Can I Change Shepard’s Face? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect & Appearance Tweaks
Have you looked at Commander Shepard’s reflection and thought, “This could use a change”? Many have. Customizing characters is vital in RPGs. Mass Effect allows you to personalize Shepard’s face. Let’s explore customization options and similarities with Animal Crossing.
Shepard’s Face: A Customizable Canvas Across the Mass Effect Trilogy
From the start, Mass Effect lets you shape Commander Shepard. Want a rugged hero or a fierce heroine? The choice is yours. The first game provides customization options directly in the character creation screen.
Mass Effect 1: The Genesis of Your Shepard
Beginning your journey offers the “Enter New ID” feature. This allows you to create your own Commander Shepard. Choose “Custom Male” or “Custom Female” and use sliders to adjust facial features, hairstyle, and makeup. It’s like virtual plastic surgery without the costs.
If you miss an old build, there’s a “Select Existing ID” option. This feature in New Game + lets you bring back a saved Shepard who has already saved the galaxy. It’s like reviving a seasoned hero for new missions.
Mass Effect 2: Scars of War (and Renegade Choices)
In Mass Effect 2, gameplay and story improve. Choices now affect Shepard’s appearance more. This is where the Paragon and Renegade systems make their mark.
The Paragon/Renegade Makeover – Not Exactly Glamorous
Dialogue wheels allow your choices to show a character’s nature. Accumulate Renegade points, and physical expressions of inner turmoil appear. Scars become visible, leading to glowing red eyes. Paragon points keep Shepard relatively unscathed. It’s like comparing a spa visit to a bar brawl.
Mass Effect 3: Normandy’s Vanity Corner
By the time of Mass Effect 3, Shepard has endured much. Yet, in the face of Reapers, there’s room for touch-ups. In the Normandy’s Captain’s Quarters, the Armor Locker grants access to appearance modifications. Need a quick hairstyle change? The Armor Locker makes it easy.
Animal Crossing: A Whimsical Detour into Appearance Alteration
You might ask why Animal Crossing is in this discussion about Shepard’s face. Despite different tones, both offer delightful customization options. More lightness after thinking of glowing scars is nice.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, self-expression begins with your avatar. You can modify your character’s look immediately and aren’t locked into choices. Change skin tone or hairstyle easily using mirrors. No need for costly space makeovers.
Before mirrors are available, Animal Crossing allows look changes through wigs and accessories. This adds a fun twist to customization. It contrasts sharply with the heavy decisions and scars of Mass Effect, but both share customization as a theme.
Animal Crossing’s Evolutionary Leap in Customization
The Animal Crossing series has evolved significantly in appearance handling. Older titles like New Leaf determined faces through quirky initial questions. Hairstyles required visits to Shampoodle, feeling less fluid than the mirror system in New Horizons. The latest title truly embraced player agency, allowing immediate tweaks and diverse options.
Shepard’s Age and Other Fascinating Character Tidbits
Speaking of Shepard, here’s some trivia that stands out. In Mass Effect 2, Shepard is 29 years old, born on April 11, 2154. Whether male or female, Shepherd commands respect and embodies growth potential while striving to save the galaxy.
Curious about companion ages? Tali’Zorah nar Rayya is 22 in Mass Effect 1. Garrus Vakarian, the loyal Turian, is around 25 to 27 during the first game. Urdnot Wrex, the Krogan battlemaster, is ancient, likely over 1000 years old. He has seen all of Krogan history.
Relationships, Romance, and Intergalactic Family Planning
Romance plays a vital role in Mass Effect, allowing various options. Ashley Williams and Kaidan Alenko become available from Mass Effect 1 with some initial gender restrictions. Later, Kaidan can be a choice for either male or female Shepards.
Mass Effect 2 adds Tali and Garrus into the romantic mix. Fans had been hoping for these pairings since game one. Tali’s feelings are especially sincere from their first meeting in Mass Effect 2, showcasing her loyalty.
Interspecies offspring for Shepard and Tali is not possible due to differing DNA. Yet adoption remains an option. Some expanded universe content features Liara T’Soni having a daughter named Iyra Aldonia with a Shepard. However, it belongs more to fan-created content than game canon.
Renegade vs. Paragon: Humor and Memorable Moments
Returning to Paragon and Renegade choices, each has a distinct tone. Renegade Shepard tends to be funnier and more memorable. Their rule-breaking leads to humorous one-liners and unexpected responses. Paragon can feel predictable despite their virtues.
Shepard’s Fate: To Survive or Not to Survive?
Mass Effect is truly Shepard’s story. Choices carry weight, sometimes leading to death. If Shepard dies during Mass Effect 2’s final mission, that save does not carry over to Mass Effect 3.
Your story can end in triumph too. Yes, Commander Shepard can avoid doom in Mass Effect 3. Choose the “Destroy” ending with enough “Total Military Strength.” This score comes from war assets and loyalty missions throughout the trilogy. Every mission contributes to Shepard’s fate. Choose wisely, Commander.
So yes, you can change Shepard’s face in various ways throughout the games. While thinking about facial tweaks, remember not just that but customization power also exists in Animal Crossing. Now go sculpt your ideal character, battling Reapers or simply paying Tom Nook.
