Mass Effect

This article is about the video game series. For the first video game, see Mass Effect (video game). For other uses, see Mass effect (disambiguation).

Mass Effect
File:Kurwachuj.png
Genres	Action role-playing, third-person shooter
Developers	BioWare Edge of Reality Demiurge Studios Straight Right
Publishers	Microsoft Game Studios (2007) Electronic Arts (2008–present)
Platforms	Xbox 360 Microsoft Windows iOS PlayStation 3 Android Windows Phone Wii U PlayStation 4 Xbox One
Platform of origin	Xbox 360
First release	Mass Effect November 20, 2007
Latest release	Mass Effect: Andromeda March 21, 2017

Mass Effect is a science fiction action role-playing third-person shooter video game series developed by the Canadian company BioWare and released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows, with the third installment also released on the Wii U. The fourth game was released on Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in March 2017.

The original trilogy largely revolves around a soldier named Commander Shepard, whose mission is to save the galaxy from a race of powerful mechanical beings known as the Reapers and their agents, including the first game's antagonist Saren Arterius. The first game, released in 2007, sees Shepard investigating Saren, whom Shepard slowly comes to understand is operating under the guidance of Sovereign, a Reaper left behind in the Milky Way tens of thousands of years before, when the Reapers exterminated virtually all sentient organic life in the galaxy as part of a recurrent cycle of genocide for an unknown purpose. Sovereign's purpose is to trigger the imminent return of the Reaper fleet hibernating in extra-galactic dark space, restarting the process of extermination. The second game takes place two years later, and sees Shepard battling the Collectors, an alien race abducting entire human colonies in a plan to help the Reapers return to the Milky Way. The final game of Shepard's trilogy centers on the war being waged against the Reapers.

The fourth installment takes place in the Andromeda Galaxy and features a new cast of characters.

All of the first three major installments of the Mass Effect series have been met with commercial success as well as universal acclaim. The series is highly regarded for its narrative, character development, voice acting, universe, and emphasis on player choice affecting the experience.

Setting

The Mass Effect original trilogy takes place in a fictional version of the Milky Way in the year 2183, in which the galaxy is populated by several different species throughout its vastness. The galactic community partitioned the Milky Way into five different sectors, known as the Terminus Systems, the Attican Traverse, Inner and Outer Council Space, and Alliance Space. Earth is a significant setting, particularly in the third installment, while the space station known as the Citadel is a recurring and highly prominent locale.

The fourth game takes place in Heleus Cluster of Andromeda galaxy, 634 years after the events of its predecessor.

Gameplay

A trilogy of games has been released, each continuing the previous game's story in chronological order. The Mass Effect series combines action role-playing game elements, with the main series games being in third-person perspective. The protagonist can use two AI-controlled squad members in battle, which usually consist of members he or she has recruited from various places and for various reasons, and taken onto the Normandy, Shepard's starship. The player could make perspective decisions depending upon the situation. At these times, the player has multiple sets of dialogue choices with which to respond to NPCs, separated by tone. Starting from Mass Effect 2, the player can interrupt cut-scenes calmly or aggressively. The games often have various mini-games in them as well, such as drinking, dancing and romancing characters.

Games

Year	Title	Developer	Platform(s)
2007	Mass Effect1	BioWare	Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
2009	Mass Effect Galaxy		iOS
2010	Mass Effect 22		Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
2012	Mass Effect Infiltrator	IronMonkey Studios	iOS, Android, Windows Phone
	Mass Effect 33	BioWare	Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U
	Mass Effect Datapad4		iOS
	Mass Effect Trilogy1,5		Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
2017	Mass Effect: Andromeda		Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Notes: 1. The PlayStation 3 and Windows versions of Mass Effect were ported by Demiurge Studios. 2. Available on Sony's PlayStation Now streaming service 3. Mass Effect 3: Special Edition was ported by Straight Right. 4. Removed from the App Store. 5. Bundled collection of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3.

