Mass Effect 5 Rumored to Blend John Wick and James Bond Elements in a Sci-Fi Setting
More information is surfacing about Mass Effect: Universe, the anticipated fifth installment in the Mass Effect series that BioWare was working on before the studio was shut down. Following the layoffs and cancellation of what many fans referred to as Mass Effect 5, an internal trailer featuring pre-production assets was released, giving a glimpse of what might have been, including the potential introduction of the franchise’s first male Quarian squadmate.
Recently, a YouTuber shared insights into the feedback he provided during the development of Mass Effect: Universe as part of a “Mass Effect Council.” A report from an anonymous source confirmed that the details he shared are accurate.
Set over 600 years after the original trilogy, Mass Effect: Universe aligns with the time it took to travel from the Milky Way to the Andromeda galaxy in Mass Effect: Andromeda. Previous hints on N7 Day suggested a possible link between the next Mass Effect and Andromeda, and these leaked details reinforce that connection.
Rather than a large-scale conflict like in Mass Effect 3, the narrative of Mass Effect: Universe would have revolved around a “galactic Cold War” among various factions. Humans, Krogans, and Batarians would form one alliance, while the Council races would band together as another, with the Geth emerging as a third power. It’s likely that the Council races include the Turians, Salarians, and Asari, suggesting humanity may have distanced itself from the Council, a significant plot point in the original trilogy.
Players would take on the role of a customizable N7 agent, described as a blend of John Wick and James Bond. The game would feature handcrafted levels that allow for “Hitman-style freedom” in gameplay. Players would have access to experimental technology that grants hacking abilities similar to those in Cyberpunk 2077, providing new ways to navigate levels.
Here’s a summary of what was shared about Mass Effect: Universe:
• Set 600+ years after the Reaper War
• Play as a customizable N7 agent
• Character inspired by John Wick and James Bond
• Shepard’s legacy remains intact, regardless of your ending
• Galaxy divided into three major factions
• Humanity, Krogan, Batarians, and others allied together
• Council races forming their own alliance
• Geth emerging as a third superpower
• Focus on a galactic Cold War instead of another Reaper invasion
• Geth-built megastructures
• Connections between the Milky Way and Andromeda
• Unique experimental technology implanted in the character
• Hacking and environmental manipulation capabilities
• Ability to see through walls, identify systems, and remotely trigger hazards
• Handcrafted missions reminiscent of ME1-3
• Freedom in mission completion akin to Hitman
• Brutal close-range executions
• Squadmates with potential conflicts
• Romance options not sanitized
• Liara returns as a powerful Asari Matriarch
While much of this information seems plausible and could be pieced together by any dedicated Mass Effect fan, it certainly paints a picture of an exciting continuation for the series. As the YouTuber mentioned being part of a community group providing feedback to BioWare, it will be interesting to see if more members of this “Mass Effect Council” come forward to confirm or expand on these details about Mass Effect: Universe.
