EA is in the middle of an acquisition process while the development of Mass Effect 5 progresses, which has sparked speculation about the return of Commander Shepard. The voices that brought this iconic character to life, Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer, have expressed their willingness to reprise their roles if given the opportunity. During a recent interview, Hale stated: “Shepard is alive if you make it possible”, while Meer humorously added: “I like to think that Shepard lives in our hearts”.
Will the most beloved character return?
In light of this situation, it is worth considering the narrative dilemmas that Shepard’s return could entail. Depending on the decisions made by players throughout the original trilogy, the character could be dead in some narratives, which would force developers to choose a more canonical ending than others. This has led some to speculate about narrative possibilities such as the use of clones or the introduction of technology like cryogenics to justify Shepard’s return.
Amid this uncertainty, a BioWare post regarding N7 Day has revealed concept art of a Krogan war, which could hint at important themes in the new title. Despite the tensions in the video game industry, Mass Effect fans remain optimistic about the future of the saga. Hale urged followers to contact EA and BioWare to request the return of Shepard, reaffirming his commitment to the character if given the chance to return. “I will be there, because we shouldn’t leave”, Hale commented, which has resonated in the community and fueled hope for exciting new developments in Mass Effect 5.