Curing the Genophage
GAME MASS EFFECT 3 / FORMAT PS3 / RELEASED 2012
05
The Genophage is a thread throughout the entire trilogy. A measure to control the Krogan population, it was effectively a means to sterilise a whole race. In every Mass Effect game, the ethics behind this decision are discussed, first through Saren’s plan to raise a Krogan army, then through the introduction of Mordin Solus in ME2.
Mordin is as much a ruthless fighter as he is a scientist. As the primary force behind the Genophage, his decision to inflict it on the Krogans was driven by logic, but over time he developed doubts, which he will share with you the better you get to know him.
It all comes to a head in ME3, when Mordin begins to work on a cure after the team rescues the only surviving female Krogan. They travel to the Shroud, a facility able to distribute the cure, but get attacked by Reapers. Even with the facility falling apart, Mordin sticks to his plan to cure the Genophage to the last, the ultimate noble sacrifice.
As sad as this is, it’s the best possible ending to Mordin’s arc. By curing what he helped create, he comes full circle. His role, his very power over the Krogans, always lay heavy on him, and finally he gets to atone. It’s a scene that’s both sad for Mordin fans, yet strangely beautiful – the cure drifts over the planet of Tuchanka like snow, and an injustice that has nothing to do with the Reapers is finally righted.
“Mordin’s power over the Krogans always lay heavy on him. Finally he gets to atone.”