fanciful on my part, is that the story be added to a bit. Not because it needs it, but rather because I can't help but want more! The universe you guys created is so immense and wonderful and has such great depth that I can't help but want to see Shepard and Co. learn and see more about it, or even just about each other. I love the dialogue between the characters and it'd be awesome to see some of it expanded. Or even have new encounters with new characters, even if they are small. One thing I would love to see is the romances be expanded even more. I love how each of those relationships evolve over the course of the series, and seeing Shepard grow closer in love and trust with one of his/her squad mates is interesting and fun to watch. I also kind of wish the end of Shepard and Jack's relationship was a little different. It's so well done until their final exchange. Jack changed so much from ME 2 to ME 3, and seeing her go from shedding tears for Shepard to merely saying "When this is over, I'm getting laid" seemed a little strange as a possible final goodbye. It's splitting hairs, I know, but Jack's my favorite romance story so I'm a bit particular in her case. The last thing, story-wise, that I want to bring up does have to do with the ending. I do wish there was a better way for Shepard to survive the finale. I know he/she can live through the "Destruction" ending, but for me that just leaves kind of a bad taste in my mouth. For one thing, it's a tremendously sad ending and is a negative choice, so it seems odd that the hero lives after making a bad decision like that. As for how Shepard could survive otherwise, I basically always imagined that it'd be cool to see Shepard about to give himself/herself so that "Synthesis" could happen, only to have Anderson come up that floating platform, badly wounded as he was, and take Shepard's place so that Shepard could survive and be there for the galaxy that would need him/her as they rebuilt. I know I'm reaching here with such a suggestion and I don't want to sound like I'm being critical of a great story, but I can't help but wish the hero could live at the end.
All in all, whatever you guys decide to do with the Mass Effect remastering, you better believe that I'll be in line to buy it day one and will still be playing it years from now, just as I'm sure I will do the same whenever the next one comes along (which I'm REALLY excited about!!!). Whether or not any of my personal suggestions are taken into account or not I'm just thankful for the great series you all have given us. From a big fan of your work I once again, and for the last time, say THANK YOU BIOWARE.
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