As the development cycle for the nextMass Effectcontinues its course, fans are becoming antsy to learn more about the game that lies ahead. From potential plot threads to unanswered conspiracy theories, the future of theMass Effectfranchise rests in the hands of this soft series revival. WhereverMass Effect 4takes fans next, the one thing that is for certain is that the adventure will not be complete without the support of companions. Companions are inarguably one of the many highlights of theMass Effectfranchise, offering players memorable emotional ties to the characters that help Shepard navigate the political turmoil of the Milky Way. Chief among them is Garrus Vakarian, whose loyalty and sharp wit have made him a defining figure of the series.
Few characters in gaming embody loyalty quite like Garrus Vakarian. The fan-favorite Turian sharpshooter has been an emotional anchor throughout theMass Effecttrilogy, a companion defined by dry charm, steady aim, and a ride-or-die attitude for Commander Shepard. Simply put,Mass Effectwouldn’t beMass Effectwithout him. But as anticipation builds for the game and fans debatewhereMass Effect 4should pick up from, an unexpected source has reignited the hunger to see Garrus again: Obsidian’sAvowed. Specifically, one new companion inAvowedhas drawn attention from longtimeMass Effectfans, not just because of his personality, but because of who’s behind the voice. Said character is named Kai, and he is voiced by none other than Brendan Keener.
Kai in Avowed Feels Cut from the Same Cloth as Garrus
InAvowed,Kai quickly emerged as a fan-favorite companion, praised for his grounded wisdom and steady, calming presence in a world teeming with chaos. It didn’t take long for players to draw comparisons between Kai and Garrus, especially after realizing both characters are voiced by Brandon Keener.
Keener’s performance inAvowedchannels many of the same qualities that made Garrus so beloved: humor delivered with perfect timing, the ability to anchor more volatile party members, and moments of understated emotional depth. While many games lean hard into exaggerated quirks or bombastic personalities for their sidekicks, Garrus andKai succeed by feeling refreshingly grounded: steady, loyal, and deeply human, even in the most fantastical or futuristic settings. But Kai isn’t a copy of Garrus. He’s a reminder of what makes a great RPG companion work, which has ignited a yearning inMass Effectfans to see Keener’s talents reprised.
Mass Effect 4 Faces Big Shoes to Fill, Even from Its Own Legacy
BioWare has been tight-lipped about the specifics ofMass Effect 4, but early teasers have hinted at a return to the Milky Way galaxy and possibly to surviving characters from the original trilogy. So far, the onlycharacter confirmed to make a comeback is Liara. Her return has opened the door for speculation about whether other fan-favorites like Wrex, Grunt, or Tali could reappear. Some are even wondering whether short-lived human companions like Miranda or Kaidan/Ashley could make their return depending on when the new game is set. Yet, the character that resounds the most in long-time fans’ minds is Garrus. And afterAvowed, the idea of Garrus returning doesn’t just feel like wishful thinking; it feels like unfinished business.
Kai’s popularity has served as a reminder of the irreplaceable charisma Keener brings to his roles. It has also raised the bar for companion writing and performance in RPGs at large. IfMass Effect 4hopes to recapture its emotional magic,revisiting its best-loved characters and evolving themfor a new era feels like a natural step.
Garrus Represents More Than Nostalgia
Of course, any potential return forGarrus Vakarianwould need to reckon with time. The galaxy, and Garrus himself, would have changed in the aftermath ofMass Effect 3. Still, that’s part of the appeal. Rather than freezing characters in place, modern RPGs thrive when they allow companions to evolve. Kai’s thoughtful, weathered characterization inAvowedproves there’s an appetite for companions who feel like real people, shaped by years of experience, loss, and growth.
For BioWare, bringing Garrus back wouldn’t just be a nod to the past; it’d be an opportunity to show how the studio has grown alongside its audience. It’s a chance to meet players where they are now, with a character who’s always been about standing at someone’s side when it matters most.And after Keener’s familiar voice inAvowed, that kind of steady presence will feel more valuable than ever, as RPG lovers were reminded of his iconicMass Effectcharacter.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
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