Main series

Timeline of release years

2007	Mass Effect
2008
2009
2010	Mass Effect 2
2011
2012	Mass Effect 3
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017	Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect

Main article: Mass Effect (video game)

Mass Effect (2007), the first game in the series, was originally created as an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 but was later ported to Microsoft Windows by Demiurge Studios, and to the PlayStation 3 by Edge of Reality. The game focuses on the protagonist, Commander Shepard, and their quest to stop the rogue Spectre Saren Arterius from leading an army of sentient machines, called the Geth, to conquer the galaxy. During pursuit of Saren, Shepard learns of a far greater threat in the form of the Reapers. Saren has been mentally enslaved by the Reaper vanguard Sovereign, and sent into Citadel Space to initiate the purge of all advanced organic life in the galaxy, a cycle repeated by the Reapers every 50,000 years.

Downloadable content

• "Bring Down the Sky": Released on March 10, 2008 for the Xbox 360 as a paid download and on July 29, 2008 for Windows as a free download: Shepard is asked to deal with terrorists threatening to destroy a major human settlement.
• "Pinnacle Station": Released on August 25, 2009: Shepard can board the eponymous space station to fight competitively in battle simulations and, if successful, win a "retirement" providing minor in-game benefits.

Mass Effect 2

Main article: Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2, the second main game in the series, was released on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29 in Europe. A great deal of secrecy surrounded the game prior to launch, with few details emerging other than Casey Hudson, Project Director for BioWare, stating that "players should keep their save files, because decisions made by the player in the first game will continue to have influences on their character in the sequel." The game takes place two years after the events of Mass Effect. Human colonies are being attacked, their colonists disappearing without a trace. The game's protagonist, Commander Shepard, is forced into an uneasy alliance with the pro-Human paramilitary organization, Cerberus, in an effort to discover the cause. Evidence emerges pointing to the 'Collectors', an advanced, enigmatic race of insect-like humanoids. Adding to the threat is the revelation that the Collectors are working for the Reapers. Shepard sets out on a "suicide mission" to stop the Collectors, accompanied by a hand-picked team of soldiers, assassins, mercenaries, and specialists. Mass Effect 2 has received overwhelming critical and public praise since its release, for its characters, storyline, voice acting, and refined combat and gameplay with many critics calling it a major improvement over the original and an easy Game of the Year contender despite its January release. At Gamescom 2010, it was announced that a PlayStation 3 version would become available, which was released on January 18, 2011.

Downloadable content

Main article: Mass Effect 2 downloadable content

• "Normandy Crash Site": Released on January 26, 2010 as a free download: additional solo-mission for Shepard, paying respects to Normandy's crew and wreck.
• "Zaeed - The Price of Revenge": Released on January 28, 2010 as a free download: additional mercenary companion.
• "Firewalker": Released on March 23, 2010: 5 additional vehicle-based missions.
• "Kasumi - Stolen Memory": Released on April 6, 2010: additional thief companion.
• "Overlord": Released on June 15, 2010: Shepard investigates a catastrophic AI outbreak.
• "Lair of the Shadow Broker": Released on September 7, 2010: Shepard accompanies Dr. Liara T'Soni on her hunt for the elusive Shadow Broker.
• "Arrival": Released on March 29, 2011 and acts as a bridge for Mass Effect 3: Shepard discovers and delays the impending Reaper invasion.

Mass Effect 3

Main article: Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3, the third installment in the Mass Effect trilogy, was released on March 6, 2012. Casey Hudson commented that Mass Effect 3 "will be easier [to develop] because we don't have to worry about continuity into the next one." However, decisions are routinely imported from the two previous titles to Mass Effect 3 in order to maintain continuity within the series. In the final chapter of the trilogy, the Reapers have returned in force, and have begun their purge of the galaxy, attacking Earth. During this attack Commander Shepard is on Earth and forced to flee. After fleeing Earth, Commander Shepard must hurry and rally the advanced races of the galaxy to make one final stand, not only to save Earth, but also to break a cycle that has continued for millions of years (hence providing the answer to Fermi's Paradox). The first official trailer was unveiled on December 11, 2010 during the Spike TV Video Game Awards.

Downloadable content

Main article: Mass Effect 3 downloadable content

• "From Ashes": Released on the game's release date: additional mission to retrieve an ancient artifact.
• "Extended Cut": Released on June 26, 2012 as a free download: features new cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes that expand upon the original ending.
• "Leviathan": Released on August 28, 2012: Shepard discovers the Reapers' origin.
• "Omega": Released on November 27, 2012: Shepard helps Aria T'Loak retake command of the Omega space station.
• "Citadel": Released on March 5, 2013 as the final DLC pack for Mass Effect 3: Shepard and crew enjoy shore leave and have to face a mysterious identity thief.

