Bioware is one of the most acclaimed and influential developers of role-playing games in the history of video games. From fantasy classics like Baldur’s Gate and Dragon Age to sci-fi epics like Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Bioware has created immersive and memorable worlds that have captivated millions of players.
But not all Bioware games are created equal. Some are widely regarded as masterpieces, while others are considered disappointments or even failures. How do they stack up against each other? Which ones are worth playing and which ones are better left forgotten?
In this article, we will rank all 16 Bioware games from worst to best, based on their critical reception, commercial success, fan feedback, and lasting impact. We will also look at the strengths and weaknesses of each game, and what makes them stand out in the crowded RPG genre.
Without further ado, let’s start with the list of Bioware Games Ranked:
16. Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
Platform(s): Nintendo DS Released: 2008
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is the only Bioware game that is not an RPG, but rather a turn-based tactical game featuring the iconic blue hedgehog and his friends. It is also the only Bioware game that is universally panned by critics and fans alike.
The game suffers from a bland and repetitive combat system, a poorly written and unfinished story, a low-quality graphics and sound, and a host of technical issues and bugs. It is widely regarded as one of the worst Sonic games ever made, and a stain on Bioware’s reputation.
Metacritic score: 74/100 Sales: 1.2 million copies Fan rating: 4.9/10 on GameFAQs Impact: None
15. Anthem
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One Released: 2019
Anthem is Bioware’s most recent and most ambitious game, a multiplayer online shooter set in a sci-fi world where players control flying exosuits called Javelins. It is also Bioware’s most controversial and disappointing game, a far cry from the developer’s RPG roots and standards.
Anthem was plagued by a troubled development, a lack of vision and direction, a rushed and unfinished launch, a shallow and repetitive gameplay loop, a weak and generic story, a poor and unbalanced loot system, and a myriad of technical problems and glitches. Despite some attempts to fix and improve the game, Anthem failed to meet the expectations of both the fans and the publisher, and was eventually abandoned by Bioware in 2021.
Metacritic score: 59/100 Sales: 5.3 million copies Fan rating: 3.9/10 on GameFAQs Impact: Negative
14. Mass Effect: Andromeda
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One Released: 2017
Mass Effect: Andromeda is the fourth installment in the Mass Effect series, and the first one to take place in a new galaxy, away from the original trilogy’s characters and events. It is also the first Mass Effect game to be developed by Bioware Montreal, a subsidiary studio of Bioware Edmonton.
Mass Effect: Andromeda was met with mixed reviews and reactions, as it failed to live up to the high standards and legacy of the previous games. While the game had some positive aspects, such as the exploration of new planets, the combat system, and the loyalty missions, it also had many negative aspects, such as the bland and uninteresting main story, the poorly written and developed characters, the lack of meaningful choices and consequences, the awkward and buggy animations, and the numerous technical issues and glitches. Mass Effect: Andromeda was a commercial flop, and led to the cancellation of any planned DLCs and sequels.
Metacritic score: 72/100 Sales: 2.8 million copies Fan rating: 5.1/10 on GameFAQs Impact: Negative
13. Dragon Age II
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Released: 2011
Dragon Age II is the sequel to Dragon Age: Origins, and the second game in the Dragon Age series. It follows the story of Hawke, a refugee who rises to become the Champion of Kirkwall, a city plagued by political and religious conflicts.
Dragon Age II was a divisive game among the fans and critics, as it made some drastic changes and compromises from the first game. While some praised the game for its faster and more dynamic combat system, its darker and more personal story, and its more diverse and charismatic companions, others criticized the game for its simplified and streamlined RPG mechanics, its reused and recycled environments, its linear and restrictive plot, and its lack of player agency and customization. Dragon Age II was a commercial success, but also a controversial and polarizing entry in the series.
Metacritic score: 82/100 Sales: 2 million copies Fan rating: 6.4/10 on GameFAQs Impact: Mixed
12. Jade Empire
Platform(s): Xbox, PC Released: 2005
Jade Empire is a martial arts-themed RPG set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient China. It follows the story of a martial arts student who becomes the last Spirit Monk, a chosen one who must stop a tyrant from unleashing a dark power.
Jade Empire was a well-received game by the critics and fans, as it offered a unique and refreshing setting, a rich and detailed lore, a fluid and satisfying combat system, a branching and engaging story, and a diverse and memorable cast of characters. However, Jade Empire was also a relatively short and easy game, with a limited replay value and a lack of depth and complexity compared to other Bioware games. Jade Empire was a moderate success, but never got a sequel or a remaster.
Metacritic score: 89/100 Sales: 0.8 million copies Fan rating: 8.2/10 on GameFAQs Impact: Low
11. Neverwinter Nights
Platform(s): PC Released: 2002
Neverwinter Nights is a fantasy RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition rules. It follows the story of a hero who must stop a mysterious plague from destroying the city of Neverwinter, and uncover a sinister plot behind it.
