Games like Mass Effect in 2021

It feels like eons when the first mass effect game did a groundbreaking entry into the gaming world. We all had our odds; some of us struggled against winning the combat system, capturing aliens, waiting for the loading screen to vanish, hard-time handling the guns but regardless, it was an amazing title. In the last decade, BioWare produced a couple of decent titles to match the classical mass effects. The resulting outcomes were not up to the mark, and somehow ruined the sequels (especially Andromeda). Although the remarkable sex scenes, character-building perks, and interactive environment were carried forward to meet the ends, they did a good job.

Not to mention, BioWare has angered many potential customers after the not-so-epic release of Andromeda. It was glitchy, buggy, and separated by bad choices.

Well, your presence here means you are looking for something spicy and as interactive as classical mass effect to feed your desires. The below-mentioned titles are enough to meet the ends and are relatively a facsimile of the mass effect series.

Without any further ado, let’s begin!

The list is as follows:

1. The Witcher 3
2. Final Fantasy 15
3. Borderlands 3
4. Anthem
5. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
6. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
7. Dragon Age: Inquisition
8. Bioshock: Infinite
9. Rage
10. Mass Effect Andromeda

The Witcher 3

CD Projekt is known for its extraordinary releases. The time frame they take to push the game into the market is huge. It took them around four years to work on the sequel of the Witcher series. The game is refined with new elements and a breath-taking environment. This game proposes a significant timeline for the events of Witcher 2. When comparing Mass effect with the Witcher 3, both the titles have individual components that make them outstanding in their ways. For example, the system of the butterfly effect was delicately incorporated in both the titles. This means that the choices you make will have an impact on your progress.

Witcher 3 has an exciting and gorgeous world you can wander into. Complete a mosaic of side quests in conjunction with the campaign to explore the vast world. You can craft new weapons, use potions, kill some monsters, and romance with Triss and Yennefer.

To our surprise, Witcher 3 holds a unique system of bartending and trading. You can join factions to involve in political views and help the NPCs achieve their dreams. It feels like the whole World of Witcher 3 revolves around the Geralt of Rivia (protagonist). I remember giving the game more than 70 + hours with DLC included. Forsooth, this speaks volumes regarding the sort of complete immersion I had into the fictional World of Witcher 3.

The melee combat is quite similar to that of mass effect; otherwise, the combat system is poles apart: how guns and swords are connected, huh?

All in all, if you are into romance, exploring the world, and a fan of RPG, then Witcher 3 will cater to your taste buds.

Final Fantasy 15

Japanese Role-playing games have strengthened their position in the market, and so is the case with the new installment to the long-yearned series of final fantasy. The declaration that Final fantasy 15 is similar to that of mass effect is a possibility in narrative entanglement, character development, and exploration of the vast world. Some of the games like mass effect have a controlled narrative, where the outcomes are foreshadowed in the prologue. In contrast, in Final Fantasy 15, you weave your way through the series of hurdles and complete the undiscovered narrative. The choices are yours, and the finale is inevitable.

The mesmerizing beauty of the world where you play with Noctis-main protagonist is quite appreciative, giving neck-to-neck competition to Shepard from mass effect. The emotional surge experienced through the never-ending quest of final fantasy 15 is what makes it par the requirement.

Not to mention, you can change your avatars, clothes, battle-weapons, elixirs, emotes, romance styles (yes, an element from mass effect, indeed), and most importantly, characters. The game kicks off with a killer cliffhanger, which makes the narrative twisty and worth a shot.

Additionally, the friendliness established between your amazing friends is a feast to the eyes. You can control the dialogues, the choices which unfold the narrative to your expectation and help you discover the most out of the game. Final fantasy 15 is a settling game with an excellent rating. If you are an intense fanboy of games like mass effect or even the original title, then this game is just made for you. For me, it was a roller-coaster all the way long.

Borderlands 3

If you think about why borderlands 3 took the third position in the list, then the answer is pretty simple. Let’s say, borderlands 3 is a perfect clone of mass effect when considering red zones, areas, combat style, weapons, dialogues, and extra-terrestrial links. You will come across swears like “F*ck off!”.

That’s mass effect!

Most importantly, it’s an RPG where you control different perspectives and narratives whilst exploring the vast fictional world. Albeit, the game has mixed reviews regarding the mechanics and style. People have been combusting for no particular reason. Let me remind you that not everyone has the same taste buds. In particular, I enjoyed the game to the core, especially the epic slurring that had partnered with me for more than 50 hours.