Mass Effect: Andromeda

Main article: Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda, the first game in a new series, and the fourth major installment overall in the franchise, was revealed at E3 2015. It was released on March 21, 2017. The title utilizes EA DICE's Frostbite 3 engine and was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Andromeda is the first game in the series to feature an open world environment and began during the time in which Mass Effect 2 takes place, then jumps 634 years in future. The player character is either Sara or Scott Ryder, designated as a Pathfinder - an operative tasked with discovering new planets in Andromeda Galaxy.

Spin-offs

Mass Effect Galaxy

Mass Effect Galaxy (2009): This is a backstory set between the events of Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 and exclusively on the iOS platform. The story is focused around two characters who appear as squad members in Mass Effect 2: Jacob Taylor and Miranda Lawson. When the passenger liner Arcturian Jade is attacked by Batarian raiders with Jacob on it, he takes on the task of defending the ship. After safely arriving at their destination on the Citadel, Jacob's former CO contacts him about an undercover Alliance operation in the Nemean Abyss to investigate the Batarians' increasingly aggressive activities.

Mass Effect Infiltrator

Mass Effect Infiltrator (2012): A third-person shooter released on the Android, BlackBerry 10, iOS and Windows Phone 8 platforms. The story for Infiltrator involves Randall Ezno, a Cerberus agent, who discovers Cerberus's cruelty and goes rogue, killing Cerberus troopers and freeing prisoners from a hostile base. Players will "receive rewards" for collecting evidence of Cerberus' crimes. According to EA, "Every completed rescue and intelligence discovery in Infiltrator will increase a player's Galactic Readiness rating directly through the 'Galaxy at War' system in Mass Effect 3."

Mass Effect: Datapad

Mass Effect: Datapad (2012): A free app for iOS devices. Datapad allows players to check the status of the galaxy map in Mass Effect 3 and receive messages from characters. Datapad contains information about the characters, races, vehicles, weapons, and storyline of the Mass Effect universe, as well as mini-games that interact with the Mass Effect 3 'Galaxy at War' system. It has since been removed from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store.

Mass Effect: Andromeda APEX HQ

APEX HQ is the official companion app for Mass Effect: Andromeda Multiplayer. Supported by iOS and Android devices, APEX HQ was released on March 15 in Canada, Ireland, Romania and Singapore, and worldwide on March 20, 2017. Through APEX HQ, players can view their progress in multiplayer, equip characters, assign skill points, manage Strike Teams, and access their friend list. The app cannot be used while signed into the game.

Other media

Rides

• Mass Effect: New Earth (2016): A 4D holographic experience introduced at California's Great America amusement park in 2016.

Novels

• Mass Effect: Revelation (2007), by Drew Karpyshyn: The first novel based on Mass Effect, the plot is centered around then-Lieutenant David Anderson and tells the story of how he came to know Saren as well as the beginning of his relationship with Kahlee Sanders. It expands on the history of the Mass Effect universe and reveals in detail how Anderson failed to become the first human Spectre.
• Mass Effect: Ascension (2008), by Drew Karpyshyn: The second novel based on Mass Effect, the plot centers around protagonist Paul Grayson, a member of Cerberus, who is in charge of raising a biotic girl named Gillian. It is set some two months after the ending events of the first game.
• Mass Effect: Retribution (2010), by Drew Karpyshyn: On July 27, 2010, BioWare released the third Mass Effect novel, a sequel to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect: Ascension.
• Mass Effect: Deception (2012), by William C. Dietz: The fourth Mass Effect novel, it centers on Gillian Grayson. Response to the novel has been largely negative due to inconsistencies with lore and characterization, prompting fans to petition BioWare to disregard the novel as canon. In response, BioWare and Del Rey announced that a number of changes would be made in future editions.
• Mass Effect: Nexus Uprising (March 28, 2017), by Jason M. Hough and K.C. Alexander. The novel is the first of three intended to weave directly into the game, taking place "concurrently with the adventure of the game itself".
• Two other Mass Effect: Andromeda novels: Mass Effect: Annihilation by Catherine M. Valente and Mass Effect: Initiation by N.K. Jemisin are scheduled for publication in Summer 2017 and Fall 2017, all published by Titan Books.

