[GameSpot] - Catalyst Is Apex Legends' First Transgender Character

[343iBot]

Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment's commitment to diversity is a cornerstone of its character-driven narrative. The game boasts a massive roster of characters of all ages, races, and sexual identities. While Apex has had several story arcs focusing on *******, bisexual, and gay characters, the game has yet to introduce an openly transgender character to the game. Today, with the release of Stories From The Outlands: Last Hope, all of that changed.

The trailer introduces us to Tressa (voiced by Meli Grant), a transwoman who appears to be a practicing witch. After Tressa finishes divining Rampart's future using crystals, Rampart asks about Tressa's past, which leads to a flashback.

The scene shows Tressa and three of her friends--all residents of Boreas, a planet that has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis since the day Seer was born--hanging out in their makeshift clubhouse and discussing the current state of affairs.

Martial law is in effect, with armed Spectres patrolling the planet at night, enforcing curfew and generally fostering a general sense of fear among Boreas' inhabitants. A female voice repeatedly declares, "HOPE IS NOT YET LOST" via a loudspeaker. Hammond Robotics has a plan to save Boreas' moon, Cleo, and everything is fine, according to the manufacturing behemoth's PR team.

Tressa and her friends--particularly Margo, who she seems to be especially close with--are concerned about Cleo's future, and with good reason, as it turns out that Hammond Robotics has no plans to save Cleo--only to mine it for its natural resources, just like they've been doing on Talos. Tressa and her friends decide they need to hatch a plan to save Cleo and Boreas, but before the conversation can continue, the nightly curfew announcement plays over the loudspeakers, and everyone gets up to go home.

Well, everyone except for Tressa and Margo, who stick around for a little post-curfew mischief. Margo tells Tressa she wants to show her something, and the two women take a short hike that gives them a stunning view of the sunset.

Margo reads Catalyst's palm, identifying compassion and a talent for leadership.

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