I don't think they should go full hard SF. Just make more of an effort to justify the game's systems from an in-universe perspective.
I was asking for that, too... but I doubt it's going to happen. ME isn't hard SF and has never been... and by ME3 it isn't even consistent anymore. Right now all we hope for is that it won't get any worse.
Just imagine how much more tense a diplomatic meeting with a new race would be if you were communicating with a complete unknown, who's mannerisms and speech is alien, who you could potentially offend with just a slight miscommunication or wrong gesture...much better than it being handwaved with the old 'we have observed your communications for some time' excuse we see so much.
Thoughts?
Despite communication barriers, I'm sure we can still romance the new races.
I've given this some thought.
I am hoping for a 100% new game universe. Meaning we are the first there from our galaxy.
If this is true, then there needs to be some attempt to explain the ability to speak to everyone.
Even if it's sending out probes first to new planets to record language and build a translation database.
It doesn't need to be central to the story. And it can be accomplished with what amounts to SPACE MAGIC, but I think they should address it very early.
Like when the ark gets to Andromeda, You send probes or infiltrators to establish communication/listening posts to start the communication information buildup, so when you do meet with them, you can properly communicate.
I guess a lot of this is going to be partially dependent on how advanced all the civilizations we come into contact are.
There may already be an intergalactic community same as in MilkyWay(MassEffect).
Humans are not native there, so theres no English recorded in their translator, and no "new alien" recorded on N7 agent's translator.
Maybe the first race N7 Agent will find will be one with telepath abilities who will at first be the only one to communicate with and then later that alien race could update all translators.
It would be totally reasonable for a team of intergalactic explorers to include language and cultural specialists, and if there were any, people with telepathic abilities, who would be tasked to deal with communication issues in a first contact situation. The problem I'm having is seeing any story scenarios that could come out of this. Mostly I think language and cultural issues would be about setting the mood for the game and the story : we are in fact a long way from home.
If the new alien races suddenly speak alien, then that raises a huge issue, because the rest of galactic civilization doesn't and it was always taken for granted that everyone in Mass Effect can just speak english (even the "uncomprehensible" Reapers). It's fantasy-type suspend disbelief thing and we're talking about a huge undertaking and deconstruction of this IP if they suddenly introduce alien aliens.
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If this is true, then there needs to be some attempt to explain the ability to speak to everyone.
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No need to explain but if it really bothers you, a simple plot mechanic in a conversational statement such as "Pathfinder 22 established communications with the Agger species 50 years ago", is sufficient enough. Details are unnecessary.
Remember that the game pacing must be maintained and explanations can be in the Codex for those that wish to delve into the history of first contact in the Helius Cluster. It also requires a writer ot two to develop the canon which adds to the cost of the game.
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