BioWare fans are theorizing that the next Mass Effect will bring back the iconic series' moral binary, making players decide between the Paragon (good) and Renegade (bad) options in the game.
This is based on a potentially hidden detail seen in one of the posters for the upcoming game, as well as a new comment made by BioWare producer and Mass Effect 5 project director Michael Gamble.
The renegade/model system returns in full for Mass Effect 5 https://t.co/4OY9iUD2Cs pic.twitter.com/htjke2gz1C January 3, 2025
“Yes, it's true that more people played Paragon,” he tweeted. “But it wouldn't have made sense if Renegade hadn't existed. The ability to choose is stronger than the number of people who play any option.” It would probably be strange if he didn't adopt that mentality into the game he leads now.
The OG Mass Effect trilogy handled morality slightly differently than the studio's other major series, Dragon Age, by making “good” and “bad” decisions clearer. Doing or saying something a little morally ambiguous, like punching an exploitative journalist, would earn you Renegade points, while more empathetic dialogue options and decisions would earn you Paragon points. Sliding far enough to either side of the spectrum would then open up especially diabolical or kind options.
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