Summary
While there seem to be plenty of things to look forward to with Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy RPGAvowed, it would make sense for most role-playing enthusiasts to have an eye fixed on the game’s companions. InAvowed’s four companions— Kai, Marius, Giatta, and Yatzli — players can expect distinct personalities, unique goals, and substantial backstories, as Obsidian’s companions have been known to possess in the past. However, it’s largely impossible for players to know which ofAvowed’s companions they might have an affinity for more than others, althoughMass Effectfans may already have an advantage in that area.
As it turns out, one ofAvowed’s companions has an interesting tie to theMass Effectseries, despite the two IPs being quite different from one another. Due to this unique tie, fans ofMass Effectmight automatically take a liking to one ofAvowed’s companions from the second he opens his mouth. Specifically,Avowed’s Kai is already poised to strike a chord withMass Effectfans, due to his voice actor’s iconic role as one of the BioWare series' most beloved companions.
Avowed’s Kai and Mass Effect’s Garrus Share a Voice Actor
Avowed’s Kai Is Voiced by Brandon Keener, the Voice of Mass Effect’s Garrus Vakarian
Kai has been at the forefront of the game’s marketing, suggesting he will play a prominent role inAvowed’s story. While very little is known about him, what is known is that he is voiced by the talented Brandon Keener — the voice behindMass Effect’s Garrus Vakarian. Garrus is arguably one of the most memorable and beloved characters in theMass Effectseries, primarily due to his steadfastness as an ally in the midst of other companions who aren’t always as loyal or fond of Shepard’s decisions. Garrus' character arc and transformation throughout theMass Effecttrilogy also make him one of the more compelling companions in the series.
Garrus is also known for his dry wit and deadpan humor, which can make some of the most dire situations feel a bit lighter.
While gamers andMass Effectfans are likely to recognize Keener’s voice because of the role he played as Garrus inMass Effect, his portfolio extends beyond that and into some less familiar territory. While he didn’t reprise Garrus inMass Effect: Andromeda, he did provide some additional voice work, and he did the same for 2011’sL.A. Noire. In 2015, Keener played the part of Captain Julian Dawes inBattlefield Hardline, who is one of the more significant characters in the game’s campaign. Keener’s career has even taken him to television and film, landing him minor roles inseries likeCriminal MindsandCastle, as well as movies likeThe Purge: AnarchyandGalaxy Quest.
Kai’s Voice May Immediately Connect Mass Effect Fans to the Character
Keener has proven his ability to voice a character well in his role as Garrus, so it’s likely that his performance as Kai will be just as convincing and memorable. However, while that is all well and good, it’s the fact that Keener played the part of one ofMass Effect’s most beloved charactersthat may make Kai one ofAvowed’s most memorable as well. Simply hearing Kai’s voice may be enough for some ofAvowed’s player base, who may also happen to beMass Effectfans, to become smitten by the character. It’s not a guarantee, but the chances are certainly high.
Avowed’s Kai is already poised to strike a chord withMass Effectfans, due to his voice actor’s iconic role as one of the BioWare series' most beloved companions.
WhileAvowedis shaping up to stand on its own as an engaging fantasy RPG, the presence ofBrandon Keeneras Kai adds an unexpected layer of familiarity forMass Effectfans. If history is proof of anything, Obsidian has likely created Kai to be a rich, layered, and memorable companion, but his instant connection to Garrus Vakarian may give him an advantage in winning over players compared toAvowed’s other companions. Whether his personality and arc will have the same impact as Garrus' has on fans remains to be seen, but simply hearing that iconic voice again might be enough to make Kai a favorite from the outset.
