Normandy Out, New Ship In: Pros & Cons of Leaving the Normandy Behind

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Little is disclosed about Mass Effect 4, given that BioWare has been quite secretive about it since its unveiling at the end of 2020. From the limited details that have surfaced regarding this eagerly awaited game, it’s generally believed that it will carry on from where Mass Effect 3 concluded. This assumption is reinforced by the presence of Liara, a significant character in the original Mass Effect trilogy, in the announcement trailer, as well as an N7 armor fragment, hinting at the ongoing Milky Way storyline.

If we go by this scenario, there are numerous aspects that the upcoming game Mass Effect 4 might need to tackle. Besides the major concerns such as which ending of Mass Effect 3 will be considered canonical and which characters will reappear, there are also finer details that BioWare needs to sort out. One such detail is the condition of the Normandy spacecraft. If we consider the Extended Cut of Mass Effect 3 as the canon version, then the much-loved Normandy SR2 did survive the climax, albeit with some damage. However, if ME4 is planning to reunite the original crew, it remains to be seen whether they will also choose to return players to this legendary spacecraft or introduce something fresh instead?

The Pros and Cons of Mass Effect 4 Reviving the Normandy

Mass Effect Fans Could See the Normandy In a New Light

In the universe of Mass Effect, there are two distinct versions of the Normandy: firstly, the SR1 version that appears exclusively in Mass Effect 1, and secondly, the SR2 version which replaces the SR1 after its destruction at the start of Mass Effect 2. Given the multiple endings in Mass Effect 3, it’s reasonable to assume that players might encounter the SR2 version in a potential Mass Effect 4, if they even see the Normandy. This would be delightful for returning players, as Mass Effect 4 could innovate with the ship’s design, especially considering technological advancements—for example, eliminating loading screens when moving between different levels of the ship might be one such improvement.

In certain Mass Effect 3 endings, the Normandy SR2 makes an emergency landing on an unknown planet. However, the Extended Cut reveals that the spacecraft undergoes repairs in this scenario. These repairs might account for minor alterations to the ship’s design seen in Mass Effect 4.

Instead of just making cosmetic changes such as adding additional viewports, it would be more significant to undergo major structural transformations. For example, after Mass Effect 3, the SR2 could have been refurbished to incorporate new spaces like a recreation center or gym. Players might even customize both old and new SR2 areas, thereby enhancing the bond between player and ship in this new installment of the series.

Mass Effect 4 Could Be Restricted by Bringing Back the Normandy

Independent of personal opinions about Mass Effect Andromeda, it can be agreed that being separate from the Shepard storyline offers certain advantages. One such advantage is evident in the Tempest, a more expansive and intricate vessel compared to the original Normandy, despite possibly not capturing all the warmth and ambiance that the Normandy did.

In Mass Effect 4, BioWare could capitalize on similar strengths by introducing a completely new vessel instead of the Normandy. This would grant them more creative liberty to develop an entirely fresh spacecraft design. The new game wouldn’t be constrained by the limitations of the Normandy, which was built during the eighth console generation. Instead, it could expand its horizons with a larger, denser, or more exotic ship, distancing itself from the original series. This would symbolize breaking free from the Normandy’s influence, with its legacy being exclusively associated with the first three games.

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2025-04-20 02:35