The long-awaited release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard last month was met with disappointment, sparking concern among fans about the future of BioWare’s Mass Effect franchise. While these worries are understandable, some argue that the damage was already done years ago.
BioWare’s attempt to revitalize Mass Effect with Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2017 resulted in a mediocre game plagued by similar issues that now hinder Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This raises questions about BioWare’s ability to recapture the magic of the original trilogy.
A scene from Mass Effect Andromeda
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It’s been over a decade since Mass Effect 3, the last truly successful entry in the series. Many key developers from that era have since departed BioWare, leaving a void that seems difficult to fill. This is evident in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which feels like a pale imitation of its predecessors.
At best, fans can hope for a safe, faithful recreation of the Mass Effect trilogy. However, Dragon Age: The Veilguard suggests that BioWare is unlikely to achieve this. Those yearning for a return to the series’ glory days may be left wanting. The BioWare of old, with its unique creative spark, seems to have vanished. What remains is a shell of its former self, struggling not only to create compelling Mass Effect and Dragon Age games but also to develop successful games in general.
Following Mass Effect 3, BioWare’s track record includes the disappointing Mass Effect: Andromeda, the disastrous Anthem, and the underwhelming Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This string of failures raises serious concerns about the studio’s future and its ability to resurrect a franchise it arguably already damaged. While a new Mass Effect game is in development, the past decade paints a bleak picture of its potential.
