The galaxy is too big for it just to be humans around. There has to be another species out there. Or several dozen in the world of Mass Effect. Some aliens can even make it aboard the Normandy, aiding Commander Shepard in their fight against the Geth, Collectors, and Reapers. Moreover, some of the most powerful teammates in the franchise are from a different species. Be they technically or biotically sound; they all have something to offer.
Of course, there is more to life than being good in combat, and some of them really know how to let their hair down. So, who among Shepard’s alien friends deserves to be by his side, and which ones would be better left at home?
16 Morinth
The daughter of Samara is the most underwhelming and forgettable of all the alien squad members. Her presence aboard the Normandy is subject to her mother’s loyalty quest, with Shepard making some questionable choices. In terms of biotic capabilities, she is on the weaker end of the spectrum. She doesn’t offer much that gives good reason to have her on board over Samara. Moreover, Morinth will only be on the team for the late stages of Mass Effect 2, while she meets an unfortunate end in Mass Effect 3. Only appearing towards the very end of the game.
15 Javik
Given that Javik is a DLC character and a Prothean, he was a bit disappointing. Shepard, and players worldwide, had heard about the alien species for years. Many wanted to meet one. Then several wished they hadn’t bothered. There just isn’t much to Javik in terms of battle prowess and personality. Conversations with him start off interesting, then several chats later, it all becomes stale. As for combat, he has one ability, Dark Channel, that is unique to him, and it is not the most effective skill. The rest can be found elsewhere. Some are even possessed by human teammates.
14 Jaal
Jaal is an Angara, the only new alien species to be introduced to the squad. There really isn’t too much to say about this squaddie, other than he serves as the perfect reminder of incredible species’ such as the Quarians, never making it to Andromeda. Jaal is just a bit lackluster in combat and is easily the weakest of the Alien teammates to be found aboard the Tempest. However, he is romanceable, and while his personality may not be enticing, it is an exciting prospect to explore a relationship with a new species.
13 EDI
While not an alien, EDI is not a human either, so on this list, she falls. The AI is quite an interesting character and can be somewhat useful after giving herself a body. Moreover, it is nice to witness EDI and Joker’s budding relationship develop after she gets some arms and legs. She is also good for a laugh or two, even if the AI doesn’t necessarily mean to be funny.
12 Legion
The Geth are enemy number one in Mass Effect. Yet, come the sequel, Shepard can welcome a Geth aboard the Normandy. Legion is quite an interesting character, one that is worth talking to when the Commander has downtime. As they point out, the Geth are many, meaning Legion is not one single entity, giving him a unique trait that no other squadmate in the franchise has. In terms of combat, they are a tech specialist, that is equally as adept at using their sniper rifle. However, Legion lacks background and has little to offer in terms of story, though it does tie in with Tali’Zorah.
11 Thane Krios
The assassin is more intriguing than anything else. Thane is mysterious upon first meeting him, yet the layers can be peeled back over time. His loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2 is one of the better ones on offer. Issues concerning family are always more impactful, and Thane has ground to make up with his son. However, personality-wise, the Drell is more mellow than his counterparts, meaning he can fade into the background. Unfortunately, Thane’s story has an abrupt ending, though the Assassin does get a fitting end to his arc. As for combat, Krios is biotic, which does go against him, given there are numerous biotically charged squadmates available.
10 Samara
Samara is an Asari Justicar, one that is introduced in the second half of Mass Effect 2. At first glance, she appears to be just another Asari. She has biotic capabilities and can handle herself in combat. In fact, save for an interesting loyalty mission, that just about sums Samara up. She is formidable enough on the battlefield to warrant consideration when taking a biotic approach. However, it is her personality that lets the Justicar down. She is strictly in line with her code and has little to discuss outside of her daughter, Morinth. Should Shepard ensure Samara survives till Mass Effect 3, her story will be continued. Unfortunately, like many in the trilogy’s final chapter, she doesn’t get much screen time. As such, it is hard to form much of a connection at any point.
9 Mordin Solus
Who doesn’t love Mordin Solus? The doctor could be classed as one of the most popular squad members to have featured in Mass Effect. He did a good job of holding his own against some serious powerhouses in Mass Effect 2. Should Bioware decide to introduce another Salarian squadmate, they would have some big shoes to fill. The Commander could well be scarred for life after getting ‘the talk’ from Mordin, should they pursue Jacob or Miranda.
Related: Mass Effect: 10 Romanceable Characters (& Who They Should Romance Instead Of Shepard)
Mordin should be recognized as a scientist with morals, a rare find in Mass Effect. The Salarian seeks to right some wrongs in Mass Effect 3, making for some hard-hitting scenes in a game filled with loss and devastation. Let it be known that while he may be the only Salarian squad member, Mordin holds his own against the other species.
8 Peebee
No Mass Effect game would be completed without an Asari, and Peebee had the team covered in Mass Effect Andromeda. Also, no squad should be without a resident comedian, and Peebee has that sorted too. Her reluctance to let people in and settle in one place makes some amusing conversations and witty one-liners. She also happens to be extremely flirty. If Ryder needs entertainment or wants to be kept on their toes, they need look no further than Peebee.
