Mass Effect to Fix a Racial Issue with an Iconic Character

Grace Edwards 17 May 2021

Here comes another reason to enjoy the remastered versions of Mass Effect games: the mystery of Elanos Haliat. Being quite a minor character in the game, he brought in a lot of confusion because of mismatching between his appearance and his actions. No, it’s not about the racial stereotypes you might have thought in 2021. It’s rather a logical goof in the narrative than a racial offense. 

Looking quite human, Elanos Hailat constantly fights against humans (not only on Elysium), speaks in a Turian manner, and shows not the warmest attitude towards humans. Then why does he look so human himself? This was a matter of long discussions, until BioWare decided to ultimately cut any doubts. In the remastered version, Elanos Hailat is definitely Turian, designed as one. No more humanwashing! 

And though it itself must be a reason to play the remastered version, some have been considering this controversy a part of the plan. Maybe later we will see some annoyed groups, making a cult of human-looking Hailat – just like of Han Solo shooting first. But it depends on the overall reception. If the remaster of the cult trilogy is received warmly overall, it will also impact the reception of the fixed Elanos Hailat.