BioWare are known for some of thebest character-oriented gamesof the last few decades, and their reputation is one that has been earned on the backs of some masterwork titles that will remain culturally relevant for years to come. It’s hard to overstate just how influential series likeDragon AgeorMass Effecthave been to the gaming scene overall.
So, with fluctuating character alignments and engaging, in-depth stories, what else is it that makes BioWare such a monolithic title? The answer is in its atmosphere. Some BioWare games from among its many trilogiesand stand-out titleshave truly exceptional atmosphere, tone and ambiance.
There are a host of aesthetic, narrative, and mechanical elements inMass Effect 1that make it one of the best sci-fi RPGs of all time. Even minor things such as the optional film grain effect to really enhance that pulp sci-fi feeling are incredibly valuable contributions to the overall atmosphere.
The synth heavy music and heavy emphasis on cool colors help maintain the distant, otherworldly feeling of the game, while also using warmer colors, such as yellows and oranges, only when appropriate to communicate a significant departure from the typical world of ships and the Citadel that Shepard knows. This is the atmosphere that makesShepard’s decisions so hard, because it binds them to the story.
One of the many reasons thatDragon Age 2is often underrated is for the players missing out on the exceptional atmosphere that Kirkwall, the City of Chains, offers its denizens. This exotic trade hub’s troubled history and troubled present both are manifested in the stark gray walls, the golden sandstone, and the scenic ocean views available to Hawke and their companions throughout the story.
This is what makesDragon Age 2so unique. Its intimate focus on Kirkwall makes Kirkwall feel like its own character, and the atmosphere, at times perilous and tense, at times lax and free-flowing, help player come to identify with the shifting moods of this mysterious city.
Standing proud as one of thebestStar Warsgamesof all time,Knights of the Old Republicabsolutely nails the atmosphere of not just one, but every single one of its respective planets, though there are a few stand-outs in particular.
Taris is vaguely hostile and cold, descending into grimy madness the further below the surface the player goes. Even accounting for the dated graphics, the Wookie shadowlands are some of the most impressive and grimly atmospheric areas of any game, period, with a general pervasive aura of gloom surrounding them.
Every region inJade Empireis filled with mystery and intrigue. It’s a game that genuinely makes the player feel as though they’re a hero of myth, with some new grand intrigue waiting around every corner. It’s a compelling and singular game that uses lush environments and some excellent sound design to make a game that feels atmospheric and vital.
Jade Empirewas one of those games that help put BioWare on the map, and it stands today as a testament to their narrative craft, character work, and their capability to produce excellent atmosphere in quiet, emergent moments, not just during designated cutscenes or dialogue events.
Similar toKnights of the Old Republic,Dragon Age: The Veilguardhad its work cut out for it by having to come up with a unique atmosphere for not just one or a handful of locations, but for plenty of distinct, singular environments that each need an atmosphere which reflects the geographical and cultural conditions of the land.Veilguarddoes an excellent job separating the constant day showers of Minrathous from the gloom of the Hossberg Wetlands.
As more fansdive intoVeilguard, more people will be able to see the stark contrasts between locations entrenched in the Fade, such as the lighthouse or Arlathan Forest, with places suffering under the Blight, such as the aforementioned Wetlands.
Witha cast of incredible charactersand a slick, dynamic take on the combat that was both fresh and innovative,Mass Effect 2is the stylish older sister to its predecessor, with an excellent and revitalized atmosphere to boot. WhereMass Effect 1was cool and otherworldly,Mass Effect 2is dark and dangerous, signified by the heavy use of reds, oranges, and blacks in its world design.
IfMass Effect 1felt like a classic pulp sci-fi romp, then this title feels like a sleek spy thriller that just so happens to be set in space.Mass Effect 2is the Renegade Shepard of the trilogy and it has a fantastic, perilous atmosphere to complement this.
