OP sounds good enough to me, yet BW still didn't tackle the issue "choosen ending of ME3".

That's insofar a problem BW can never go back to the Milky Way, using it as a setting for future ME games. If they do, they either have to declare one ending "canon" - which may damage the community that once played the original trilogy, while new fans may not care. However, I believe EA / BW want to keep the ME franchise alive, because it has a strong community and earns good money.

ME:A is a nearly complete spin-off - it has nothing to do with the original trilogy, yet it plays in the same universe. This is also true for the original trilogy: nothing that happens in ME:A has any impact on the original trilogy and the ending results.

Which, at least in my eyes, opens a great opportunity: the original series could be rebooted one day. I'm no fan of reboots, especially not if the reboot is worse than the original. In case of the original ME trilogy, this may be true, but there's also a chance such reboot may fix some issues, like "three entirely different games" (gameplay-wise) and the grande finale, obviously. And if you don't like the word "reboot", then use "retelling the same story" - using that opportunity to fix story- and character related issues.

For now, I'm looking forward for ME:A - maybe this game is going to be a "prototype" for future ME games with even more open gameplay and more free choices.

Cool design. I hope the pilot has that brittle bones disease - otherwise, ya know, it won't be the hero's ship anymore.

Nope. I did edit some stuff, but that line was not edited.

Whatever, no offense taken. We all make mistakes. In my case it's "rusty english".

 

Did someone ever confirm that it will be the first game of a new trilogy? Dragon Age isn't a trilogy. Why should it be a trilogy?

 

No. And I believe I started my post with "If ME:A is going to be the first part of a second trilogy ..." indicating I'm not sure if Bioware is trying to make a second trilogy.

And it's too early to ask. If ME1 hadn't been such success, the game wouldn't have become the beginning of a trilogy (although it was planned to be one from  the beginning).

Maybe I have too high expectations for ME:A, maybe this is entirely stupid. However, here you go, have my list:

Story

If ME:A is going to be the first part of a second trilogy, I'd love to see a slightly more consistent story telling here. That's especially true for the main story line, but also for smaller story arcs. In the old trilogy, we had several great story arcs, yet some got aborted at some point.

Also, if possible, instead of several one-shot-missions, I'm looking forward for more extensive story arcs, branching from the main plot. They can be separate from the main plot, but may also contribute to it. The old trilogy had some issues here, especially with small side missions, which didn't add that much to the big picture. Since all three games had the vibe of a race against time (well, at least that's what the story tried to tell us), doing random stuff entirely unrelated to the main plot / supporting plots, didn't help to keep that illusion.

Character development

Keep it consistent. Don't reduce characters to one or two traits, one or two issues and one or two dialogues dealing with them. That's what had happened to some of the main characters in the first trilogy, especially those with less supporters than others. 

Rule of thumb: a well designed character provokes emotions, which is always a good thing, regardless of the emotion. A real "death sentence" for a character is a lack of emotions when presented to the audience.

Another rule of thumb: if the character happens to be important for the story, make sure his/her survival isn't sure at any point of the story. Nothing kills suspension more than the knowledge this character can never die 'cuz importance to the story.

If possible, avoid such characters & prepare replacements for him/her. Anyone can die, after all! That also makes saving of a certain character far more rewarding ...

Social Interaction

At least for me, ME wasn't about the Reapers only. The main story was good enough to work, but, let's be honest, wasn't very original. What makes the first ME trilogy special are the characters and the interaction with them. There are a lot of people around here who invested so much into some / all characters, they felt sad or even devastated when someone died or the game itself ended, because they knew they couldn't see 'em again - except in another playthrough, of course.

I think that's where ME truly wins: it's not (only) a game about shooting stuff, it also managed to emulate friendship and camaraderie in a very believeable way. No wonder "Citadel DLC" is viewed as one of the best DLCs by the community!

What I'd love to see here is an even more intense level of social interactions, more talks, more relationship levels (friendship, anyone). In the old trilogy, friendship was nearly mandatory, but not fully developed. Romances did happen, but felt a bit too formalized and sometimes rushed. Also some characters got utterly broken when -not- following their respective romance path: Miranda did no longer have any dialogue after "friendzoning" her in ME2. Liara definitely behaved more like a girlfriend than a close friend in ME3, even when the latter was the case. Ashley had nearly no redeeming dialogue if not your romance option - and we all know what had happened to Jacob.

