Is Mass Effect 4 Investment in Bringing Back the Normandy a Sign of Desperation? 

Despite a 10-year-long wait since the first sneak peek of Mass Effect 4, many fans are still eager for the return of one of the most iconic sci-fi RPGs of all time. Unfortunately, the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2017 was subpar, and the game marked the lowest point of the series in terms of criticism and fan reception. The letdown was so disappointing that some fans began dreading the worst. 

First pass at Design Document for the next Mass Effect! #sorryforthetrees pic.twitter.com/EMG2QS4lie

— Yanick Roy (@YanickRRoy) June 18, 2013

However, BioWare did not let this failure get to them as they pledged to launch their next entry of the series, tentatively dubbed Mass Effect 4, in 2020. Regrettably, the news received so far has been worse than it has been better. For example, BioWare announced they were going through layoffs and had to fire 50 employees. Fortunately for fans, famed journalist Jez Corden relayed a rumour in a recent podcast about the return of the Normandy and the classic format. Thus, in this article today, we will talk about the style of Mass Effect 4 and what the Normandy will bring to the game.

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Mass Effect 4 Will Take a Return to Its Roots

To refresh your minds, the original trilogy of Mass Effect focuses on linear action rather than the semi-open world adopted in Andromeda. For instance, the original trilogy consists of hub areas connected to linear corridors, allowing players to choose the order to undertake missions and explore. On the other hand, Andromeda featured a handful of vast regions filled with quests and points of interest.

With the negative reviews, it is safe to say which style the fanbase prefers. Thus, we can see why BioWare is reverting to what made the franchise so successful. However, game developments have risen by leaps and bounds since the release of Andromeda. Thus, it will not come as a surprise if BioWare decides to give open-world space-faring RPG another shot, especially seeing the success of Starfield.

What Is the Normandy?

Besides the returns to its original roots, the Normandy could also return to Mass Effect 4. If someone asks which are the most iconic spaceships you know, many would answer the Millennium Falcon and the USS Enterprise. However, many Mass Effect fans will argue that the Normandy deserves to stand alongside them. It is because the spaceship proved instrumental in the rise of the game, as it has one of the vast personalities among a list of compelling people. 

For example, the spaceship took Commander Shepard to the furthest corners of the galaxy, survived a suicide mission in the second game and sent critical side characters to safety at the somewhat controversial conclusion of Mass Effect 3. Thus, the return of a fan favourite would entice the fanbase, or will it not? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, Instagram and X pages before checking out our thoughts. 

Will the Return of the Normandy Prove Beneficial or Detrimental?

While the return of the beloved Normandy in Mass Effect 4 would bring excitement and a sense of reminiscence with an old friend, endings are supposed to stay as endings. We are talking about you, Naruto. In this instance, if the developers do bring back the Normandy with a revamped appearance, it may spark interest at first before dying down. 

For example, players may feel that the game is missing fresh new content as the only highlight is capitalising on their nostalgia and love for the personality of the Normandy and their affection for the original trilogy. If Mass Effect 4 does focus on Normandy playing the leading role, people could view this as a sign of desperation from Bioware. Thus, BioWare needs to beware of prioritising an old relic instead of new and unseen contents.

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Concluding Remarks 

While there is no official confirmation of the return of the Normandy and the revert back to its original root, Mass Effect fans take solace in knowing that BioWare is attempting to correct their past mistake. Furthermore, the rumours come from the reliable source of Jez Corden, a Windows Central Journalist. Thus, we can take his words to heart. For more Mass Effect 4 news and other gaming articles, bookmark our page here.

Frequently Asked Questions 

When Will Mass Effect 4 Release? 

Unfortunately, there is no official release date for Mass Effect 4. Furthermore, recent news seems dire for patient fans as an update from BioWare announced that they are bringing the Mass Effect team to help finish the development of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. However, recent speculations hint that Mass Effect 4 could be released sometime early next year. Thus, stay tuned and read our articles about another outer-space game, Starfield.

Will Mass Effect 4 Feature Open-World?

After the lukewarm reception of their previous series entry, Mass Effect: Andromeda and the recent rumours, Mass Effect 4 will likely return to its roots of a linear action game. However, nothing is set in stone, as with the rise of technology and the success of Starfield, we do not leave out the possibility of BioWare giving the open-world feature another shot.

Is It Mass Effect 4 or Mass Effect 5?

There is no official title for the fifth entry of the Mass Effect series. However, players are conflicted on whether they should call the game Mass Effect 4 or Mass Effect 5 due to the naming of Mass Effect: Andromeda. However, considering leaks and rumours hinting at the return of the Normandy from the original trilogy, we decided to lean on the side of naming it Mass Effect 4.