From Polygon · Austin Manchester · · 1m 20s
Commander Shepard’s Actor Accidentally Immortalized One Mass Effect Race
Mark Meer’s Steve Buscemi impression became the sound of Mass Effect’s salarians.
In brief
Mark Meer’s Steve Buscemi impression became the sound of Mass Effect’s salarians. Mark Meer’s Steve Buscemi impression defined Mass Effect’s salarian species, becoming a cultural touchstone for the game’s universe. Originally reported by Polygon.
Mark Meer’s role in Mass Effect
Mark Meer voiced Commander Shepard in BioWare’s Mass Effect series after starting with Baldur’s Gate 2.
“i did one line in baldur's gate 2, and then subsequently, bioware just kept hiring me for every subsequent project leading up to the mass effect trilogy”
Salarian sound design
Meer created a Steve Buscemi impression for salarians, which became the species’ defining vocal pattern.
“i do take credit for the salarians all having the cadence of steve buscemi”
Shepard’s dual casting
Meer and Jennifer Hale both recorded Shepard, with Hale playing the lead role in the game’s final version.
“it was sort of like being told, 'you've been cast in this movie in the lead, and meryl streep will be playing opposite you playing the same character'”
Salarian vocal influence
Meer’s vocal work influenced Jennifer Hale’s lines, with Hale adapting her performance to match his timing.
“the one thing that they did really stress was you have to take the exact same amount of time to say the line”
Paragon and Renegade Shepard
The game’s morality system allows players to create either a Paragon or Renegade Shepard, with distinct personalities.
“i compare a paragon shepard to an upstanding paladin in dungeons & dragons, and a renegade shepard to a sociopath [who's] still saving the galaxy, but not being polite or empathetic about it in any way whatsoever”
Salarian legacy
Meer’s salarian vocal style became a cultural touchstone for Mass Effect’s universe, with fans still engaging with the game.
“the fact that we are still talking about it, that we still have fans that are so passionate about that universe, it is impressive and humbling”
20th anniversary
Mass Effect’s 20th anniversary approaches, with fans still passionate about the game’s universe.
“next year will be the 20th anniversary of the first mass effect game”
Salarian vocal impact
Meer’s vocal work defined the salarian species, becoming a lasting cultural reference for the game’s universe.
“i do take credit for the salarians all having the cadence of steve buscemi”
The big picture
Mark Meer’s Steve Buscemi impression defined Mass Effect’s salarian species, becoming a cultural touchstone for the game’s universe.