As for the interactive system of borderlands 3, you can collect as many goodies as possible from the areas you have conquered. Although, those areas are not wiped out entirely due to the fragmented system. The best part about the game is that you have a dedicated partner with you all the time.

Are we talking about “claptrap”? Yes, verily!

Additionally, other games like mass effect might not have the alien element, but to our surprise, Borderlands 3 did a fascinating job by incorporating extra-terrestrial creatures to make the game more nightmarish. If you are into aliens (not sexually), then grab the game already.

Anthem

Anthem was another sloppy release from BioWare, considering how ignorant the developers tend to be sometimes. Notwithstanding, a few elements like narrative, multiplayer, and the open-world, make the game dropped to number 4.

The story takes a fictional world, where you can play with one of the four factions. Those four discrete factions possess unique characteristics and abilities you can flaunt. The characters look enthralling, especially when combined with the breath-taking atmosphere the game is situated on. Strictly speaking, the game is online, where you can play with three other friends all the time. Complete the game on Co-op, and distribute the war-booty equally.

Not to mention, the game is based on futuristic algorithms where robot-like creatures have inhabited the area. Your mission is to wipe out your enemies and hold the flag of peace. As far as the dialogue is concerned, they, to an extent, affect your storyline, but not significantly when compared to mass effect. You can still have fun whilst confabulating with NPC’s and your friends.

Besides, if you are into guns only and explore the vast world as per your need, this game is just for you. Speaking from personal experience, the optimization may have been hampered by the instant release, but the visuals, animation, and cliffhangers are worth a shot. Believe me; it deserves the number 4 position on the list.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is the sequel to the gorgeous title “Human Revolution.” The Mankind divided made its appearance in mid-2016. The title revolves around a novel breakout of AI’s (Machines), causing chaos. The main protagonist wanders off into the land of darkness and mystery to cope up with the situation. Considering the likeness of the game to the mass effect, it is humongous. Significantly, the open-world blessed the players with intricate choices which shape the narrative.

Surprisingly, the developers granted machine-like perks to Adam Jenson to have a similar experience to that of machines. You can switch to electrocution attributes, hacking tools, abilities that can throw off your opponent’s guard. The interactive system incepted into the game is phenomenal. You can use the environment against your enemies. For example, I remember vanishing into the thin air by teleporting to one of the windows above me. So, if your character is on alert mode, and you want to get rid of it, use the environment as an escaping tool.

At times, you will be required to blend in to get to your goal. The stealth mode proposed by the system is enticing. You will have to meander through potholes, windows, and doors to achieve what you are looking for. Let’s say it’s again mass effect where you can choose the combat style: Stealth or Open. Choose your poison wisely!

If you were immersed in the storyline of mass effect, then Mankind divided is just for you. But if you are playing this game because EA is behind it, then you need help, seriously!

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

What a stunning game! Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order is the latest installment in the Star Wars world. After the last two releases of Battlefront, they produced a game with a complete Single player version. The fanatics of Battlefront know the taste of playing multiplayer, but if you are a new player and haven’t known Star Wars, then this game is a perfect match for you. It doesn’t require you to know about previous releases, so as long as you can survive, it’s perfect.

The question here arises that how is this game like mass effect? Well, the answer is quite simple. If you compare both the games’ mechanics, you’ll conclude that they follow a similar pattern of combat, storyline, and character development. In mass effect, Shepard goes through a series of intricacies to withstand his nemesis. Similarly, the main protagonist of Star Wars does the same. All you have to do is earn the experience points and upgrade your partner’s ability and yours in a similar way.

Not to mention, this game uses guns and swords equally, whereas the mass effect is solely based on the notion of using futuristic technology. If you think you are a hunter and explorer with skills in stealth, then this is another game you should put on your list.

…Have fun playing with lightsabers, believe me, they are love!

Dragon Age: Inquisition

If you are looking forward to a facsimile of mass effect, then Dragon Age: Inquisition is what you are missing right now. You can say it’s one of EA’s games, which is not messed up completely. Although both the games have their strengths and weaknesses when constructive criticism is placed, regardless, Dragon Age: Inquisition has that aura that can forcefully make you submit to the endless world of dragons.

It’s a game where the elements of fantasy are so smushed together that it feels like you are living in a magical place. As far as the controlled system is concerned, you can control the narrative through dialogues, romance with other NPCs and characters, join clans, form a group, use magic, kill beasts, and, most importantly, hunt dragons. From hunting, you can craft new weapons and unlock different magical attributes. In short, Dragon Age: Inquisition gives you a detailed insight into its magical world.

