Summary
- Mass Effect games were known for rich storytelling and RPG mechanics, not combat, unlike modern games like Cyberpunk 2077.
- Star Wars Outlaws showcases fast-paced combat and customization with a focus on movement abilities and dogfighting mechanics.
- Mass Effect 4 could benefit from incorporating similar combat elements and seamless movement systems to enhance player experience.
Mass Effect has become a cult-favorite series and it was one of the biggest talking points of the seventh generation of gaming consoles. Developed by BioWare, the game was known more for its detailed and in-depth storylines, characterization, and dialogue choices, than the actual gameplay. While Mass Effect and its sequels made an effort to improve combat as time went on, fans were always usually more interested in delving into the rich world and RPG mechanics over fighting enemies and using new weapons - and that's where Mass Effect 4 comes into play.
As the games industry has progressed, games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 have proven that games can have incredibly detailed worlds and deep RPG mechanics without skimping out on the combat in the game. Star Wars Outlaws, an upcoming game set in the Star Wars universe and for release on August 30, 2024, seems to be pushing the envelope further, with incredible movement abilities, fast-paced and responsive action, and more that will be available to the player in addition to a possibly complex story. In a perfect world, Mass Effect 4 would incorporate some of these gameplay elements in its next installment too — to freshen up the combat that had held back its predecessors.
The Best Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay Features
If BioWare is searching for inspiration in Star Wars Outlaws (they should), there are a few key gameplay elements the new Mass Effect should aim to emulate. In Outlaws, blasters and ships are incredibly important, and, as a result, the space dogfighting between ships and other vehicles has always received special attention. Mass Effect 4 could incorporate a similar mechanic to great effect, following Outlaws’ cues to create massive setpieces that would feel right at home.
The overall gameplay, spot-on gunplay, and other combat elements in Star Wars Outlaws make combat feel more fluid and varied even in smaller moments. This includes mods and customization for blasters, and weapons, and then allowing players to use these weapons as they want to. Other factors at play would be hand-to-hand combat and stealth melee takedowns, bridging the gap further, and fulfilling power fantasies that virtually every player has. Mass Effect 4 should basically take inspiration from all this to create a character more powerful and fun to play than Shepherd ever was.
How Combat And Movement Can Make An RPG Play Better
BioWare is a well-known RPG developer in the community, and they’ve had a major impact on the action RPG subgenre through its many games including Dragon Age and Mass Effect. However, a lesson they can learn from modern games is how great movement and combat progressions can make an RPG, especially one with a massive open world and sidequests, easier and more fun to explore and play through. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a ton of side missions in the form of “gigs” to the player, but, crucially, the driving mechanics that CD Projekt Red has provided make it fun to roam around the city and explore. It is genuinely the driving force that leads players to find new gigs to take part in.
Movement Systems Mass Effect 4 Could Use
Developing a movement system is tougher than it seems, especially if it needs to hold true to the aesthetics and core themes of a series. For example, Spider-Man's fun traversal in the form of web-slinging is a staple, and Mass Effect 4 needs a similarly suitable form of traversal. Games like Outlaws with its speedsters on the surface of planets and Starfield have proven how fun space and ground travel can be, albeit the former has yet to be released. With the right resources, Mass Effect should also have a seamless, immersive combination of space and ground travel, using a spaceship that is easy and effortless to control, similar to No Man’s Sky.
Star Wars Outlaws
- Released
- August 30, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITY
Explore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORY
Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONS
Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEAT
Pilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
