For many, the Mass Effect trilogy was one of the highlights of the last video game console generation. BioWare's science fiction epic wowed gamers with hours of in-depth lore, along with one of the most memorable supporting casts in video game history. Although Mass Effect 3 may have stumbled at the last hurdle with an ending seen as disappointing by many, the trilogy was still a triumph, showing just how far video game storytelling and world-making could go.

As such, there have been plenty of rumors surrounding the potential release of a Mass Effect remastered trilogy, akin the upgraded versions of The Last Of Us and Tomb Raider. BioWare has discussed the possibility of a remastered version of the beloved franchise, whilst a Chilean retailer allegedly unveiled the artwork for a new-gen console trilogy. Because of this, fans have been on tenterhooks, awaiting more news about this HD re-release.

Even though a remastered trilogy tops many lists of most wanted HD remakes, it looks as though this much-desired release is unlikely to ever happen. In a recent interview with Game Informer, EA's Patrick Soderlund all-but stamped out the notion of a remastered Mass Effect trilogy. The publisher's executive vice president explained that there are currently no plans to release a PS4 or Xbox One version of the trilogy, with EA apparently looking towards new ideas, rather than retreading old ground.

According to Soderlund, it's a matter of where the publisher can best utilize funds. "I won't lie and say we haven't looked at it," said Soderlund. "But for us, it's about weighing where we spend our resources." The EA executive also explained that the publisher wanted BioWare to focus on entirely new projects. "Is it better for them to be working on a completely new IP, which you know BioWare is, or should they be remastering a Mass Effect?"

Soderlund also tried to lower expectations over just how well a Mass Effect remastered trilogy would work, hinting that sometimes nostalgia can cover over a game's flaws. "If I go back and play the old games, I think 'really?' Was this what it was? Because in my mind it was amazing." Given that BioWare has previously discussed how difficult it would be to transition between the different combat mechanics of Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, perhaps some of the awkward moments of the series could have been seen as too difficult to overcome.

Thankfully, Mass Effect fans still have something incredibly exciting to look forward to. During its E3 2015 press conference, EA revealed that the highly anticipated Mass Effect sequel is set for a holiday 2016 release. The game, now titled Mass Effect Andromeda, promises to take players to a whole new galaxy, whilst BioWare stated that the game takes place "long after the events of the original trilogy." Hopefully, Mass Effect Andromeda will be enough to stop the lack of a remastered trilogy from being a disappointment.

Source: Game Informer