In comics, the wisdom among those in the know has long been: “no one stays dead (except Uncle Ben).” We might modify that rule to suit videogames: “every series continues (except Shenmue).” As we've seen from Halo's Reclaimer Trilogy, it doesn't matter how conclusive your series-ending epic seems: there's always a prequel, or a spinoff, or just a whole other trilogy, waiting to satisfy the insatiable hunger of fans. You know this, and Bioware knows you know this, so it's openly optimistic about the future of Mass Effect – but Commander Shepard won't be returning after the third installment.
“We have ambitious plans to continue this franchise going forward,” says Bioware CEO Dr Ray Muzyka. He promises Mass Effect 3 will prove “a thrilling and epic conclusion to the trilogy as we promised our fans we’d provide for Commander Shepard, but it’s also a brand new beginning.” Producer Michael Gamble concurs: “After this, Commander Shepard’s story is complete.” But you don't build a universe as detailed as Mass Effect's just to tell one guy's (or girl's) story – not if there's a ready audience for further exploration, anyway – so where the series might go next, you'll find out soon enough after Mass Effect 3's March 2012 release...
Aug 31, 2011
Source: PC Gamer
