“Until Reapers dealt with, at least. Then… not sure. Have made impact on galaxy. Genophage modification, Genophage cure, work against Collectors… Decisions, mistakes. Might go somewhere sunny. Sit on beach, look at ocean, collect seashells.”
We’re now into the meat and potatoes as the top 25 continues. Tomorrow, our list continues the countdown to the #1 male video game character of all-time on Aug. 31.
11) Mordin Solus (Mass Effect) – 5 votes/184 points
Chris: This might not be the most popular sentiment in the world, but…I don’t really get the love for Mordin. He was entertaining, and I enjoyed the conversations I had with him. I like that he sang before he died. Um…he was probably handy in battle, even though I never used him?
To me, that’s not a slight against Mordin as much as it is a reflection on how varied the Mass Effect experience can be. Some people probably kept Ashley in their party whenever possible, even though her character was a mess until the third game. Others probably switched out crew members for optimal battle strategies, or simply to try out someone new. Mordin wasn’t nearly as important to my playthrough as others like Garrus and Tali and Miranda were, and that’s fine. It’s the beauty of BioWare’s open-ended experience.
That said, I’m glad Mordin finished outside of the top 10. I mean, seriously.
Joseph: If there is one thing I will take away from the Mass Effect series, it’s Dr. Solus’ phrase, “Has to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong.” Solus has a lot of confidence in his own abilities, and his no-nonsense method of judging between one choice or the other is what attracts me to him. He is a scientist to the core and doesn’t let belief obstruct the facts. Krogans taking over the galaxy? He helps strengthen the genophage. Galaxy needs the Krogans? He cures the genophage. When new data presents itself, he assimilates it into the bigger picture. Mordin Solus is the scientist I wish I could be. Him being a fan of the arts is just the icing on the cake.
Jason: “Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong.” That is, in a nutshell, Mordin Solus, a scientist doing his best to live with the things he’s done and make the galaxy a better place. He’s efficient, ruthless and at times un-empathetic, yet he’s also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. He’s also quite the singer, too! The moments Mordin gets in the Mass Effect series are some of the most memorable. Shepard wouldn’t have made it without Dr. Solus, and I know I’m not the only one that got a little misty-eyed during his (potentially) final scene in Mass Effect 3.
Shaun: “Had to be me. Someone–” no I’m just kidding, I’m not going to also lead with that.
I’m discovering in Mass Effect that the greatness of their cast comes down to one thing – a contradicting duality represented by all the characters. Garrus lives for justice, but is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and doesn’t want to get wrapped up in red tape (which has shades of Saren all over it). Liara is a soft-spoken scientist who lives for learning, but when push comes to shove, she taps into a more primal side and uses her biotics to become an information god in the galaxy. But one of the most compelling dualities in the series is represented in Mordin, our music-loving, badass, big-picture scientist.
Despite dedicating his life to medicine and science, Mordin’s not afraid to do what he feels is right, regardless of what moral implications there might be. Someone’s threatening his patient? Mordin will kill him faster than you can blink, and lose no sleep afterwards. The Krogan are threatening the galaxy? Genophage their asses to get the population in control. Krogan on the verge of extinction? Reverse the Genophage! He does what he needs to do, when he needs to do it, and depending on the situation. That, combined with his lovable mannerisms and battle prowess, made him my favorite part of Mass Effect 2, and help him to easily earn a place on our list.
Cary: Outside of Garrus, Mordin was just the best! I mean, I bothered him so much in ME2 just for the conversations, which were quite revealing and occasionally hilarious. His involvement in the games’ genophage storyline often put him at odds with others (and there were certainly times where I didn’t care for his opinions), but he was a stalwart companion nonetheless.
Christine: Who could forget the brilliant salarian scientist with a hidden talent for singing? One of the most memorable and welcome additions to the Mass Effect cast.
Objection Network 