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Get ready to dive into the world of BioWare! We're ranking their most iconic games from epic RPGs to controversial releases. Which title will take the top spot?
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00:00And now, finally, we have returned.
00:10Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking back at BioWare's legacy by ranking its original PC and home console games.
00:18We're excluding handheld releases, expansions, and remasters, and judging the games on their quality, impact, and how well they hold
00:26up.
00:27Humanity needs a hero, and Shepard's the best we've got.
00:31I'll make the call.
00:33Number 17, Anthem.
00:36We got this bastard. We have to get out of here.
00:38No, we push on. We're the only ones left.
00:42If you know anything about Anthem, you won't be surprised to see it here.
00:47But chances are you probably didn't even hear about it.
00:51It's pretty safe to say, even as a BioWare fan, that Anthem is the biggest flop this legendary studio has
00:57ever come up with.
00:59Anthem actually garnered a pretty strong hype train leading up to its release.
01:03But the game was released with a plethora of technical issues, glitches, and one of the weakest narratives in comparison
01:09to just how strong their storytelling usually is.
01:12Because of this, it received negative reviews from critics and casual consumers, and they barely even supported or tried to
01:20further develop the game.
01:21Which is a bit of a bummer when the premise is so good.
01:25Look everyone, I won't be here if I thought this song could beat me, right?
01:30Number 16, Dragon Age The Veil Guard.
01:33We shared a journey years ago. Do you believe that I would do this if there were some other better
01:40option?
01:40Featuring a heavy shift in tone towards a more bright and less gritty ambiance in comparison to their older Dragon
01:47Ages like 2 and Origins.
01:49There's a bigger focus on the action in combat, sacrificing some of the tactical depth we've had before.
01:56And the story's pacing is a bit all over the place. It doesn't come together as well as previous entries.
02:02The game is also a bit smaller than Inquisition, but that might be a good thing in this case.
02:08It's more dense, and the smaller scale allows a bigger focus on the characters.
02:12In the end, it still feels smooth, looks good, and still has a bit of Bioware charm to it.
02:18However little that may be.
02:20Blighted. Dead. All of them.
02:23You gave them to the gods, didn't you?
02:27Didn't you?
02:27Number 15, Mass Effect Andromeda.
02:37We made it.
02:39In an attempt to innovate a new gameplay system and perhaps move the franchise forward, Bioware gave us this.
02:46It has the hallmark features and staples of the previous games, but with the most fun gameplay systems yet.
02:52However, the story really missed the mark.
02:58It's not the worst, but it has some of the most hilariously awkward moments out of any Bioware game.
03:04Although, it gave us better exploration, combat, and actual detailed customization.
03:09But, it was still a pretty big letdown for fans of the series thanks to its botched execution.
03:15Sorry, my face is tired from dealing with...everything.
03:19Number 14, Shattered Steel.
03:30All right, let's rewind a bit.
03:33Shattered Steel is the first big commercial game by Bioware.
03:37Essentially, the proto-mech game, it introduced completely new features to the genre and really shows off Bioware's creativity in
03:45a totally different light.
03:46You steer mechs known as planet runners and fight aliens.
03:50It has environmental damage, targetable body parts for limb damage, with a wide array of different planet runners to choose
03:57from.
03:58It even lets you make your own missions.
04:00In fact, you could enjoy those with friends because the game also had multiplayer.
04:05Maybe a little dated visually, but it was still a total hit game.
04:16Number 13, MDK2.
04:18He was reluctant, but he had no choice.
04:21He was the Earth's last hope.
04:24Ah, MDK2.
04:26A worldwide hit, now lost to time, it appears most people kind of forgot about this game.
04:32Super charming, super weird, and actually pretty challenging.
04:36The development of MDK2 is pretty interesting, too.
04:40The first MDK was a hit, but the original creator, Nick Brutti, was busy, so Bioware ended up getting the
04:45project.
04:46Since then, it's become a total cult classic.
04:49It's hard not to enjoy this goofy and lovable game with its unique aesthetic and humor.
04:55And actually, Bioware developed a game engine specifically for this game, known as the Omen Engine.
05:02It's just awesome to see a game like this not take itself too seriously.
05:07A major setback for them, I'm certain.
05:09Yeah, I'm glad it's over.
05:11Yes, it's all over.
05:15Number 12, Dragon Age 2.
05:18What are you seeking?
05:19The champion.
05:22Which one?
05:23You know exactly why I want it!
05:27This game was often criticized for recycling the maps, and the smaller, more contained story.
05:33When you compare it to Inquisition or Veilguard, they're almost completely different franchises,
05:38with Dragon Age 2 being much darker and maybe a bit more realistic, too.
05:43Unfortunately, you can attribute some of the criticisms to a rushed development,
05:47but it has one of the best casts in any Bioware game.
05:51It's more grounded, self-contained, and what many would say are the best companions in Dragon Age.
