After years of turmoil for the series, Mass Effect Legendary Edition has reaffirmed why it's still important. Mass Effect is one of the most prominent science fiction franchises in gaming with a massive fanbase, but the games haven't been in a great situation since the release of Mass Effect 3 in 2012. However, Legendary Edition changes that.
Following the controversy surrounding the Mass Effect 3, the series failed to rebound with the disappointing release of Mass Effect: Andromeda. With the concentration of BioWare's resources on the eventual failure of Anthem, Mass Effect suffered and was reportedly put on hiatus as a result. The future of the series did not look promising and there was a serious loss of confidence in BioWare, but the Mass Effect Legendary Edition has made it clear that the ion for the series is not gone.
The success of the launch of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition cannot be overstated. It is one of the highest rated game releases of the year and became the one of the biggest EA games ever released on Steam, with only Apex Legends suring it. In the time since its announcement last November, BioWare has also revealed that a new Mass Effect title will be released continuing the story in the Milky Way galaxy following the war with the Reapers. It may not seem like much for a popular series to have a successful remaster, but it was a necessary step for the redemption of Mass Effect. The fanbase has not been pushed away by the series' struggles in the last nine years and has made it clear that Mass Effect still matters to people.
Why Mass Effect Still Matters
From the second Commander Shepard is dropped onto Eden Prime, Mass Effect engrosses the player within its world and challenges them with difficult decisions in a story filled with complex topics and well-rounded characters. Players form real relationships with these characters in Mass Effect and become heavily invested in the series' biggest storylines, making for an incredibly memorable experience. It's a series that evokes emotions from its players, and that is the root behind not only its success, but why fans' ion for the series has endured through BioWare's recent struggles.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a small win for BioWare, but an important first step for the studio and the franchise. If Mass Effect is going to make a comeback, it needed to remind everyone that it still matters. Mass Effect: Andromeda wasn't a bad game and certainly had its fair share of problems, but it wasn't nearly strong enough to re-engage the fans who were still frustrated over the ending to Commander Shepard's story in ME3. Going back to what made the series popular in the first place was an easy decision and it has paid off, as Mass Effect Legendary Edition reminded the world why this series is still important to many people.