From the depths of space to the horse-back lands filled with magic, there are few places that Bioware hasn't been throughout the life of the company. They started with a mech simulation game in 1996 called Shattered Steel, and have kept the ball rolling ever since.
Bioware is known for wide-open worlds that allow gamers to play their own way for the most part. This has led to several lasting and well-known franchises putting them on the map as game developers that can be trusted.
10 Jade Empire
Not the most well-known of BioWare's titles, but this 2005 release was based on Chinese folklore and culture. Jade Empire is an action-based RPG that has real-time combat. Players have 6 archetypes to choose from to build a base character. Later this would be increased to 7, but not until after the initial release.
As with most BioWare games, there are choices to be made leading to different play styles. In Jade Empire, these aren't supposed to be seen as good vs evil choices as the pathways are labeled Open Palm and Closed Fist. It is meant to showcase either an open hand ready to help those in need or a closed fist ready to fight back against an opponent. This title is still available on Xbox and Xbox Game Pass.
9 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Released as a BioWare game back in 2003, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is better known as KOTOR. It is an MMORPG that is based in the world of Star Wars by George Lucas. Gameplay mechanics are based on a TTRPG called Star Wars role-playing Game. Originally the TTRPG was released by Wizards of the Coast.
There is a built-in alignment system like most TTRPG's boast that will lead players down the light or the dark side of the Force. As with most BioWare games, these aren't always obvious and can be just momentary choices that change the course of a game.
8 Dragon Age 2
Felderan may have had its struggles, but Kirkwall needs a moment in the spotlight as well. Unlike Origins, players will be sticking to just the area of Kirkwall as Dragon Age 2 is a smaller mapped game. Which is poetic as this is one of the most well-known BioWare games, but not necessarily for a good reason.
Known as the game that was made in a year, EA decided to only give BioWare 12-14 months to make this title. This has led to a lot of fans feeling like they were stiffed out of a better game, and that it is shallower overall than it should have been. Still, it holds some of the franchise's most beloved characters and has been a favorite of many fans of the franchise as well as getting great reviews when it was pushed out.
7 Mass Effect: Andromeda
A stand-alone title in the Mass Effect franchise is commonly referred to as just Andromeda. Set as a sequel to Mass Effect 3, this title can still be played without having ever picked up the previous games. A more open-world game than its predecessors left some fans questioning this title. Add in the fact it did not see another miraculous return of a beloved Commander, and the initial reaction to this game has some fans decrying it from the get-go.
Andromeda held its own though. The 2017 release still kept the name BioWare on everyone's tongues. It also was nominated for several awards and won Most Wanted Game in 2016. The change in gameplay was welcomed, but the story had several hitches along the way.
6 Mass Effect
The game that started the Mass Effect franchise was released in 2007. Take off into the expanses of the Milky Way set in the year 2183, and be prepared for combat. Players will step into the role of Commander Shepard ready to face off against the Reaper invasion.
While Mass Effect launched a franchise and was heralded after selling over half a million copies during the holiday season it launched, there were some hiccups. The gameplay had unique choices and character archetypes to choose from, but a buggy enemy AI had several bemoaning what would become one of BioWare's biggest flagships.
5 Mass Effect 3
The tale of Commander Shepard isn't over yet. Despite Mass Effect 2 has been a suicide mission to save the galaxy, the ever-wise-mouthed Commander is back to fix the problems plaguing the Milky Way Galaxy once more. The ending of 3 was not well received overall, but BioWare stuck to their guns when they released a longer ending cut.
In Mass Effect 3, gamers can import their save files from Mass Effect 2 to continue playing along the storyline choices they already made. This was also an option in Mass Effect 2 and showcases BioWare's desire to make a game that can last through many iterations.
4 Dragon Age: Origins
Like Mass Effect, Dragon Age: Origins was the name that kicked off a whole franchise. Styled in a more RPG style with less real-world time than Mass Effect lead several fans to claim they were playing a personalized D&D campaign. Players could choose from several base archetype characters, and influence the storyline with choices made from when they explored certain areas to how they picked dialogue options.
Released in 2009, DA:O would be the first of many titles that had players and critics alike looking towards the next interaction around the bend in the road. Awards came in as copies went out, and more than a million copies were sold during its release year including for extra content that could be downloaded.
3 Mass Effect 2
Returning to space is everyone's favorite reporter-puncher Commander Shepard. The second large installation of this action-style RPG sees our hero engaging in a suicide mission across the galaxy. This time it isn't Reapers that threaten everyone, but an alien race known as the Collectors.
The game got some mechanics shifted from the original, but this was received by most as a positive thing to balance gameplay. After its original 2010 release, Mass Effect 2 would go on to win several awards like its predecessor and set up a softball for the rest of the now-beloved franchise.
2 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Open-world but filled with lackluster fetch quests is how most people describe the 3rd installment in the Dragon Age setup. It boasts the best graphics, has an interesting storyline with an egg-on-your-face twist, and there are great moral choices to be made that affect the overall gameplay.
Released in 2014, Inquisition follows the plot of a hapless amnesiac thrown into places of power from situations outside their control. Upon its release, many said it was a step up from 2. Blending the tactical style of combat from Origins with the fast speeds of combat in 2, Inquisition saw an overarching welcome into the franchise even with its open areas filled with little to do in some of them.
1 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic follows a tentative peace treaty between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. Players in this MMORPG can choose which faction they wish to serve, and their gameplay and dialogue choices will choose their alignment for the light or dark side.
With 8 archetypes to choose from and many gameplay options, it's understandable how this title did so well for itself. It received many awards throughout its lifetime and had over a million subscribers within days of launching in 2008. Since then, the title cleared a billion dollars in revenue.