Salarian

Concept and design

The development of the Salarians began with a brief paragraph outlining basic characteristics, starting from the gray alien science fiction archetype adapted to fit the Mass Effect universe. Art director Derek Watts noted that the design process aimed to make them look 'alien and delicate,' with inspiration from salamanders. Associate art director Matt Rhodes cited Japanese cultural influences, and the species was envisioned as 'warrior poets,' with large dark gray eyes conveying calmness and tranquility.

The final facial design retained triangular structure, elongated mouth, and large eyes typical of gray aliens, but added horn-like protrusions on the head to differentiate them. Due to animation restrictions, bodies remained humanoid, but artist Sum Kim introduced a concave chest, and the art team added dog-like legs. Salarian clothing often included tubing or structural elements to make the chest appear less concave, a practice Rhodes compared to 'a bald man wearing a toupée.'

Ceremonial clothing incorporated hoods and circular chest pieces. The art team also created facial expression concepts for the digital acting system. For the home world Sur'Kesh in Mass Effect 3, the team designed a lush, humid tropical jungle environment, with architecture inspired by a shopping center in Istanbul to blur the line between landscape and structure.

Fictional attributes

Salarians are reptilian-looking amphibious beings native to Sur'Kesh, with a fast metabolism allowing as little as one hour of sleep per day and accelerated speech, thought, and decision-making. This metabolism limits their lifespan to 30 to 40 years. They employ a haplodiploid reproductive system where unfertilized eggs become male and fertilized eggs become female, leading to a society over 90 percent male due to strict reproductive rules. Salarians possess photographic memory, explaining their prominence in espionage. They are largely androgynous and characterized by pragmatism and unsentimentalism, willing to make complex decisions for the greater good. They are the galaxy's main source of scientific advancement and experience very little sex drive, with reproduction arranged through formal agreements rather than emotional relationships.

Appearances

Salarians first appeared in the tie-in novel Mass Effect: Revelation as a lizard-like species similar to gray aliens that speak fast, and as one of the races forming the Citadel Council, with a permanent seat held by a Salarian councilor. In the original Mass Effect, no Salarian squadmate accompanies Shepard, but the species appears in multiple missions. Shepard deals with administrator Anoleis on Port Hanshan and assists Captain Kirrahe on Virmire, where Saren Arterius has bioengineered a cure for the genophage.

Shepard must help destroy a Krogan cloning facility and the cure. During Garrus Vakarian's personal quest, Shepard locates a Salarian organ trafficker named Saelon. Mass Effect 2 introduces the franchise's first and only Salarian squadmate, Mordin Solus, a scientist and ex-STG member who worked on modifying the genophage. In his loyalty mission, Shepard locates Maelon, Mordin's former assistant, who voluntarily worked with Krogan to find a cure through brutal experiments on voluntary Krogan. Mordin can perish during the game's final 'Suicide Mission.'

Reception and analysis

Salarian characters, especially Mordin Solus, have received critical acclaim from journalists and players. Major Kirrahe's speech in the first Mass Effect is considered one of the series' most iconic moments. Dr. Saelon was listed among gaming's 'most magnificently murderous medical practitioners' by GamesRadar+. The species has been praised for its intelligence, technical prowess, and narrative importance.

Screen Rant ranked Salarians #5 on a list of best alien races, noting their unpopular actions and arrogance. TheGamer ranked them #2, highlighting their fast metabolism and 'knowledge is power' philosophy. GamingBolt placed them second-to-last, criticizing their appearance and superiority complex, yet calling them 'one of the most formidable and respectable alien races.' The relationship between Krogan and Salarians was cited as an example of rich world building in Mass Effect: Andromeda.

Kotaku criticized a forced player choice involving killing an unnamed Salarian. The absence of Salarian females in the games has drawn criticism, with Gamecritics.com noting it reinforces male-coded traits and comparing the seclusion of females to being in the 'Salarian kitchen.'