Mass Effect Andromeda’s Antagonist: Meet The Ketts

Bioware studios officially released the first trailer for Mass Effect: Andromeda on November 7, better known as N7 day. While cryptic, it revealed a number of interesting details, including a new alien race known as the Kett.

Layered subtly throughout the trailer, the (assumed) Andromeda native aliens are given their close upon its climax, aggressively approaching a restrained Ryder. The Kett’s rigid design – with the possible leader having connecting horns made of his bones on his head – and deep, gravelly voices certainly emanate a sense of dread.

That feeling of intimidation is something Art director Joel MacMillan said was the team at Bioware’s goal when creating the Kett during a recent interview with gameinformer.com.  

With the whole Kett race we wanted it to be forboading, but never to the point where it’s going to be ugly. We have a lot of side-stories, we have a lot of stories we want to convey regarding this alien race so, despite how fearful and scary they are, you still would want to be able to have opportunities to show them in an empathetic way. 

MacMillian also explained the struggle of wanting the Kett to feel more organic and new in terms of appearance, while simultaneously making them relatable. The compromise came in the form of the Kett’s armor and architecture, as the creatures are still clothed, but carry a unique enough methodology to be distinct.  

Artwork Courtesy of Bioware’s interview with Game Informer

While the interview basically confirmed the fact that the Kett’s will be the main antagonist of Andromeda – as MacMillian refers to them as such at one point – many have speculated the possibility of a Kett group member. It’s certainly plausible, especially considering MacMillians statement of creating empathy for the new race, alongside mass effects history of creating unique crews.

Mass Effect Andromeda will be released on PC, PS4 and Xbox One in spring next year, so be sure to stay tuned for updates until it’s release!