Fan novels

Mass Effect: Pick Your Path (2012) is a popular interactive fiction novel written by Mike Kayatta that runs parallel to the events of Mass Effect 2. It follows the exploits of an unnamed Citadel merchant who chases Commander Shepard around the galaxy to gain an endorsement for his shop. Encouraged by The Illusive Man for unknown reasons, the merchant becomes haplessly entangled with the dangerous aftermath of Shepard's various adventures. The story, considered similar to the Choose Your Own Adventure series of books, features the same choice-driven format of the games, allowing the reader to choose between "paragon" or "renegade" actions, drastically affect the ending, and even romance a selection of unique party members. The full story was published by The Escapist in March 2012.

Comics

Writer Mac Walters in front of a Mass Effect poster at the Dark Horse Comics booth at the 2011 New York Comic Con.

Main article: Mass Effect (comic)

• Mass Effect: Redemption is a four-part comic book mini-series that was released between January and April 2010. The story, which revolves around Liara T'Soni, is set in the interim period between the prologue and main storyline of Mass Effect 2, and is related to the downloadable content "Lair of the Shadow Broker" that was released for the game.
• Mass Effect: Incursion is an on-line comic (8 pages) that follows Aria T'Loak's encounter with the Collectors one week prior to the opening events of Mass Effect 2. The events of Incursion link into the events of the comic miniseries Mass Effect: Redemption. It was released June 21, 2010 through IGN.
• Mass Effect: Inquisition is an on-line comic (8 pages) written by Mac Walters. Taking place after Mass Effect 2, the plot follows Captain Armando-Owen Bailey during his investigation of Executor Venari Pallin and corruption within C-Sec. It was released October 26, 2010 through USA Today.
• Mass Effect: Evolution is a four-part comic book mini-series. The first issue was released in January 2011. The story focuses on the origin of the Illusive Man and is set during the First Contact War, shortly after the discovery of the Mass Relays.
• Mass Effect: Conviction is a free short (10 page) single issue mini-comic written by Mac Walters. Taking place before Mass Effect 3, the plot follows Lieutenant James Vega during his stay on Omega before returning to Systems Alliance service. Released in September 2011 available through a digital distribution promotion exclusively at participating retailers.
• Mass Effect: Invasion is a comic book series (4 issues) released between October 2011 and January 2012. It follows Aria T'Loak, the pirate queen of the space station Omega, as her station comes under attack from a new threat unleashed by Cerberus, the human survivalist organization.
• Mass Effect: Homeworlds is a comic book series (4 issues) written by game lead writer Mac Walters released April 25, 2012. Each issue focuses on a main character from the Mass Effect series.
• Mass Effect: Blasto: Eternity Is Forever is a short (14 page) single issue mini-comic written by Mac Walters released on November 7, 2012 through digital distribution. The main character is Blasto, a Hanar Spectre featured in several Mass Effect films as the galaxy's first Hanar Spectre.
• Mass Effect: He Who Laughs Best is a short (10 page) single issue mini-comic written by Mac Walters released on May 4, 2013 for Free Comic Book Day 2013. It explains how Jeff "Joker" Moreau became the SSV Normandy's pilot prior to the events of Mass Effect.
• Mass Effect: Foundation is a 13-issue comic series written by Mac Walters. The first issue was released on July 24, 2013. It features a story that runs parallel to the game trilogy and is designed to expand the universe as a whole.

Films

• Mass Effect: On May 24, 2010, EA announced that Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. acquired the rights to a Mass Effect film, with the game's executive producer Casey Hudson, as well as Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuck from BioWare, serving as executive producers. Initially, Legendary planned to produce the film with Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, and Avi Arad, with a screenplay by Mark Protosevich. Protosevich and the producers have stated that the film will follow the plot of the original game. On October 24, 2012, Variety announced that Morgan Davis Foehl would be writing the screenplay.
• Mass Effect: Paragon Lost (2012): On April 7, 2011, EA announced that anime distributor Funimation Entertainment and Japanese studio T.O Entertainment will produce an anime film adaptation based on the series. The film was released on December 28, 2012. It serves as the prequel to Mass Effect 3 and follows the early career of Alliance Marine James Vega as he leads an elite Special Forces squad into battle against The Collectors. Stationed at a colony in a remote star system, Vega and his soldiers must protect the civilians from a ruthless invasion by the Collectors, determined to capture the population for unknown purposes.

