What is the Mass Effect Reference in Dragon Age?
Mass Effect and Dragon Age are two beloved franchises of BioWare, a world-renowned video game development company. While they both belong to the same group, they operate in separate universes with distinct plotlines and gameplay mechanics. However, fans have identified several Easter eggs and subtle references that link the two series. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Mass Effect references in Dragon Age.
The First Reference: LOAD LIMIT REACHED
In Dragon Age: Origins, the first Mass Effect Easter egg is a Codex entry called LOAD LIMIT REACHED. At first glance, it’s just a seemingly innocuous message, but fans are quick to point out a connection to Mass Effect: Commander Shepard’s infamous failure to save the planet Prima Nova in the pilot episode of Mass Effect (LOAD LIMIT REACHED). This clever hint at the game’s source material is a testament to BioWare’s dedication to crafting a cohesive and fan-friendly experience.
Star Wars and Alien References Explained
As we expand our search for Mass Effect references in Dragon Age, we stumble upon additional curious connections. One notable parallel is the starship salvage mechanic, where Commander Shepard can collect and reverse-engineer technology from shipwrecks. Although not directly connected to Dragons Age, the concept was likely inspired by the abundance of space wreckage in countless sci-fi settings, ranging from Star Wars to Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise (Figure 1).
Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (MMORPG) Connection
In September 2017, at the Dragon Age: Solas’ Loyalty 10th Anniversary Q&A, BioWare’s Associate Producer, Nathan Bahner, revealed a fascinating gem. He hinted that elements from Mass Effect were absorbed into the design of Origins, particularly with regards to the Origins’ character creation process which was heavily influenced by Commander Shepard’s background customization setup. This intriguing connection establishes a deeper connection between BioWare’s franchises.
, [Source: BioWare]
Are Mass Effect and Dragon Age Connected Across Universes?
From a narrative standpoint, any direct connections between Mass Effect and Dragon Age are hazy. No concrete facts or statements have been directly linked to validate this contention. However, we can deduce there are cross-universes influences, which include the following (Table1):
| Character | Inspiration | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Commander Shepard | Military background | LOAD LIMIT REACHED |
| Commander Bioware (Origins) | Origin story + character customization | Origins and Mass Effect backgrounds |