As we look ahead to 2026, the gaming landscape is buzzing with anticipation for new adventures, and one title that has consistently captured my imagination is Starfinder: Afterlight. Imagine my excitement when I learned that the legendary Neil Newbon isn't just directing the voices for this epic space opera—he's also stepping into the starship boots of a character! You know Neil, right? The man who brought Astarion's captivating complexity to life in Baldur's Gate 3. Well, get ready to meet a very different kind of companion. So, what's the story behind his newest role? Let me tell you all about Preach, the Shirren Mystic who's about to steal our cosmic hearts.

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Meet Preach, the Guardian Mystic

So, who exactly is this new crew member joining Kole Stryker, Tycho, Lu-323, and Sterling on their search for the missing Captain Khali? Let's break down the essentials:

  • Name: Preach (and his precious charge, the Golden One)

  • Class: Mystic (so expect some serious psychic or spiritual prowess)

  • Ancestry: Shirren (that's the insectoid species for those new to the Starfinder universe)

  • Primary Goal: To ascend as a High Priest for his people and, most importantly, to protect the Golden One.

Neil Newbon himself described Preach to me as "a little bookish" and profoundly dedicated. His entire purpose revolves around being the "guardian of the Golden One"—a larva prophesied to bring miracles. Think about that for a second. Here's this scholarly insectoid, cradling the hope of his entire species in the form of an adorable grub. Isn't that just the most fascinating narrative hook?

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The Heart of the Crew: From Astarion to "Bug Daddy"

Now, I know what you're all wondering: how does Preach compare to the vampire spawn we all fell for? Neil was quick to point out they're quite different. He sees Preach as the "father" of the Starfinder: Afterlight companion crew, a perfect counterpart to Captain Khali's "mother" role. In fact, he's already affectionately dubbed his character "Bug Daddy" and "Daddy Preach." Can't you just see those nicknames catching on with the fandom? It paints a picture of a nurturing, protective figure, a far cry from Astarion's initially self-serving charm. This shift shows Newbon's incredible range, doesn't it?

But wait, does moving from a charismatic elf to a paternal insectoid mean there's no room for romance? Absolutely not! Newbon playfully hinted, "Hey, insects can be hot. I'm just saying. Like, a praying mantis, man. Look at them." And guess what? I can confirm that romance is a confirmed feature in Starfinder: Afterlight, and yes, Preach is a romanceable option. His co-star, Carolina Ravassa (Captain Khali), even noted that thanks to Newbon's talent, fans will likely find Preach attractive "regardless of his appearance." So, are you ready to court a bug priest? The option will be there!

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Why This Casting is a Masterstroke

Let's talk about the genius behind this move. Neil Newbon initially came on board as the Voice Director. When Epictellers Entertainment approached him to voice Preach, he said it took "very little persuasion." Having the voice director also perform a key role ensures an unparalleled level of performance cohesion. He understands the narrative's heartbeat and the crew's dynamic from the inside out. This dual role promises a performance that's not just acted, but intimately directed.

Consider the companion lineup we know so far. It's a powerhouse of vocal talent:

Character Actor Known For
Preach Neil Newbon Astarion (Baldur's Gate 3), Voice Director
Kole Stryker Fred Tatasciore Various iconic video game voices
Tycho Inel Tomlinson Rising star in voice acting
Lu-323 Melissa Medina Notable animation and game roles
Sterling James Alexander Distinguished character actor
Captain Khali Carolina Ravassa Sombra (Overwatch)

Adding Newbon's specific, nuanced performance as Preach into this mix elevates the entire project. He's not just a star name; he's the narrative glue.

How to Join the Adventure Early & What's Next

The journey to find Captain Khali is starting soon! If you're as eager as I am to get to know Preach and the crew, you still have a chance to be part of the game's development. The Kickstarter campaign is your ticket to early access and exclusive insights, and it's open right now. With an Early Access launch slated for 2026, the clock is ticking to secure your spot on the ship.

Looking forward, the team has promised more character and actor reveals. If the quality of Preach's introduction is any indicator, we have even more incredible reveals to look forward to. Will we meet more strange and wonderful ancestries? What other secrets does the crew hold?

In the end, the arrival of Preach signals something special for Starfinder: Afterlight. It's a game confident in its unique identity, offering not just action-packed space exploration, but deep, character-driven stories with companions who break the mold. From a fatherly insectoid mystic to confirmed romantic subplots, this is shaping up to be the narrative-rich RPG experience we've been waiting for. So, are you ready to answer the call of the stars with Bug Daddy by your side? I know I am.