Fan films

Mass Effect: Assignment (2012) is a fan film set in the same timeline as the Mass Effect game series, but following a group of original characters. The film follows the story of two N7 Soldiers, Meer and Hale, who are hunting down Defoe, a smuggler whose cargo is of great interest to a lot of parties. The film was produced by filmmaking duo Sneaky Zebra and marks the first fan film set in the Mass Effect universe. The film features the unique element of being interactive much like the games series allowing the viewer to choose the path of the plot to four possible endings. Three character-based teaser trailers were released in December via Machinma with the full short being released in February 2012.

Red Sand (2012) is a fan film that serves as a prequel to the Mass Effect series. It is set 35 years before the plot of the games and tells the story of the discovery of the ancient Prothean ruins of Mars. The film stars Mark Meer, voice of the male version of Commander Shepard in the games, as Colonel Jon Grissom. It was produced by the students and faculty of the Digital Video Program at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.

Action figures

Two series of action figures were released by DC Direct and Big Fish Toys for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. Series one included action figures of Commander Shepard, Grunt, Tali, and Thane. Series two included Garrus, Legion, Miranda, and Mordin. Each figure features game-accurate accessories and can be found in game and hobby shops and various online retailers. The figures tied to Mass Effect 3 include bonus downloadable content, which is exclusive and different for each character.

Board games

Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War Edition (2013) was announced by USAopoly and was released in Fall 2013.

Art books

Two Mass Effect art books have been released: 2007's Art of Mass Effect, published by Prima Games and 2012's The Art of the Mass Effect Universe, published by Dark Horse Comics. The former book showcases the design sketches and concept art which was created for the original Mass Effect game, while the latter includes art, sketches and paintings for the entire trilogy, including several pieces originally published in the first book.

Characters

Main game series characters

Main article: List of Mass Effect characters

Note: Some characters may or may not appear in Mass Effect 2 or Mass Effect 3, depending on their fate in the previous games. Some of the characters only appear if the player has installed the relevant downloadable content (DLC).

