Summary
BioWare’s two main IPs,Mass EffectandDragon Age, are known for their romance arcs.Mass Effectin particular allows Shepard to romance a character over the course of two or even three games, giving them the chance to build a bond with them over dozens of hours. Very few games offer this experience, and it’s one of the biggest draws for many who playMass Effect. However, there are many other standout characters in the series and the friendships that Shepard builds in the series form much of the heart of the experience.Mass Effect 4will most likely include romances, but it also needs to draw lessons from theMass Effect Trilogyand place as much importance on the platonic friendships as the romances.
Some of the mostmemorable relationships and characters in theMass Effect Trilogywere based purely on platonic friendships. These friendships were given time and space to grow into deep bonds and didn’t need the promise of romance as a reward at the end to be pursued. Standout friendships with characters who weren’t romanceable for any Shepard include Wrex and Mordin.
Memorable Friendships in Mass Effect
Shepard meetsWrex in the firstMass Effectgame, and his survival is contingent on Shepard’s relationship with him. If Wrex goes on to survive the events of Virmire, he leaves Shepard’s crew and forges his own path to help uplift the krogan. Shepard and Wrex’s long-lasting support of one another only grows as the trilogy progresses, untilMass Effect 3where Shepard is instrumental in the efforts to cure the genophage. Before setting out to confront the Reaper guarding the tower that will dispense the cure, Wrex hits Shepard with a line that encapsulates their relationship: “You’ve been a champion to the krogan people, a friend of Clan Urdnot, and a sister/brother to me.”
Another platonic relationship inMass Effectthat goes beyond romance is with Mordin. Shepard’s relationship with Mordin isn’t always smooth sailing, and Shepard can challenge Mordin about his past decisions, belief system, and question the path he chooses to take for his future. Shepard forces Mordin to confront his past, but it’s his respect for Shepard, both as a soldier and a person, and their fondness for each other allows their relationship to move past resentment. Thefriendship between Mordin and Shepardis one of mutual trust and respect, interspersed with moments of levity.
Other Options for Relationships in Mass Effect 4
Other characters who are only romance options in certain circumstances, such as depending on Shepard’s gender, also develop interesting relationships with Shepard if they aren’t romanced. Examples of this are Tali and Garrus. Both characters are popular romance options, but Tali andGarrus' relationship with Shepardtakes on a very different but just as meaningful dynamic on their friendship path.Mass Effectis filled with moments such as holding Tali after she loses her father, or target practice with Garrus.
Learning From the Mass Effect Trilogy
Thoughromances in BioWare gameswill likely always be eagerly anticipated and a priority when it comes to companion relationships, the vast majority of companions inMass Effect 4will be platonic friendships. These friendships need to be just as rewarding as romances, with an emotional payoff. Connecting companion stories to the main plot, such as Mordin and Wrex’s stories, having the opportunity to be emotionally vulnerable with them, as with Tali, and getting the chance to develop what feels like a genuine friendship built on trust, as with Garrus, would be a great way to do so inMass Effect 4.
Mass Effect Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.RELIVE THE CINEMATIC SAGA: Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling where you decide how your unique story unfolds.EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND OF SHEPARD: Create and customize your own character, from appearance and skills to a personalized arsenal then lead your elite recon squad across a galaxy in turmoil.REFLECT ON YOUR CHOICES: Your choices seamlessly travel from one game to the next. Each decision you make will control the outcome of every mission, every relationship, every battle – and even the fate of the galaxy itself.
