The Citadel

The Developers of the Mass Effect series did well to craft a massive gaming universe. I mean beyond the story itself, they literally created dozens of solar systems. Each of them complete with their own planets that have backstories of their own and even stuff like climate and day length information. There are also features like asteroids and asteroid belts, or even systems with stars about to go supernova. Hell, in Mass Effect 2(DLC) we even destroyed a whole solar system, to drive the story forward into the third game. It really is quite impressive.

Within this massive universe/galaxy there are a sporadic few hub-cities. Locations larger than the average mission area, where the many species of the universe congregate to do business and (mostly)coexist. In Mass Effect 2, places like Ilium and Omega became frequent stops to complete quests and do some shopping. Omega was particularly well done and was a place that I enjoyed a lot. I got Necromunda, hive city, vibes from it. A place where the gangs, and their goings-on are its lifeblood. 

And then you have the Citadel. A massive space station that dates back way before recorded history. This station serves as the seat of power in the galaxy. And with the exception of a mission-stop on Omega in ME3, the Citadel is the only mainstay across the entire trilogy. Featuring as a visitable main story element in each game. Given that we have such frequent exposure to the iconic Citadel, aside from the story elements, why do we technically know very little about it and its sprawling layout? 

The Citadel undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts within the span of the three games. And I am not just talking about the story-driven physical/cosmetic changes. Specifically, the damage sustained and whatnot. But more-so the overall look and feel of the space station itself to the player. In Mass Effect 1, the explorable areas of the Citadel were large and spacious for the most part. However, while there were a lot of places to explore, it was quite… bland. Which also can be said for a lot of the game honestly. Take, for example, all fo the various outposts that your missions take you to on barren planets. They all have the same cookie cutter designs and layouts within. Some, to a striking degree, with very little inside. 

This is not to diminish the game itself, as ME1 was great in its own rite. It sets the table for the next two games saga perfectly. Also, it must be mentioned that there were definitely developmental limitations for the era that this game was created. Only so much could be included on a game disc. Instead, I say it was bland in places more because as the next two games came around, the contents of the game received a boost in terms of what the developers could accomplish with the games. Which, as a result of technology advancing, was to be expected. In hindsight, very much a “well, duh!”-type thing. So, naturally by comparison, the first game in the series was largely, aesthetically, bland in many places. But it did make up for it in other places, mind you. 

Anyway, the Citadel! Right! That was definitely a tangent… 

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Mass Effect 1

In the opening offering of the series, the largest area of the Citadel that you can explore is the Presidium. A large open area with walkways, water, and relaxing scenery. It was from here that you accessed the other area available to the player. The Wards, embassies, CSEC(Citadel Security), and the Council’s chambers. The Wards was the commerce hub, with some shops, and a bar. It’s the underbelly of the Presidium. Albeit not without character, this area was kind of bland too. Each of the explorable areas had interesting spots. But there was always a lot of space that was just, well, space.

For example: one of the market areas has a few tables that, with the exception of a brief questline, it’s not used for anything. Throughout the rest of the game there are just NPC’s standing behind the tables staring at a wall or something. Nothing else around save a couple crates. A pretty shitty 9 to 5, if you ask me. “How much in sales today?”, “the same as yesterday, zero… I gotta get off this station…”.

In the endgame sections we see, up close and personal, the outside of the citadel, as we fend off Sovereign. The Vanguard Reaper that has taken over the galactic seat of power with the help of rogue Spectr Saren. We also witness the Citadel close its arms creating a long cylindrical shape. 

Interesting. This station is a transformer? 

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Mass Effect 2

In the sequel, following the destructive events of its predecessor, you don’t get to explore the same areas of the Citadel anymore. The closest you get is a trip to Councilman(or still Admiral depending on your choices) Anderson’s office. Completely skipping the walk across the presidium and through embassies altogether. Instead traveling by fast-travel means. The new area you do get to play around with though is called Zakera Ward. A merchant sector of the Wards. This area is spread out over the course of three floors. Unlike the ME1 Wards, this underbelly area has a good deal of stuff going on. stuff to overreact with like various shops, and whatnot. Even the advertisements you can stop and listen to/watch. The one about the Elcor version of Hamlet was particularly amusing, and would become a running gag through the series if you pay attention. Yeah, Zakera Ward is a definite step up from the bland aesthetics of ME1. But still, while there are more people milling about and talking, it’s still a lot of empty space. The bar/club was very underutilized I feel.