You can play as a Qunari! That’s ridiculous, isn’t it?…

Additionally, the Dragon age has an impact that can last for years to come. You can interact with the environment as per necessity, which is the case with mass effect too. Fortunately, weird dialogues have been thrashed by the developers on purpose, so it feels more natural. Verily, it’s a sister game of mass effect. Not to mention, I had fun playing with female warriors and mages. They have this lance that can shoot abnormal magical shards, and boom, enemies are dead. If you are a fan of mages and witches, then Dragon Age: Inquisition is what you should be playing right now.

Bioshock: Infinite

Booker Dewitt was a new playable character in Bioshock: Infinite with a strange plot. It was commented that no one had ever witnessed such an engaging plotline in their gaming life. That’s one of the reasons for the rating of 9.4 out of 10. Why am I comparing this game with mass effect? The visuals and narrative direction are paramount in both games. The emotional trauma which the player has to go through whilst solving the storyline is withstanding. You immerse yourself in Columbia as an investigator, and from there, the roller coaster starts.

Bioshock Infinite is the third installment in the BioShock series yet is considered the best among them. The classical prequels are beyond comparison and were good for their times, but when you compare games like mass effect with the contemporary titles, you have to pick Bioshock: Infinite. You are sinning if you are not!

Well, this game has the element of magic, where the playable character can use elixirs to increase the possibilities of winning against the odds. You can control a behemoth bird, with a drop-dead beauty right beside you. She’s Elizabeth. The story revolves around Booker and Elizabeth, and it’s one of a kind. You don’t want to miss it, do you?

As far as the combat style is concerned, you can select from a range of weapons, which is the case with mass effect too.

All in all, if you are an extreme lover of mass effect, then why haven’t you played BioShock yet? Go on; it’s waiting for you!

Rage

The title “Rage” speaks volumes. It’s a completely different game set off in a fiction world. If you compare the mass effect with rage, you might conclude that both the games are poles apart in the plotline. Rage is a horror game, whereas mass effect a simple Sci-Fi action game. But some elements have wired themselves in both the titles. Firstly, you have full control over the narratives. It entirely depends upon you which route you’ll take.

Rage has a combination of two elite genres, one is FPS, and the other is Racing. You can combine these two biggest features of the game to form an absolute gem. You can use these vehicles to win against the odds. You can terminate your enemies by running over them, what a bloodbath it will be. Not to mention, you can go on hunts to clear out monster zones. You can upgrade your weapons and the parked vehicles.

Surprisingly, the game didn’t make much out of the customers but believe me, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. Take my words!

Mass Effect Andromeda

Well, there are games like mass effect andromeda but this one is the original, and sorry to say the game didn’t fulfill the expectations. You must be wondering why I put such a bad optimized game in the top 10 list. Well, there’s a huge reason behind it, and it includes the franchise fandom. You must be aware of how epic an installment the first game was. Unfortunately, the developers didn’t release the latter two installations up to the expectations, which means the franchise’s inevitable downfall. Well, let’s say it didn’t happen. Regardless of the bummer, the Andromeda was, the game enthusiasts saved the game from plummeting down.

This sequel is set up in the Andromeda Galaxy focusing on a different and unique timeline. As usual, you can control the narrative through the dialogues and choices you make along the way. But what sets this game apart from the other prequels? Well, it’s a new system of combat where you can use abilities more prominently, with little to no mana depletion.

Not to mention, you can freestyle in whatever manner you want with no restrictions. You can take down enemies however you want. EA updated its multiplayer game, and now you can play with more than four characters in the Co-op section. Surprisingly, the romance option is still there, and you can witness some love-making scenes; what a benevolent sight!

If you are into immersive story tales, then Andromeda is just right for you. Considering the elements that it brings from the prequels, it’s worth a shot.

Summing-up

If you are still indecisive about which game to pick, I will recommend that you go with the Witcher 3 first, since it’s an epic title to go off with. You can have a neck-to-neck experience of mass effect by playing Witcher 3. Not to mention, these games similar to mass effect have a huge fanbase, which means you can connect with them through discord and other notable applications. On top of that, these games were only pitched in after reviewing many forums and blogs. People were really asking for it, and I thought why not add some games like mass effect 2 and mass effect 3. After the completion, you can pick up any random game from the list. They all are equally notable. Good luck and have fun bashing some monsters on games like mass effect 3.

Muhammad Bilal

Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.