Summary
By now, mostMass Effectfans who have either seen footage ofAvowed’s Kai or heard him chattering in the background as they explore the Living Lands of Eora recognize his voice as belonging to their favorite turian companion. That’s becauseAvowed’s Kai is voiced by Brandon Keener, the very same voice that gave life to Garrus Vakarian throughout the originalMass Effecttrilogy. Immediately,Mass Effectfans are likely to feel at home withAvowed’s Kai, as they remember the time they spent with Garrus at their side through three of the best RPGs ever made.
While simply hearing Garrus' voice in Kai as they playAvowedis likely to stir something inMass Effectfans, it turns out that the two companions actually have a lot more in common than just their voices. As such, there’s a chance thatMass Effectfans may even forget that the charming voice they hear in the background as they explore the Living Lands isn’t Garrus himself, especially as Kai’s story inAvowedunfolds over time. Specifically,Avowed’s Kai andMass Effect’s Garrus not only have similar personalities, but they are also both haunted by their past.
Avowed’s Kai and Mass Effect’s Garrus Are Strikingly Similar
Avowed’s Kai and Mass Effect’s Garrus Have Similar Personalities
More than likely, Brandon Keener was intentionally chosen for the role ofKai inAvoweddue to the personality that Kai shares withMass Effect’s Garrus. Keener’s vocal tone and delivery were large contributors to Garrus' personality, after all, so it’s understandable that the personality the voice actor gave Garrus would apply to Kai as well. At the very least, this particular similarity the two companions share has likely been a unique way forMass Effectfans to not only connect with Kai inAvowedbut also the world itself.
Both Garrus and Kai have a thoroughly dry sense of humor, to the point that some of Kai’s jokes are simultaneously funny and eye-roll-inducing. While the same can’t necessarily be said ofGarrus inMass Effect, he has been known to lighten the mood when the team is faced with difficult circumstances, which is a major part of his charm. Kai is very much the same way, though he is arguably more tender and sweet-natured than Garrus, and is therefore more sensitive in serious moments and a bit better at reading the room.
There’s even a subtle nod to Garrus inAvowedwhen Kai says, “I’ve got reach.” InMass Effect 2, Garrus says the same thing during his romantic subplot.
Avowed’s Kai and Mass Effect’s Garrus Are Both Haunted by Their Past
Avowed’s Kai andMass Effect’s Garrusare more alike than in their personalities, however, as they share similar themes in their backstories, both of which are revealed during their companion quests. More specifically, Garrus and Kai are two companions who are both haunted by the choices they’ve made in their past. Garrus feels responsible for the deaths of his vigilante group after Sidonis, one of its members, betrayed the team, leading to their massacre.
Kai, on the other hand, deserted the Rauataian Navy during the Rauataian campaign in the Deadfire Archipelago. His desertion led him and several other soldiers to seek refuge inThirdborn in the Living Lands. While they were stationed there, during a patrol near Sailor’s Rest, east of Thirdborn, their unit was ambushed, leading to the fatal injury of Kai’s friend Tama. As a result, Kai has harbored guilt for deserting the Rauataian Navy in the first place, as he believes it was the catalyst event that led to Tama’s death.
More than likely, Brandon Keener was intentionally chosen for the role of Kai inAvoweddue to the personality that Kai shares withMass Effect’s Garrus.
Avowed’sKai serves as both a fresh and familiar presence forMass Effectfans, embodying the same kind of emotional depth that madeMass Effect’s Garrus such a beloved companion. While the shared voice actor may be the most obvious link between them, it’s the dry humor, unwavering loyalty, and the burden of past regrets that truly bridge the gap. Kai may not be Garrus, but for those who spent years traveling the galaxy with their favorite turian by their side, his presence inAvowedfeels like a homecoming in an entirely new world.
