Game-Changing Innovation Falls Flat: Mass Effect 2’s Bold Move Misses the Mark

Mass Effect 2: A Pioneering RPG That Showcases Promise, But Falls Short

As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mass Effect 2, it’s worth taking a step back to appreciate the game’s innovative approach to storytelling. Unlike many RPGs, which borrow from fantasy and science-fiction novels, Mass Effect 2 drew inspiration from a different source: television. Specifically, it was designed like a season of TV, with individual episodes or missions that are largely self-contained, yet contribute to a larger narrative.

This structure was groundbreaking at the time and helped catapult Mass Effect 2 to the top of many "greatest games" lists. However, it’s also clear that the game’s focus on individual characters and their personal issues comes at the cost of developing the ensemble cast as a whole.

While each character has their own unique personality and motivations, they don’t often interact with each other in meaningful ways. This is due in part to the game’s design, which requires players to swap out party members frequently, leaving little time for them to develop relationships with one another. Even the game’s attempts to foster conflict between characters feel limited, as these conflicts are often resolved with a simple persuasion check.

Despite these limitations, Mass Effect 2 does showcase some remarkable moments, particularly in its individual character-driven missions. These episodes offer a range of settings and stakes, from rescuing a lost sister to saving a son from his family’s dark past. This diversity in settings and stakes helps create an emotional connection with the characters, making the high-stakes final mission even more impactful.

So, what has the gaming world learned from Mass Effect 2’s innovative approach? While it hasn’t directly influenced the development of new RPGs, it has inspired a range of innovative ideas and gameplay mechanics. Games like Pentiment, Disco Elysium, and Citizen Sleeper have all found success by exploring different narrative structures and character-driven storytelling.

As we look back on Mass Effect 2’s 15-year anniversary, it’s clear that the game still has much to offer. Its promise and potential for character-driven storytelling are undeniable, but it’s also a reminder that there is still work to be done to fully realize this potential.