Mass Effectis a popular sci-fi shooter franchise known for combining its deep characters and rich storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics, including the sheer variety of unique weapons at the player’s disposal. However, forMass Effect 4to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sci-fi shooter genre, it should consider implementing a customization system inspired by one thatCall of Dutyhas already mastered: the Gunsmith. WithMass Effect 4reportedly in development, it could benefit from taking a page out ofCall of Duty’s book to deliver an array of futuristic weapons and upgrades to players.
In theMass Effectseries, the story sees players tasked with battling an ancient, sentient race of machines known as the Reapers, who have returned to the galaxy to harvest all space-faring life.Playing asMass Effect’s Commander Shepard, the signature combat mechanics involve a combination of the core gunplay, magic-like biotic and tech abilities, and team-based tactics that enable players to approach battles in unique ways. Players are able to find weapons throughout the game and even upgrade them with basic mods to improve their performance, but this customization has never been a substantial aspect of the game’s focus on player choice.
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A Gunsmith-Inspired System Would Allow for Mass Effect’s Deepest Customization Ever
Between options like the iconic M-8 Avenger assault rifle and the specialized M-98 Widow sniper rifle, the weapons inMass Effectgames are diverse with their own distinct advantages.Mass Effect’s actual weapon customization, though, has always been limited to but a few pre-set options and mods that provide minor stat changes. On the other hand, this is whereCall of Duty’s Gunsmith system shines.Call of Duty’s Gunsmith systemallows players to fully customize their weapons on an in-depth level.
From the barrel and muzzle to the trigger and grip, every aspect of the weapon has a multitude of options with varying stats to suit the player’s build. This level of customization allows players to create unique weapon loadouts that fit their playstyle, and it adds a whole new layer of depth to the classicCall of Dutygunplay.
TheMass Effectuniverse has an abundance of elaborate technology that could be used to create new weapon modifications. From the host of futuristic human military guns to alien technology like the plasma-based weapons of the Turians or the Geth’s energy weapons, the possibilities for creating unique weapon customizations are endless. By allowing players to create their own weapon builds,the nextMass Effectgamecould provide a level of player choice never before seen in the series.
Mass Effect 4’s Immersion Could Reach New Depths Through More Weapon Options
For example, the M4A1 assault rifle is one of the more popular weapons in the recentCall of Dutytitles, likely due to its wide variety of customization options including an array of different barrels, stocks, and grips. This kind of customization would massively benefit a weapon such as the M-76 Revenant inMass Effect.
This heavy machine gun is a favorite of players who like to lay down oppressive flurries of shots, but it has a slow rate of fire and can be difficult to control. Consideringhow muchCall of Duty’s Gunsmith feature has evolved, players could modify the Revenant by adding a foregrip to help control the recoil, or change the barrel to increase the weapon’s range.
A Gunsmith feature for its weapons in the next entry could also serve to furtherimmerse players into theMass Effect’s sci-fi universe. The series has always had a reputation for its intricate world-building, and it would be fascinating to learn about the origins of weapon components. The potential with a greater focus on weapon customization inMass Effect 4is endless, as long as the game’s signature blend of RPG and third-person shooter elements remain intact.
Mass Effect 4is currently in development.
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