Summary
The nextMass Effectgame couldn’t come any sooner, but the wait will nonetheless continue on into 2025 at least. However, in aninterview with Rolling Stone, BioWare confirmed that it would be putting all of its attention on the nextMass EffectonceDragon Age: The Veilguardis all patched up, so it could arrive sooner than expected.
Whenever the nextMass Effectdoes arrive, it shouldn’t come empty-handed, and should instead consider bringing along a BioWare tradition recently revived byDragon Age: The Veilguard. The tradition in question is none other than the Blood Dragon Armor set, which has been featured in severalDragon AgeandMass Effectgames throughout each franchise’s history.
The Next Mass Effect Needs to Continue the Blood Dragon Armor Tradition
Blood Dragon Armor Was a Tradition From the First Dragon Age Game
BioWare’s Blood Dragon Armor tradition dates back to the days of the firstDragon Agegame,Dragon Age: Origins, in 2009. The armor set was properly introduced inDragon Age: Originson account of being reminiscent of the game’s logo, and while that logo changed somewhat inDragon Age 2, the armor itself retained its appearance and was featured once again in the sequel. Before that, however, the Blood Dragon Armor was featured in an optional crossoverDLC pack forMass Effect 2, which saw Commander Shepard donning a science fiction version of the high fantasy armor set and firmly establishing its inclusion in bothDragon AgeandMass Effectfrom then on.
DA: Inquisition and ME: Andromeda Broke That Tradition Until DA: The Veilguard Revived It
That being said, despite the Blood Dragon Armor set appearing inDragon Age: Origins,Mass Effect 2,Dragon Age 2, andMass Effect 3, the tradition abruptly ended with the release ofDragon Age: Inquisition, when the armor set was not featured in any way.Mass Effect: Andromeda, which came a few years afterDragon Age: Inquisition, chose to double down on the latter’s decision to exclude theBlood Dragon Armorset, seemingly setting a new, rather disappointing trend in stone for BioWare. Seven years later,Dragon Age: The Veilguardhad something to say about the travesty and chose to bring the Blood Dragon Armor set back once more and pull on the nostalgia of longtime fans.
The Blood Dragon Armor set inDragon Age: The Veilguardlooks much different than it ever did before, with three unique looks for each class.
Now that the Blood Dragon Armor has been revived byDragon Age: The Veilguard, it should, without hesitation, be included in the nextMass Effectgame, just as it was inMass Effect 2andMass Effect 3before it. It would be an opportunity to link new and returningMass Effectfans with the series' past, in addition to featuring one of BioWare’s most recognizable armor designs. It would be especially nice to see the next game’s presumed new protagonist wearing an armor set that used to be worn by Commander Shepard himself, even if it was just an optional DLC addition.
It’s possible to have a love-hate relationship with the Blood Dragon Armor set, as it’s one of those things that players might take for granted, not wear it, but still miss it when it’s gone. This might actually have been the reason whyDragon Age: The Veilguardchose to bring back the iconic armor set. Regardless, ifthe nextMass Effectgamewere to feature the Blood Dragon Armor set, perhaps it might signal a return to BioWare’s glory days. Of course, that all depends on the direction the nextMass Effectchooses to go in, which can only be told by time at this point.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
