YO: This feature contains possible spoilers! You have been warned.

In just two entries, the Mass Effect story has woven a rich tapestry of characters, worlds, and alien species, quickly becoming a formidable sci-fi epic. For those two entries, players have been using the game's robust setting to craft their own takes on the series' hero, Shepard, choosing not just his (or her) appearance, but also through choices they make throughout the game's story. With all the focus being on Shepard though, it's easy to forget how great the franchise's cast of squadmates has been.

So now, with Mass Effect 3 looming on the horizon, it's a good time to look back at the team that made
Shepard the galaxy saving hero that he is. Here are the 10 best members of the Normandy's crew from the past two games.

A salarian doctor with questionable ethics (to say the least), Mordin is definitely one of the most polarizing characters in Mass Effect 2. Bound by an ideal of the betterment of the entire galaxy, Mordin more often than not lets his unwavering sense of logic get in the way of any sense of compassion or empathy. However, what he lacks in compassion he makes up for in steel resolve in the mission to save the galaxy from the Collector's threat. Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Mordin is a fascinating member of the Normandy's crew.




A character only available as a download, Kasumi is a master thief and another character who walks the line of moral ambiguity. However, once you come to learn her past through her "Hidden Memory" loyalty mission, you see her as a strong character, but also one with great sadness over her deceased partner. Kasumi is a compelling addition to the game and one that's definitely worth downloading.




A warrior at war with herself (and another source of conflict and head butting with Shep), Jack is a ball of fury and anger, haunted by her past as well as her biotic implants. However, peel away the layers of the onion, and you'll find Jack to be a complex character and one of Shepard's most powerful allies, not to mention one of the most interesting characters in Mass Effect 2.




A Cerberus officer with strong leadership skills, Miranda acts as Shepard's XO (and possible SO) on the Normandy in Mass Effect 2. A deep and complex character, her skills as an officer and commander hide her insecurities as a leader, a love for her sister and pledge to keep her out of harm's way, and a commitment to saving the galaxy. Miranda was a huge addition to the group dynamic in the franchise, and will play a big part in the final chapter of Shepard's saga this year.




Another character first introduced in Mass Effect 2, Thane's role as an enigmatic drell assassin with a terminal illness was one of the most engaging story arcs in the game. Thane's loyalty mission, where you must reunite him with his estranged son, was one of the best missions in the game, and gave you a better understanding of the character and what drives him. With a great level of depth and complexity, Thane is definitely one of the standouts in the Mass Effect franchise's character roster.