Long story short: even if a player decides not to pursue the romance path of a character, don't lock him/her out from further dialogues with said character. A "no" to romance does not mean a "no" to friendship.

Character story arcs

Do you remember Mordin? Do you remember those loyality missions? What about Tali? Some of the main characters got their own story arc. In case of Tali her story arc was spanning all three games. Mordin's story took one and a half game to find its conclusion. Liara got her own DLC-story in ME2. And know what? I totally liked that - because such story arcs added something new to those characters. They were still shaped by their own story which Shepard helped to resolve.

In ME3 even some of the non-squaddies got own story arcs.

I definitely want to see that in ME:A - especially for the squadmates. It's such a powerful tool used for character development and story telling, you'll add a lot of immersion and connection to a character.

By the way: the romance story arc is still a -separate- story. It may influence the character's story arc as well, but it's not the same thing. Otherwise ppl not pursueing a romance with said character won't see his or her story.

Importing old savegames

We won't see the Milky Way in this game and another 200 years have passed since the end of the Reaper War. Doesn't mean we can't benefit from an old save. I'd love to know what did happen after Shepard's story. What did happen to Liara? Primarch Garrus? If Shepard survived, did s/he become a diplomat or even president of the Alliance? What about the Krogans, what did happen to the Geth & Quarians after the end of their war?

Just that. I believe, we all want to know more about the whereabouts of our old friends. Most of them are dead in the 24th / 25th century, but some may be still alive, and all of them left a mark in history.

Board time / Day & Night / Lifelike ship routine

That's another thing missing in the original trilogy. Even in ME3 the Normandy felt a bit static. Some characters never left their place - and I'm not talking about Joker. I'd love to see some sort of "day-night-cycle", people wandering around (at least those not at duty post for the current shift).

In fact, I never had the feeling time was passing at all. That's especially odd since ME1 took some 6 - 9 months to finish or som. ME2 was spanning nearly 6 months, same for ME3. But never felt the time really passing.

That's why, I'm looking forward for a feature that gives me an illusion of passing time. Even if it's just said daily routine, a date shown here and there, an estimation how much time the ship needs to travel from A to B. Something like that.

Ship design

The Normandy SR1 lacked crew quarters. SR2 got such crew quarters, but not enough for all the crew shown in game. Commissioned officers usually have their own rooms, but I saw only those for Shepard and Miranda / Liara. Also the interior of the Normandy didn't fit with the exterior (neck section too short, feels less sleek and elegant in the inside than one would expect). Escape pods didn't exist before shown in the ME2 intro - and haven't been installed to the SR2 as well, the list goes on.

In short words: I don't expect a fully simulated ship in ME:A and maybe it's too late to ask: but the interior should be a bit more authentic. Even if I don't want to visit crew quarters, I expect to see doors leading to 'em. If I want to talk to a certain (officer / main character), I'd like to call them to the captain's quarter - or visit them in theirs. And if, at some point of the story, escape pods are used, they should be part of the ship's internal layout.

More diverse body / face models

Are we really going to be blessed with athletic bodies and beautiful yet standardized faces in the future? I'd love to see a bigger bandwith of body shapes: S, M, L, XL - same for height. Not everyone is 1,86m in the future - there must be a place for taller and smaller people too

Planetary exploration

Mako, Hammerhead - doesn't matter. What does matter, are interesting locations. Even if they're proceduraly generated, they can be interesting and fun to explore. After all, ME:A allows us to explore an entire new galaxy. And if we're allowed to explore planets, we may also be interested in exploiting resources, prepare a location for colonizing etc etc.

That's it for now. And there are still things on my list I'd love to ask.

Mass Effect, of course.

However, I'm a fully realized backer of Star Citizen, so most games I play are just there to keep me entertained 'till Star Citizen release. Mass Effect, in the other hand, is one of my all-time-favorite trilogy. Therefore my expectations are a bit biased, when it comes to ME:A.

Bioware has gotten to formulaic with the relationships always culminating 5 minutes before starting the final quest arc.

It's silly that things don't get serious way sooner and intimate somewhere around the halfway point in the story.

Then the back end of the game would have honest relationship maintenance and the things that come after.

I'd like to see a more steady build up, no "ninja romances" or something. Also I definitely want to see some sort of "friendship arc" for each important character. Just because you're nice to someone you don't want to get in that someone's pants. Sometimes you're just nice.

Besides that: I rather have few, but equally built up / treated romances than a dozen less-developed ones. Choices are good - too many options are bad. 'nuff said.

