Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2

Easter Eggs & References

Find hidden nods and in-jokes in Mass Effect 2. This guide highlights notable Easter Eggs and References that add charm and depth to the universe.

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Easter Eggs & References

Mass Effect 2, much like its predecessor, is a treasure trove of hidden gems, nods to popular culture, and recurring in-jokes that enrich the game's universe. From subtle background details to outright humorous moments, these easter eggs reward observant players and add significant charm and depth to the experience. This section will guide you through some of the most notable references, their locations, and how to trigger them.

Recurring Mass Effect Universe Jokes & Lore

The Space Hamster

Shepard's pet Space Hamster is a beloved recurring element. You can acquire this adorable rodent early in the game:

  • Location: Citadel, Zakera Ward, C-Sec Academy level.
  • How to Get It: After completing the mission to recruit Mordin Solus, return to the Citadel. Visit the C-Sec Academy level. You'll find a cage with the Space Hamster for sale at a vendor. Purchase it for a small sum of credits.
  • Placement: Once acquired, the Space Hamster will appear in a cage in Shepard's private quarters on the Normandy SR-2.
  • Interaction: Periodically, you can interact with the cage to hear the hamster squeak or see it running on its wheel. This small detail provides a touch of levity amidst the galaxy-saving stakes.

News Reports & Background Chatter

The galaxy of Mass Effect 2 feels alive, partly due to the constantly evolving news reports and background conversations you can overhear. These often contain humorous, satirical, or referential content:

  • Location: Various hubs like the Citadel, Omega, Illium, and even on the Normandy's comms.
  • How to Trigger: Simply walk past news terminals, listen to ambient conversations in crowded areas, or tune into the news feeds on the Normandy.
  • Examples:
    • Elcor Hamlet: On the Citadel, you might overhear discussions about an Elcor theatrical troupe performing Shakespeare's Hamlet, with their characteristic slow, emotion-prefacing speech patterns. "With regret: To be, or not to be. That is the question."
    • Volus Financial News: Listen for reports on the galactic economy, often delivered with the distinctive Volus breathing apparatus. These can sometimes reference absurd financial schemes or market fluctuations.
    • Human-Batarian Relations: News reports often touch upon the strained relationship between humanity and the batarians, sometimes with darkly humorous undertones.

Nod to the Mako (Mass Effect 1)

While the Mako from Mass Effect 1 is largely absent, its memory lives on:

  • Location: Normandy SR-2, Engineering Deck.
  • How to Find It: Speak with Engineer Donnelly or Engineer Daniels. They might occasionally reminisce about the Mako, often with a mix of fondness and exasperation about its handling.
  • Significance: This is a humorous acknowledgement of the Mako's divisive reputation among players – some loved its ruggedness, others loathed its clunky controls.

Pop Culture & Gaming References

"I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite store on the Citadel!"

This iconic line, which became a meme, is a direct reference to a common marketing tactic in video games:

  • Location: Citadel, Zakera Ward.
  • How to Trigger: After purchasing an upgrade or item from a specific vendor on the Citadel, Shepard might exclaim this line. It's particularly associated with the Rodam Expeditions store.
  • Context: It parodies the often forced and unnatural product endorsements seen in many games, where protagonists will suddenly praise a specific brand or store.

Star Wars References

The Mass Effect universe, with its space opera themes, naturally includes several nods to Star Wars:

  • "I've got a bad feeling about this": This classic line from the Star Wars saga can be heard from various squadmates or NPCs in tense situations. Keep an ear out during missions.
  • Han Solo in Carbonite: While not an exact replica, the frozen collectors in the Collector Base mission bear a striking resemblance to Han Solo's predicament in The Empire Strikes Back.
    • Location: Collector Base, during the final mission.
    • How to Find It: As you navigate the Collector Base, you'll encounter numerous humans suspended in stasis pods, encased in a strange, amber-like substance. The visual parallel to Han Solo's carbonite freezing is unmistakable.
  • Jedi Mind Trick: Shepard occasionally has dialogue options that allow them to use their reputation or charm to bypass obstacles, which can be seen as a subtle nod to the Jedi Mind Trick.

Indiana Jones Reference

A specific trap in Mass Effect 2 pays homage to Raiders of the Lost Ark:

  • Location: Kasumi: Stolen Memory DLC, during the Greybox heist mission.
  • How to Find It: During the infiltration of Donovan Hock's vault, you'll encounter a pressure-sensitive floor trap that triggers a deadly laser grid if stepped on incorrectly.
    • Details: This trap requires careful navigation, much like Indiana Jones avoiding the booby traps in the temple. The laser grid itself is reminiscent of similar security measures in spy films.
    • Solution: You'll need to observe the pattern of the lasers and time your movements precisely to avoid being incinerated.

Monty Python References

The British comedy troupe's influence can be found in unexpected places:

  • The Black Knight: During the recruitment mission for Grunt, on the planet Korlus, you might encounter a Krogan who, despite being severely wounded, insists on fighting, echoing the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
    • Location: Korlus, during Grunt's recruitment mission.
    • How to Find It: As you fight through the facility, listen to the dialogue of the Krogans you encounter. One particularly tenacious Krogan might make comments about not being defeated, even after losing limbs, similar to the Black Knight's "It's just a flesh wound!"

Other Gaming Nods

  • Dragon Age: Origins: BioWare's other major RPG series gets a subtle shout-out.
    • Location: Citadel, Zakera Ward.
    • How to Find It: Listen to background conversations or news reports. You might hear references to "darkspawn" or other fantasy-themed terms that feel out of place in a sci-fi setting, hinting at Dragon Age's lore.
  • KOTOR (Knights of the Old Republic): As a spiritual predecessor developed by BioWare, KOTOR also gets a nod.
    • Location: Various terminals or data pads.
    • How to Find It: Look for data entries or lore snippets that discuss ancient galactic conflicts or forgotten technologies. Some of these can subtly echo themes or events from KOTOR.

Environmental Storytelling & Visual Gags

The "Keep Off the Grass" Sign on Illium

A humorous and ironic detail on the highly developed planet of Illium:

  • Location: Illium, various public areas.
  • How to Find It: Look closely at the holographic displays and signs in the background. You might spot a sign that reads "Keep Off the Grass," despite there being no visible grass anywhere on the highly urbanized and artificial planet.
  • Significance: This is a subtle jab at bureaucratic rules and regulations, even in a futuristic, technologically advanced society.

The Batarian Bartender's Patience

A small, recurring visual gag that highlights the Batarian's general disdain for other species:

  • Location: Omega, Afterlife Club.
  • How to Find It: Observe the Batarian bartender. He often appears visibly annoyed or impatient with his customers, particularly non-Batarians.
  • Details: His body language and facial expressions often convey a sense of barely contained irritation, adding to the character of the Afterlife Club.
Easter Eggs & References - Mass Effect 2 screenshot
Easter Eggs & References