For good reason, this entry into the series doesn’t necessarily see you spending an overtly lot of time on the Citadel. Seeing as you are trying to stop the Collectors from, well, collecting every human they come across elsewhere in the galaxy. Also, Shepard is working for the Illusive Man now, which doesn’t exactly earn him brownie points with Alliance and the council. Dude’s been dead for two years, having been spaced and had his ship exploded, and people are still giving him shit. Dude can’t catch a break. Hell, the council even changed the narrative about Sovereign. Calling it a Geth attack rather than a Reaper Vanguard of the galactic apocalypse. 

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Mass Effect 3

Then comes penultimate entry, Mass Effect 3. Which has, as of my most recent playthrough, actually become my favorite entry. Much to the jeering of many a people. With this story you now get another new look at the Citadel. Docking bays, the Huerta hospital, the revamped embassies, a brand new club that Avina has never heard of, and the return of an old location from ME1. Sort of. The Presidium…err…Commons. This space is kind of like an outdoor mall of sorts, tied to an apartment block. Each of these new areas come with their own personality and vibe. There is stuff going on. People milling about, CSEC investigations ongoing, it actually feels like a city. 

At no point did I feel like stuff was bland on this iteration of the Citadel. The club Purgatory was particularly well done. They crank the music up so you can’t hear anything. It’s darker. The vibe is there. The hospital has a lot happening and stories to overhear, one is even tied to Joker. Dark stuff. The refugee docks had that refugee kind of vibe. With a lot of people there just surviving the end of the universe. One story from there, the jaded kid talking to the Turian CSEC officer about waiting for her parents was particularly rough. Yeah, the atmosphere matches the game perfectly.

Mass Effect 3’s Citadel was definitely the best version of this staple in the series. But there was always a longing for wanting to see more. The third installment actually drew me in and made me want to know what the other wards and areas were like. Because the areas seen thus far in the series only add up to a mere percentage of the actual Citadel itself. 

There must be more to see.

Mass Effect 3 – The Citadel DLC

Released around 1 year after the launch of Mass Effect 3. The premise of this DLC was that of “fan service”, and it really is as simple as that. One last hurrah with the crew members of the SSV Normandy. Storywise, it takes place some time prior to the endgame events of ME3. Admiral Anderson, facing his mortality on Earth fighting the invading Reapers, is looking to break away from his worldly possessions and gifts Shepard his apartment on the Citadel. What a nice guy tossing a multi-million credit apartment my way. Then again, I have saved the galaxy twice now, so… 

This revelation that Shepard has earned a new mailing address just so happens to coincide with Admiral Hackett ordering the Normandy into the docks for refitting. The crew is due some time off for R&R prior to the fight to save the galaxy, the Normandy gets a new coat of paint, we get to see new parts of the Citadel, and(probably most importantly) we get to see Tali drunk again. It’s a win for everyone involved. Even the Reapers get a break from all the, err… Reaping(apparently).

Soon after arriving at our new abode we get an invitation from Joker to have sushi. Space station sushi? Gotta be better than the gas station variety. And finally we can see some actual new areas of the Citadel, not just new areas based off of the old areas we have already seen.

The restaurant we meet at is very reminiscent of the Taco Bell scene from the mid 90’s sci-fi/action movie Demolition Man. Like,”am I under dressed for this meal?” vibes. Complete with a maître d’. As Joker and the Commander shoot the shit, Joker informs the Commander that he didn’t invite him to this dinner. And.. all hell breaks loose in a campy kind of way. Which would set the stage for how the DLC itself will proceed. Very campy and tongue in cheek. The ensuing scenes see Shepard fall through a fish tank and down into the wards below. And no one will let Shepard live this down either. 

