Mass Effect 5 seemingly won't be bringing back one key character

It’s been years since we’ve been treated to a new Mass Effect game and despite knowing that a fifth game is on the way, fans are still left in the dark as to when it will arrive. But it seems that one of its leading actors may be in the dark more than we are.

Developed by BioWare, the first Mass Effect was released in 2007 and it was met with high critical acclaim following in the footsteps of 2003’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and 2005’s Jade Empire. I remember the launch of Mass Effect very clearly because I was on my honeymoon at the time and I couldn't play it, not that I hold any grudges or anything.

Check out the Mass Effect Legendary Edition trailer below!

Mass Effect was followed up by two equally critically acclaimed sequels, all of which have been remastered with all previously released content in Mass Effect Legendary Edition, the best way to play this iconic sci-fi RPG trilogy. The last game to be released in the series is Mass Effect Andromeda in 2017, and despite its very troublesome launch, the game is in a good state now, so go and check it out.

As for what the future of the series holds, Mass Effect 5 was announced during The Game Awards in 2020 and judging by the tease of the returning Liara T'Soni, it seems that the old band is getting back together, despite what may have happened in Mass Effect 3. So presumably, it means that both the male and female versions of Commander Shepard are making triumphant returns, right?

Well, it seems the return of both Shepards may not be set in stone, that’s at least according to ‘FemShep’ actor, Jennifer Hale. When speaking to Dexerto, Hale revealed that she’s had no discussions with either Electronic Arts or BioWare to reprise the role.

“I don’t think I can get in trouble because I honestly don’t know anything,” said Hale when asked about the next Mass Effect game. “I would love to come back, I would come back in a hot second, but I haven’t heard from anyone yet.”

Hale said that if we want her to return in the next Mass Effect, let our voices be heard to Electronic Arts and BioWare by starting a [friendly] campaign and suggested that the voice of MaleShep, Mark Meer, would also love to return.

No release date has been announced for the next Mass Effect but hopefully, Electronic Arts and BioWare will reveal something this year. We’ll have our fingers crossed.