Neverwinter Nights was a groundbreaking game for its time, as it was the first RPG to use 3D graphics, and the first game to offer a powerful and versatile toolset that allowed players to create and share their own modules and campaigns. The game also had a robust and active online community, with thousands of user-generated content and multiplayer servers. However, Neverwinter Nights also had some flaws, such as a weak and generic main story, a lack of character development and interaction, a dated and clunky interface, and a steep learning curve for the toolset. Neverwinter Nights was a huge success, and spawned several expansions and a sequel.
Metacritic score: 91/100 Sales: 2.9 million copies Fan rating: 7.8/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
10. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Platform(s): PC Released: 2011
Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online RPG set in the Star Wars universe, thousands of years before the movies. It allows players to choose from eight different classes, each with their own story, alignment, companions, and abilities.
Star Wars: The Old Republic was a highly anticipated and ambitious game, as it was the first MMO developed by Bioware, and the spiritual successor to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The game delivered on some aspects, such as the immersive and cinematic storytelling, the voice acting and dialogue, the diverse and interesting planets, and the loyal and faithful representation of the Star Wars lore. However, the game also disappointed on some aspects, such as the generic and repetitive gameplay, the lack of innovation and originality, the poor and unbalanced endgame content, and the numerous technical issues and bugs. Star Wars: The Old Republic was a commercial hit, but also a costly and risky venture, and eventually switched to a free-to-play model in 2012.
Metacritic score: 85/100 Sales: 10 million copies Fan rating: 7.5/10 on GameFAQs Impact: Moderate
9. Mass Effect 3
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U Released: 2012
Mass Effect 3 is the third and final installment in the original Mass Effect trilogy, and the culmination of Commander Shepard’s epic saga. It follows the story of Shepard and his allies as they face the ultimate threat of the Reapers, a race of ancient machines that are bent on wiping out all organic life in the galaxy.
Mass Effect 3 was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, as it offered a thrilling and emotional conclusion to one of the most beloved and influential series in gaming history. The game improved and refined many aspects from the previous games, such as the combat system, the graphics and sound, the character customization and progression, and the multiplayer mode. However, Mass Effect 3 also had some controversies and criticisms, such as the day-one DLC, the ending controversy, the forced online integration, and the removal of some RPG elements. Mass Effect 3 was a masterpiece, but also a flawed one.
Metacritic score: 89/100 Sales: 6.6 million copies Fan rating: 7.8/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
8. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One Released: 2014
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the third game in the Dragon Age series, and the sequel to both Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II. It follows the story of the Inquisitor, a leader of a newly formed organization that must stop a breach in the sky that is unleashing demons and chaos in the world of Thedas.
Dragon Age: Inquisition was a massive and ambitious game, as it combined the best elements of the previous games, and added new features and improvements. The game boasted a huge and beautiful open world, a deep and complex combat system, a rich and diverse lore, a compelling and branching story, and a large and lovable cast of characters. However, Dragon Age: Inquisition also had some drawbacks, such as the tedious and filler side quests, the uneven and inconsistent pacing, the lack of challenge and difficulty, and the numerous technical issues and glitches. Dragon Age: Inquisition was a game of the year, but also a game of compromises.
Metacritic score: 89/100 Sales: 6 million copies Fan rating: 8.1/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
7. Baldur’s Gate
Platform(s): PC Released: 1998
Baldur’s Gate is a fantasy RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules. It follows the story of a hero who must discover his or her true identity and destiny, while being hunted by a mysterious enemy.
Baldur’s Gate was a revolutionary game for its time, as it was the first RPG to use the Infinity Engine, a technology that allowed for a large and detailed world, a real-time combat system with pause, and a dynamic and reactive story. The game also had a rich and complex lore, a diverse and memorable cast of characters, a challenging and rewarding gameplay, and a high replay value. Baldur’s Gate was a huge success, and spawned several expansions and a sequel.
Metacritic score: 91/100 Sales: 2.2 million copies Fan rating: 8.8/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
6. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Released: 2003
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a sci-fi RPG set in the Star Wars universe, thousands of years before the movies. It follows the story of a customizable hero who becomes a Jedi, and must stop a Sith Lord from unleashing a superweapon.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was a masterpiece, as it was the first RPG to fully capture the essence and magic of the Star Wars franchise. The game had an epic and twist-filled story, a deep and flexible combat system, a rich and diverse lore, a memorable and diverse cast of characters, and a high replay value. The game also had a moral system that allowed the player to choose between the light and dark sides of the Force, and a romance system that allowed the player to form relationships with some of the companions. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was a huge success, and spawned a sequel and a MMO.
