A recent comment by theMassEffectProject Director and Executive Producer appears to hint that the second game’sLair of the ShadowbrokerDLC hides connections to the series' upcomingMass Effect 4. Following the discounted sale ofMass EffectLegendary Edition, a remastered collection of the series' original trilogy and their respective DLCs, Michael Gamble took to X to encourage others who hadn’t already to buy the game. However, in this same post, Gamble also specifically drew attention toMass Effect 2’sLair of the Shadowbrokerand insisted that these same fans played the DLC expansion.
While this could be taken as the development team having pride in its work, it seems to be more than just a coincidence that one ofMass Effecttrilogy’s iconic characters, Liara T’Soni, appears in bothLair of the Shadowbrokerand promotional trailers forMass Effect’s next game. With official details still scarce on the upcomingMass Effect 4, Gamble’s post has left players speculating about the potential implications it could have between the DLC and the series' next game. By exploring the DLC’s story and its impact on theMass Effectuniverse, it might be possible to theorize aboutMass Effect 4’s potential plot.
What Mass Effect 2’s Lair of the Shadow Broker Could Reveal About Mass Effect 4
Despite not appearing as a squadmate inMass Effect 2, Liara featured in theLair of the ShadowbrokerDLC, which saw her and Commander Shepard reuniting to take on the mysterious and dangerous Shadowbroker, a figure previously teased in the first game. After killing the original Yahg Shadowbroker, the DLC concludes with Liara taking over command of an intricate network of agents and operatives throughout the galaxy and becomes the Shadowbroker herself. In the following game,Mass Effect 3, whereLiara returns as a squadmate again, she is still actively working as the Shadowbroker in aiding the war effort against the Reapers.
Liara Could Return as The Shadowbroker in Mass Effect 4
Liara is the only confirmed character to be returning inMass Effect 4so far, as she was briefly featured toward the end of the game’s announcement trailer.Gamble’s recommendation to replayMass Effect 2’s DLCspecifically instead of the original trilogy suggests that her upcoming role in the next game has a potential link to her status as the Shadowbroker. If true, thenMass Effect 4could follow a similar storyline centered around covert operations, espionage, and other shadowy dealings reflective of the Shadowbroker’s original role betweenMass EffectandMass Effect 2.
The Next Mass Effect Could Have a Stealth-based Espionage Focus
Beyond Gamble’s X post, there has already been significant speculation about the possible story and directionMass Effect 4will take, something which was fueled further by new promotional artwork and a teaser trailer released as part ofMass Effect’s N7 Day in 2023. A new mysterious figure dressed in an N7-emblazoned trench coat and faceless helmet is featured prominently in both the trailer and concept art. This has led to fan theories likeShepard’s potential return inMass Effect 4or that the figure’s design implies the next game will move toward a focus on stealth and espionage rather than the original trilogy’s wartime.
Between the trailer and artwork shown from 2023’s N7 Day, and now Gamble’s post aboutMass Effect 2’sLair of the Shadowbroker, it seems some of these theories may actually be accurate given that Liara is set to return inMass Effect 4. Should Liara play a key role inMass Effect 4’s story, then it seems that her status as the Shadowbroker could be integral to the game and establish the new direction the series will take. However, based on whichending toMass Effect 3is canon, how Liara will influenceMass Effect 4remains to be seen until official news comes from BioWare.
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