BioWare's legacy is built on a foundation of groundbreaking role-playing games, many of which have aged remarkably well, offering compelling narratives and innovative mechanics even today. While the studio is perhaps best known for its Mass Effect series, its back catalog spans a wider array of genres and styles, from intricate dungeon crawlers to ambitious space operas and even an unexpected foray into the world of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Even titles that faced development challenges or critical scrutiny often retained elements that stand the test of time. This list highlights eight BioWare games that continue to be worth playing, showcasing the studio's enduring impact on the gaming industry.
Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Skipping a squadmate's loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2 can lead to their permanent death in the game's climactic finale, a consequence that underscores the importance of player choice and character development. Commander Shepard's mission to recruit a diverse team of specialists to combat the enigmatic Collectors is fraught with peril, and the game makes it clear that not everyone is expected to survive. The weight of these decisions and the deep bonds formed with characters like Mordin, Legion, and Thane contribute to an endgame that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with no easy second chances.
Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
Dragon Age: Origins offers six distinct starting scenarios that funnel into a shared struggle against the Blight, providing varied perspectives on the game's rich world and its inhabitants. The game excels in its dynamic companion system, where party members react to the player's background, dialogue, and choices in real-time, fostering a sense of genuine relationships. These reactions can lead to companions leaving or worse, adding significant stakes to player decisions. The game is also remembered for its unsettling yet impactful ending, which features a pact with a witch that offers a life-saving deal at a steep, morally complex cost.
Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic features a pivotal mid-game twist that is exceptionally effective due to its alignment system, which tracks player actions rather than just dialogue choices. This approach makes the player's journey toward the dark side or the light side feel genuinely earned. The game's narrative structure and the impact of its central revelation continue to be a benchmark against which other RPG twists are measured.
Baldur's Gate (1998)
Before Baldur's Gate 3, the original Baldur's Gate established BioWare's prowess in PC RPGs. Its combat system, built directly on the AD&D 2nd Edition ruleset, offered real-time tactical challenges that were unforgiving, famously capable of overwhelming new players with a simple wolf pack encounter early in the game. This adherence to complex rules proved that party-based RPGs could offer deep tactical gameplay on PCs, laying the groundwork for the studio's future successes with its Infinity Engine.
Jade Empire (2005)
Set in a mythic ancient China, Jade Empire allows players to fluidly switch between different martial arts and mystical combat styles mid-combo. Its morality system, which distinguishes between the Way of the Open Palm and the Way of the Closed Fist, judges actions rather than just dialogue choices. This system was innovative for its time and predates similar mechanics in many later RPGs. Despite not receiving a direct sequel, Jade Empire's dynamic combat system remains a standout feature.
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (2007)
Developed by Obsidian based on BioWare's Neverwinter Nights license, the expansion Mask of the Betrayer is lauded for its exceptional narrative. The game presents a unique survival mechanic where the player character is afflicted with a soul-consuming hunger, turning survival into a constant moral dilemma. The expansion features compelling companions like Okku and Safiya, who engage with profound philosophical themes. Though often overlooked at release, its deep storytelling and intricate themes have cemented its status as a hidden gem.
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (2008)
In a surprising move during the development of its major RPGs, BioWare developed Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood for the Nintendo DS. This turn-based RPG features a storyline co-written by Mike Laidlaw, who would later become lead writer for Dragon Age. The game's combat utilizes the DS touchscreen with rhythm-timed inputs, and its plot delves deeper than expected for a character like Sonic. A notable moment involves a betrayal that leads to the catastrophic fall of Angel Island.
Anthem (2019)
Despite being considered one of BioWare's less successful titles, Anthem is frequently praised for its exceptional flight mechanics. Even reviews critical of the overall game highlighted the fluid and exhilarating experience of piloting Javelin exosuits. The ability to seamlessly transition from aerial flight into underwater exploration without loading screens provided a sense of momentum and freedom that few other games have replicated.