Character	Game
	Mass Effect	Mass Effect 2	Mass Effect 3	Mass Effect: Andromeda
Commander Shepard	Mark Meer (male) Jennifer Hale (female)			Mentioned
Ashley Williams	Kimberly Brooks			Not present
Liara T'Soni	Ali Hillis
Kaidan Alenko	Raphael Sbarge			Not present
Garrus Vakarian / Archangel	Brandon Keener			Mentioned
Tali'Zorah vas Normandy/nar Rayya/Vas Neema	Liz Sroka			Not present
Miranda Lawson	Not present	Yvonne Strahovski		Mentioned
The Illusive Man	Not present	Martin Sheen		Not present
Jeff "Joker" Moreau	Seth Green			Not present
David Anderson	Keith David			Not present
Urdnot Wrex	Steve Barr			Not present
EDI	Not present	Tricia Helfer		Not present
Jacob Taylor	Not present	Adam Lazarre-White		Not present
Mordin Solus	Not present	Michael Beattie	William Salyers	Not present
Jack / Subject Zero	Not present	Courtenay Taylor		Not present
Grunt	Not present	Steven Blum		Not present
Thane Krios	Not present	Keythe Farley		Not present
Legion	Not present	D.C. Douglas		Not present
Samara	Not present	Maggie Baird		Not present
Morinth	Not present	Natalia Cigliuti	Appeared	Not present
Zaeed Massani	Not present	Robin Sachs		Mentioned
Kasumi Goto	Not present	Kym Hoy		Not present
James Vega	Not present		Freddie Prinze, Jr.	Not present
Javik	Not present		Ike Amadi	Not present
Admiral Steven Hackett	Lance Henriksen			Mentioned
Ambassador / Councilor Donnel Udina	Bill Ratner			Not present
Councilor Tevos	Jan Alexandra Smith			Not present
Councilor Valern	Armin Shimerman			Not present
Councilor Sparatus	Alastair Duncan			Not present
Councilor Irissa	Not present	Mentioned	Susan Eisenberg	Not present
Councilor Esheel	Not present	Mentioned	Grey DeLisle	Not present
Councilor Quentius	Not present	Mentioned	Appeared	Not present
Avina	Dannah Phirman
Conrad Verner	Jeff Page			Mentioned
Engineer Gregory Adams	Roger Jackson	Mentioned	Roger Jackson	Not present
Captain / Major Kirrahe	George Szilagyi	Mentioned	George Szilagyi	Not present
Saren Arterius	Fred Tatasciore	Mentioned
Matriarch Benezia	Marina Sirtis	Not present
Sovereign	Peter Jessop	Not present
Ka'hairal Balak	Fred Tatasciore	Mentioned	Fred Tatasciore	Not present
Nihlus Kryik	Alastair Duncan	Mentioned		Not present
Navigator Charles Pressly	Dwight Schultz		Mentioned	Not present
Yeoman Kelly Chambers	Not present	Cara Pifko		Not present
Aria T'Loak	Not present	Carrie-Anne Moss		Not present
Dr. Karin Chakwas	Carolyn Seymour			Not present
Dr. Chloe Michel	Jan Alexandra Smith	Mentioned	Jan Alexandra Smith	Not present
Captain / Commander Armando-Owen Bailey	Not present	Michael Hogan		Not present
Engineer Kenneth "Ken" Donnelly	Not present	John Ullyatt		Not present
Engineer Gabriella "Gabby" Daniels	Not present	Dannah Feinglass		Not present
Oriana Lawson	Not present	Appeared	Laura Bailey	Not present
Gatatog Uvenk	Not present	Michael Dorn	Not present
Kal'Reegar	Not present	Adam Baldwin	Mentioned	Not present
Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonbay	Not present	Shohreh Aghdashloo		Not present
Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema	Not present	Simon Templeman		Not present
Admiral Zaal'Korris vas Qwib-Qwib	Not present	Martin Jarvis		Not present
Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh	Not present	Claudia Black		Not present
Harbinger	Not present	Keith Szarabajka	Appeared	Not present
Kolyat Krios	Not present	Quinton Flynn		Not present
Matriarch Aethyta	Not present	Claudia Black		Not present
