Mass Effect is a science-fiction role-playing game (RPG) with third-person shooter mechanics and deep narrative choice systems, developed by BioWare. The original trilogy began with Mass Effect (2007), followed by Mass Effect 2 (2010), then Mass Effect 3 (2012). In 2021, Mass Effect Legendary Edition remastered all three with updated visuals and gameplay improvements. Mass Effect: Andromeda followed in 2017, expanding the universe into a new galaxy.
One of the hallmarks of the series is its attention to romance, with a number of central and supporting characters written as bisexual. Commander Shepard, the customizable player character, can pursue relationships with both men and women across the trilogy, setting the tone for inclusive representation. Among Shepard’s companions, the asari scientist Liara T’Soni is available as a romance option for either gender and remains central throughout the series. Human officer Kaidan Alenko, first introduced as a fellow squadmate, becomes romanceable by a male Shepard in the later stages of the trilogy, revealing a deeper emotional dimension to his character. Kelly Chambers, the Normandy’s yeoman in Mass Effect 2, offers a more lighthearted but still bisexual romance path. And in Mass Effect 3, journalist Diana Allers brings yet another option that crosses gender lines.
Andromeda expanded this tradition even further. The new protagonist, Scott or Sara Ryder, is canonically bisexual, able to romance a wide range of characters regardless of gender. Among them are Peebee, an adventurous asari explorer; Jaal Ama Darav, a member of the newly encountered angara species; Vetra Nyx, a turian smuggler with a pragmatic streak; Reyes Vidal, a roguish drifter with shifting loyalties; and Keri T’Vessa, a turian journalist. Together, they demonstrate how the franchise uses bisexuality not as a gimmick but as a recurring, natural part of its character design.
The Mass Effect trilogy is built on a looming galactic threat: the Reapers, ancient synthetic-organic starships that cyclically purge advanced civilizations. In the distant future, the Systems Alliance human civilization, alien species like Asari, Turians, Salarians, Krogans, and more share a fragile peace. The story revolves around Commander Shepard’s efforts to unite these disparate species, navigate interstellar politics, and confront the Reaper menace. Player decisions carry heavy weight, shaping character fates and the ultimate outcome of the war.
In Mass Effect, Shepard investigates rogue Spectre Saren and discovers the reality of the Reapers, setting up alliances, introducing key companions, and forcing early choices about who lives or dies. In Mass Effect 2, following Shepard’s apparent demise, the mission centers on rescuing abducted humans and addressing the mysterious Collectors; Shepard must build loyalty, navigate morally complex missions, and prepare for the final confrontation. In Mass Effect 3, the Reapers invade Earth and the galaxy plunges into war. Shepard races to rally war assets, broker peace, resist Cerberus machinations, and make fateful decisions at the galaxy’s end.
Mass Effect: Andromeda shifts the setting to the Andromeda galaxy. Players take on the role of the Pathfinder (Scott or Sara Ryder) — a pioneer tasked with finding new habitable worlds for humanity. But the journey is fraught with alien hostility, instability in the Nexus, mysterious Remnant technology, and tension between colonists and native species. The narrative explores themes of legacy, identity, and belonging, while expanding the universe’s scope.
BioWare has announced Mass Effect 5 as the next major entry in the franchise. The project remains in development, and fans are watching closely for how it will continue legacy threads, introduce new protagonists, and evolve the romance and choice systems.