For many Mass Effect: Legendary Edition players who are revisiting the series, surviving the suicide mission of Mass Effect 2 feels like the ultimate victory. A culmination of trust, loyalty, and strategic planning can ensure players get the best outcomes from that jaw-dropping final mission. However, there is a percentage of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition players whose suicide missions went haywire. Players who lose key squadmates during the Mass Effect 2 finale might be surprised to learn that Mass Effect has a backup plan that accounts for one’s losses. These backups take the form of NPCs that most fans never even knew existed, as few fans have met all of the backup allies. These NPCs quietly slot into roles originally meant for fallen squadmates, delivering lines, providing intel, and even filling critical narrative functions.
Most fans are so attached to their crew that the idea of letting anyone die during the suicide mission is unthinkable. The void left by a beloved Mass Effect squadmate can be hard to fill, and NPCs certainly do not live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. However, Mass Effect’s placeholder NPCs still play significant roles in the narrative. These NPCs are seldom remembered or met but serve an important role. They symbolize the weight of a player’s choices and emphasize the franchise’s monumental understanding of what makes an RPG memorable. If those replaying Mass Effect through Mass Effect: Legendary Edition have squadmates succumb to the difficulty of Mass Effect 2’s suicide mission, they can at least know that their sacrifices made way for BioWare to make history.
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Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Urdnot Wreav Replaces Wrex
The first instance of an NPC replacing a beloved character in the franchise actually happens as early as the original Mass Effect. A pivotal moment in Mass Effect is when Wrex can be killed, altering the course of the story and permanently impacting the Krogan storyline. If Wrex is killed, Urdnot Wreav, Wrex’s broodbrother, takes his place in Mass Effect 3. Wreav’s unique characteristics make him a compelling replacement for Wrex. Wreav’s approach to the Krogan race is more rigid and focused on clan survival, which can result in different outcomes, especially when it comes to curing the genophage. His leadership contrasts with Wrex’s broader vision, leading to significant shifts in the overall story. The players of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition who are not experiencing their first Mass Effect rodeo know how crucial it is to earn Wrex’s trust to avoid meeting Wreav.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Padok Wiks Replaces Mordin
Mordin Solus is a fan-favorite in the Mass Effect series, known for his quirky demeanor and highly intellectual personality. However, if Mordin meets his end during the suicide mission in Mass Effect 2, the responsibility of curing the genophage with Shepard’s help falls to Padok Wiks. Although Padok is introduced as a replacement for Mordin, he’s often overlooked due to Mordin’s immense popularity. While Padok’s role mirrors Mordin’s, the character’s different personality and less impactful presence leave him in Mordin’s inimitable shadow, highlighting the challenge of adapting to a new character after a significant loss. Additionally, the final sacrifice made by Padok just does not hit as hard as when Mordin is the one making the call.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Geth VI Replaces Legion
In a twist of fate, if Legion perishes during Mass Effect 2’s suicide mission, his role is taken up by the Geth VI. The Geth VI is an archived version of Legion’s memories, representing a Legion that did not get to experience Shepard. This results in an intriguing dynamic where Shepard remembers Legion, but Legion has no recollection of their past adventures. This alteration in gameplay presents an interesting situation for players who bond with Legion during Mass Effect 2, only to face a version of him that doesn’t share the same history. Still, the loss of Legion slowly gaining some sense of humanity is far too dramatic for a player to feel totally content with Geth VI as their replacement party member.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Urdnot Dagg Replaces Grunt
Grunt’s place in the hearts of Mass Effect fans is nearly irreplaceable, yet if he is killed during the suicide mission, the player is left with Urdnot Dagg. While a fascinating character, Dagg doesn’t quite hold the same level of appeal as Grunt, who is beloved for his strength and personality. Though Urdnot Dagg is a serviceable character in his own right, he remains overshadowed by Grunt’s larger-than-life presence in the game. Hopefully, Grunt can surprise players in Mass Effect 4 and reclaim his rightful place as one of the most beloved characters in the trilogy.
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Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Admiral Xen Replaces Tali
Admiral Xen, a character first introduced in Mass Effect 2 during Tali’s loyalty mission, may be a character that passes under many players’ radars. However, she ends up playing a critical role in Mass Effect 3 when she takes Tali’s role if Tali dies during the suicide mission. Xen assists in the fight against the Geth and the final Reaper battle, but unlike Tali, she does not participate in combat throughout the Geth dreadnought level. Xen’s character brings a more pragmatic and military-focused approach, contrasting with Tali’s emotional ties to the Quarian race and Shepard as party leader. Such a stoic contrast to Tali is a true disservice to the wonderful growth and vulnerability Tali displays throughout the series.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs – Morinth Replaces Samara
Technically, most Mass Effect 2 players get to meet Morinth, but only for a few moments before seeing her demise. However, players who want to embrace a darker path may favor Morinth over her mother. Choosing this path will lead to a game that reflects the road less taken. Morinth, Samara’s daughter, is a deadly character introduced during Samara’s loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2. If Shepard chooses to help Morinth instead of Samara during the final confrontation, Morinth becomes a permanent companion on the Normandy. However, Morinth’s presence brings significant risks due to her deadly nature as an Ardat-Yakshi and her lack of loyalty to the team. Most players opt for Samara instead, as her wisdom and experience are more reliable. Morinth’s presence in Mass Effect 3 is limited to a few interactions, and she adds little beyond the potential danger she poses.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
9/10
- Released
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May 14, 2021
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
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Mass Effect