Game Changer: Discover How Mass Effect 4 Revamps ME2's Cut Batarian Gearhead

Mass Effect is universally recognized as one of the greatest video game trilogies ever created, and its exceptional worldbuilding and rich lore are key factors contributing to its praise. One of the trilogy's standout features is the captivating exploration of alien civilizations. While Shepard, the protagonist, serves human-led organizations like Alliance and Cerberus, the majority of their companions are extraterrestrial beings hailing from various corners of the galaxy.

The game introduces a wide array of alien species, including the hanar, volus, elcor, and vorcha. Despite humorous speculation about the possibility of a romantic relationship with a vorcha, players do not anticipate having any of these species as squad members. However, the Mass Effect Trilogy does offer a diverse selection of species, including the Council races and individuals recruited to the Normandy. Interestingly, there is one notable exception of an important species being excluded as a companion, and BioWare came close to including them in the iconic squad during Mass Effect 2.

The History of Batarians in Mass Effect

Batarians in Mass Effect are a highly contentious group due to their political and social isolation from the rest of the galaxy. Additionally, their culture is known for practicing slavery, further contributing to their negative reputation. For Shepard, there is a personal connection to the batarians, as their background includes a traumatic experience with the group. In particular, the batarians were responsible for the attack on Mindoir, where Shepard grew up if they had the Colonist background. Furthermore, they also led the attacks on the Skyllian Verge, which is where Shepard later gained fame or notoriety. As a result of these attacks, all batarians have retreated to their home systems and are strictly forbidden by their governments from leaving. Consequently, the batarians encountered in Mass Effect 2 are mainly pirates and criminals.

Given their troubled history with humans, it seems unlikely that batarians would be considered as potential companions for the Normandy. However, Shepard has had experiences with other unlikely allies, such as having a geth on board. Interestingly, there were plans in Mass Effect 2 for a batarian companion who could have defied expectations. This companion would have been tasked with hunting down a batarian terrorist, only to discover that they were actually a socially awkward geek with exceptional technological skills. Observant players may have noticed similarities between this concept and one of the individuals on Garrus' mercenary crew. Garrus describes his tech expert as a batarian who possessed unparalleled hacking abilities, suggesting that the idea for the Batarian Gearhead was repurposed into a passing remark, adding depth to Garrus' team.

The Story Behind Mass Effect's Squads

With the extensive conflicts Shepard has faced with the batarians, surpassing even their encounters with the geth, it is plausible that the Batarian Gearhead character was omitted. Furthermore, from a practical game design standpoint, having Tali aboard the Normandy may have left limited room for an additional tech expert. However, Mass Effect 4 should capitalize on the chance to introduce a batarian companion who defies stereotypes.

Considering that the batarians have suffered significant losses as the initial targets of the Mass Effect Reapers, having a batarian perspective within the team would hold even greater significance and captivation than ever before. This perspective would not only bring depth to a species in dire need of it, but also showcase the intelligence and individuality of the batarians, breaking away from limiting stereotypes. Unfortunately, by the time Mass Effect 3 unfolds, the majority of batarians have already perished.

Including a batarian squad mate in Mass Effect 4 would add intriguing conflict, dynamics, and fresh lore to the story, considering the game's emphasis on diversity. It would be a missed opportunity to exclude them, especially considering the potential they have for advancing the narrative in the upcoming installment.