Summary
Of the many topics of discussion swirling aboutMass Effect 4, few are as hotly debated as the return of Commander Shepard. The iconic hero of the original trilogy would be tough to bring back considering the conclusion ofMass Effect 3, butMass Effect 4’s title and ostensible Milky Way setting seem to suggest it as a possibility.
Jennifer Hale, the voice actress forShepard in the originalMass Effecttrilogy, has stated that she hasn’t been invited to reprise her role. This could be viewed as evidence that Shepard isn’t coming back, but it’s far from conclusive—Hale could be brought on later in development, Shepard could be getting a new VA, or she may be trying to keep her inclusion a secret.
There are a few possible motivations behind bringing Shepard back forME4. Although they are a custom character who is shaped by the player’s decisions, Shepard remains one of gaming’s most imitable protagonists, boasting bravery, competence, and strong leadership abilities regardless of player influence.
These are traits that many feel are not shared byRyder, the protagonist ofAndromeda, who is much less mature and capable by comparison. With BioWare struggling to supersede Shepard as a protagonist, and withAndromeda’s lackluster reception, there may be a desire to put Shepard back in the driver’s seat forME4, making the game a proper, direct sequel to the original trilogy, which so many fans still long for.
Mass Effect 4: Shepard’s Legacy May Be More Important Than Shepard Themselves
Shepard Becomes Larger Than Life by Mass Effect 3
Shepard is a great protagonistfrom the start of theMass Effectseries, but the way that they develop throughout the series makes them progressively more interesting and important. By the timeMass Effect 3rolls around, Shepard is something of a messianic figure, taking the fate of the galaxy upon their shoulders. While their allies are important as well, Shepard is the lynchpin for the anti-Reaper initiative—remove Shepard, and the whole operation falls apart.
Only one ofMass Effect 3’s endings results in Shepard’s implied survival, and assuming that this ending is made canon (which would come with its own complications), it may be hard to continue developing the character. Plus, with the Reaper threat eliminated inME3, Shepard has served their purpose. ButMass Effect 4can lean into the legend status of Shepard, removing the need for further, potentially unnatural character development.
Shepard as an Icon In Mass Effect 4
Throughout theMass Effecttrilogy, especially inME2andME3, players are faced with Shepard’s growing popularity or notoriety, but this is all seen from the perspective of Commander Shepard themselves. There could be value in exploring their legacy through the eyes of someone else. In a sense, this would allow for lateral character development, fleshing out Shepard through new perspectives rather than by actually adding to the substance of the character. In this way,Mass Effect 4could connect to the original trilogywithout having to up the ante for Shepard’s journey.
ME4’s new protagonist and their companions could discuss Shepard as a larger-than-life figure, reflecting on their heroic deeds and sacrifices, sharing rumors, and generally commenting on the character’s influence, exploring their mythological reputation in the game’s world. This would also be a good solution to the complications posed byMass Effect’s morality system, asME4could give opposing, subjective takes on Shepard’s personality.
Some could describe them as a paragon of virtue, while others could whisper about their devious, renegade acts. If Shepard is left behind, thenMass Effect 4can explore their impact on Milky Way culture and history, rather than trying to keep pushing the character’s story and risk tarnishing their legacy.
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.
