Mass Effect Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

After the death of Dragon Age, it’s a megaton bummer to go back and hear BioWare’s founders talk about the series’ bright future

PCG has rediscovered a hands-on preview of Dragon Age: Origins by Evan Lahti, along with an interview from 2009 with BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk. At that time, the studio was thriving, with both founders expressing optimism about the franchise's future and hinting at sequels. Muzyka noted that Dragon Age would be a franchise with a continuum of experiences, referencing a save transfer feature inspired by Mass Effect. Lahti recalls the excitement of covering the studio shortly after its acquisition by EA. Muzyka defended the artistic integrity of their games against media scrutiny, while Zeschuk commented on controversies surrounding early Mass Effect titles. The interview originally appeared in PC Gamer #198 (UK, March 2009).

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company writer wants its cast to have real friction: ‘It’s not a personal fantasy game’

Star Wars Zero Company, directed by Aaron Contreras, aims to create a distinct narrative identity, departing from common RPG tropes. The game combines strategic gameplay similar to XCOM with storytelling elements reminiscent of Mass Effect. A feature detailing the development process and narrative vision is available, showcasing insights from Contreras and the Bit Reactor team. An explainer provides essential details about the game's features and narrative direction, indicating that it seeks to redefine the RPG landscape with a focus on challenge and emotional depth.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

In 2007, two game music GOATs collaborated on the criminally underrated soundtrack to a similarly underrated D&D RPG

Critical Hit, formerly Soundtrack Sunday, explores video game music and audio design, highlighting titles like Neverwinter Nights, which has a dedicated fanbase. The first expansion of Neverwinter Nights 2, Mask of the Betrayer, is noted for its mature narrative and impactful music, which plays a significant role in the game's atmosphere. Brandon, the audio director at Obsidian during the late 2000s, discussed the development of Mask of the Betrayer and its soundtrack, which he collaborated on with Womb Music's Rik Schaffer and Margaret Tang. The main theme of Mask of the Betrayer is described as mysterious and epic, with a darker reinterpretation for the DLC. The theme for Mulsantir captures the city's duality, blending inviting and sinister elements. Brandon aimed to encapsulate the medieval sound of Dungeons & Dragons, resulting in a soundtrack that enhances gameplay and leaves a lasting impression on players.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be “100% human made”

Owlcat has admitted to using generative AI in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, specifically for prototyping and placeholders, which will be replaced before final assets are created. PR manager Katharina Popp clarified that this approach is intended to streamline development, allowing for rapid iteration. However, this decision has sparked debate among fans, many of whom prefer human creativity over AI-generated content. Owlcat previously stated that generative AI was not used in their other titles, raising questions about their commitment to originality. The community has expressed resistance to the technology, with some players stating they do not want to play games that incorporate generative AI.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Everything you need to know about Star Wars Zero Company

Bit Reactor's tactical game, Star Wars Zero Company, is set in the Clone Wars era and is projected to launch in 2026, though a specific release date has not been disclosed. The game features tactical combat mechanics similar to XCOM and allows players to command a mercenary group made up of former operatives from the Separatist and Republic factions. Players control a custom protagonist named Hawks, accompanied by a clone buddy named Trick, and can choose from a diverse cast of squadmates, each with unique abilities. Character customization is extensive, allowing players to select from various classes and alien species for their mercenaries. Combat involves controlling a squad of four characters with three action points per turn, and players can engage in tactical missions and non-combat operations that affect squad morale and narrative outcomes. The home base, called the Den, serves as a hub for research, gear upgrades, and mission selections. The game will not include player-centric romance subplots. Developed by Bit Reactor and published by Respawn under EA, the narrative direction is led by Aaron Contreras.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

The companions in Owlcat’s new Mass Effect-inspired RPG stand ready to have heart-to-heart chats, drag you into their sidequests, and blow a lot of stuff up

Owlcat Games has gained recognition in modern isometric RPGs with titles like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The studio is now developing a third-person shooter RPG titled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, marking a shift from its traditional isometric games. This new project aims to blend cinematic sci-fi adventure elements with RPG storytelling, challenging the studio to maintain narrative depth while adopting a more dynamic gameplay style.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?

In role-playing games (RPGs), there is a debate between using pre-defined characters with backstories versus creating unique characters. Many players appreciate the freedom of crafting their own characters, as seen in games like Baldur's Gate and Skyrim, which offer extensive customization and replayability. Conversely, games like Mass Effect and The Witcher, featuring defined protagonists, provide memorable experiences through strong narratives and emotional depth, despite offering less character customization. Players face significant choices that shape their journeys, even with established characters. The release of Baldur's Gate 3 blends both approaches, allowing for rich character development while starting from a blank slate. This ongoing discussion encourages players to reflect on their preferences in character creation versus narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

These are my 20 RPG freak pick must-plays for $10 or less in the Steam Spring Sale

- Fallout: New Vegas is priced at 99 cents. - Disco Elysium is available for an undisclosed price. - Deus Ex: Invisible War is priced at £1.49. - Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is priced at £3.89. - Pillars of Eternity is available for 99 cents. - Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is priced at 99 cents. - Alpha Protocol is available for 99 cents. - Bloodlines 2 is priced at 99 cents.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Is Marathon’s time-to-kill too fast, or am I too Arc Raiders-pilled?

The author completed the original Mass Effect and shifted focus to extraction shooters, particularly Marathon, influenced by experiences in Arc Raiders. During the first 24 hours with Marathon, the author compared it to Arc Raiders, noting the challenging gameplay dynamics, including a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and the importance of teamwork. Initial frustrations with Marathon's pace shifted to appreciation as the author adapted strategies with friends. The game emphasizes sound and teamwork, with a TTK that feels punishing but manageable with squad support. The author reflected on the need for better resource management, expressing concerns about inventory issues and the early loss of loadouts. They suggested that Bungie should streamline gameplay to enhance the PvP experience.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Avowed was always great, but now that it costs what it should have at launch and nobody’s being weird about it online, it’s kinda perfect

The gaming community's perception of Avowed has improved significantly one year after its release, with players now recognizing its merits more favorably. The game received a collection of minor enhancements in its recent anniversary update, similar to improvements seen in Cyberpunk 2077. Initial reactions were mixed, with some players struggling with mechanics and expectations, but criticisms have lessened over time. Bloomberg's early interview indicated that Avowed was meeting sales targets, though recent reports suggested it was slightly underperforming. The game received respectable reviews, with a rating of 82% from PCG Australia and an 80% score on Metacritic. The narrative around Avowed has evolved, with some players expressing acceptance after initially disliking the game. Its price has been reduced, making it more appealing for new players.