By looking back onDragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare could learn from its most recent release as it turns its attention to the nextMass Effectgame, especially if it wishes to recapture the magic ofMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission. As two of BioWare’s most well-known and acclaimed series, bothDragon AgeandMass Effecthave gained notoriety within the gaming community for how players' decisions can shape the game’s story and endings. But between BioWare’s most infamous finale withMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission andDragon Age: The Veilguard’s The Last Gambit, there could be room for improvement forMass Effect’s next game.
WhileMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission arguably set the standardfor the finales of future BioWare games, the studio’s subsequent games likeMass Effect 3,Dragon Age: Inquisition, andMass Effect: Andromedahave had mixed success in replicating the tense, player-driven experience. However,DA: The Veilguardhas come close to achieving its own Suicide Mission-like final act with The Last Gambit, and it may even have something to add to the formula for the nextMass Effect. With BioWare reportedly committing to its upcomingMass Effect 4, the studio should review what madeDA: The Veilguard’s The Last Gambit stand out for its next game.
SPOILERS forDragon Age: The Veilguardfollow.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s The Last Gambit Channels Mass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission
With the release ofMass Effect Legendary Editionallowing both new and old players to experience the originalMass Effecttrilogy choice-driven story, players may already be familiar with how brutalMass Effect 2’s final act can be as a result. From failing to upgrade the Normandy to not gaining squadmates' loyalty, lots of the player’s actions or inactions can causeMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission to result in numerous character deaths. But while BioWare attempted to do the same in its following games, the latestDA: The Veilguardhas finally achieved a final act comparable toMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission.
For instance, whether certain companions survive the events ofDA: The Veilguard’s endgame can depend on their status as Heroes of the Veilguard. Characters like Bellara or Neve can be potentially killed by a Blight infection if they are not loyal to Rook. Additionally, much like assigning squadmates to roles inMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission, choosing the wrong companionsduringDA: The Veilguard’s final actcould also see them fail and be killed. In fact, there is even an unavoidable companion death just beforeDA: The Veilguard’s The Last Gambit, requiring players to choose between unknowingly sacrificing Davrin or Harding.
How Dragon Age: The Veilguard Expands on Mass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission
Ultimately,DA: The Veilguardhas the hallmarks ofMass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission, but the former appears to go further by integrating its in-game faction strengths into its endgame outcomes. With six factions to pay attention to, players' decisions throughout the game will shape how these factions act and respond, such as coming to support players in crucial battles. UnlikeMass Effect 2,DA: The Veilguardcultivates a sense of unity between players and in-game regions, something which is then reflected when these factions come together in the game’s final act, akin toMass Effect 3’s War Assets.
Mass Effect’s Next Suicide Mission Should Be Bigger and Bolder
WithDA: The Veilguardproviding a new outline for evolving the Suicide Mission formula, the nextMass Effectgame should aim to be bigger and bolder with its final act following this. For instance, adaptingDA: The Veilguard’s faction mechanic would be an easy change and could similarly influenceMass Effect 4’s endgame, especially as factionscould be divided between alien races or groups, as per the list below.
While details aboutMass Effect’s next game are still unclear, by at least adoptingDA: The Veilguard’s bigger-picture approach to building its world and story, BioWare could push the envelope for the series' next Suicide Mission.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you may’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