Nassana Dantius	Grey DeLisle		Not present
Rana Thanoptis	Belinda Cornish		Mentioned	Not present
Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani	April Banigan			Not present
The Shadow Broker	Mentioned	Steven Blum	(replaced by Liara T'Soni)	Not present
Tela Vasir	Not present	Jessica Anne Bogart	Not present
David Archer	Not present	Jesse Gervais		Not present
Gavin Archer	Not present	Simon Templeman		Not present
Shiala	Gwendoline Yeo		Mentioned	Not present
Gianna Parasini	Wendy Braun		Not present
Emily Wong	Anndi McAfee		Mentioned	Not present
Fist	John Wright		Not present
Ambassador Din Korlack	Lex Lang	Not present	Lex Lang	Not present
Fai Dan	Armin Shimerman	Not present
Barla Von	John Wright	Not present	John Wright	Not present
Consort Sha'ira	Gwendoline Yeo	Mentioned	Gwendoline Yeo	Not present
Kate Bowman	Audrey Wasilewski	Mentioned	Not present
Detective Anaya	Not present	Cindy Robinson	Not present
Niftu Cal	Not present	Mark Meer	Not present
Feron	Not present	Yuri Lowenthal	Mentioned	Not present
Warlord Okeer	Not present	Dave Fennoy	Mentioned	Not present
Vido Santiago	Not present	Richard Green	Not present
Donovan Hock	Not present	John Ulyatt	Not present
Mess Sergeant Rupert Gardner	Not present	Bill Ratner	Not present
Dr. Amanda Kenson	Not present	Victoria Gray	Not present
Harkin / Fade	Roger Jackson		Not present
Steve Cortez	Not present		Matthew Del Negro	Not present
Samantha Traynor	Not present		Alix Wilton Regan	Not present
Diana Allers	Not present		Jessica Chobot	Not present
Kai Leng	Not present		Troy Baker	Not present
Kahlee Sanders	Not present		Grey DeLisle	Not present
Primarch Adrien Victus	Not present		Daniel Riordan	Not present
Dalatrass Linron	Not present		Grey DeLisle	Not present
Eve / Urdnot Bakara	Not present		Lani Minella	Not present
Leviathan	Not present		Anthony Skordi	Not present
Dr. Ann Bryson	Not present		Fay Masterson	Not present
Henry Lawson	Not present	Mentioned	Alan Dale	Not present
Oleg Petrovsky	Not present		Brian George	Not present
Nyreen Kandros	Not present		Sumalee Montano	Mentioned
Maya Brooks	Not present		Siobhan Hewlett	Not present
Sara Ryder	Not present			Fryda Wolff
Scott Ryder	Not present			Tom Taylorson
Cora Harper	Not present			Jules de Jongh
Jaal Ama Darav	Not present			Nyasha Hatendi
Liam Kosta	Not present			Gary Carr
Nakmor Drack	Not present			Stanley Townsend
Pelessaria "Peebee" B'Sayle	Not present			Christine Lakin
Vetra Nyx	Not present			Danielle Rayne
SAM	Not present			Alexia Traverse-Healy
Suvi Anwar	Not present			Katy Townsend
Gil Brodie	Not present			Gethin Anthony
Kallo Jath	Not present			Garett Ross
Dr. Lexi T'Perro	Not present			Natalie Dormer
Tiran Kandros	Not present			Steve Pirot
Jarun Tann	Not present			Kumail Nanjiani
Foster Addison	Not present			Zoe Telford
Reyes Vidal	Not present			Nicholas Boulton
Archon	Not present			Robert Kazinsky
Moshae Sjefa	Not present			Indira Varma
Sloane Kelly	Not present			Indira Varma
August Bradley	Not present			Charles Parnell
Alec Ryder	Not present			Clancy Brown
Evfra De Tershaav	Not present			Ray Chase
Avela Kjar	Not present			Kate Kennedy
Nakmor Kesh	Not present			Allegra Clark
Pathfinder Raeka	Not present			Gemma Whelan
Keri T'Vessa	Not present			Rebecca Night
Avitus Rix	Not present			Trevor White
Davis Qar	Not present			Conor Knighton
Paraan Shae	Not present			Cindy Robinson
Jien Garson	Not present			Jamie Clayton

