James Vega

James Vega is a human Systems Alliance soldier and squad member in Mass Effect 3.

While Vega is an experienced soldier, he is unfamiliar with the seedy underbelly and political workings of the galaxy.

James Vega is voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost
Early in his career, Vega was stationed on a colony in a remote star system with a team of elite Special Forces soldiers. When the Collectors attack, determined to capture the population, Vega and his soldiers were tasked with protecting the civilians.

Mass Effect: Conviction
At some point in time, Lieutenant Vega had been involved in an incident on Fehl. Since then, he had taken up residence in Omega playing cards in bars. During a game, a broadcast regarding Commander Shepard's actions during the events of Arrival and the galaxy's reactions aired on a nearby vidscreen. As a reporter related how batarian officials had called for Shepard's head, Vega calmly tore the screen off the wall, telling the bartender to pay for the damages with his winnings.

The group of batarians he had been playing cards with took umbrage at the act, accusing Vega of being a "Shepard Lover". The marine proceeded to defend himself against the attacking batarians with the damaged screen and a knife before escaping. Midway through his escape, he encountered Admiral Anderson. The Admiral commented on the difficulty he endured while trying to find Vega, and ordered the Lieutenant to clean up and follow him. Anderson told Vega to "get over" the incident on Fehl, and revealed that he had a job for Vega. Vega promptly refused, claiming he didn't wish to do so and defiantly demanded why Anderson simply doesn't toss him into the brig and be done with it.

Anderson explained that Vega's job is close, as he had recruited the soldier to guard the brig and its sole prisoner: Commander Shepard.

Trivia

 * According to BioWare, James Vega will reflect the perspective of a new player coming to the franchise.
 * James Vega was originally known as James Sanders, however the name was changed some time after several gaming press outlets visited BioWare and revealed his original name. Vega himself references this after saving Kahlee Sanders from the attack on Grissom Academy, saying his father's last name was Sanders, but is adamant about having no familial relationships.
 * James Vega very likely has a Hispanic heritage as he often says Spanish words, even going so far as to nickname Commander Shepard "Loco" if male, and "Lola" if female. He can additionally be found at times making huevos rancheros in the Normandy's mess area, saying the recipe came from his abuela (grandmother).