Summary
Very little is known aboutMass Effect 4, but there’s a solid chance that it will be lacking the iconic Paragon and Renegade features that appeared so prominently in the original three games. Although the system is often thought of as akey element ofMass Effect, decisions made by BioWare withAndromeda, alongside broader trends in the gaming industry, suggest that the binary system may be a thing of the past.
Depending on who’s asked, the morality system is one of the best or worst qualities of the original threeMass Effectentries. Supporters of the system argue that the strict Paragon/Renegade dichotomy allows for unique playthroughs, exciting decision-making, and heightened replay value, while critics posit that the binary nature of the mechanic harms the role-playing experience overall, undermining nuanced narrative beats and scenarios. Whether it’s good or bad, the morality system is anintegral part of the originalMass Effecttrilogy, and its removal inMass Effect: Andromedawas a notable departure from series tradition, which could be repeated inME4.
BioWare Might Not Bring Back Paragon/Renegade for Mass Effect 4
Cutting out the binary morality system inAndromedawas an intentional move on the part of BioWare, with the game’s creative director, Mac Walters, citing identity and storytelling goals as key reasons for its omission. Essentially, BioWare considered the system as an inextricable part of Shepard’s story and personality, so with the implementation of a new protagonist and a new cast of characters, it made sense to ax it. SinceMass Effect 4will likely introduce a new protagonist as well, it’s possible that BioWare will once again choose to leave out Paragon and Renegade choices, relegating them to Shepard’s story alone.
Other Reasons for Cutting the Paragon and Renegade System in Mass Effect 4
ThoughMass Effect 4may be a return to formfor the franchise, it may be better off leaving the Paragon and Renegade system behind, even if Shepard does reprise their role as the lead hero. The originalMass Effecttrilogy released during an era where binary systems of morality were popular in gaming, with hit franchises likeFableandInfamousimplementing their own form of a Paragon/Renegade mechanic.
However, the gaming landscape is quite different now, and RPGs likeBaldur’s Gate 3,Undertale, andDisco Elysiumhave shown what is possible with more nuanced choices that aren’t tied to a strict, binary system of morality. This fluid and expressive choice system is not only more true-to-life but can also be more satisfying to engage with.
EvolvingMass Effect’s morality systemcould benefitME4’s role-playing aspects, especially as the series faces competition from newer RPGs. Because of how dialog checks work inMass Effect, specificallyMass Effect 2, players are encouraged to strictly adhere to either the Paragon or Renegade path, or else they miss out on influential dialog options. IfMass Effect 4scraps the morality system, the game could instead encourage players to experiment with different combinations of decisions, allowing them to express themselves in the game and make the choices they truly wish to make, not just the ones that align with their earlier decisions.
Even thoughAndromedadid away with it, it’s still hard to imagineMass Effectwithout the Paragon and Renegade mechanic. It’s important to note thatMass Effect 4can bring back the morality systemwhile still addressing its shortcomings.
For instance, while morality in the original games isn’t supposed to boil down to “good vs. evil,” certain Renegade choices, such as killing Samara inME2, could be considered unambiguously immoral.Mass Effect 4could allow for more gray area within the confines of the Paragon and Renegade continuum, thus fulfilling the original intention of the system. Steering clear of the red Renegade eyes would probably help too.
Mass Effect Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.RELIVE THE CINEMATIC SAGA: Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling where you decide how your unique story unfolds.EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND OF SHEPARD: Create and customize your own character, from appearance and skills to a personalized arsenal then lead your elite recon squad across a galaxy in turmoil.REFLECT ON YOUR CHOICES: Your choices seamlessly travel from one game to the next. Each decision you make will control the outcome of every mission, every relationship, every battle – and even the fate of the galaxy itself.
