eshrafel wrote...
As you pointed out, Saren has/had a strong personality that was more than a shallow one-sided character, but most critically, had an in-game presence projected by a powerful charisma with a great voice actor to kick it all off.
It was a character you, as a player, could relate to upon some level; and also a great counter for Shepard. Both Spectres, both trying to save the galaxy in your own, unique way. It not only offered a focus and driving force for the first game by having this physical, dangerous and elusive opponent out there in the galaxy at large, but brought home the *true* dangers of the reaper invasion -- the subtle, insidious nature that they work in, behind the scenes, until it's too late. Layers upon layers; you begin to realise that Saren is not a malevolent nihilist but an unfortunate pawn in a game far bigger than he anticipated. It gave the game a bitter and cold edge; a bittersweet, tragic, but inevitable conclusion. Liara points out that, "I actually feel sorry for him," -- and though this is unusual, for once I agree with her.
Saren, as a Spectre, was pretty much the complete embodiment of the Renegade style. Prepared to do whatever was necessary without hesitation. I do wonder about his past though; on some level he still wants to help the galaxy at large, but now the galaxy is this metaphysical, ambiguous entity built upon laws and personal power. He no longer seems to realise that all of this is nothing without the people contained within, or to put it in another way: he can no longer see the wood for the trees. At some point, he clearly became dispassionate to the feelings and cares of others, yet he still stands upon the principles of the Spectres. He felt he was doing the right thing in ME1; Sovereign played upon this idea and upon his fears -- he is not some utterly alien entity bent upon simple destruction such as Sovereign or Harbinger. It is a bitter irony; he is doing all the wrong things for the right reasons.
ME2 attempted to journey into not what I would call darker territory, but *greyer* territory. Less trivial moral decisions, and so on. Yet in terms of the story, there is no question that Harbinger must be destroyed in some way, no hesitation when you level your gun at each and every Collector. No great debate between the powers that be; you fight, or you roll over and die. So yes, I completely agree with you. Saren was one of the important facets that made ME1 what it was. I for one would welcome a return of such elements to the story of ME3.
That was a very eloquent response that embodies and even reveals more feeling of what I want in ME3, great job!
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