5 things Amazon’s Mass Effect series must do to be a success

As a dedicated fan of the Mass Effect series who has spent countless hours exploring the vast galaxy, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about the upcoming TV adaptation. Having lived through the Reaper Wars, the Krogan Rebellions, and the Quarian-Geth Conflict, I understand the gravity of the decisions that lie ahead for those responsible for bringing this beloved franchise to life on the small screen.

A Mass Effect TV series is officially in the works with Amazon, so here are some key things the show has to do to be a great video game adaptation.

The Mass Effect series enjoys a great deal of affection; its original trilogy is frequently praised for its exceptional storytelling, which many consider some of the finest in gaming history. More often than not, Mass Effect 2 is included in discussions about the greatest video games ever created. Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate the next installment in the series to be released anytime in the near future.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t contain my excitement after hearing that the long-awaited Mass Effect TV series has finally been given the green light! Amazon has announced its commitment to bringing this epic space saga to life on the big screen in the near future. I can hardly wait!

According to Variety, it’s been confirmed that Daniel Casey will pen and oversee the series, while Karim Zreik, Ari Arad, and Michael Gamble of EA are also set to serve as executive producers.

As a die-hard fan of Mass Effect since day one, I’m simultaneously excited and nervously anticipating Amazon’s take on this beloved franchise. While recent adaptations of games like Fallout, The Last of Us, and even Super Mario Bros. have managed to break free from the video game curse, there’s always that lingering fear that Mass Effect might follow in Halo’s footsteps.

Although it needs careful guidance and creative motivation, Amazon’s Mass Effect production holds immense potential to become an outstanding science fiction series – provided they steer clear of major pitfalls and delve deeply into key elements of the franchise instead.

Stay away from Commander Shepard at all costs

Instead of centering the potential Mass Effect TV series around Commander Shepard, it could prove detrimental to do so. Even Mark Meer, the voice behind Commander Shepard, advises avoiding the character in the show, a suggestion we find hard to disagree with.

Above all, in the context of an RPG, every player has the liberty to shape and customize their character, Shepard, across numerous hours of gameplay. No matter who is chosen to portray Shepard or the path chosen for the storyline, retelling Shepard’s tale would be a significant setback for the upcoming Amazon series.

Regardless of the choice made regarding the character’s development, fans might feel discontent. A seemingly straightforward decision like deciding the character’s gender could still spark controversy, considering the passionate discussions within the fanbase about Femshep versus BroShep.

If I were in Amazon’s shoes, I’d tread carefully when adapting Mass Effect for TV. The characters we gaming fans have bonded with over the years are a big part of the game’s charm, so it’s crucial not to overlook them or their stories during the adaptation process.

Including a brief reference or wink to one of the Normandy crew members could serve as enjoyable Easter eggs for fans. However, the Halo TV series has shown us that when a renowned video game franchise is adapted, it can veer off in an entirely new direction rather than acknowledging its original narrative and characters, as we’ve seen.

Don’t make it all about humanity

Beyond merely centering the story around Commander Shepard, it seems crucial that this Mass Effect adaptation avoids making humanity the central character. Let’s try to steer clear from portraying the other alien species as mere supporting characters instead of equally significant entities.

Though Krogans are known for their strength and bluntness, they also harbor deep emotions and affection. Conversely, Salarians exhibit pride and intelligence, yet they value relationships that transcend scientific analysis and numerical data.

It’s generally acknowledged among longtime Mass Effect players that they often favor characters like Garrus, Wrex, or Liara over the human squadmates when asked about their preferred companions.

This is primarily due to these characters introducing novel elements that questioned established ideas about human standing in comparison to others. Similar to the trilogy, I envision humans as youthful, innocent, and somewhat misguided when dealing with galactic navigation.

Therein lies a much more compelling concept rather than reimagining the Mass Effect universe to make humanity leaders and beacons of the whole galaxy.

Lean into the wackiness of Mass Effect

One distinctive feature that makes Mass Effect stand out among other major science fiction works is its unique blend of intense, galaxy-wide conflicts with moments of humor and even absurdity.

Instead of transforming the franchise into an intensely dramatic, interstellar adventure, Amazon could opt for a more playful approach when necessary. Certainly, major conflicts and grandiose battles are essential elements, but they shouldn’t overshadow the fun aspects.

Above all, it’s crucial for Amazon not to avoid the uncharted aspects when adapting this TV series based on Mass Effect. The universe of Mass Effect is rich with peculiarities, from distinctive alien species like the Hanar to countless offbeat side missions and subplots nestled within the original trilogy.

Absolutely, a compelling overall plot and narrative should undoubtedly be central to the TV series. However, the creators should also embrace the less mainstream aspects of the Mass Effect universe, as these were key elements that made the franchise stand out initially and garnered its devoted following.

Draw from the deep lore of the games & take inspiration

I think the best direction for this Mass Effect series is to explore the franchise’s deep history.

I’m interested in a TV series centered around the First Contact conflict between humans and other galaxies. Count me in!

Just as any outstanding space epic should, Mass Effect boasts an extensive backstory, and it would be a missed opportunity for Amazon not to embrace this depth rather than avoiding it.

Instead of simply revisiting Commander Shepard’s galactic journey for amusement, delving deeper into the lesser-known aspects of the past could make for a far more intriguing experience for dedicated fans.

In this approach, the TV series can honor its origins without sullying the reputation of the video games and also avoid narrating a tale that simply doesn’t align with the atmosphere of the brand.

Prioritize visuals & design above all else

It’s undeniable that transforming video games into movies or TV shows can be quite challenging. Poor character development and weak visual effects, particularly in the design aspect, are often the main pitfalls of these adaptations.

Reflect on the initial Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer and the buzz it generated due to various mishaps. Similarly, Warcraft faced criticism for its heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI). To ensure success, Amazon needs to deliver a technically refined and convincing Mass Effect series, as the task isn’t easy given the unique setting. However, failure to avoid excessive CGI could lead to the series not lasting beyond one season.

If the initial episode features large CGI characters like a Krogan or Turian, my instinct would be to switch it off immediately. Realistic visuals seem more appealing.

In the spirit of innovation demonstrated by Fallout and The Last of Us through their outstanding wardrobe and prop teams, we kindly urge Mass Effect to follow suit and strive for realistic execution in its design.

2024-11-11 08:53