Summary
It has been nearly four years since the release of the teaser trailer for the nextMass Effectgame, and there is still no confirmation about whether the original trilogy’s protagonist, Commander Shepard, will be returning. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the possibility of Shepard’s return, especially since Liara T’Soni is seen picking up a piece of N7 equipment in the trailer. However, while it is possible for Shepard to return in the nextMass EffectafterMass Effect 3’s “destroy” endingheavily implies their survival, and while some fans might long to see the beloved character in action again,Mass Effectmay be better off without Shepard for several reasons — one of which involves its companions and the player character’s relationship with them.
Liara T’Soni may be the star of the 2020 trailer for the nextMass Effect, but several other characters can be seen in the distance near the trailer’s end. One character, in particular, resembles a krogan that could very well be Grunt, who first appeared as a companion inMass Effect 2. Nearby is the silhouette of yet another familiar character, Mordin Solus. Since it’s possible for some ofMass Effect’s legacy companions to have survived the third game’s ending, the next installment skipping Shepard would ultimately benefit their relationship with a new protagonist.
The Next Mass Effect’s Legacy Companions Would Benefit From a New Protagonist
Mass Effect’s Legacy Companions Have Spent Enough Time With Shepard Already
One of the biggest downsides to Shepard returning in the nextMass Effectis the fact that any companion returning from the original trilogy would already have a thoroughly developed relationship with the character. Liara, especially, has developed a very sophisticated relationship with Shepard throughouttheMass Effecttrilogy, as she has been featured in every installment.
Furthermore, while not every legacy companion has spent the amount of time with Shepard that Liara has, they are all already familiar enough with Shepard that there isn’t much room left for character development on either side. Since a large portion ofMass Effect’s narrative is fueled by each companion and the player’s relationship with them,Shepard’s return in the nextMass Effectcould make the story feel all too familiar and result in a rather mundane experience for veteran players.
A New Protagonist Would Give the Next Mass Effect a Blank Slate for Companionship
If the nextMass Effectwere to forego bringing Shepard back, it would make way for a brand-new protagonist that would give returning characters a blank slate for companionship. A new protagonist would be uncharted territory for the player and the legacy companions alike, which means players would be learning about the new character at the same time as the returning companions. Additionally, it would give room for far more character development between the new protagonist and their companions, as they would be forced to navigate any conflict that arises from incompatibility, difference of opinion, and any moral or ethical dilemmas they might face together.
Even if Shepard doesn’t return, there is still the possibility thatthe nextMass Effect’s protagonist is Liara T’Soni. In that case, if any other companion characters make a comeback, there might still be too much familiarity between them and Liara, which would have nearly the same effect as if Shepard were to return. At the same time, players have never been in control of Liara before in aMass Effectgame, so it could result in an entirely different experience, especially if they can make choices about her character moving forward. In any event, as unfortunate as it may be, the nextMass Effectand any returning companions might be better off without Shepard back in the picture.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
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. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
