Review: Attempted Galactic Domination in “Mass Effect: Ascension”

Attempted Galactic Domination in Mass Effect: Ascension

Introduction

The Mass Effect Franchise is is one of the most popular, cherished modern military science fiction franchises of all time. Set in the mid-22nd century, the tale of alien species colonizing the galaxy using powerful precursor technology and Commander Shepard’s quest to save humankind still evokes images of a space opera epic that pulls no punches. A story set between the first two games has potential to deliver to readers something that conveys in words the wonder of this game series, especially since Mass Effect 2 is often considered the apogee, but Drew Karpyshyn’s Mass Effect: Ascension, a work as described, does not quite meet the mark.

A Brief History of Mass Effect

Science fiction franchises tend to be larger than life. Often, aliens, spaceships, galactic battles and other genre staples permeate plots found within this category. Such has been the case since the world was introduced to the first Mass Effect game in 2007. With its vast customization, narrative options and deep story involving the galaxy’s fate, audiences worldwide praised what they played. This game has since expanded into a franchise featuring four main games and various novels and other media.

Mass Effect: Ascension is the second book in a trilogy taking place over Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. Whereas Revelation, the first entry, is a prequel to the first game and Retribution, the third entry, the conclusion set after Mass Effect 2, this one serves as an interquel set before the events of the second game. In it, characters such as the Illusive Man and Kahlee appear prominently alongside the lead Grayson daughter-father pair in a setting where Shepard has defeated Seren and the geth yet conflict still brews among opposing parties, with the role of biotics being a central fixture.

Story Overview: Ascension Project vs. Cerberus

Published July 2008, Ascension focuses on the battle between good and evil, personified respectively through the eponymous project and black ops group Cerebus. Essentially, in the wake of the Protheans, a precursor civilization, leaving their technology throughout the galaxy and the discovery of one cache on mars, beings all over decide how they wish to participate. The Ascension Project, connected to Jon Grissom Academy, a space station orbiting in the Skyllian Verge, stands for education, learning and advancement for humankind’s benefit. Conversely, Cerberus, led by the Illusive Man, represents the weaponization of this technology for world domination. Cerberus has been carrying out illicit experiments on some of the project’s students, but matters are complicated further when it is found the most gifted student happens to hold the key to the galaxy’s future.

Gillian Grayson may not appear overly significant at a glance. An almost autistic — which she calls herself — 12-year-old part of the Ascension Project, she is biotic, meaning she can create and control to some extent mass effect fields. Such powers are not uncommon, but she is more powerful than she knows — a fact Cerberus wishes to exploit via Paul Grayson, her father. An ostensibly devout Cerberus agent, Grayson is tasked with playing Gillian’s father, and in doing so, he has developed genuine care for her. To cope with the constant pain of his life of lies, he takes red sand, a drug that grants him minor biotic powers temporarily at the expense of his own being, which is basically a walking dead man. Indeed, Gillian’s research team sees him as nothing more than a languishing drug addict the size of a skeleton who sees his daughter twice at most each year. Grayson’s role increases exponentially, however, after the Illusive Man orders him to bring Gillian to Cerberus for expanded experimentation and observation. From then forward, Grayson navigates a tumultuous path of espionage that tests him allegiance as an agent and father alike.

Strengths: Seeing Gillian and Grayson Develop and Sufficient Action Scenes

Despite being filled with a colorful cast, Gillian and Grayson easily take center stage. The former’s importance to the Ascension Project, Cerberus and humanity in general makes her learn many difficult lessons that would test any other human, particularly of her age. That latter proves to be more dynamic that originally hinted, becoming multi-sided instead of continuing to confine himself to a life of red sand and depression. Over the course of this plot, readers understand how this daughter-father relationship leads to important character development, some aspects of which make the ending rather ambiguous.

In addition, action accompanies many parts of this story, especially during the second half. Part of what fans love about the Mass Effect games is the astounding action sequences, and there is plenty of it throughout this novel. In this way, it often feels like a video game scenario is being played out visually because this author’s descriptions are sufficiently nuanced. Consequently, the action and dialog tend to suit each other.

Weaknesses: Insipid Supporting Characters and Linear Plot Points Some Readers May Find Insensitive and/or Gratuitous

Unfortunately, this publication has several shortcomings. One of the most apparent is that all characters aside from Gillian and Grayson are largely static and boring, contributing little to this story. Going from scenes featuring one of the leads to anyone else is not fun, and these transitions often slow the pace unnecessarily. The Illusive Man could be considered an exception, given his slight character change at the end, but taking the entire book to do so is a heavy ask for readers.

Linear plot points also appears in excess throughout this book. A central feature of the games is being able to decide many steps of the way how to proceed, what type of character players wish their version of Commander Shepard to be. In doing so, the narrative adapts to suit Shepard as he or she changes. Since this plot is told in a novel, though, this decision-based storytelling is absent out of circumstance. So, how does one tell this story successfully without the freedom to carve out one’s own path? Well, Karpyshyn does so by creating his own scenes based on what he believes is best. As lead writer for Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, one would likely imagine it would be reasonably safe to assume a stellar story would come out of this arrangement. Sadly, the truth is unpleasant because moments involving adult situations and vacuous comments. While players who wish to see Shepard engage in these antics in the games are free to do so, not everyone wants to experience these moments. It is possible this author was reaching for what the greatest number of players would select given options and based on the games’ statistics, but hearing tween boys make insensitive, vacuous comments about Gillian comes off as unnecessary at best (people around this age, or any age, can indeed be cruel, but setting a positive example, especially in a space epic, is also important to demonstrate). To Karpyshyn’s credit, he is talented, and his other works are wonderful reads; this one just contains more unnecessary details than preferred.

Conclusion and Score

Mass Effect: Ascension is fun enough of a book to warrant a full read. There is little else to be experienced, however, as it does not meet the level of epic storytelling and player-driven narrative as the games. Although Gillian and Grayson are interesting characters, the others fail to maintain the momentum as this plot proceeds. Visualizing the numerous action-packed scenes of space warfare and combat is enjoyable, particularly when biotics are involved, but not much else makes a lasting impression. Instead, there are moments of adult situations and needless language that is neither required nor appreciated, especially where youth are concerned. The reality is readers will likely like at least some of the content included in this book but are arguably better off playing the games upon which this work is based.

Pros:

Gillian and Grayson weave the plot together
Action abounds throughout, especially in the second half

Cons:

Insipid Supporting Characters
Linear Narrative with questionable/unnecessary content

Score: 7/10

Book Information

Title: Mass Effect: Ascension
Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Release Date: 29 July 2008
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 342 (Paperback)
ISBN: 9780345498526
Timeline: Between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2
Series: Mass Effect

References/Further Reading

To learn more about this and other Mass Effect releases, please visit the following links:

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.