05:57And in typical Bioware fashion, they just nail choice and consequence in this game.
06:03I had not thought to return in such a way.
06:07It is good to feel the breath of the fade again, not the empty air of your world.
06:14Number 11, Baldur's Gate.
06:16Baldur's Gate is the masterpiece that started it all.
06:20It's a timeless classic, and is a cornerstone of the RPG genre.
06:24It masterfully manages to convert Dungeons & Dragons into a playable game,
06:28and there's no one who couldn't do it better than Bioware.
06:32With an engaging narrative only able to be pulled off by them,
06:35the game boasts characters so well-written they still hold up,
06:38and can be found in Larian's Baldur's Gate 3 20 years later.
06:42This game is an absolute must-play if you consider yourself a CRPG fan.
06:48Number 10, Star Wars The Old Republic.
06:51For 300 years, we prepared.
06:55We grew stronger.
07:03Star Wars The Old Republic, also known as SWOTOR,
07:06is a 2011 World of Warcraft-esque MMORPG
07:10following the same style Bioware used with Knights of the Old Republic.
07:14It's the ultimate Star Wars online role-playing experience,
07:18as you get to select between Jedi, Sith, Trooper, Bounty Hunter, and more,
07:22each with their own respective storylines.
07:25Speckled with top-tier Bioware writing,
07:28you get to choose which path you go down,
07:30and so you can be an evil Jedi or a good Sith.
07:34It's still pretty good for its age,
07:36and you can play most of the game for free.
07:38Plus, who can forget those awesome cinematics?
07:45You were deceived.
07:49And now, your Republic shall fall.
07:55Number 9, Neverwinter Nights.
07:57Bioware would go on to develop the Aurora engine used in most of their 2000s games,
08:03one of which is Neverwinter Nights.
08:05But if you call this game a tech demo,
08:08you wouldn't be entirely off the mark.
08:11It was a full game, yes,
08:13but it was the first game of theirs using the Aurora engine.
08:16And one big feature of the game was the Aurora toolset,
08:19which let players create their own adventures using the engine,
08:23which was completely unheard of at the time.
08:26Today, we have lots of games that allow people to make their own user-generated content,
08:30but Neverwinter Nights was the first and best OG.
08:34And so it earns its spot comfortably on this list as a revolutionary title.
08:39Number 8, Jade Empire.
08:41Sometimes all you learn in defeat is that you have been defeated.
08:45This world is out of balance.
08:48Spirits grow restless,
08:49and you have a role to play that I have kept secret.
08:52After years of working with volatile IPs,
08:55Bioware decided in 2005
08:57that it was time to finally make something that was truly their own again.
09:01This led to the creation of Jade Empire.
09:04It's an iconic Bioware ARPG with awesome characters,
09:09a strong narrative, and a well-written story.
09:11Imagine they're Star Wars RPGs, but taking place in ancient China.
09:15That's exactly what Jade Empire is.
09:18It's a bit on the action side when it comes to their gameplay systems,
09:22and it's a pretty unique take on the genre.
09:24However, for its time, it was completely groundbreaking,
09:28from the completely unique setting to the unique combat system.
09:32Jade Empire is an absolute GOAT when it comes to Bioware games.
09:36I learn something every time we meet,
09:39proving that Lost sometimes is the best teacher.
09:42Thank the heavens the bruises are worth it.
09:44Number 7, Mass Effect 3.
09:46This isn't about strategy or tactics.
09:50This is about survival.
09:52The Reapers are more advanced than we are,
09:54more powerful, more intelligent.
09:56They don't fear us,
09:57and they'll never take pity on us.
10:00Tying up the original Mass Effect trilogy,
10:03Mass Effect 3 let us choose the fate of planet Earth.
10:06The hard decisions and gray moral consequences
10:09come to a head as players will be faced with more difficult choices than ever.
10:13Mass Effect 3 takes everything we've had in prior Mass Effect games
10:17and turns it up a notch,
10:18with stakes being way more dire and intense.
10:22Will Shepard rally the rest of the galaxy against the Reapers,
10:25or does he perhaps look the other way?
10:27This epic wrap-up to Shepard's story
10:30earns itself this spot on the list.
10:32And we will honor those who died to give us that future.
10:37Number 6, Dragon Age Inquisition.
10:40You still think I did this?
10:42To myself?
10:43Not intentionally.
10:45Something clearly went wrong.
10:48And if I'm not responsible?
10:50Someone is.
10:51And you are our only suspect.
10:54Dragon Age Inquisition won Game of the Year in 2014,
10:58and for good reason.
10:59Taking place after Origins and 2,
11:02we play as the Inquisitor,
11:04the Herald of Andrast.
11:05Full of gorgeous areas and stunning VFX,
11:09Dragon Age Inquisition is quite a feast for the eyes.
11:12It's also just a huge game,
11:15with plenty of giant zones to explore.
11:18According to Mark Dara,
11:20Inquisition's sales went far beyond EA's internal projections,
11:24making the game a massive commercial success.
