Bioware mulling a next-gen reissue of the Mass Effect trilogy
The first few years of every console generation are filled with ultimate enhanced remastered definitive super deluxe editions of games which were originally released on older hardware. Bioware is the latest developer to consider releasing an updated version of a popular game; revealing that they’ve discussed the possibility of reissuing their Mass Effect trilogy for next gen consoles. Read on for the details.
The news came in the form of an exchange on Twitter between a fan and Aaryn Flynn, General Manager of both Bioware Edmonton and Bioware Montreal. When asked what he thought of a potential release of the Mass Effect trilogy on PS4 and Xbox One, Flynn gave the following response.
@shinobi602 @YanickRRoy We have discussed that internally. If we can put solid plans together we’ll share. Great to hear you’re keen
— Aaryn Flynn (@AarynFlynn) March 2, 2014
As a self diagnosed Bioware fanatic, allow me to make a few points about this. Bioware employees have gotten used to living under the obsessive gaze of their fans, and they have all developed a very polished, very measured way of speaking publicly. They rarely reveal inside information without a motive. So it seems very unlikely that someone as high up the chain of command as Flynn would mention a next gen Mass Effect release unless it had a decent chance of becoming a reality. Also, Bioware already has experience moving Mass Effect to new consoles, most recently releasing the original Mass Effect on PS3, which had previously only been available on PC and Xbox 360.
A reissue of the Mass Effect trilogy for PS4 and Xbox One wouldn’t be without significant challenges, including the question of what to do with the series’ voluminous collection of DLC. Some of the smaller add-ons, like Firewalker and Pinnacle Station wouldn’t be missed by many. But other DLC packs, like Lair of the Shadow Broker, Citadel, and the Extended Cut are considered vital by most fans. Would they be included on disk, made available for separate purchase, or not reissued at all? Also of concern would be the third game’s multiplayer mode. Would it be included with the reissue, or carved out to save on development costs?
Regardless of whether or not a next gen Mass Effect trilogy ever becomes a reality, it’s an entertaining thought for fans to consider. We’ll keep an eye open for more news, and pass along anything we hear. Just imagine: ME1 without any texture pop-ins…