It's hard to identify any single moment that resonated with me above all the other moments I shared.
I remember being vehemently gung-ho to release the genophage cure, primarily because the conversations I had with Mordin in ME2, up until the Tuchunka event started. I saw that the Krogan may yet still not be ready to reclaim their future. I hesitated. There was much more to gain with Solarian aid in assembling the Crucible than to foster a relationship with a volatile species of reptilian warriors, despite their prowess as such. The scientific advances made by a bond between Solarians and Humans could be invaluable! But Mordin's guilt was .. infectious. I couldn't betray my friend. I couldn't knowingly shoot him in the back for a peaceful resolution to what he carries as his sin. He deserves so much more than that. At the base of that exploding tower, hearing him admit that the Genophage was a mistake shook me. So I choked, and watched Mordin undo genetically enforced genocide. And die.
I think Tuchunka might've been where Biowares writing, from start to finish of any given event in the game, shined the most. I was feeling the weight of my decisions over three games, the relationships I've fostered, and the decisions yet to come. No other game has given me that, or book, nor did music, movies, or art, and in no other part of the game did I feel that same weight of responsibility. It was, in my opinion, the best "chapter" of the game (or event, w/e).
The other moment that stands out with me is Liara's parting gift towards the final hours of the game. My girlfriend and I both cried when we saw that-- it was hard to deny the raw intimacy and emotion conveyed in that moment. And for once.. it was pretty refreshing to see a women take charge and romance her man. But what a beautiful way to show, instead of describe, why exactly Asari are "the most beautiful race in the galaxy."
Grunt going into what seemed like a sure death and coming out all covered in Rachnigoop was the coolest ****n' hoo-ah moment ever. As always, Grunt remains a Krogan made of primal awesomesauce.
Thane's farewell wish didn't affect me as the aforementioned, but it did bolster my resolve. Or Shepards, whatever, the shits interchangeable (well done Bioware). Many fawn over Thane's voice, demeanor, and ideologies, but I liked him for his ever-present calm. He was always calm.. thinking.. analyzing, in his own way. All his spirituality was wasted on me, .. but the prayer would prove to be our final farewell and a touching sentiment. Which made killing Kai Leng in Renegade mode as a predominately Paragon character infinitely more satisfying. **** that kid for killing Thane-- if I had a chance to do it over, I would've stabbed him in the face instead of the torso. Stupid Raiden wannabe, I swear as soon as Thane died, I wanted to break ME cannon and call up Raiden to let him know his distant cousin is causing me problems. And that he needed to fix it like he fixed those Metal Gears.
Also, Legion; "Does this unit have a soul?" .. I was proud to see Legion go. Sad, but proud. His sacrifice would return children to their parents, and parents to their home. And it goes to show the power of synthetic compassion.. I kept hearing that synthetics were cold, calculating machinery all throughout ME1 / 2. In fact, it's reinforced by the Geth themselves. But Legion broke the mold, multiple times, and won me over with his cold calculated logic. Because his soul has been there since we met on the Reaper-- you just had to look, and read between the lines.
Oh! "I'm Garrus Vakarian and this is my favorite spot on the Citadel!" Yeah bro, enjoy your moment. I'll tell you later that I missed on purpose. What a gloriously brotherly asshole haha :)
So yeah. I <3 Mass Effect.
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