Robin Sachs, perhaps best known to gamers for his voice acting roles as Zaeed Massani in the "Mass Effect" series, and Lord Pyral Harrowmont in "Dragon Age," passed away yesterday, Feb. 5. The British actor has done voice work for several games including "The Bard's Tale," "Rainbow Six: Lockdown," and "Kayne and Lynch 2: Dog Days." Though appearing in numerous films as well, it was in his role as Ethan Rayne in the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" television series that brought his iconic voice and unmistakable presence to the masses.
Sachs' resume ranges from stage productions of Hamlet and Twelfth Night, to a cameo on Sponge Bob Square Pants. Though details of his sudden death have not yet been made public at this time, the announcement of his passing on his official website coincides with his 62nd birthday, or just shy of it.
A downloadable character in "Mass Effect 2," and subsequently "Mass Effect 3," Sachs' Zaeed provided dry humor painfully necessary for the at times overly dramatic, increasingly stressful, narrative. Players found Zaeed in the ship's starboard cargo area, always happy to relate a story about Krogan warlords, Batarian tactics, and his one true love, his rifle Jessie.
Perhaps the series' most satisfying moment for myself comes from a bit of optional intel received at the end of "Mass Effect 3," implying that the mercenary is getting his beloved rifle repaired in time for the final battle. They just don't write romances like that anymore. It's the little things that make good games great.
Check out Zaeed's finest moments below, and wax goddamn nostalgic about a fine British actor.
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