The Universe
Here's the first thing I identified for why I enjoyed Mass Effect so much-- it's set in a galactic world that's almost a sibling to my own fanta-sci universe. Centuries have passed, Earth has discovered physics-bending powers, and now humanity finds itself amidst a cosmopolitan empire built upon the highways of faster than light (FTL) space travel. Yet that empire and the powers it rests upon are not all that they seem...
Actually- the similarities with the Starsoul Saga is not entirely coincidental. Some of my former friends played Mass Effect long before I did, and one day we put together a tabletop RPG which they closely based upon the video game. So I technically encountered the Mass Effect universe indirectly, but had a chance to bring in plenty of personal touches and other inspirations.
Whereas the video game's powers are split between biotic (kinetic force attacks or protective barriers, through a rare mutation of the brain cells plus an amplifier) or tech (hacking androids and making enemy weapons overheat with a holographic iPad/3-D printer/Swiss army knife), my magic concept of "the Gift" adds artistic creativity onto the technological manipulation, and includes other categories of elemental matter and energy along with the biological and spiritual. As for cosmic conflict, Mass Effect's is between synthetic AI and organic life... but for Starsoul Saga, it's about spiritual beings and elitist adherents against the underdogs of the natural world.
The Hero
John Shepard is highly customizable for each player, and in fact his first name can be optionally changed (with all voice acting referring to him [or her!] as Shepard/Commander Shepard). In addition to selecting a personal appearance and combat class, you also have choices for his childhood background (colonist, earthbound, or spacer) and a more recent event which defines his psychological profile (sole survivor, war-hero, or ruthless).
My Shepard has a mixed Asian ethnicity (probably Japanese, who actually show up in a few characters and technology companies), with green eyes and brown hair. He grew up as a colonist of a newly settled planet, but raiders killed everyone he loved, and it was only thanks to a military starship that he escaped. He enlisted as a soldier when he was 18. At the age of 22 during 'shore leave' on another planet, a massive raider fleet attacked and this time he fought back-- rallying a defense among the citizens and then single-handedly holding the line at the last moment before human reinforcements arrived. Similar to my "Pilgrim" class in Skyrim, Shepard is a jack-of-all-trades who sticks to his pistol, employs biotic and tech powers mostly as team support/defense, and gets farther through being a persuasive paragon who others will follow to the gates of hell (I even told the cyborg final boss there was still some part of him longing for redemption, to which he resisted the evil AI's power long enough to shoot himself).
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| Is it bad that I frequently refer to him as "Francis Chan in space?" |
The Team
One more thing-- as opposed to the limited dialogue and optional importance of companions in The Elder Scrolls (which I often filled in with my imagination), Mass Effect has a refreshing emphasis upon teamwork and develops every major character through dynamic conversations. There's a cast of both humans and aliens; two of your choice will accompany you each mission, and afterwards you can find them on the lower deck to hear their feedback on your decisions and learn about their past history.
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| She's.... |
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| ...CHRRIIIIISSSTITIIIAAAAANNNN1!!! |
My thoughts on the romance aspect of this are conflicted; it eventually falls into the typical cliches of film (a romantic night before the big battle) and television (an unfulfilled side-plot stretched over the next two sequels, rather than a natural and beneficial partnership). However, it did begin as something sweet-- a growing friendship, meaningful conversations about interests and family members, and then - following a prudent delay because 'saving the galaxy' and 'you're my commanding officer' - she's the one to reassure and (attempts to) kiss Shepard at his very lowest point after a friend's death and the loss of their superiors trust... being the first of his crew to plead him to keep fighting and follow him even if it means going rogue.
Anyway, all this made me think of community and leadership in general. In The Wizard of Oz fashion, I was vaguely reminded of various friends as I traveled the galaxy. I actually noticed myself becoming better at guiding IRL conversations and being present to encourage my friends because of its importance in Mass Effect. While there is often an advantage to independent initiative and paving the way (I had to find out halfway in the game that crew members always deal 50% less damage than I do, even though I specialized for support and gave them all the damage-dealing abilities), we can't do the works God prepared for us alone... and my own passion regarding missions could certainly have a greater, exponential effect if I pass it on and equip others.
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It was sad when it was over, knowing that I wouldn't continue playing and it wouldn't be worth continuing... but it was good while it lasted. It's the sort of thing where the Lord reminds me - as I've forgotten or never believed most of my life - that real life can actually be that cool with Him, and in that sense I'm just stepping into a more epic universe and honored calling and awesome community.
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