11:27It might not have been perfect,
11:28but it was the best game of 2014 by a long shot.
11:32I just want to help stop the war.
11:34Try to put things back in order.
11:36A worthy goal, one I'm happy to support.
11:39Number 5, Mass Effect.
11:41I have been monitoring your communications
11:43since you arrived at this facility.
11:45I have translated my output into a format you will comprehend.
11:49In 2007, Bioware entered a new era
11:52intent on pioneering a new style for their role-playing games.
11:56With one of the most interesting and unique settings ever made,
12:00Mass Effect takes place in the Milky Way Galaxy in the year 2183.
12:04And it's executed perfectly,
12:07managing to create a world that feels like it exists outside of our playthrough.
12:11With a diverse, well-written cast of characters,
12:14awesome sound design and music,
12:16and a compelling story.
12:17Of course, it's not perfect,
12:19and has been criticized for its less-than-stellar sidequests.
12:22But for a new and fresh experiment,
12:25Bioware totally nailed Mass Effect 1.
12:28I'm sorry.
12:29It is too late for me.
12:34It's not over yet!
12:36You can still redeem yourself!
12:38Number 4, Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Am.
12:41Baldur's Gate 2 is at the zenith of CRPG game design,
12:46expertly mixing a rich world with well-developed characters
12:49and a strong narrative.
12:50Add in all the gameplay and combat systems,
12:53and you have a contender for top RPG of all time.
12:57And that's not even touching on the Space Hamster.
13:00As one of the earlier, fully fleshed-out RPG experiences that Bioware made,
13:04you can truly see the influence it has over their Dragon Age and Mass Effect series.
13:09Companions are well-written characters,
13:11the villains are strong,
13:12the voice acting is top-tier,
13:14and the choices and consequences present to the game
13:17make it easily a better RPG than many modern RPG games.
13:22Number 3, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic.
13:25Something tells me that you are not like the other students.
13:28I don't know why that is.
13:30I was right the first time back at the cantina, wasn't I?
13:33There is something different about you.
13:35Bioware's first Star Wars game,
13:37Knights of the Old Republic,
13:39or as you might know it,
13:40KOTOR,
13:41set a new precedent both for Bioware RPGs
13:44and Star Wars games of the future.
13:46It was a massive success,
13:48both in sales number,
13:50but also with the critics.
13:51The early 2000s truly was the golden age of Bioware,
13:55coming out with their best narratives,
13:57best characters,
13:58all the while pushing boundaries in the RPG genre.
14:01Even today, it's still a solid classic,
14:04but for its time,
14:06its features were new and fresh in gaming.
14:09It might be one of the best-written Star Wars games of all time.
14:14Interjection.
14:15One moment,
14:16I believe I understood that, Master.
14:18It may not have been his intention,
14:20but he did actually communicate something.
14:23Number 2, Dragon Age Origins.
14:26It may even be too late,
14:29for I have seen with my own eyes
14:32what lies on the horizon.
14:37Dragon Age Origins is by far the most beloved Dragon Age game of all time,
14:42and it's not hard to see why.
14:45It set a new bar for RPGs at the time,
14:47and it's still a total classic.
14:50Made with the older classics in mind,
14:52such as Baldur's Gate,
14:53it proved a grand and immersive world,
14:55sprawling with amazing characters and complex narratives.
14:58It offers one of the most robust character creators of the series,
15:02and the story is Bioware at their peak.
15:05These reasons,
15:07Origins is the best Dragon Age game.
15:09He has a seemingly impossible task,
15:12with a scarce handful of Grey Wardens,
15:14yet he does not complain or flinch from his duty.
15:16Before we continue,
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15:33Number 1, Mass Effect 2.
15:35I thought we'd be meeting face to face.
15:38A necessary precaution.
15:40Not unusual for people who know what you and I know.
15:43Mass Effect 2 is often considered the best of the bunch,
15:47and for good reason.
15:48It has parts that are masterclasses in game design,
15:51and some of the best missions in the entire franchise.
15:54It took the core systems of Mass Effect 1,
15:57and doubled down all the way.
15:59The writing only got better,
16:01and consequences only got more severe.
16:03While it lacks exploration and character customization
16:06compared to the first one,
16:08it makes up for it in basically every other department.
16:11Not only does Mass Effect 2 stand as Bioware's greatest accomplishment,
16:15but you'll find it ranked right at the top
16:17of many Greatest Games of All Time lists.
16:20Maybe you're right.
16:22Maybe we can't win this.
16:23But we'll fight you regardless.
16:26Just like we did Sovereign.
16:28Just like I'm doing now.
16:30Which Bioware game did you play first?
16:33Do you play MDK 2,
16:35or are you a Veilguard newcomer?
16:37Tell us down below.
16:38Did you enjoy this video?
16:40Check out these other clips from WatchMojo,
16:42and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell
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