Summary
- Avowed’s companion Kai, voiced by Brandon Keener, shares a connection with Mass Effect’s beloved character Garrus.
- Keener’s portrayal of Kai is likely to resonate with Mass Effect fans due to his iconic role as Garrus.
- Kai’s presence in Avowed adds a layer of familiarity and potential appeal, possibly making him a standout companion.
While there seem to be plenty of things to look forward to with Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy RPG Avowed, it would make sense for most role-playing enthusiasts to have an eye fixed on the game’s companions. In Avowed‘s four companions — Kai, Marius, Giatta, and Yatzli — players can expect distinct personalities, unique goals, and substantial backstories, as Obsidian’s companions have been known to possess in the past. However, it’s largely impossible for players to know which of Avowed‘s companions they might have an affinity for more than others, although Mass Effect fans may already have an advantage in that area.
As it turns out, one of Avowed‘s companions has an interesting tie to the Mass Effect series, despite the two IPs being quite different from one another. Due to this unique tie, fans of Mass Effect might automatically take a liking to one of Avowed‘s companions from the second he opens his mouth. Specifically, Avowed‘s Kai is already poised to strike a chord with Mass Effect fans, due to his voice actor’s iconic role as one of the BioWare series’ most beloved companions.
Related
Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 may be two different games in one big way, but beneath the surface, they offer a very similar experience.
Avowed’s Kai and Mass Effect’s Garrus Share a Voice Actor
Avowed’s Kai Is Voiced by Brandon Keener, the Voice of Mass Effect’s Garrus Vakarian
Kai has been at the forefront of the game’s marketing, suggesting he will play a prominent role in Avowed‘s story. While very little is known about him, what is known is that he is voiced by the talented Brandon Keener — the voice behind Mass Effect‘s Garrus Vakarian. Garrus is arguably one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the Mass Effect series, primarily due to his steadfastness as an ally in the midst of other companions who aren’t always as loyal or fond of Shepard’s decisions. Garrus’ character arc and transformation throughout the Mass Effect trilogy also make him one of the more compelling companions in the series.
Garrus is also known for his dry wit and deadpan humor, which can make some of the most dire situations feel a bit lighter.
While gamers and Mass Effect fans are likely to recognize Keener’s voice because of the role he played as Garrus in Mass Effect, his portfolio extends beyond that and into some less familiar territory. While he didn’t reprise Garrus in Mass Effect: Andromeda, he did provide some additional voice work, and he did the same for 2011’s L.A. Noire. In 2015, Keener played the part of Captain Julian Dawes in Battlefield Hardline, who is one of the more significant characters in the game’s campaign. Keener’s career has even taken him to television and film, landing him minor roles in series like Criminal Minds and Castle, as well as movies like The Purge: Anarchy and Galaxy Quest.
Kai’s Voice May Immediately Connect Mass Effect Fans to the Character
Keener has proven his ability to voice a character well in his role as Garrus, so it’s likely that his performance as Kai will be just as convincing and memorable. However, while that is all well and good, it’s the fact that Keener played the part of one of Mass Effect‘s most beloved characters that may make Kai one of Avowed‘s most memorable as well. Simply hearing Kai’s voice may be enough for some of Avowed‘s player base, who may also happen to be Mass Effect fans, to become smitten by the character. It’s not a guarantee, but the chances are certainly high.
Avowed‘s Kai is already poised to strike a chord with Mass Effect fans, due to his voice actor’s iconic role as one of the BioWare series’ most beloved companions.
While Avowed is shaping up to stand on its own as an engaging fantasy RPG, the presence of Brandon Keener as Kai adds an unexpected layer of familiarity for Mass Effect fans. If history is proof of anything, Obsidian has likely created Kai to be a rich, layered, and memorable companion, but his instant connection to Garrus Vakarian may give him an advantage in winning over players compared to Avowed‘s other companions. Whether his personality and arc will have the same impact as Garrus’ has on fans remains to be seen, but simply hearing that iconic voice again might be enough to make Kai a favorite from the outset.
- Released
-
February 18, 2025
- ESRB
-
Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
-
Xbox Game Studios