Metacritic score: 93/100 Sales: 3.2 million copies Fan rating: 9.1/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
5. Mass Effect 2
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Released: 2010
Mass Effect 2 is the second game in the Mass Effect series, and the sequel to Mass Effect. It follows the story of Commander Shepard, who is resurrected by a mysterious organization, and must assemble a team of elite specialists to stop a new threat to the galaxy.
Mass Effect 2 was a masterpiece, as it improved and refined almost every aspect of the first game, and added new features and improvements. The game had a gripping and cinematic story, a fast and fluid combat system, a stunning and varied graphics and sound, a deep and complex character customization and progression, and a multiplayer mode. The game also had a loyalty system that allowed the player to gain the trust and friendship of the companions, and a suicide mission that determined the fate of the team based on the player’s choices and actions. Mass Effect 2 was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, and one of the best games of all time.
Metacritic score: 94/100 Sales: 7.2 million copies Fan rating: 9.0/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
4. Dragon Age: Origins
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Released: 2009
Dragon Age: Origins is the first game in the Dragon Age series, and the spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate. It follows the story of a Grey Warden, a member of an ancient order that fights against the darkspawn, a horde of corrupted creatures that threaten the world of Thedas.
Dragon Age: Origins was a masterpiece, as it was a return to the roots of the classic RPG genre, and a homage to the Dungeons & Dragons rules and lore. The game had a vast and detailed world, a tactical and challenging combat system, a rich and diverse lore, a compelling and branching story, and a large and lovable cast of characters. The game also had an origin system that allowed the player to choose from six different backgrounds, and a romance system that allowed the player to form relationships with some of the companions. Dragon Age: Origins was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, and one of the best RPGs ever made.
Metacritic score: 91/100 Sales: 3.9 million copies Fan rating: 8.7/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
3. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Platform(s): PC Released: 2000
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is the sequel to Baldur’s Gate, and the second game in the Baldur’s Gate series. It follows the story of the hero of Baldur’s Gate, who is kidnapped by a powerful mage, and must escape and pursue him across the lands of Amn.
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn was a masterpiece, as it was the pinnacle of the Infinity Engine games, and the ultimate expression of the Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules and lore. The game had a huge and beautiful world, a strategic and rewarding combat system, a rich and complex lore, a captivating and nonlinear story, and a large and unforgettable cast of characters. The game also had a class system that allowed the player to choose from 21 different classes, and a romance system that allowed the player to form relationships with some of the companions. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, and one of the best RPGs ever made.
Metacritic score: 95/100 Sales: 2 million copies Fan rating: 9.2/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
2. Mass Effect
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Released: 2007
Mass Effect is the first game in the Mass Effect series, and the game that started it all. It follows the story of Commander Shepard, a human soldier who becomes the first human Spectre, an elite agent of the galactic council, and must stop a rogue Spectre from unleashing an ancient threat.
Mass Effect was a masterpiece, as it was the first game to combine a sci-fi RPG with a third-person shooter, and to offer a cinematic and interactive storytelling. The game had a vast and detailed galaxy, a smooth and fun combat system, a rich and diverse lore, a gripping and branching story, and a large and charismatic cast of characters. The game also had a dialogue system that allowed the player to choose from different responses and actions, and a morality system that affected the character’s reputation and alignment. Mass Effect was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, and one of the best games of all time.
Metacritic score: 91/100 Sales: 4.3 million copies Fan rating: 8.9/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
1. Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal
Platform(s): PC Released: 2001
Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal is the expansion pack to Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, and the final game in the Baldur’s Gate series. It follows the story of the hero of Baldur’s Gate, who must face his or her divine heritage and destiny, and confront the evil god of murder, Bhaal.
Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal was a masterpiece, as it was the perfect conclusion to the Baldur’s Gate saga, and the ultimate RPG experience. The game had a huge and epic world, a strategic and satisfying combat system, a rich and complex lore, a captivating and emotional story, and a large and unforgettable cast of characters. The game also had a class system that allowed the player to choose from 34 different classes, and a romance system that allowed the player to form relationships with some of the companions. Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game, and one of the best RPGs ever made.
Metacritic score: 94/100 Sales: 1.5 million copies Fan rating: 9.3/10 on GameFAQs Impact: High
Conclusion
Bioware is a legendary RPG developer, and has created some of the best and most influential games in the history of video games. From Baldur’s Gate to Mass Effect, Bioware has given us unforgettable stories, characters, and worlds that have shaped and inspired generations of gamers.
However, Bioware is also a developer that has faced many challenges and controversies, and has made some mistakes and missteps along the way. From Sonic Chronicles to Anthem, Bioware has also given us disappointing and frustrating games that have tarnished and damaged its reputation.
In this article, we have ranked all 16 Bioware games from worst to best, based on various criteria and factors. We have also looked at the strengths and weaknesses of each game, and what makes them stand out in the crowded RPG genre.
Of course, this ranking is not definitive or objective, and you may have a different opinion or preference. We respect and welcome your views and feedback, and we hope you enjoyed reading this article.