Mass Effect Legendary Edition has recently released and has brought with it a host of new changes to the beloved franchise. While some are gameplay-oriented, many are cosmetic, including the altering of a photograph that reveals the face of one of the Mass Effect series' main protagonists, Tali'Zorah.
As a Quarian, Tali wears a full envirosuit to ward off disease, meaning that Tali's face is always covered in Mass Effect. Obviously, as Tali is not only a major character, but a romanceable one, fans were excited for a reveal at some point in the Mass Effect series, which they got in the form of a framed photograph on Shepard's desk in Mass Effect 3.
Mass Effect 3 Tali Image Fixed
This image was controversial, as it was later discovered to simply be a photoshopped image of a stock model, made to have purple skin and some Quarian markings. Fans who had been waiting for a reveal of Tali's face for the entire Mass Effect series were obviously fairly disappointed, accusing BioWare of being disrespectful to the character. Luckily for those angered by the original's lackluster reveal, Mass Effect Legendary Edition has altered the image to be a much more faithful representation of what Tali would look like under the mask.
As with the original, the image is still displayed as a photograph on the desk of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 3. However, Tali is now shown to have a pale complexion, white irises, and purple markings on her face. The more important detail, perhaps, is that the photograph appears to be taken under more realistic circumstances. Tali is posing in a more rigid way, rather than the more sultry pose of the original, and her mask is just below her chin, ready to be reapplied should the need arise.
While Mass Effect Legendary Edition has made some changes that have divided fans slightly, this particular change is fairly likely to receive a positive response. The original face reveal for Tali was certainly a moment of disappointment for many people, as the character is of great import to the events of the series, especially if she is romanced.
How Will Tali's Face Reveal Impact Mass Effect 4?
While the alteration to Tali's face was likely a way to appease incensed fans, it does raise the question of whether there was some extra intent behind it. It's reasonable to assume that BioWare is taking Mass Effect Legendary Edition as an opportunity to reintroduce players to the Mass Effect universe before the release of Mass Effect 4, and perhaps even using it as a way to give players a preview of some aspects of the new game. The new image of Tali'Zorah without her mask could imply that maskless Quarians will be more common in Mass Effect 4, or at the very least, BioWare has assets in place for maskless Quarians if need be.
The teaser trailer for Mass Effect 4 is reasonably vague in terms of details. The only confirmed character to be returning is Liara; however, due to how long Asari are known to live, placing the trailer in a specific time period is difficult. It may be that most of the surviving Normandy crew, including Tali, aren't even alive anymore simply due to death from old age. Having said that, Liara's return likely indicates that other characters will make some kind of an appearance in the game, and even if Tali herself isn't around, other Quarians surely will be.
Quarians in Mass Effect 4
If Quarians are in Mass Effect 4, and they are without masks, it could indicate that their environment has shifted significantly. It is difficult to tell from the brief teaser trailer which ending from Mass Effect 3 is canon. While the Destroy ending is the likeliest possibility, as Synthesis is out due to Liara not being fused with any synthetic organism and lacking the green eyes of the original ending cutscene, it is possible that to be followed is the fourth option, offered only in the extended cut of Mass Effect 3.
In this fourth ending, Shepard refuses to activate the crucible at all, thus causing the Reapers to return for another cycle. This ending shows a time capsule from Liara relaying a voice message that explains how her generation handled the Reaper invasion and gives information that can stop them. If Mass Effect 4 takes place in an entirely new Reaper cycle, it is possible that after such a long time, the Quarians have discovered a way to fix their weak immune systems, possibly thanks to help from the Geth, and eschew their masks for more practical clothing.
While this is speculative, it would make sense for BioWare to want to canonize the ending specifically added to the extended cut, as the extended ending is now the default in Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The alteration of Tali's face might seem like a small change to appease fans, but it could be a way to retroactively add elements that will be in Mass Effect 4 into the series, while simultaneously correcting what BioWare now sees as a mistake.
There are a number of possible reasons as to why Tali's face was changed in Mass Effect Legendary Edition, but with Mass Effect 4 on the horizon, and BioWare trying to reinvigorate the franchise, it would make sense for the developers to try to tie the games into each other as much as possible. If BioWare is planning on having maskless Quarians in Mass Effect 4, then replacing a controversial image with Tali's new design is certainly a smart way to ease people into the idea, as well as to earn a few brownie points with fans.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