Now we’re getting to exactly what I wanted to see in the bowels of the Citadel. Not just prim and clean, like the Presidium or upper Wards. But the lower you go, the back alleys have grit and it’s dark. The neon lights are bright. These are places where CSEC really has to patrol, not just standing around looking menacing, like they do on the upper levels. The scenes ahead will see the commander fighting through various alleys, suspect-looking buildings, as well as a new car dealership. As the story continues on you visit various other places on the Citadel. Including a casino. Who knew the Citadel even had a full-on casino?

You also get a trip to the Citadel Archives, which is really interesting. It is a vast vault containing the vast knowledge of the cosmos. Though apparently little about the Reapers.[Looks knowingly at the Keepers] There are massive tube-like vaults everywhere. Pretty interesting design. In the Archives, you get to visualize a lot about the lore of Mass Effect that you’ve learned in the three games. Which is neat. This comes in the form of holographic depictions of events. Things like the start of the First Contact War.

Next we get to see the docks, where the Normandy is getting its overhaul. While not necessarily special, per se. This vantage point of the docks is one that you really haven’t seen. In this area you also get a view of the Normandy. Pretty cool. A new perspective of one of the most iconic vehicles in modern RPG’s.

Eventually, once you wrap up the main storyline of the DLC you get to run around fre in another new area of the citadel just outside your apartment. The Silversun Strip. This is a lively, bright and flashy area that has various things to see and do. The aforementioned casino is here and also there is an arcade. Another area is the arena, where you can hone your battle prowess, facing various challenges with squadmates of your choice. (Some)Past or present. You can also meet up with your friends and share time together outside the apartment or at various spots on the Citadel. Some were quite thoughtful. Some quite comedic. When you are ready, it’s time to have a party to decompress. This happens back at the apartment naturally. 

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Mass Effect 3 Continued

Recharged after a night of debauchery, we reach the end of the Mass Effect Trilogy. The endgame of ME3. Yup, culminating in a selection from one of (technically) four options, this saga will end(Or will it?). It is this area of the story that we get to see the Citadel in its destined form. But how that destined form reaches its apex, is up to you, isn’t it? In ME3 you witness the Citadel transform by going from its natural state with all the arms opened, to closed again in the endgame. Something we first saw in ME1. However this time, there is a very large laser pointed straight at London, England. Another new twist in the mystery, that is… the Citadel. 

Once Shepard finally makes his way through the space laser teleporter…err… thing, and ends the universe’s dealings with the Illusive Man, he triggers the Citadel to open into a large flower shape. With the long arms splayed out like petals. This allows the Crucible to dock. All that is left is to find the Catalyst to trigger the Crucible. Which, as it turns out, was right under our noses all along. The mysteries of this ancient space station grow and grow, right? Triggered by our decision, the Crucible/Citadel (Crucidel? Citable?) combination unleashes a massive amount of energy into the universe, propelled forward by the mass relays. 

The events of the endgame see the CItadel and the Mass Relays damaged. How much so, and how they get repaired depends on the player’s choice. So many places I never got to see, probably destroyed. So many people were killed too. And that is an understatement.

Wait! MY APARTMENT!! Hadn’t even gotten the insurance paperwork signed yet… Shepard really can’t catch a break… 

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As the tale of Mass Effect grinds on through the series, the Citadel becomes much less of a space station hub, and more of an enigmatic character in its own rite.  I mean, look how long the section on ME3 is. And now that I have seen three games-worth of the Citadel I wonder, what else is there hidden, and what other mysteries does it hide in its depths. I mean, I suspect that even following the events of ME3 and the DLC that we have only seen about 10% of what’s to offer on this giant space station. 

I think that a standalone game set on the Citadel would have been really interesting. Maybe as a CSEC operative or something. Like a gritty/hard boiled detective story or something along those lines. This would surely open the doors to many more areas of the Citadel. But hell, we can barely get any news about the next Mass Effect. So… yeah.

When and if we ever see the next Mass Effect story, maybe we will see even more of the Citadel. Also, I wonder if its going to stay in the Sol system now? Because last we knew, it was in Earth’s orbit. Hmm…..