Ashley, Garrus, Wrex, Zaeed, Tali. Or Miranda. Dunno - can't decide.

This thread is a bit slow.

Udina, Anderson and Hackett trying to find a candidate for the first human SPECTRE

Udina: Well, your message says you found a candidate. I assume he won't make mankind and me looking bad, admiral?

Hackett: It's captain Anderson who recommended this candidate. And since he's a N7 operative AND a former Spectre candidate, he knows what's at stake.

Udina: Anderson, hmm? Didn't his one and only Spectre mission failed horribly?

Anderson: I did not fail, Ambassador. That Spectre I was working with sabotaged that facility as some sort of distraction - and blamed me for forcing his hand.

Udina: I don't care about details, Anderson. Let me see what you have.

Anderson: Lieutenant commander John H. Shepard, born to Hannah and James Shepard in 2154, and a warhero of the Skyllian Blitz. He held his own in the battle for Elysium until reinforcements arrived, saving thousands of lives. Spent most of his childhood and youth in space. I believe you know his mother, admiral?

Hackett: She's currently assigned as XO to the SSV Kilimanjaro, captain.

Anderson: And his father? I heard he's posted in the same fleet, 'though not the same ship.

Hackett: James Shepard is serving as the SSV Einstein's chief engineer.

Udina: I'm not interested in Shepard's family.

Anderson: Of course, Ambassador. Shepard took part in the N7 program and was personally trained by me. Excellent performance in most advanced tests, fast reflexes, even without stimulants. Highly intelligent and fast thinking, which is a rare combination. He made it though the program as one of the best.

Udina: "One of the best". Anderson, we're talking about a human Spectre. Is he the best or is he just one of the best?

Anderson: Shepard is the best. You won't find a better candidate.

Udina: Good. And how are you going to prove it?

Anderson: I won't. If the Council is still using the same process, they're already observing potential candidates, even in our ranks. Shepard is among them, I'm sure. And if they're interested, they'll send a Spectre testing him in a series of missions. That's how things worked the last time.

Udina: Where you failed. Make sure he won't fail.

Anderson: I'll give my best.

Udina: That won't be enough. You failed once and you may fail another time. However, since it's your candidate, you'll remain his mentor as long as the process may take. But you will need more resources.

Hackett: You're taking command of the SSV Normandy. Prototype ship, developed with turian support, a small and sleek ship. Shepard will be your XO, despite he's a marine officer, not part of the navy. If the Council is convinced and accept Shepard as a Spectre, make sure he'll take command of the Normandy. It's a bit tough paperwork, especially since Shepard won't be bound to Alliance protocol anymore, and the ship is a costly prototype. Make sure he won't crash it right into the next asteroid.

Udina: That means you'll need also the "best pilot" of the Alliance, Anderson.

Hackett: Exactly. The dossieres of three candidates are currently prepared. One is lieutenant Crooks, an extremely talented young man. Hancock is another excellent pilot, she's currently assigned to the SSV Trafalgar and has more than a thousand flight hours on her tally. And then there's Moreau, but I'm not sure if he's in condition to take this position.

Udina: I'm convinced you'll find your pilot, Anderson.

Anderson: Thank you, sir.

Udina: Don't thank me. Without the admiral, you won't be even here.

Hackett: You're dismissed, Anderson. I expect you for a briefing on the Normandy in 24 hours. Keep in mind you'll need a pilot - and if you have any recommendations for other posts, hand in.

Also not sure if I should give ME4 a try.

I'm not concerned about the lack of Shepard or Ashley. Their story is told and we won't see anything new here, except maybe some fanfiction or stuff from DA. Therefore this is not a reason why I'm not fully convinced.

It's more about the setting. To avoid "retconning" of two out of three endings, a new galaxy was picked for exploration. Although I can understand the basic idea behind this, it's odd since (as the lore said) 99% of the Milkyway galaxy wasn't explored yet in the 2180ies - so why do they try to move to the Andromeda galaxy in the first place? 99% non-explored galaxy means also 99% of unoccupied space for all species and 99% unexploited resources. There's simply no need to move to another galaxy.

Basically, the entire "lets move to another galaxy" idea simply renders all three endings non-essential. Shepard's job doesn't matter anymore, since it's a new galaxy, probably several centuries in the future. No one can tell what Shepard did - and they don't care. I think, only the four Council races will have a future, while quarians, geth, krogans etc won't be around anymore - since they didn't make it through the war or didn't catch a ride to the Andromeda galaxy ...