Spin-off game series characters

Character	Game
	Mass Effect Galaxy	Mass Effect Infiltrator
Jacob Taylor	Appeared
Miranda Lawson	Appeared
Jath'Amon	Appeared
Derek Izunami	Appeared
Nax	Appeared
Batha	Appeared
Clint "Black Eye" Darragh	Appeared
Illo Nazario	Appeared
Randall Ezno		Appeared
Director		Appeared
Inali Renata		Appeared
X1		Appeared

Novel series characters

Character	Novel
	Mass Effect: Revelation	Mass Effect: Ascension	Mass Effect: Retribution	Mass Effect: Deception
Kahlee Sanders	Appeared
David Anderson	Appeared	Mentioned	Appeared
Illusive Man		Appeared
Paul Grayson		Appeared		Mentioned
Gillian Grayson		Appeared	Mentioned	Appeared
Hendel Mitra		Appeared	Mentioned	Appeared
Saren Arterius	Appeared	Mentioned
Jon Grissom	Appeared	Mentioned
Kai Leng			Appeared
Aria T'Loak			Appeared
Nick Donahue		Appeared
Commander Shepard		Mentioned

Comic series characters

Character	Comic					Mini-comic
	Mass Effect: Redemption	Mass Effect: Evolution	Mass Effect: Invasion	Mass Effect: Homeworlds	Mass Effect: Foundation	Mass Effect: Incursion	Mass Effect: Inquistion	Mass Effect: Conviction	Mass Effect: Blasto: Eternity Is Forever	Mass Effect: He Who Laughs Best
Aria T'Loak	Appeared		Appeared			Appeared
Liara T'Soni	Appeared			Appeared
Feron	Appeared
Shadow Broker	Appeared
Miranda Lawson	Appeared				Appeared
Tazzik	Appeared
Harbinger	Appeared
Jack Harper/Illusive Man		Appeared	Appeared		Appeared
Saren Arterius		Appeared		Mentioned
Eva Coré		Appeared
General Williams		Appeared
Desolas Arterius		Appeared
Ben Hislop		Appeared
Anto Korragan			Appeared
Oleg Petrovsky			Appeared
Raymond Ashe			Appeared
James Vega				Appeared				Appeared
Tali'Zorah				Appeared
Garrus Vakarian				Appeared
Rasa/Maya Brooks					Appeared
Kai leng					Appeared
Ashley Williams					Appeared
Urdnot Wrex					Appeared
Kaidan Alenko					Appeared
Jacob Taylor					Appeared
Jack "Subject Zero"					Appeared
Thane Krios					Appeared
Kasumi Goto					Appeared
Zaeed Masani					Appeared
Kolyat					Appeared
Tela Vasir					Appeared
Fist					Appeared
Councilor Valern					Appeared
Keiji Okuda					Appeared
Armando-Owen Bailey							Appeared
Executor Pallin							Appeared
Donnel Udina							Appeared
David Anderson								Appeared		Appeared
Commander Shepard	Mentioned							Appeared
Blasto									Appeared
Cerulean Star									Appeared
Kronus									Appeared
Jeff "Joker" Moreau										Appeared
Captain Dillard										Appeared
General Invectus										Appeared

Movie characters

Character	Film
	Mass Effect: Paragon Lost
James Vega	Freddie Prinze, Jr.
Treeya	Monica Rial
Essex	Eric Vale
Kamille	Laura Bailey
Messner	Vic Mignogna
Mason	Marc Swint
Milque	Todd Haberkorn
Nicky	Josh Grelle
Christine	Kara Edwards
April	Jad Saxton
Captain Toni	Travis Willingham
Archuk	Jason Douglas
Brood	Justin Cook
Admiral Steven Hackett	Bruce Carey
David Anderson	Patrick Seitz
Liara T'Soni	Jamie Marchi

Reception

See also: List of accolades received by Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 controversy

Aggregate review scores
As of April 13, 2017.

Game	Metacritic
Mass Effect	(X360) 91 (PC) 89 (PS3) 85
Mass Effect 2	(X360) 96 (PC) 94 (PS3) 94
Mass Effect 3	(X360) 93 (PS3) 93 (PC) 89 (WIIU) 85
Mass Effect: Andromeda	(XONE) 77 (PC) 73 (PS4) 70

The Mass Effect series, particularly the second game, has received universal acclaim. Colin Moriarty stated that "the Mass Effect series is one of the defining video game franchises of [the seventh] generation." GamesRadar called Mass Effect the best new franchise of the (then seventh) generation, saying "The galaxy was so well-constructed that it felt like a decades-old franchise and represented a high-water mark for video games as a story-telling medium." IGN rated the Mass Effect trilogy the best Xbox 360 game(s) out of a list of 25, despite being multiplatform.

Mass Effect 2 is widely considered to be one of the greatest games of all time. It garnered numerous game of the year awards and is critically the most successful game in the series. It received over 70 perfect review scores.

While Mass Effect 3 also garnered critical acclaim, controversy surrounded its release due to the public's reaction and refusal to accept the game's (and the trilogy's) ending. This eventually led to BioWare releasing an "extended cut" patch to the ending of Mass Effect 3 which would expand upon, but not replace it.

Sales

Two weeks after the game was released, Mass Effect 2 shipped two million copies to retailers. The game sold over 500,000 copies in the month of release, despite being released at the end of the month. As of November 2014, Mass Effect 2 has sold 4.8 million copies. Before the release of the third game, the series sold a total of 7 million copies worldwide.

Mass Effect 3 sold over 800,000 copies in its first 24 hours, and its opening month sales were twice that of its predecessor's, selling over 900,000 copies on the Xbox 360 version, outselling the PlayStation 3 version 4 to 1 and bringing in over $200 million in revenue.

As of July 5, 2014, the Mass Effect series has sold a total of 14 million units.

See also

• Elite (video game)
• Space Rangers (video game)

External links

• Official website (Mass Effect Trilogy)
• Official website (Mass Effect: Andromeda)