Now, she’s a capable engineer leading her own squad in the name of her people. Gone is the wide-eyed wonder she displayed in the first game for the galaxy’s technological feats. It introduces the Quarian society in courtroom drama fashion while also showcasing how much Tali’s grown over the years. Tali, who is now untethered from exposition duty, gets the best loyalty mission in the game. He’s also integral to the plot: He comes up with the countermeasure to the paralyzing seeker swarms. He is a great counterpoint to the emotional connection players formed with Wrex in the previous game, and his lovable goofiness makes it difficult for players to decide where they land on the Genophage. He doesn’t regret this decision, passionately arguing that the Genophage was a necessary choice to protect the galaxy from Krogan brutality. Mordin didn’t create the Genophage, but he maintains it, making sure it continues to be effective, wrecking any chance of true Krogan civilizational growth. In just one game, it’s revealed that he’s a caring doctor, a scientist driven mostly by logic, a brutal ex-spy, an actor who likes patter songs, a dabbler in religion, a hyperactive madman who speaks like William Shatner on speed and a man responsible for dooming a whole race. Mordin is the most well-defined character in the trilogy.

Tali without her mask