I'm still alive.

And I made it through ME1 last sunday, 5am in the morning

Of course, my Shepard still remained faithful!

Now I'm giving ME2 another playthrough. I miss Ash, but I also enjoy the gameplay, the "more" dialogues in general and the sheer amount of stuff I can do. Also, the combat system is way better. I wonder if Bioware ever updates ME1 in that field ...

Actually, I'd pay for such upgraded Mass Effect: better combat system, better exploration system and more dialogues for everyone. Especially Garrus and Tali - they have awfully few lines compared to Ash and Kaidan ...

And likewise. Somehow Ash is only remembered as "racist". Which is odd, since the game is full of racism and racists / speciests.

Exactly. And didn't Bioware go on record saying now that Shepard is done, the next ME protagonist wouldn't be a random Alliance replacement soldier Aka Shepard 2.0? They said they wouldn't try to replace Shepard, but, a Human N7 protagonist defending humanity against hostile aliens so that they can secure a foot hold in the Andromeda Galaxy sounds alot like the original triliogy all over again.

Maybe they're out of good ideas?

Lets think about this: we have the first trilogy. Shepard against the Reapers, with the help of his (or her) friends and his/her lover. The Reapers were crafted by the Leviathans a long time ago with a faulty programming, forcing them into a cycle that repeats itself every 50.000 years, destroying any advanced civilization - for more than a billion years. And suddenly mankind reaches for the stars, is around in galactic society for just a couple of decades and one - and only one - human foils plans working for countless cycles, provoking a reaction from the Reapers (they noticed him after all!) and destroying the cycle in the end (depending on your choice).

"Mass Effect 1st Trilogy in a Nutshell."

In other words: you can't top that.

Now lets think like a marketing guy: what makes thats 2nd Trilogy even more amazing and epic? And even BIGGER threat, and even BIGGER task and ... you got it. BIGGER is BETTER. But of course you need a protagonist you can identify yourself with. So you'll end in the shoes of another human character. No Asari, no Turian, no Volus, no Krogan, no Quarian - just another human. Male, female, all okay. But how to make this character special? After all, s/he needs to be able to act on his/her own, outside the chain of command. Which is only possible if s/he is part of a special operations team - like N7. Or s/he may become another Spectre. Whatever Bioware has in their sleeves here, it'll boil down to: "human player character that's part of N7 / Spectre". They're stuck with that idea and can't find another option. Also they can't add multiple species for selection since that would add an even bigger overhead how to deal with certain characters and situations and the plot itself, if your character belongs to a certain species. In worst case the difference is only cosmetic and it doesn't matter what you pick - which makes the entire idea of character creation moot.

There we are. Mass Effect 4 comes with a character that's totally no new Commander Shepard, despite being part of Alliance military & N7 team. And maybe s/he'll get accepted to the Spectres and who knows, that hostile species in Andromeda Galaxy can be pacified without genocide?

God thanks I'm not a marketing guy. I have brains.

Thanks

I'm not sure if I still have the stuff 'though. Sometimes I write some long dialogue and ... no. Don't work.

Shepard: Everyone is talking about the "good ol' times". Garrus, Joker, Wrex ... everyone. Don't get me wrong, we had a great time together, but I definitely don't wish back the Reapers.

Ashley: Oh yes. All the "good times". The only good thing I still have from that time is sitting right next to me.

Conrad: I know exactly what you mean, Commander. Cheers. *drinks some strange booze*

Shepard: No. No, you don't Conrad. *smirks*

Conrad: Ugh. That stuff tastes horrible.

Shepard: Yeah. You had to order ryncol, right?

Conrad: Of course! The great Commander Shepard always drinks ryncol before going to battle!

Shepard: No, he doesn't. You're still doing that fan-stuff, aren't you?

Conrad: Nah, not really. I'm still trying to get my old life back. You know, before I became your fan. I even signed for the Alliance Navy.

Ashley: And what did they say?

Conrad: Cat6. I'm too old they said. For ground duty. And I'm not experienced enough to become an officer.

Shepard: You still could apply for the AEC, you know. Our engineering corps. After all you have a degree.

Conrad: I thought about that too. Do you think I should give it a try?

Shepard: What should go wrong? In worst case they say no. That's all.

Conrad: Hmmm. Okay, I'll give it a try. Who knows, maybe I'll end on the Normandy as engineer!