Furthermore, the young Asari is no slouch on the battlefield either, offering great biotic support to the Pathfinder. She can be paired effectively with most members of the Andromeda, giving the Pathfinder plenty of room in which to maneuver. However, nobody will look at escape pods the same way after they are done with Peebee.
7 Vetra
Vetra describes herself as an “Initiative wrangler, provisioner, gunner, and everything in between,” and with good reason. There is not much that this Turian cannot do. Ryder would certainly benefit from bringing her along on missions. Her lifetime of experience means that Vetra has a higher health pool and can withstand more damage before being taken down. She can also use armor just to reinforce her usefulness that much more.
Besides the defensive skills, she can also use concussive shot and turbocharge. The former is capable of knocking enemies out in a single hit, while the latter increases weapon damage and improves thermal clip efficiency. Vetra has an interesting story, one that is worth learning. It must be a Turian thing because she is as much of a loyal friend as Garrus.
6 Tali’Zorah vas Normandy
Tali’Zorah has been around since her pilgrimage in the first game. Shepard got to watch this Quarian learn and grow, developing more and more with each passing title. Until she must be recognized as one of the most valuable Quarians to the Migrant Fleet. There are many reasons to consider Tali among the best alien squadmates. The first of which being her technical prowess. She is second to no one when it comes to AI and drone-based combat. Secondly, she is charming in her own awkward way, be it as a friend or more. Oh, and Tali can get drunk aboard the Normandy in Mass Effect 2. This is a moment that the Commander will not soon forget.
5 Grunt
A tank-bred Krogan is still a Krogan, they should still be feared and treated as a threat. A fact that is proven true by Grunt, one of the best squad members to come from Mass Effect 2. As a species, the Krogan are formidable, despite facing mass extinction due to the Genophage. Grunt, to his credit, offers Shepard great support, being equipped with shotguns and assault rifles. As well as a range of abilities that offer great offense given he is a super-soldier. His loyalty mission involves watching the Krogan go through what is essentially puberty. Humans may go through changes, but apparently, Krogan go on a death-defying mission to enter adulthood. Grunt is fun, entertaining, and has one of the best loyalty missions purely for some of the team’s comments.
4 Drack
The Krogan squaddie of Andromeda, Drack, is an old and experienced Krogan who loves to fight. He is exactly what the new Pathfinder needs. Drack offers what fans would expect from a Krogan, high offense, whilst also being able to withstand considerable damage. He can turn the tide of battle at a moment’s notice, very handy in the harsh landscapes of Andromeda. More than that, this old Krogan has some stories to tell and bar fights to have. Fortunately, Ryder is welcome along for the ride. Drack is a true Krogan, but he is also up for some fun, which can be a nice change of pace in a cruel galaxy.
3 Liara T’Soni
Looking for a powerful biotic? Then look no further than Liara T’Soni. The Asari is one of the most powerful biotics to be found within the Mass Effect universe. Her abilities can be truly devastating, particularly stasis and singularity. The pair freeze enemies in place and pull them towards a black hole, respectively. Of course, Liara is so much more than some talented biotic. She is a valuable ally, friend, or perhaps something so much more. However, she isn’t as boisterous as some other members of this list, nor is she as outgoing as her human counterparts. But, there are interesting conversations to be had with her and a sweet romance to be explored. Thankfully, to the joy of Mass Effect fans worldwide, Liara T’Soni will return to the franchise in Mass Effect 4.
2 Urdnot Wrex
Wrex may only be available as a permanent squadmate in Mass Effect, but he makes such an impact. Anytime a Krogan is on the battlefield, the team has an advantage, and Wrex is the most powerful of his species. He is one of the few that still demonstrates powerful biotics and will lay waste to all who gets in his way. As a high offense character, Wrex offers valuable support in all battle situations.
However, there is more to Wrex than meets the eye. He is more than just some angry Krogan. Commander Shepard should follow his story to the bitter end. This Krogan has much to do and could use the help of his friend. In Mass Effect 3, Wrex gives a nostalgia feeling in a way, as he is a reminder of just how far people have come since the first game’s events. Fortunately, Wrex keeps his personality throughout, he is brash, loyal, hot-headed, and a joy to be around. Whether he means to be or not is another story.
1 Garrus Vakarian
Garrus is one of the most valuable teammates to have graced the Mass Effect franchise. More than that, he is one of two that is available in all three parts of the trilogy. A true friend or lover if Shepard is so inclined. The Turian isn’t just formidable on the battlefield, but he is fun to get to know aboard the Normandy. There is more to Garrus than meets the eye; there is a deep friendship just waiting to be formed. No Commander should be forced to face the Reapers without this loyal sniper at their side.
![\"IT電腦補習](\"http://itteacheritfreelance.hk/test/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/logo2-2.png\"){kind=logo}
www.itsec.hk
www.itsec.vip
www.itseceu.uk
Leave a Reply