Which Shepard is Canon?
In the Mass Effect franchise, the topic of which Shepard is canon has been a topic of debate among fans and gamers alike. With multiple games and spin-offs, it’s understandable that the question arises. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Mass Effect and explore the concept of canon in the context of Commander Shepard.
What is Canon?
Before we dive into the world of Mass Effect, it’s essential to understand what canon means. In the context of fiction, canon refers to the official and authentic storylines, characters, and events within a particular franchise or universe. In other words, canon is the "official" version of the story, which is considered to be the correct and true account of the events that took place within the franchise.
There is No Canon Shepard
The most straightforward answer to the question "Which Shepard is canon?" is that there is no canon Shepard. In an interview, Casey Hudson, the original creator of Mass Effect, stated that there is no canon in Mass Effect. This means that the franchise does not have an "official" or "true" storyline, and that the choices made by players are equally valid.
Why No Canon Shepard?
The reason why there is no canon Shepard is because the Mass Effect franchise is designed to be a choose-your-own-adventure game. The series is all about player choice and the consequences that come with those choices. The game’s developers wanted to give players the freedom to make their own decisions and shape the story in their own way.
So, Who is the Default Shepard?
While there is no canon Shepard, the default Shepard is the character that players create at the beginning of the game. The default Shepard is the one that the player controls throughout the game, making choices and decisions that shape the story. The default Shepard is not considered to be a specific character, but rather a template or a starting point for the player to customize and make their own.
Who Can Be Romanced?
In Mass Effect, there are several characters that can be romanced, including Liara T’Soni, Garrus Vakarian, and Tali’Zorah vas Neema. These characters have their own storylines and relationships with the player, and the player’s choices can affect the outcome of these relationships.
Who is Older?
According to the game’s lore, Garrus Vakarian is 2-4 years younger than Shepard, making him anywhere from 25 to 27 years old. Turians, like quarians, have a lifespan comparable to that of humans. Tali’Zorah nar Rayya is 22 in Mass Effect 1, born in 2161. Liara T’Soni was born in 2077, which would make her 106 at the start of ME1.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no canon Shepard in the Mass Effect franchise. The series is designed to be a choose-your-own-adventure game, giving players the freedom to make their own choices and shape the story in their own way. The default Shepard is the character that players create at the beginning of the game, and the player’s choices can affect the outcome of the story and relationships with other characters.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for playing Mass Effect:
- Make your own choices: The game is all about player choice, so don’t be afraid to make your own decisions and shape the story in your own way.
- Play through the game multiple times: With multiple endings and different storylines, playing through the game multiple times can be a great way to experience different scenarios and outcomes.
- Explore the game’s lore: The Mass Effect franchise has a rich and complex lore, with a lot of depth and detail. Exploring the game’s lore can be a great way to learn more about the characters and the world of Mass Effect.
References
- Casey Hudson, interview with IGN (2012)
- Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3 gameplay
- Mass Effect wiki
- BioWare forums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjfJLr1S0SA