How Mass Effect Fixed Video Game Storytelling

Races & Characters

Though the Mass Effect series spends little time in our native solar system, the smattering of alien races that pepper the series are --for the most part-- immensely relatable and always compelling.

Mass Effect 3's frequent shift to each race's home world offers insight to each people that provides much needed clarity, from the destruction of Palaven in the game's early hours to fighting on the frontline in Asari territory on Thessia. We'd grown to love Liara and empathise with Matriarch Benezia, but understanding the values of the Asari by witnessing it first-hand brought immense depth to an otherwise secretive race of people.

Mass Effect 2's ragtag crew of misfits make every meander around the Normandy an interesting one, as every character has their own woes that often coincide with their race.

Hearing of Tali's separation from the Migrant fleet during her pilgrimage, Miranda's wavering dedication to Cerberus and Garrus' vigilantism on Omega deepens Shepard's --and indeed the players'-- relationship with them, so when you go to war in their company it feels like you're entering battle with friends.

Loyalty quests strengthen that bond, and while some are better than others, the time you spend earning the respect of Thane, Mordin or Jack make for some of the game's finest moments.

At surface level, Jacob is a somewhat uninteresting soldier in a sea of other Cerberus agents fighting for the survival of humanity, but hearing of his potentially re-emerging father on Aeia, reaching the planet in question and uncovering the truth strengthens the bond between Shepard and himself, making him more than just a nameless Normandy crew member.

In the age of social distancing, conversing with Mass Effect's diverse and compelling cast is sufficient enough social interaction, which is perhaps the highest compliment one can give.

Cont.