When it comes to science fiction in TV and video games,Star TrekandMass Effectare some of the best in their respective mediums. On the one hand,Star Trekexplored where no one had gone before and asked difficult questions about fundamental human events in the guise of intergalactic diplomacy. On the other hand, using some of thebest plot twists in RPGs,Mass Effectseemed to learn fromStar Trekby exploring similar themes and building narratively heavy characterization, and hopefully,Mass Effect 4will be no different. However, modernStar Trekhas recently become more focused on action than the philosophically driven narrative the franchise is built upon.
From all out-space battles to massive firefights, modernStar Trekuses action as the focus rather than intimate narrative moments. As a result, this alienatesStar Trekfans and makes the franchise seem like a run-in-a-mill science fiction show to newcomers despite its pedigree. Conversely, whileMass Effecthas plenty of action in the gameplay, it uses plot-driven action to uplift the narrative. Where theMass Effecttrilogy learned from classicStar Trek,Mass Effect 4could learn from modernStar Trekand make action have more substance rather than simple spectacle.
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Action in Classic Star Trek and the Mass Effect Trilogy
One of the main differences between modern andclassicStar Trekis how both eras use action in their narrative. ClassicStar Trekuses action as catharsis for plot and narrative development with explosive results. TheStar Trek: Deep Space Nineepisode, “The Way of the Warrior,” uses action due to the characters conflicting viewpoints. In the same series, the episode “The Siege of AR-558” is full of action, which results in characters that are not only visibly shaken from the battle but, to some extent, traumatized. ModernStar Trekonly uses action to push the narrative forward, making it feel lacking in substance or consequence.
Mass Effectnot only uses similar narrative beats from classicStar Trekbut utilizes action to benefit the overarching narrative. During the battle in the firstMass Effectwith Matriarch Benezia on Noveria, the fight is interwoven with action and story-building. By the end of the battle, the Matriarch reveals that she was brainwashed and if her daughterLiara (who has a part inMass Effect 4)is part of the squad, there is a tearful goodbye that builds on their parental history and develops Liara further.
WhileMass Effect’s use of action leaves an impact much like in classicStar Trek, its most recent addition,Mass Effect: Andromeda, is more similar to modernStar Trek. Running parallel to the events of theMass Effecttrilogy and set about 600 years after,Mass Effect: Andromedafollows a coalition of Milky Way races as they venture into the Heleus Cluster in the Andromeda Galaxy. While some parts ofMass Effect: Andromedadidn’t deserve the hate, the game did rely more on action and explosive set pieces than the philosophical narrative moments regarding space exploration. The gameplay mirrors the action-focused narrative revolving around high-speed vertical movement and overwhelming the enemy with a flurry of biotic attacks or accelerated slugs.
Comparable to classic and modernStar Trek,Andromedahas the story ofMass Effectbut uses action as the primary focus without narrative purpose, making it feel empty. Like modernStar Trek, this alienates long-time fans ofMass Effectand makes the franchise feel like an everyday shooter lessening the impact of a relatively good narrative. WithMass Effect 4teased every year since 2020 so far, only time can tell whether the game will follow what made the franchise great. IdeallyMass Effect 4will learn from the classic media that inspired it.
Mass Effect 4is in development.
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