When Mass Effect: Legendary Edition released last month, fans of the franchise were able to board the Normandy again and relive the adventure of the original trilogy with improved graphics, quality-of-life changes, and streamlined systems spanning all three games. Although the Legendary Edition has been well-received, it also points to one of Mass Effect 4's biggest challenges.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition capitalized on nostalgia to great success, but with Mass Effect 4 seemingly picking up from the ending of the original trilogy, BioWare needs to strike a careful balance between the nostalgic and the new. This could be difficult based on what's been seen so far, as BioWare needs to embrace change if it's going to recapture the spirit of the original trilogy.

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Mass Effect 4's trailer has a clear message - the next chapter in the Mass Effect franchise will have more explicit connections to the original trilogy than Mass Effect: Andromeda. Although a shot of two galaxies in the Mass Effect 4 trailer hints elements from Andromeda will be reintegrated into a new storyline, the trailer focuses on fan-favorite companion Liara returning and hints that Shepard may have survived the events of Mass Effect 3.

It seems unlikely that BioWare would hint at Shepard's return if the studio wasn't willing to follow through. The dead Reaper seen in the trailer and an image released by BioWare on Twitter showing a Mass Relay being reconstructed both point to Mass Effect 4 taking place in a timeline where Shepard chose to destroy the Reapers and Mass Relays. It seems likely that Mass Effect 3's Destroy Ending has been made canon in-part because it's the only original trilogy ending that can hint at Shepard's survival if the player has a high Effective Military Strength.

Bringing back Shepard poses some big challenges for moving the franchise forward. While players won't necessarily be expecting to see all of their original trilogy choices reflected in the new game, many will be expecting elements like romance options returning. A player whose experience of the original trilogy involved romancing Garrus, for example, would likely be disappointed to see him left out of the new game.

This raises a big question for BioWare on where the studio draw the line when it comes to bringing back elements of the original trilogy. On one hand, leaving out some of the iconic characters from the original trilogy and introducing a new crew could feel like it's leaving important storylines behind. On the other, Mass Effect 4 will need the ambition to tell its own story and start setting up its own stakes, rather than relying on the player's attachment to the first three games.

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While the challenge applies to returning characters, it also applies to the plot and setting of Mass Effect 4 as a whole. BioWare will have to choose whether it's going to try and tell a story about Mass Effect 4's protagonist - Shepard or otherwise - facing another galaxy-level extinction event. If it is, it could feel too similar to the original trilogy. If it isn't, BioWare could risk lower stakes.

BioWare has already hinted at some of the changes coming to the Mass Effect universe, but it's clear there's a level of hesitancy to change too much. The Destroy Ending implied the destruction of the Mass Relays would fundamentally change the galaxy, potentially making FTL travel and a galactic community impossible. While the Twitter image shows a Mass Relay being rebuilt in a new style, the fact that Mass Relays are being rebuilt at all could be a missed opportunity to show a different version of the Mass Effect universe rather than returning things to the status quo from the start of Mass Effect 1.

Assuming Shepard does return, their characterization could also be a tough area to balance nostalgia and change. The Shepard seen in the next game could be at a different stage in their life, similar to Kratos' return in 2018's God of War. This could be an opportunity to tell a new kind of story, but could also risk alienating fans if they feel Shepard has changed too much.

If BioWare is really going to draw people back into the Mass Effect universe for a new story, it needs to embrace change. The original Mass Effect trilogy is one of BioWare's greatest achievements, but one of the reasons players fell in love with the games was how fresh and compelling its universe and story felt. The individual elements that made up the original trilogy, including the companions, Shepard, and the Normandy, were all important. However, they will never have the same impact now as when they were new.

Mass Effect 4 is a chance for BioWare to tell a story that feels thematically distinct from the original trilogy, explore the galaxy in the wake of the Reaper invasion, and introduce new companions. Nostalgia can draw fans in, but it is unlikely to sustain the story for long, or help Mass Effect 4 be met with the same acclaim as the first three games.

There are still many different kinds of stories BioWare can tell in the Mass Effect universe. A dark matter plotline cut from Mass Effect 2 would have involved time manipulation, while a cancelled Han Solo-inspired Mass Effect spin-off would have put the player in the shoes of a mercenary or smuggler to explore the galaxy from a different angle.

Even if Shepard returns, Mass Effect 4 should not try to tell another story about Shepard overcoming all odds to save the galaxy. It should not rely on returning characters, rekindled relationships, or references to memorable moments from the original trilogy. A return to Shepard and the Milky Way can still form a strong foundation for the next game, but if BioWare doesn't leave the original trilogy behind it risks being held back by nostalgia.

Mass Effect 4 is currently in development.

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