BioWare has honed its craft through epic stories featuring likable characters, both in the fantasy and sci-fi worlds. These epic stories introduce us to the worlds and peoples within theMass EffectandDragon Ageuniverses. Even though these two series are at opposite ends of the genre spectrum, they’re similar in terms of combat, exploration, and dialogue mechanics.
In Mass Effect, Commander Shepard faces a crisis on a universal scale and must rely on his trusted and complex companions to lend their minds, strength, and skills to stop it. Although these sci-fi characters are trained and experienced warriors in their own right, some would fare better than others in the Dragon Age world of Thedas.
The following refers to the companions encountered in the Mass Effect Trilogy (Legendary Edition), since Mass Effect: Andromeda is considered a spin-off rather than a direct sequel.
11Urdnot Wrex And Grunt
The Powerhouse Brutes
One of the mostnotable alien speciesthat you learn about is the Krogan. If there were such a thing as an organic two-legged tank, these guys would fit the bill perfectly. Your first Krogan companion is the tough and soft-spoken Wrex, who is replaced in future squads by a new kind of Krogan named Grunt.
These individuals were specifically designed to withstand the harshest conditions and punishments, enabling them to fight any enemy in any environment. Even though the Genophage virus effectively reduced their numbers, the Krogan that remain would have no problem marching through anything that Dragon Age throws at them.
10Jack And Kaidan Alenko
The Battle-Hardened Biotics
When you need a well-rounded squad, you have to consider all possible candidates, including those of a more controversial nature. Jack stands out for being a human biotic criminal with unprecedented levels of mental power and an immeasurable amount of aggression. In contrast, Kaidan is a respected soldier serving humanity, but whose biotic powers have been enhanced with experimental implants.
While these two have different backgrounds, they don’t shy away from a fight and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the mission succeeds. In Dragon Age, they could easily make waves and gain a rapid reputation for theirdeeds (or misdeeds).
9Garrus Vakarian
From Tough Cop To Tougher Vigilante
Garrus Vakarian gained instant popularity for his cool design, likable personality, and tough combat style. He’s a combination of fighter, hunter, and assassin, able to utilize any skill as the situation calls for it. In Mass Effect 2, he becomes renowned asa vigilantewho seeks justice (through violence), but is also battling his revenge demons.
Garrus didn’t make it through all three games just because of star power; he knows how to fight his way through the most difficult of situations. If he found himself in Dragon Age, he’d adopt, adapt, and improve his way until every big bad feared his name.
8James Vega And Ashley Williams
The Trained Soldiers
Sometimes, the most traditional characters are also the most resilient, because that’s how they’re trained to be. While James Vega and Ashley Williams aren’t the top squad picks, they’re survivors (Williams being so good at it that she survived being killed). One look at James, and you wonder if he wandered out of a role as the token barbarian in a Dungeons & Dragons game.
These two are trained human soldiers, known to take hits as hard as they deal them. Swap out their future gear for old-school swords and axes, and they’ll make their way through Dragon Age as loyal guardsmen or independent adventurers.
7Liara T’Soni And Samara/Morinth
The Charming Energy Weavers
The Asari are among the more reserved and mysterious of the Mass Effect species due to their innate biotic abilities and their customs concerninginterpersonal relationships. Liara is the first to join your squad, being relatively young and new to the world of interstellar adventure. Samara is more mature and self-aware of her dangerous abilities, with her daughter leaning into them and becoming a possible replacement.
Their powers would undoubtedly allow them to do some damage in the Dragon Age setting, and their empowered charm could enable them to manipulate themselves out of tight spots. However, their lesser-developed physical abilities could make them vulnerable to more formidable foes and monsters.
6Miranda Lawson And Jacob Taylor
Enhanced And Experienced
While there are alien species that possess a natural affinity for biotic powers, humans have also developed them both naturally and unnaturally. Miranda is an example of a genetically modified human who was designed to be perfect, resulting in greater biotic power. On the other hand, Jacob developed them over time and decided to put them to use aiding Cerberus and taking on multiple missions.
Now, even though their biotic powers do give them an edge, they’re not as strong as they could be. Despite their powers and experience, they’re built more on the slender side, which can work against them in close combat, which mosthostiles in Dragon Ageare all too eager to use.
5Kasumi Goto And Zaeed Massani
The Thief And The Mercenary
Of all the human companions in Mass Effect, Kasumi and Zaeed are arguably the most “normal”. They lack biotic abilities and are not exclusively aligned with any major faction. Kasumi is both aloof and serious, making her way across the system as a career hacker and thief. Zaeed is an aging but still strong mercenary willing to fight where he’s needed, while also showing no mercy if provoked.
By placing them in Dragon Age, Zaeed could reliably survive using his combat skills and experience. Kasumi’s hacking would become useless, and while combat wouldn’t be her best option, she would fall back on her thieving to become a successful Rogue.
4Legion And EDI
Artificial And Advanced
Alongside all the organic species in the Mass Effect universe, there are also inorganic and synthetic entities. The Geth prove to be a formidable force of the latter, while robots and machines can be found all over the galaxy in various roles.
One Geth named Legion surprised everyone with intelligent speech and over 1,000 personalities within its body, while the robot EDI surprised again when the Normandy ship’s AI downloaded into a humanoid robotic body. Even though these two could endure a lot in Dragon Age, based on their superior technology and artificial bodies, chances are they’d struggle to maintain them in a fantasy setting.
3Mordin Solus
The Speedy Doctor
Mordin Solus is one of the most popular characters in the entirety of Mass Effect and for good reason. He’s a fast-talking, independent Salarian doctor and scientist who uses his knowledge and resources to help those in need. He’s also an enthusiastic performer, but with a dark past and a tremendous amount of guilt.
Mordin isa great companionto have on the squad for support, but in Dragon Age, the odds are stacked against him. Not only is he not a trained soldier or biotic, but he’s entering old age. Salarians only live around 40 years, so time is as much of a threat to Mordin as dragons and bandits.
2Tali’Zorah And Thane
Talented With Conditions
The mark of a true warrior is to keep on fighting as long as they’re capable, with Tali and Thane embodying that. Tali is a Quarian engineer who makes impressive use of tech while wearing a suit designed to keep all forms of bacteria out. Thane Krios is a Drell assassin known for being precise, efficient, and direct while also having a terminal illness with no known cure.
Unfortunately, these two are just not built for the Dragon Age lifestyle. Without a way to maintain her suit, Tali will fall victim toall sorts of fantasy germs, and if a sci-fi universe can’t cure Thane, then he’ll have even less chance in a fantasy one.
