BioWare Releases Official List of Top 10 Most Beloved Mass Effect Characters

The Mass Effect universe is without a doubt one of the deepest, richest worlds in gaming.  The lore, the music, even the visual effects added layers of realism to this universe.  If there was one element, however, that BioWare utilized most powerfully to immerse players in their universe, it would have to be the incredible cast of characters who help guide the player through the narrative of Mass Effect.
Friday morning, BioWare released an official list, based on several years of survey data, detailing the characters voted on by fans as their overall favorites.

10. Khalisa Bint Sinan Al-Jilani

Starting the list at number 10, Miss Al-Jilani makes an appearance in all three games of the original trilogy.  Her dedicated search for the truth, as well as her incredible tact as a journalist, give the Mass Effect universe a strong example of what BioWare clearly envisions as an “ideal” investigative agent of the media.  Her ability to take a beating for what she believes in was undoubtedly a major part of this choice.
 

9. The Mad Prophet

This unforgettable Batarian on the crime-ridden space station Omega doesn’t even need a name to hold the number 9 spot on the list.  His unrelenting devotion to spreading the truth, regardless of what anyone else thinks, is only matched by that of Commander Shepard himself/herself.  Players can even see his constant cries of “Repent, the end is nigh!” rewarded in the Omega DLC in Mass Effect 3, where they get a glimpse of his crowd of followers.
 

8. Corporal Jenkins

Although his appearance in the game is brief, Richard L. Jenkins makes an unforgettable mark on the series through his heroic sacrifice helping Commander Shepard reach the Prothean Beacon.   It is nearly impossible to watch his death and not shed a tear. His zealous spirit is remembered throughout the remainder of the trilogy, and his eager and courageous attitude is a clear motivation for Shepard and his/her crew throughout the rest of the series.
 

7. The Racist Afterlife Bartender

Only appearing in Mass Effect 2, the second Batarian character in the list makes his debut at number 7.  His unrelenting attempts to poison all members of the race that drove his from their homes shows his devotion to his people, and his courage is exemplified as he does not shy away from trying to kill even the great Commander Shepard.  Although he is dies by his own poison in the end, fans everywhere admire his courage and ingenuity.
 

6. Urdnot Wreav

The true exemplar for his race in the Mass Effect Universe, this Krogan puts all others to shame.  Although he can allow Wrex, a little-known character, to lead the Urdnot clan in the later part of the trilogy, the player can choose to kill Wrex and allow Wreav to lead the Krogan to a glorious future of conquest in the third game.  Wreav is the ideal leader for his race, ensuring that the legacy of conquest is not forgotten and the Krogan do not surrender their heritage, making him an instant fan-favorite.
 

5. The Shepard Clone

This character’s unforgettable appearance in the Citadel DLC is one of the biggest twists in the game’s plot.  The clone forces Commander Shepard to face who he/she was truly meant to be, and nearly succeeds in taking over the Normandy to assume the place of the real Shepard.  Many fans wish BioWare would have written a successful takeover into the main game, allowing Shepard to reach his/her full potential.  The clone’s clearly superior leadership skills and ability to inspire followers would have made a great improvement on the game’s protagonist, and this is the main reason that fans voted him/her to the number 5 spot on this list.

4. Carth Onasi

Carth makes his return from Knights of the Old Republic brilliantly in the Mass Effect universe, continuing his brilliant military career as he joins the Alliance Military.  Many fans actually believe that he is one of the deepest characters in the game, despite the fact that he is one of two characters able to be killed on the planet Virmire.  Fans applauded BioWare’s decision to allow him to become a force-user in the Mass Effect Trilogy, as his skills with the blaster in KOTOR were not quite enough to make him an optimal party member.  His skill with the Force in Mass Effect is evidenced in his selection as a Spectre in ME3, and he was an obvious choice for fans in this list for both his combat skills and deep, meaningful romance option.

3. Counselor Udina

One of the great hallmarks of Science Fiction is that it allows storytellers to make brilliant points about modern society in a separate universe, and Counselor Udina is perhaps the perfect example of BioWare utilizing this in their games.  Obviously an incredible attempt to comment on the current political system and show what an ideal politician should look like, Counselor Udina is easily one of the most beloved characters in the series.  His unerring efforts to assist Commander Shepard throughout the trilogy, combined with his incorruptible nature, allow fans a refreshing and optimistic look at what politics could ideally be.

2. Conrad Verner

Although many fans contend that he deserves the number one spot on this list, Conrad comes in as the number two most beloved Mass Effect character.  Conrad’s transformation throughout the trilogy is perhaps the most unforgettable in the series, especially considering his major contributions to Shepard’s efforts.  Following Shepard’s death at the beginning of ME2, Conrad takes it upon himself to be a hero.  Conrad was the hero the universe deserved, but not the one it needed. Because he could take it, because he wasn’t a hero. He was a silent guardian, a watchful protector… but ultimately, Commander Shepard needed Conrad, and his ability to help the commander see what needed to be done, his inspiration for Shepard, was one of the most powerful in the trilogy.

1. The StarChild

The number one spot on this list should come as no surprise to any true fan of Mass Effect.  The StarChild, as the orchestrator of the Reapers’ plans and the harbinger of the incredible, monumental choice at the end of this series, is without a doubt the most beloved character in Mass Effect.  Not only is his appearance identical to that of the boy that haunts the dreams of Commander Shepard, but he was actually voiced by 3 actors: the main child voice we hear, as well as layered recordings of male and female Shepard.  The poetic nature of this character, and the incredible ending choice that he ushers, are easily two of the most incredible aspects of the series, and this is why he takes the top spot on this list.

What do you think of this list?  Are there any changes you would make?  Let us know in the comments below!