While BioWare has reportedly been shut down by EA, its impact on the role-playing game genre remains undeniable. Throughout its history, the studio was responsible for crafting seminal titles such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect trilogy, and Dragon Age: Origins. These games were celebrated not only for their rich worlds but also for their deeply developed characters, fostering genuine emotional connections with players.
BioWare distinguished itself by integrating personal and often heartbreaking consequences into its narratives. A prime example is Mass Effect 2's suicide mission, where companion survival hinged on the player's investment in their loyalty quests and established relationships. This focus on meaningful player choice and its repercussions set a high bar for narrative-driven RPGs.
Although few games have matched BioWare's peak output, the spirit of its most influential works endures in titles developed by others. Several recent and upcoming games draw heavily from BioWare's design philosophy, offering players experiences that echo the studio's celebrated storytelling and character development.
Baldur's Gate 3
Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3, while a successor to BioWare's own Baldur's Gate series, clearly demonstrates a strong influence from Mass Effect and Dragon Age. The game excels at introducing companions and encouraging deep relationship building. The intricate web of romance options and the potential for permanent loss of companions due to player decisions mirror the high stakes of BioWare's signature narrative choices. Furthermore, Baldur's Gate 3's emphasis on consequential decisions, which can ripple throughout the entire campaign, from the initial druid and Tiefling conflict to more personal companion arcs, echoes the impactful storytelling found in BioWare's best games.
The Outer Worlds
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds frequently evokes the feel of a BioWare RPG, particularly in its handling of its six companions. Each companion possesses distinct needs and personal questlines that influence their ultimate fate. Like BioWare's games, The Outer Worlds features branching endings that are shaped by the player's choices, creating a complex tapestry of possibilities that can lead to unique playthroughs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered
CD Projekt Red and BioWare share a long history, with the original Witcher game utilizing the same engine as BioWare's Neverwinter Nights. The Witcher series has consistently carried forward BioWare's approach to storytelling. Despite playing as a predefined protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, and not having party companions in the traditional BioWare sense, The Witcher 3 places a significant emphasis on side missions and building allegiances with supporting characters. The narrative culminates in a defense of the fortress Kaer Morhen, where recruiting allies is crucial, echoing the climactic mission structure seen in Mass Effect 2.
Exodus
Developed by Archetype Entertainment, a studio founded by former BioWare employees, Exodus is poised to be a spiritual successor to the Mass Effect series. This squad-based sci-fi RPG features a diverse cast of companions, including an octopus in a mech suit, suggesting the same level of creativity seen in Mass Effect's roster. The involvement of Drew Karpyshyn, narrative director for the original Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic, further bolsters the anticipation for Exodus, promising a return to the narrative depth BioWare was known for.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Based on the popular hard sci-fi novels and TV series, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is another game aiming to capture the spirit of Mass Effect. Developed by Owlcat Games, known for deep CRPGs, this title marks their foray into action RPGs with real-time third-person shooter combat. The game's dialogue choices and squad-based combat directly reflect Mass Effect's influence, though it focuses more on politics and personal struggles within its established lore.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
Helmed by Casey Hudson, the director of the original Mass Effect trilogy and Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is highly anticipated. The game's premise, focusing on choice, destiny, and the balance of light and dark, strongly suggests a spiritual successor to Knights of the Old Republic. Given Mass Effect's own roots as a successor to KOTOR, much of that DNA is expected to be present in this new Star Wars RPG. While details are scarce and a release date is uncertain, Hudson's involvement and the game's thematic elements point towards a strong continuation of BioWare's legacy.