There was a time when almost everything BioWare touched turned to gold. The Baldur’s Gate series, the first Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect trilogy, and the initial Dragon Age installments are all legendary projects that have left an indelible mark on video game history.

However, the studio’s work also includes some less successful projects, despite promising beginnings. One such example is Shadow Realms, which we will explore today, following our earlier discussion on Jade Empire 2.

Action RPG with a rich story

In August 2014, we received the official announcement of Shadow Realms. Unlike previous projects, BioWare Austin aimed to create a multiplayer action RPG with 4v1 gameplay. Let’s dive into the plot, which was expected to be extensive.

Shadow Realms would present a universe where Earth coexists with an alternative world called Embra. Unlike Earth, Embra was a place where magic was prevalent, and technology was secondary. When the pacifist Radiant Empires of Embra faced collapse due to an attack by Shadow Legions, Earth’s inhabitants became their saviors.

Though the invasion was repelled, the enemy returned stronger, supported by Shadow Lords, threatening both worlds. Players would assume roles of Earth and Shadow Lords, striving to thwart their plans.

Shadow Realms. Source: BioWare / Electronic Arts.

A game with varied gameplay

The game offered a third-person perspective (TPP). Depending on the role, gameplay varied significantly. As Earth or Embra soldiers, players chose classes like warriors, rogues, or wizards, each with unique weapons and skills.

Four players controlled heroes, while the fifth played as a Shadow Lord, creating challenges like traps or controlling creatures. Despite similarities to Evolve, the project wasn’t inspired by it, according to sources.

Shadow Realms. Source: BioWare / Electronic Arts.

Exploring two worlds

Players would fight in diverse locations, culminating in a final boss battle. The game featured both Earth locations like offices or metro stations andEmbraworlds, with linear paths and occasional branching areas. Characters would unlock modern and fantastical outfits.

Additionally, the story would be enhanced with live-action videos, akin to the series Chosen, featuring young characters inspired by Twilight.

A failed free-to-play venture

Shadow Realms was intended as a free-to-play game with microtransactions, supporting both multiplayer and single-player modes. However, feedback during gamescom 2014 was underwhelming, leading to delayed alpha tests.

Despite developer efforts, the project faced challenges. The game didn’t captivate peers or players, and Electronic Arts eventually halted development. In January 2015, the project was officially canceled.

Shadow Realms. Source: BioWare / Electronic Arts.

A missed opportunity

Would Shadow Realms have succeeded? Perhaps not, as indicated by early player feedback. It might have met the same fate as another BioWare online project, Anthem. The game’s cancellation marked another chapter in the studio’s quest to balance innovation with market demands.