As the Mass Effect series comes to its conclusion, including its “and-this-time-I-mean-it” ending, it’s a good time to examine where the series can go without being about Commander Shepard.

The Mass Effect universe is open enough that we can have a lot of fun here…

Massive Alliance

Mass Effect III is pretty fun, and it’s also awesome to see different races and classes, all working together against a common foe. You know what would be even better? If it was single-player. Oh, and also if it was turn-based. With an isometric view. Yeah. Mass Effect Tactics, a true successor to X-COM and Jagged Alliance.

You can even conceive of an overarching strategic goal. You’re the Illusive Man’s counterpart, a group dedicated to alliances and integration with alien races in order to ensure Humanity’s survival. So you back Shepard up in her wars against the Geth, the mercenaries and Collectors, and the Reapers and Cerberus. You are responsible for the most daring raids to put together the Crucible, and it ends with you clearing a path in London.

Secrets Of The Citadel: A Garrus Vakarian Adventure

The Sol system is tense following the final defeat of the Reapers. The Humans are rebuilding, but the Council fleets and much of their power are trapped in-system, with military and little else. They settle on the cleaned-out Citadel, but just as tensions rise, the new Human ambassador ends up dead.

Garrus Vakarian, former detective, trapped on Earth in the final battle gets caught up in the case. He’ll travel between Earth, the fleet, and the Citadel, looking for clues, interrogating witnesses, and solving puzzles. It’s the latest and greatest in the famed traditional Garrus Vakarian adventure series!