BioWare Games With The Best Endings

Over the years, BioWare has released some of the most iconic RPGs in gaming history, and it is hard to attribute that success to just one aspect. The studio has explored different gameplay and combat mechanics, various settings, and completely different genres.

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One of the absolute cornerstones of BioWare's successful RPGs, however, was always the writing. Incredible dialogue, branching storylines, meaningful choices, and captivating characters have carried many games that might have lacked elsewhere. However, even the best games have to end at some point, and a bad ending can absolutely ruin the experience, sometimes leaving a bad aftertaste for the entire franchise. BioWare know this, and have written some of the best endings in the RPG genre.

8 Jade Empire

Metascore: 89

Jade Empire was a unique experience for the studio. For the first time, they had complete freedom as to what they were working on and a completely fresh world to design themselves. The result was an ambitious project that ended up being fairly successful, albeit not reaching widespread popularity.

The game went deep into exploring different martial arts and certain aspects of various Asian cultures. Depending on the choices players make throughout the game, there are three distinct endings. The players could surrender, allowing the Emperor to create an oppressive dystopia. They can take the Emperor's place, corrupting the Water Dragon. Or, they can free the Water Dragon's Spirit, and emerge as the hero of the Jade Empire.

7 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Metascore: 85

Dragon Age: Inquisition delves into the series’ familiar themes of leadership, faith, and the messy aftermath of power struggles. The game's storyline follows the Inquisitor navigating a chaotic world filled with religious conflicts and tough decisions that shape their journey, companions, and ultimately the world.

The final battle did feel a bit underwhelming, especially compared to other entries in the series. While the story itself was great, and the Silas Dreadwolf reveal was done very well, many players felt that their choices throughout the game could have been more meaningful to the ending. With the next game in the series on the horizon, many are interested in seeing where the story goes next.

6 Dragon Age 2

Metascore: 79

Dragon Age 2 decided to go with a much smaller scale than is usual for BioWare, exploring the many conflicts that could take place in a single city. From different factions to mysterious villains and surprising allies, the game had all the hallmarks of a great RPG.

While there were some aspects of the game that felt a bit rushed, the overall story and themes managed to go quite deep, with interesting quests and surprising twists. The ending felt like the inevitable climax of all the built-up pressure, especially between Mages and Templars. The inevitable war was only a matter of time, and that particular conflict is still to be resolved in the series.

5 Mass Effect

Metascore: 91

The very first Mass Effect laid the foundation for a fantastic sci-fi series and showcased just how good the development team was at the time. The story held quite a few mysteries, and the characters felt diverse and lively.

While the game could be a bit of a slog at times, the final showdown with the Reaper is nothing short of fantastic. Saren is a fantastic villain, and players' choices during their previous encounters can influence just how he eventually bows out. Players can help Saren redeem himself, and also choose whether they want to save a human batallion or members of the current intergalactic Council, all of which will influence the story in the following games.

4 Dragon Age: Origins

Metascore: 86

Upon release, Dragon Age: Origins received multiple awards and won the 2009 VGX Best RPG and Best PC Game awards. As an RPG, the game was incredible for its time. Deep combat mechanics, combined with stellar writing and a glowing cast, have all contributed to its success.

The ending revolves around defeating the Archdemon, and the price the Warden has to pay for it. The ultimate villain has to be slain by a Warden, and that Warden will lose their life in the process. There are a few ways the ultimate sacrifice can play out, from forcing one of the companions to sacrifice themselves, to performing a dark ritual to save everyone.

3 Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn

Metascore: 95

As many fans are still enjoying Baldur’s Gate 3, it is important to remember where the series came from. BioWare was responsible for the second installment in the franchise, and it succeeded with flying colors.

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The intricate story effortlessly pulled in countless players, and a good balance between combat complexity and intuitiveness made for a fun and immersive journey. Jon Irenicus was an incredibly deep and enthralling villain, and his ultimate defeat was done incredibly well from both the narrative and the gameplay perspective. There are a few nuances depending on the players’ prior choices, but the ending is still incredibly memorable for many fans of the series.

2 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Metascore: 94

KOTOR was truly revolutionary for its time, with incredible attention to detail and a rich and breathing world inhabited by deep and believable characters that elevated the Star Wars universe in a way that, for the time, hadn't been seen before. The combat system brought a good mix of RPG-expected tactics and real-time battles.

The story itself is still considered one of the best in RPG history, with powerful themes, fantastic mysteries, and incredible twists and turns. The ending brings all the preceding stories together to a powerful climax that showcases the players’ actions, revolving around one of Star Wars most iconic themes of good against evil. The reveal of the protagonist's true nature used the gaming trope of the "amnesiac hero" against the player's expectations, delivering a twist that still resonates decades later.

1 Mass Effect 2

Metascore: 96

Everything truly came together for Mass Effect 2. From graphics to combat to story to characters, everything was BioWare at the absolute top of their game, resulting in one of the most legendary RPGs of all time.

The ending can play out in many different ways, all depending on the players’ choices and level of preparedness. Regardless of the actual path, it is hard to understate the finale’s impact on the overall franchise. "The Suicide Mission" earns its name many times over, especially if players did a poor job of preparing for it. The ultimate reveal of the Reapers' system, the betrayal of the Illusive Man, and the incredible lengths that the team has to go in order to accomplish their goal is nothing short of amazing, and ties together one of the most epic stories in gaming, and in the sci-fi genre across all mediums.

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