Ashley: *coughs* Nah. We're totally fine with Adams, Conrad.

Conrad: I still can be better than him. You'll see. *gets up* Time for Conrad Verner to apply for the AEC!

Shepard: Why does it suddenly feel like a bad idea to tell him about the AEC?

Ashley: Do you fear he'll get transferred to the Normandy as engineer?

Shepard: No. I just get the feeling the poor guy may do something stupid.

Ashley: At least he doesn't try to be like you anymore.

Shepard: Maybe. I'm not even sure about that. C'mon, Verner, don't do something stupid. I always feel bad after one of our talks.

Ashley: You worry after him?

Shepard: He may be obsessed and is a bit pesky, but he's no bad guy after all.

Ashley: True. He also got some nice ass. *laughs*

Chapter 27 of Shepard's Journey is now up.

 

https://www.fanficti...epard-s-Journey

 

All Feedback is appreciated. (And also is taken under consideration of putting changes into the story) 

I started reading it - and wonder why I missed this one.

That's a bit of a dialogue I'm playing with for a couple of days now:

Hackett: So this is your recommendation? This man?

Anderson: Yes, Admiral. I can't think of a better candidate than him,

Hackett: I see. Shepard, hmm. Lots of recommendations here and there and a Star of Terra.

Anderson: There's a report for that particular event attached to his file. Saved a colony from Batarian raiders single-handedly.

Hackett: I'll give it a read later. Hmmm ... and there, he got invited to the N-Program. Made it to N7 within five years, as an infiltration agent. Aren't you N7 as well, Captain?

Anderson: One of the first class. I know Shepard from our time in the N-Program.

Hackett: I see. If you say Shepard is the right man, I believe you. And I'm sure Udina will give green light as well, after all, it was him pushing for a Spectre candidate.

Anderson: Thank you Sir.

Hackett: There's one more thing, Anderson. The Normandy is almost ready for her maiden voyage and I heard you're still in need of an XO. It seems you've found your man.

Anderson: Sir? Shepard is no Navy officer.

Hackett: Doesn't matter, he'll get the basics in no-time. Once he's fully prepared, someone sent by the Council is going to oversee Shepard's actions in a series of missions. It's a Turian named Nihlus - who's a Spectre most likely. If that's true, Shepard shouldn't know about his true nature, otherwise he wouldn't act normally as he would. Do you understand?

Anderson: Yes, Sir.

Hackett: Good. We'll talk about details later, Anderson. I'm sure Udina has questions for you. Dismissed, Captain. Make sure the Normandy is fully prepared.

Nah, I don't think we'll see Shepard again in more than just a short cameo role - depending on the ending canonized. If they pick "destruction" - doubtful, if they want to keep the Geth alive - there's a chance s/he's still alive. Otherwise Shepard may only return as "Avatar" - not as Shepard him/herself, but as representation of his/her former self.

Also I don't believe we're going to see Ash again. If we can import old savegames from ME3 there's a slight chance we'll see her again or we may her about her whereabouts, but that's it. If there's no way to import savegames, there's no chance we'll see her again.

Thanks

The difficult part is to re-create the feeling of that first mission - and reduce the amount of fights. Really, nobody wants to read a book consisting of 80% of battles and violence, so to speak. Another challenge is to know what's going to be needed to keep the story intact. I'm not sure if the decision "Virmire" is really required to keep the story working, for instance.

Once I'm done with the test chapter I may release it as PDF, including all side-facts required to create that chapter.

Thanks

I could translate that little part, but I'm -really- too lazy to translate that entire chapter which already spans nearly 10 pages ... O.o

Must find a professional translator once I'm done *g*

I'll think about it. Ah heck with it, here you go (warning: spoiler tags, german language)

It's the short scene where Shepard is meeting Ash & recruiting her for his squad.

MEHEM 0.5 brought me back.

So far the creator confirmed plans for a 0.6 and 0.7 release - so we're going to see an even more polished happy ending for Shepard and - in our case - Ash. I started another playthrough for the new MEHEM (which is way more compatible thanks to the DLC-revision it got).

Also I'm currently writing at "Mass Effect Reboot" - my very own personal enjoyment*. So far my test chapter "Eden Prime" is 70% done. Too bad I had to write it in German since, you know, my English isn't perfect enough to type it down in English. Dialogue is not entirely intact but as close as possible to what they said in the game. For those who're able to read German I'll hand you over some parts of it - especially the scene where Shepard & Kaidan meet Ash should be interesting, right?

