Summary
Fans are waiting to hear Effect 4, as BioWare has only revealed minor details about the game. Due toMass Effect: Andromeda’s poor receptionand revitalized interest in the series followingMass Effect Legendary Edition, many are hoping thatME4is more like the original trilogy in key ways.
Based on what BioWare has shown so far, it looks likeMass Effect 4will be at least loosely connected to the first three titles. The game’s reveal trailer includes Liara T’Soni and heavily implies that the game will be set in the Milky Way galaxy, while also showing a piece of N7 armor, which some have interpreted as evidence of Shepard’s return. Of course, the game could still be heavily removed from the original trilogy, as Liara belongs to an alien race that can live for upwards of 1,000 years, the Milky Way is a big neighborhood, and the N7 plate could just be fan service or suggestive of a number of other plot details. Still, there are hopes thatME4will reprise the soul of the first three games, and strong character writing is an important part of that equation.
Mass Effect 4 Should Draw On Jack for Inspiration
Jack Is Among Mass Effect’s Best Characters
Mass Effectis known for having great companions, and Jack is one of the best. Introduced inMass Effect 2and sadly underused inMass Effect 3, Jack is a biotic powerhouse with a traumatic past. She was exposed to element zero as a fetus, which gave her latent biotic potential not seen in other humans, who require implants to use such powers. As such, she was abducted by Cerberus and experimented on throughout her youth in an effort to elevate her powers. This facility was far from a humane shelter for children: she was regularly tortured and treated inhumanely.
Jack is a living testament to the psychopathic andvillainous tendencies of Cerberus, and is understandably troubled by her upbringing. InMass Effect 2, she reluctantly works with the very organization that kidnapped her, under the promise of accessing key documents pertaining to Cerberus' devious operations. Though Jack antagonizes Shepard at first, viewing them as yet another Cerberus lackey without conscience, friendship, and potentially even more, can blossom between the two.
Jack Undergoes Major Character Development, Which Mass Effect 4 Can Learn From
Mass Effect’s best companionsare characterized by their growth, which the player can influence. A few prominent examples of (potential) character development in the series include:
But few character journeys are as significant and moving as Jack’s. She beginsMass Effect 2as a cold, bitter, and violent person, but she’s ultimately just scared of being hurt, never truly connecting with traditional notions of love, friendship, and safety. This makesJack’s romance arc one ofMass Effect’s most touching, as the player has a direct hand in shaping her development, helping her open up to romance, affection, and hope. This makes her relationship with Shepard unique as, while romanceable characters like Liara and Ashley can change due to Shepard’s influence, they admire and respect the commander from the jump.
Even if the player doesn’t romance Jack (which they can’t, if they play as female Shepard), they can still facilitate Jack’s growth. Seeing her become more mature and caring, ultimately working toward a better future with Grissom Academy inMass Effect 3, is a big reason why she’s afan-favoriteMass Effectcharacter. Her radical development and unique relationship with the player are highlights of the series, and these traits ought to return through one ofMass Effect 4’s companions.
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.
