Mass Effect: 8 Weirdest Enemies (And What They Represent)

H.P. Lovecraft and electron photographs lie beyond the Omega 4 Relay.

Mass Effect adjutant
Bioware

Mass Effect has long been one of the lynchpins of science fiction gaming, with the original trilogy being one of the most beloved - and hotly debated - in video game history.

Long have fans looked back fondly on the first entry for its groundbreaking introduction to galaxy defender Shepard, and celebrated the series high and one of the best games of all time in Mass Effect 2. Whilst the third instalment and Andromeda still invoke the wrath of fans the world over, they still go some way to crafting a believable extension of this rich, alien universe, regardless of their issues.

It's undeniable that Bioware made a lasting impression on both the industry and our imaginations with their space-faring adventures beyond the stars. And really, a large part of that is from their innovative approach to character, including some absolutely stellar enemies.

Bioware have created terrifying and strange species to populate their landscapes and meet the business end of Shepard's omni-blade for years on end, but where did they draw their inspiration from? And what real-life influences can we read through their concept design?

Let's take a theoretical stab look at the world of Mass Effect's bad guys. They're only as strange as they look...

8. Citadel & Nexus Species

Mass Effect adjutant
Bioware

Whether it's Asari commandos, Turian bodyguards, or Krogan mercenaries, you'll come across plenty that rival your cause over the four mainline games Mass Effect has to offer - so it seems only fair to have a cursory glance over their own inspiration.

Asari, interestingly enough, were allegedly incorporated as a spin on the Orion race of Star Trek.

A nice crayola green and a part of a female-dominated society, the Asari took their iconic role in the Star Trek series and made it into something of their own in Mass Effect, instead opting for a blue hue. Orion are also particularly seductive in the TV show, which the Asari's aesthetically pleasing appearance and stints as dancers early in life also reflect upon.

The Drell were also inspired by pop culture, with Thane Krios seemingly crafted from a template of Abe Sapien in Hellboy - the sexy fish-man answer to the Asari's sexy tentacle-lady creation.

Krogans began life as concept drawings from bats, and Salarians were the classic 'grey alien' brought to life in Mass Effect style, taking the big eyes, spindly limbs, and propensity for science and making it their own.

Turians were inspired by eagles, a military race that plays upon America's own patriotic animal in their appearance.

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