Not sure if I ever can finish that one 'though. Not enough time, too much to do.

Also one thing is for sure: IF I finish this, Ashley is, obviously, Shepard's LI. However, I won't put Ash in every possible scene just to ensure everyone get the idea "this is the right girl". She'll have more or less the same role in ME1, gets an expanded one in ME2 and a complete overhaul in ME3, so to speak. Let's say I don't like the "boozer Ash who's complaining all day". I'm more into the tough soldier Williams - who's droping that image for - and ONLY for Shepard - in her private moments. She'll be best friends with Tali, Garrus & Joker. Everybody likes Joker. *g*

--------------------

* the last time a guy said this, he wrote "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". Who knows where I'm going to end with that line? *g*

Aye. I love thise one too, but there are several other good tributes out there, Ash and other characters as well. Most of them are also doubling as Shepard tributes.

Will post some of my faves here later, but first have to do some housework

Damnit, watching all those ol' trailers and tributes and such make me sad. I miss that damn Mass Effect trilogy.

Best line ever? "You did good, son. You did good."

I doubt there's going to be any new content for PS4/XBox One - maybe some better textures for ME1, but nothing else. After all, extra content simply would take more time to make and reintroducing deleted scenes would also require more time to do so.

No new stuff for the new consoles. Just the same ol' trilogy for some new people.

I like this mod

My replay is a bit ... complicated. ME1 has a tendency to crash under Win7 and I have no idea how to fix it (yes, running in admin mode, no, compatibility mode won't work. It's the DRM issue I guess). However, I want to do one more playthrough before I go into details with my "fictional ME reboot" project I have in my mind.

Does anyone know if MEHEM is going to see another patch, by the way?

Tbh, I can't see BW changing its "no-more-Shepard-policy" anytime soon. My biggest hope is a reboot of the original series - returning to Shepard's story, fixing several issues in the plot, changing the general approach in some fields, adding more and better character interactions and such. For that, I have a quite complete idea in my mind, maybe I'll add it one day to this forums.

But for now, Shepard's story is told and unless BW plans to reboot the series, we won't see anything new for him/her.

Garrus: So, who's the better sniper. You or me, Garrus Vakarian, also known as Archangel!

Ashley: Look who comes with a darn big ego. *snickers*

Shepard: He deserves it. Surviving Omega long enough while hunting down criminal scum too slow or dumb to avoid him - yeah, Garrus must be a crack shot.

Garrus: There's no Vakarian without Shepard!

Ashley: Hmmm, someone needs some contact with reality, I guess. *grins*

Garrus: You're talking about a competition, Williams?

Ashley: Aye. And Skipper will be our judge.

Shepard: Hey, I'm also good with a sniper rifle - just let me-

Garrus: Nah. Don't listen to that amateur. He missed a bottle when we had a nice competition back in the good ol' times.

Shepard: What? No, I missed on purpose!

Garrus: Of course *laughs*

Ashley: So it be. You and me, Garrus. Skip, I hope you can tell apart who's the better sniper. Just remember: if I lose, you won't share your bunk with me for a week. Or two. *snickers*

Shepard: ****.

Garrus: And if I lose, I won't calibrate your gun - wait, that comes out wrong.

Shepard: Eh, I can live with that.

Ashley: Fine. Lets do this.

Garrus: Yes, lets decide who's the best.

* a couple of hours later *

Shepard: Well, that was fun. Turns out I won't have to sleep alone and someone is calibrating my gun.

Ashley: Lucky bastard.

Garrus: Yeah. Stupid tie.

Ashley: Why did I say "if I lose" instead of "if I didn't win"?!

Shepard: That's the power of words. So the one and true winner of your contest is me. Can live with that.

Ashley: *sigh* Worst part of it is: our little contest didn't solve any question. We need to do another one.

Garrus: Yep.

Ashley: Next time, I'll win, Vakarian. Just had a bad day.

Garrus: Only when I'm trying to lose *laughs*

Shepard: You'll lose both next time, 'cause I'm in now.

Ashley: Dream on, Skip. You can't hit an elephant at 100 yards.

Shepard: Says the girl that didn't win against Garrus in a sniper contest.

Ashley: I hate you.

Shepard: I hate you too *smiles*

Garrus: You and your species odd mating customs. Tali isn't that complicated ... well, she just needs my body.