DespiteMass Effect: Andromedacontinuing to be the black sheep of BioWare’sMass Effectfranchise, there are still certain areas where it succeeded that the next game could learn from, such as its short-lived romance storylines. Among the various issuesMass Effect: Andromedaencountered following its launch, like its now-infamous facial animations, the game was criticized for its underwhelming LGBTQ+ romance options, particularly for one of its dual protagonists, Scott Ryder. However, this meant that one of its most interesting romance arcs fell under the radar, and arguably deserves to be revisited in the upcomingMass Effect 4.
Out of the dozens of potential romances throughout theMass Effectfranchise, whether they are one-night stands or multiple games long, one particular romance inME: Andromedastands out by attempting to do something life-changing for its players. Yet withME: Andromeda’s mixed reception causing its legacy to be cut short, along with any unique stories this romance could have led to, BioWare has the opportunity to revisit this idea in its nextMass Effectgame. With the high likelihood ofromances returning inMass Effect 4following four other games of a stale formula, it could reviveME: Andromeda’s close encounter with players becoming parents.
One of Mass Effect: Andromeda’s Romances Stands Out Within the Series
WhileME: Andromedahad ten possible romances for players to pursue, the one players could have with Gil Brodie, the player’s ship engineer, is an outlier from the others. As anexclusively LGBTQ+ romance forME: Andromeda, befriending and romancing Gil allows players to explore the game’s core premise of colonizing another galaxy that no other in-game romance seems to tap into. Despite the reduced number of interactions players can have with Gil since he’s not a squadmate,ME: Andromedamakes up for it by being the only romance in which players can ultimately become parents with him.
In the context ofME: Andromeda’s romances and story, procreation is a topic the game touches upon through missions like “The Little Things That Matter,” as the next generation of Andromeda-born children will be vital to the sustainability of its colonies. This is something that Gil’s character arc also explores, as whether romanced or not, players have the opportunity to encourage him to agree to be a sperm donor and co-parent to one of these Andromeda-born kids. But should players have a romance with Gil, this storyline can include them too, as the option to become co-parents extends to the player as well.
Mass Effect: Andromeda’s Parenthood Went Where The Trilogy Couldn’t
Due to the originalMass Effecttrilogy’s backdrop of the Reaper War and a fight against extinction, there are pros and cons to overlooking the potential of player parenthood in its story. While it could have pulled focus from the trilogy’s overarching narrative, the possibility of parenthood withMass Effect’s romances could have added unique depthand stakes to the story where players fought for both their child and the galaxy. However, givenME: Andromeda’s colonization background, it was arguably for the best that BioWare saved the idea of player parenthood for future games after its original trilogy.
Mass Effect 4 Should Let Players Explore Parenthood
Regardless of where or whenMass Effect 4will be set within the franchise’s canon, BioWare still has the chance to revive its parenthood storyline in the next game, especially sinceME: Andromedanever got the chance to explore Gil’s story further. After four games of multiple romances,Mass Effect 4’s romances have the opportunityto finally follow through on whatME: Andromedacould only hint toward in its ending. As a result,Mass Effect 4should pick up whereME: Andromedaleft off and introduce the potential for players to become parents through compatible romances, such as the list of possible options below.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
WHERE TO PLAY
Mass Effect: Andromeda travels deep into the Andromeda Galaxy, far beyond the Milky Way. There, you will lead our fight for a new home in hostile territory where we are the aliens. Take command as the Pathfinder, a leader of a squad of military-trained explorers, with deep progression and customization systems. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and your choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival in the Andromeda Galaxy. As you unfold the mysteries of the Andromeda Galaxy and the hope for humanity lies on your shoulders, you must ask yourself – how far will you go?
