Mass Effect is a popular sci-fi shooter franchise known for combining its deep characters and rich storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics, including the sheer variety of unique weapons at the player's disposal. However, for Mass Effect 4 to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sci-fi shooter genre, it should consider implementing a customization system inspired by one that Call of Duty has already mastered: the Gunsmith. With Mass Effect 4 reportedly in development, it could benefit from taking a page out of Call of Duty’s book to deliver an array of futuristic weapons and upgrades to players.
In the Mass Effect series, the story sees players tasked with battling an ancient, sentient race of machines known as the Reapers, who have returned to the galaxy to harvest all space-faring life. Playing as Mass Effect's Commander Shepard, the signature combat mechanics involve a combination of the core gunplay, magic-like biotic and tech abilities, and team-based tactics that enable players to approach battles in unique ways. Players are able to find weapons throughout the game and even upgrade them with basic mods to improve their performance, but this customization has never been a substantial aspect of the game’s focus on player choice.
A Gunsmith-Inspired System Would Allow for Mass Effect’s Deepest Customization Ever
Between options like the iconic M-8 Avenger assault rifle and the specialized M-98 Widow sniper rifle, the weapons in Mass Effect games are diverse with their own distinct advantages. Mass Effect's actual weapon customization, though, has always been limited to but a few pre-set options and mods that provide minor stat changes. On the other hand, this is where Call of Duty's Gunsmith system shines. Call of Duty's Gunsmith system allows players to fully customize their weapons on an in-depth level.
From the barrel and muzzle to the trigger and grip, every aspect of the weapon has a multitude of options with varying stats to suit the player's build. This level of customization allows players to create unique weapon loadouts that fit their playstyle, and it adds a whole new layer of depth to the classic Call of Duty gunplay.
The Mass Effect universe has an abundance of elaborate technology that could be used to create new weapon modifications. From the host of futuristic human military guns to alien technology like the plasma-based weapons of the Turians or the Geth's energy weapons, the possibilities for creating unique weapon customizations are endless. By allowing players to create their own weapon builds, the next Mass Effect game could provide a level of player choice never before seen in the series.
Mass Effect 4’s Immersion Could Reach New Depths Through More Weapon Options
For example, the M4A1 assault rifle is one of the more popular weapons in the recent Call of Duty titles, likely due to its wide variety of customization options including an array of different barrels, stocks, and grips. This kind of customization would massively benefit a weapon such as the M-76 Revenant in Mass Effect.
This heavy machine gun is a favorite of players who like to lay down oppressive flurries of shots, but it has a slow rate of fire and can be difficult to control. Considering how much Call of Duty's Gunsmith feature has evolved, players could modify the Revenant by adding a foregrip to help control the recoil, or change the barrel to increase the weapon's range.
A Gunsmith feature for its weapons in the next entry could also serve to further immerse players into the Mass Effect's sci-fi universe. The series has always had a reputation for its intricate world-building, and it would be fascinating to learn about the origins of weapon components. The potential with a greater focus on weapon customization in Mass Effect 4 is endless, as long as the game's signature blend of RPG and third-person shooter elements remain intact.
Mass Effect 4 is currently in development.