Let's Calibrate
It was only a few short moths ago that I first discovered the Mass Effect series, and since then I've been hooked. I absolutely love all three of the Mass Effect games, the way you can play as your own customized character and the fact that your decisions have real weight. However, any Mass Effect fan will agree that the best part of the Mass Effect series is the awesome cast of characters. All of your squad mates in all three games feel unique and likeable in their own way. (Except for Miranda of course, damn cerberus cheerleader b*tch) Today's outing centers around one of my personal favorite characters Mr. Garrus "Archangel" Vakarian.
Alongside Tali'zorah vas Normandy, Garrus is one of only two squadmates in the series who is available in all three games. A former C-sec officer turned vigilante from an alien race called Turians, Garrus is a stoic badass who is probably Shepards most loyal ally. I personally have always liked Garrus. He's always willing to do what he thinks is right, but on his terms.
We open with a Flashback to Palaven, the Turian homeworld, where a young Garrus is being trained by his father. Garrus is discouraged by his lack of progress but his father pushes him in a way that is stern, but never comes off as cruel.
Cut to Omega, a haven for criminals and mercenaries where Garrus had established himself as the vigilante known as Archangel. At the moment, all three major mercenary gangs are implementing an all out assault on his base, as was the case during Mass Effect 2. Garrus takes this time to narrate his life story to the audience.
We see Garrus afraid to leave his dying mother, graduating from C-sec academy. Witnessing Sovereigns attack on the Citadel. Leaving C-sec and being forced to leave the Citadel for his vigilante justice, setting up shop on Omega. Earning the name Archangel after saving an older couple from a Vorcha. Forming his Vigilante team. Sidonis's betrayal. All of these things aspects of Garrus's life that lead him to where you find him in ME2, all of it beautifully done.
Alone on the bridge, sniping merc after merc, Garrus calls his father and makes peace with him knowing that this might be the end, until a mysterious figure wearing N7 armor wanders into the view of Garrus's sniper rifle. Suddenly the odds have just increased in his favor.
What Works:
This is an excellent story that is beautiful in it's simplicity. I especially like the fleshing out of the relationship between Garrus and his father. It's often hinted at in the games, but never fully explored. I rather like their dynamic. We get a sense that pappa-Garrus is harsh and stern, but not overtly cruel and certainly not uncaring. The ending is also a really nice touch, not showing Shepard's face, allowing the reader to insert their Shepard into the story.
What Doesn't:
My only actual complaint is the artwork, and even then it's not bad. I'm not a big fan of the heavy inks used here, but that could just be me preferring the design of the games to this art style
Overall:
5/5
A must read for any fan of the lore of the Mass Effect Universe.
