Mass Effect is one of the most popular sci-fi franchises in the industry. It is not for less, because his world and his lore are inspired by the great sagas of the genre.
Dorian Kieken, who worked at BioWare during the production of the first Mass Effect, revealed a fact that will undoubtedly interest all fans of the saga. At one point a spin-off of the franchise was planned inspired by a popular Star Wars character: Han Solo.
During a chat with The Gamer, the creative spoke about this project that unfortunately never saw the light. This is because it was canceled before the debut of Mass Effect 2.
HAN SOLO WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR A CANCELED MASS EFFECT SPIN-OFF
Kieken revealed that it all started in 2008, when the team behind the original Mass Effect was looking for ideas for a new game. This happened shortly after the release of the first installment, so a spin-off was thought to expand the lore of the saga.
The developer gave a clear idea about the type of game they wanted to make, as their main inspiration was Han Solo, a Star Wars character recognized for his adventures as a mercenary throughout the galaxy.
Kieken said that this project was not planned as a main installment at any time, as the goal was to make a game that exists alongside the trilogy that we all know. He also commented that the title would be based on Star Control .
“We explored a game concept in 2008, shortly after the release of the first Mass Effect , where you were playing a Han Solo type character in a Star Control- inspired game in the Mass Effect universe, ” Kieken commented.
As is evident, this project did not materialize. We know that it was canceled before the debut of Mass Effect 2 , as it was difficult to develop both projects. “We all needed to focus on Mass Effect 2 , which was the right decision at the time. However, I think the concept was very solid and I would definitely like to see a game like that one day, “added the developer.
Kieken assured that they noticed Han Solo as the character fit very well in the Mass Effect universe as a smuggler or space pirate. In addition, it allowed to see the world of the saga from a new perspective, “like exploring the Star Wars universe without being a Jedi.”
“I think having ‘grayer’ types of characters, defined as not being aligned with the universe’s good or bad guys, and also not attached to any major factions like pirates, allows you a large breath of exploration that you don’t have when you are the savior of the galaxy. Think of the story freedom you have in TV series like the Mandalorian or Firefly thanks to mercenaries or smuggler character archetypes.” concluded Kieken.
