Summary
- BioWare's upcoming titles have the chance to redefine classic RPG IPs in the context of modern gaming trends.
- Previous Dragon Age and Mass Effect entries have shown a desire for innovation, setting precedence for future evolution.
- Changes in gameplay and design for Dreadwolf and the next Mass Effect could breathe new life into these beloved series.
Between an upcoming Mass Effect set to follow up on Shepard's adventures, and the long-awaited Dragon Age: Dreadwolf which is set to follow Inquisition's cliffhanger, fans of BioWare have no shortage of projects to look forward to. When considering the reality of the production timelines of these anticipated titles, however, it's become increasingly clear that BioWare now has the chance to redefine its IPs within the context of the modern state of gaming.
The allegedly rocky development history of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has set an uncertain precedent as to how the next Mass Effect will end up being handled, but there's still a solid chance that these titles could deliver in a way that redeems the reputation of BioWare. Following the disappointing results yielded by the releases of titles such as Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, fans of the more classic formulas established in games like KOTOR and the original Baldur's Gate have become increasingly skeptical of the next DA and ME. With titles like BG3 cashing in on what some players consider an improved version of the BioWare style, the studio might now be more inclined to explore innovation through brand-new gameplay design and features.
What to Expect From BioWare in 2024
BioWare has an exciting year ahead with the long-awaited reveal of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf just around the corner and the promise of Summer 2024.
Strictly Adhering to the Systems of Classic Dragon Age and Mass Effect is Likely to Feel Dated
RPGs Have Changed During Nearly a Decade Between Mainline Entries
Mass Effect 3 launched in 2012 and Dragon Age: Inquisition is approaching its 10th anniversary later this year, meaning players of these well-received mainline entries have spent most of their time with other games in the years since. The rise of FromSoftware's Soulsborne genre, CD Projekt Red, Larian Studios, and changes at Bethesda are all just some examples of influential forces within the genre who have set the tone for modern action and tactical RPGs alike, but the previous formulas of BioWare's best-reviewed franchises predate many of these important releases.
Precedence for Evolution Within BioWare Already Exists
There's an overall similarity between the games within Mass Effect and Dragon Age respectively, but each of their entries has also managed to show a desire to change and grow in novel ways. While ME became more streamlined and action-oriented over time, DA's three titles all differ from each other vastly in terms of gameplay. The shift from the tactics of Dragon Age: Origins to DA2's more prevalent action, and then Inquisition's open world feeling has created a pattern of innovation, and leaks have indicated that Dreadwolf might be taking on a new identity of its own.
The Gap Between Major BioWare Releases is the Perfect Excuse for Experimentation
How Changes like Dreadwolf's GOW-Inspired Action and ME4's Espionage Could Materialize
While both the next Mass Effect and Dragon Age have been teased multiple times, the lack of any official gameplay showcases has left them with open-ended possibilities. Leaks have shown that Dreadwolf may be taking notes from the concise and controller-based combat system of the recent God of War titles, while the sleek character design shown off in the N7 Day 2023 trailer seems to evoke a vibe far removed from the overtly militaristic adventures of Commander Shepard.
Changes like these could diverge quite heavily from where their franchises began, but moving past what could be seen as outdated design has the potential to provide these dormant series with new leases on life no matter the direction.
Even if the same formula seen in older titles is repeated in BioWare's upcoming releases, many players have now been exposed to recent efforts from the likes of Larian and Obsidian which surpass the classics in the eyes of some. In a landscape where other developers have spent considerable focus on utilizing the same character-driven RPG style during a time when BioWare began to lag behind, incorporating elements from outside its typical format could be the key to making the next Dragon Age and Mass Effect shine.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
- Released
- October 31, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth game in the franchise, serving as a direct sequel to the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players will attempt to stop Solas from tearing down the Veil, among other possibly major plot points. Its events see players travel to Tevinter, the Anderfels, Rivain, and Antiva.
