Mass Effect: Andromeda has come under fire from series fans for lacking Commander Shepard, the protagonist from the previous three games. However, BioWare remain optimistic that the latest foray for the franchise will thrive even without Shepard on board.
Senior developer Chris Wynn had some choice words for a fan on Twitter recently, who suggested that a Mass Effect without Shepard would be “embarrassing,” telling us that we should “be open minded about a Mass Effect with no Shepard,” adding that “it can be good.”
Shepard was the main character in Mass Effect 1 through 3, but back in October 2012, BioWare confirmed that the next game in the series would not feature the retired Spectre at all. At the time, BioWare Montreal producer Fabrice Condominas said the following:
“There is one thing we are absolutely sure of– there will be no more Shepard, and the trilogy is over.”
BioWare hasn’t entirely ruled out any reference to Shepard however, and the far reaching consequences for the galaxy that followed the initially poorly received ending to the Mass Effect 3 means there is surely room for Shepard’s legend to be a clear part of the lore of Andromeda.
However, the actual appearance of the Commander doesn’t seem likely, at least according to the words of Wynn. Once more on Twitter, he divulged that “Story-wise, it wouldn’t make much sense.”
Some of the mysteries surrounding Mass Effect: Andromeda will likely be cleared up on November 7th (N7 day, the Mass Effect holiday). Last year, BioWare unveiled new concept art, and a few scant details. With the game set to arrive in Fall 2016 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, it’s high time that we got a little more information on the specifics of the next entry in the space-faring franchise.
