I still remember the first time Kai spoke in Avowed. I had just started the game and was getting my bearings when that voice hit me. It was warm, a little rough around the edges, and undeniably familiar. I paused and thought, 'Wait... is that Garrus?' It was. Brandon Keener, the actor who brought Garrus Vakarian to life in Mass Effect, voices Kai, one of Avowed's four companions. For a player like me who has spent more hours than I care to admit aboard the Normandy, that was a heck of a welcome.
Since Avowed launched in February 2025, I have seen plenty of discussion about its combat, its Living Lands setting, and its choice-driven quests. But for me, the companions were always the heart of the matter. Obsidian Entertainment has a long track record of writing companions with real depth, and Avowed gives players four: Kai, Marius, Giatta, and Yatzli. Each one has a distinct personality, personal goals, and enough backstory to chew on. Still, I would be lying if I said I was not drawn to Kai first, and it was not just because of his design or the way he has been front and center in the marketing. It was because of that voice.
The Mass Effect connection is a big deal. Garrus Vakarian is not just any companion; for many fans, he is the gold standard. He is loyal when other squadmates are more difficult, he grows across the trilogy, and his arc transforms him from a frustrated C-Sec officer into one of Commander Shepard's most dependable allies. That kind of character work is a tough act to follow. Hearing the same actor in a brand-new fantasy RPG felt like finding an old friend in a new neighborhood.
Let me be clear, though: Kai is not simply Garrus in a fantasy skin. From my time with Avowed, he has his own rhythm, his own sense of humor, and his own set of problems. But the familiarity is still there, and it hits different when you are a Mass Effect fan. The first conversation gave me a jolt of nostalgia that made me want to keep Kai in my party, even before I fully understood his mechanics. That might sound like a cheap trick, but it is not. It is a reminder that voice actors can carry emotional weight across completely different franchises. When the casting works, it is the icing on the cake.
Brandon Keener's portfolio is deeper than a single turian. Here is a quick rundown of some of his notable roles:
| Role / Project | What He Did |
|---|---|
| Garrus Vakarian in the Mass Effect trilogy | Voiced one of the series' most beloved companions |
| Additional voices in Mass Effect: Andromeda | Provided extra voice work in the 2017 entry |
| Additional voices in L.A. Noire | Contributed to the 2011 detective title |
| Captain Julian Dawes in Battlefield Hardline | Played a major character in the campaign |
| Criminal Minds, Castle, The Purge: Anarchy, Galaxy Quest | Appeared in TV and film in minor roles |
That range matters, because it shows he is not simply coasting on Garrus nostalgia. While Garrus may be the role most gamers recognize, Keener has enough experience to make Kai feel like his own creation. That said, I will not pretend the Garrus association is irrelevant. It is the reason I gave Kai a longer leash than I might have given another companion. If the character had been flat, the voice alone would not have saved him. But Obsidian clearly knew what they were doing. Kai's dialogue, his reactions to quests, and the way he banters with the rest of the party all show the same attention to detail that made Garrus so memorable. The voice is the hook; the writing is what keeps you around.
For Mass Effect fans who have not tried Avowed yet, this is one of those rare cross-IP treats that feels like a no-brainer. Even if you are not usually into first-person fantasy RPGs, hearing Garrus's voice come out of a companion in a completely different universe is surreal in the best way. It does not hurt that Avowed stands on its own as an engaging game, but the Brandon Keener connection is a welcome bonus.
Looking back from 2026, I think the early speculation was right. Kai had an advantage from the start because of the voice actor's iconic role, and for many players, that advantage translated into real affection. Whether Kai will ever reach Garrus-level legendary status is still up for debate, but he does not have to. Sometimes it is enough to hear a familiar voice and feel like the squad is back together. 🎮🚀
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