Summary
Not much is yet known about the nextMass Effectgame, as BioWare continues to keep its cards close to its chest. However, regardless of where it goes,the nextMass Effectgamemight do well to draw inspiration from Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment’sStar Wars Outlawsin one key area.
Star Wars Outlawsexcels in its populated areas, providing players with a world that feels lived in as opposed to static and uninteresting. If the nextMass Effectgame were to useStar Wars Outlawsas inspiration in this area, it would improve the universe many have come to love.
The Next Mass Effect Should Take a Cue From Star Wars Outlaws' Populated Areas
Star Wars Outlaws' Populated Areas Are Dense, Alive, and Active
Star Wars Outlawsmay not get everything right, but it does nail its dense, populated areas. In more ways than one,Star Wars Outlawsfeels like an authenticStar Warsadventure, managing to capture the essence and atmosphere of the films more so than many of theStar Warsgames that have come before it. One of the most notable ways it accomplishes this is by making its populated areas feel alive and active, as though players are actually exploring the world ofStar Wars.
On each ofStar Wars Outlaws' planets, players can visit major cities that are packed full of citizens and wildlife native to the area, alongside infrastructure befitting the region’s appearance and geographical framework. Venturing through these densely populated areas, such asStar Wars Outlaws' Mos Eisley, it’s easy to spot signs of life, simply because they are everywhere. While many games might put more attention to detail in making NPCs players can interact with,Star Wars Outlawsensures the vast majority of its NPCs, even those players can’t interact with, still feel integral to the makeup of the world.
Traipsing through one ofStar Wars Outlaws' populated areas, players might come across two characters telling jokes to one another and laughing hysterically, or they might hear a story about a gambler out on his luck, now looking for another quick way to make a buck. Most of the NPCs seem to have a schedule too, as following them around, players can witness them doing a variety of different tasks. InStar Wars Outlaws' Mos Eisley, in particular, it’s even possible to find a group of Stormtroopers practicing their blaster aim under the supervision of a patient commander.
It’s all similar to whatAssassin’s Creed Mirageaccomplished with its world design, offering players a world that feels alive and real, and less like a video game with obvious limitations.
Star Wars Outlaws' Populated Areas Offer Unique Gameplay Opportunities
Apart fromStar Wars Outlaws' populated areas featuring a memorable living world, they also offer unique gameplay opportunities. As players make their way through one of these areas, they might hear a couple of NPCs discussing something in the distance. Eavesdropping on these conversations will then provide valuable intel about quests and items inStar Wars Outlaws' open world. This is a refreshing way to include side quests in the game without overloading the map with icons indicating their location.
Mass Effect 4 Leaning on Star Wars Outlaws for Inspiration Would Be a Breath of Fresh Air
TheMass Effectserieshas always featured densely populated areas for players to visit, but they have never been quite as lively as those found inStar Wars Outlaws. It would be interesting to see the nextMass Effectgame apply the same design principles and feature a world that actually feels lived in, as opposed to a world that simply serves as a backdrop. The nextMass Effectmight also benefit from giving players unique gameplay opportunities by listening in on conversations or witnessing certain events, much likeStar Wars Outlaws. This would all be a breath of fresh air for the nextMass Effectgame, providing players with a living world they have yet to see in the franchise.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
