31 réponses à ce sujet

[ShadowNuri]

I'm not looking for a big chat out of boredom, I'm bringing up a strange conflict in Mass Effect. Romances can only go so far in the game...and while this is understood, some people feel cheated.

Barrier #1: The anti-social lover

While you can only record so many lines for a romance, not much can be said for many of them. In any romance you don't really feel like you've made a connection with that character after the intial romance moment is over... You might get a letter, or a small talk after the mission...but it feels very distanced. Garrus is a very good example. He simply says something curtly before dismissing you. And in missions, you act like teammate--understandable--but little gestures or words every now and then might be nice.


Barrier #2: Xeno-phobia

While some people might be disgusted by the idea of romancing one of the more alien characters (such as Garrus--forbid a krogan or an elcor), others find it very appealing with fetishes and such. Having a taste for aliens is very common among most female players--who from what I've heard really enjoy turians. Me being one of them. Aliens who are more human in the facial structure are accepted without pause (like Liara, Tali, and Thane) while the creators seem reluctent to show any love to Garrus (the only alien on the ship that is worthy of the title).

They seem to be afraid of invoking the wrath of more closed-minded players--or science forbid--the news again... While this makes sense, this possible fear is not helping anyone. Those with a fetish for more exotic aliens as a romance, Garrus is the best choice in both looks and character. But, the creators are either uncomfortable or fearful of showing anything with how non-human Garrus looks.

It's a video game. It should be an adventure! The bump on the head was an obviously meaningful gesture to the turian...an intimate moment, yes... But nothing else. While other girls kissed a ninja fish who will give them hallucinations and humped on the bed with a hulking black guy without a shirt.

Don't even get me going about how MaleShep is getting the better dialouge and scenes in romance, damnit.


Finally, Barrier #3: The gay community

With the newest installment of Mas Effect on the horizon, many people are pumped and eager to hear about the new possiblities in-game. But a lot of my friends (who are indeed gay) got some harsh news. Apparently all the gay romances (for male) consist of two human guys that we have never heard of, and Kaiden. Sorry, Bioware...but wasn't there supposed to be no new romances? News like that can not only break down the anticipation of the game, but also distances the fans. Those who are straight get exotic aliens (and touching on the barrier 2), but those who are gay do not? Most of my friends wanted nothing more than to romance Garrus with a MaleShep (though from what I've heard, the voice acter refused the dialouge). Okay, so Garrus isn't a gay option. Fine and dandy, but at least give them an alien.

Is it too deviant to have a gay relationship with a turian or drell? Apparently Liara is considered a lesbian romance (when in both Mass Effect 1 and 2 the creators claimed that her being mono-gendered did not make it a lesbian romance)...so lesbians were just cheated out of a romance? I have to give Bioward credit though...some characters do not seem like they would bend certain ways. Could you imagine Wrex being gay? Not me, but you never know. Really, since they are aliens, they would be interested in your Shepard because you are Shepard...not because you are male or female.

The fact that this issue is so taboo (along with barrier 2) is probably what is making Bioware give gay males humans to romance. If the creators are going to give two new romances for gay males, why can't one or two be alien? Turians are very popular...some are desperate enough to ask for a drell. Anything but human. Video games are supposed to be fun and for a good experience. Society might be influencing Bioware's nervousness with alien and gay love. But it is just a video game. If people will buy, deliver. For those who complain of being "ninja-manced" with a gay alien... I must say you are ignorant and shouldn't be playing the game if you choose the dialouge saying "Let's hump." and then act surprised. I give you the turian's second finger.


While these barriers affect the quality of the game, I'm still very much looking forward to it and to explore the world once again as Commander Shepard. I have the Collecter's Edition paid-off and all pre-ordered and waiting.

I bring these issues up just as a statement and you may comment as you wish.

But I will tell you all this... If our FemSheps can see Jacob without a shirt, I want to see Garrus' naked top.

I SUPPORT SHIRTLESS GARRUS FOR MASS EFFECT 3.

Carry on...

Modifié par ShadowNuri, 27 décembre 2011 - 06:02 .

[ediskrad327]

wrong thread bro, this should be in characters

[ShadowNuri]

It's not about the characters. It's about the romance and interaction parts of the game. I'm pointing out issues. It has stuff about certain characters for example but I feel this is more of a "General Discussion" anyway.

Plus I'm a girl. No "bro"...

[Double_02]

Let's get our Shepards together and have a threesome. Garrus-You-I.

I support a shirtless Garrus too, and Ash for that matter as well. Either way, I'll live. It is just a video game relationship. A fine aspect of the ME series, but I won't be broken up if they don't live up to all these expectations.

This topic should be in the 'Character/Romance section', it generally addresses character relations and romance.

Modifié par Double_02, 27 décembre 2011 - 06:35 .

[spirosz]

There is always going to be limitations with the romance options because they are well, optional. I've heard from people that certain romances (no spoilers), let's take for example Jack, is having a lot development through ME3 and has a satisfying conclusion to her story with Shepard. From viewing ME and ME2 together, its hard to see development continue with certain characters because of what they were focused on in the story, the VS for example. Again, it comes down to how Bioware handles the relationships and gaming limitations itself. They've tweeted numerous times that they're working on making the romances very satisfying for the fanbases and people won't get cut out of content just because they're not romancing a certain character, which leads to a better friendship path, hopefully. Plus, Bioware hasn't confirmed which existing characters are also available for S/S romance, have they? So, from what I know, Garrus might turn out to be an option, which is cool for whoever wants that.

There's a lot of variables to consider as well; vocal fanbases, general consensus, what's important to Bioware, etc.

[lucidfox]

Wait, wait, wait.

There are no new lesbian romances in ME3? And Liara suddenly counts in their eyes?

Good grief. :/

As for Liara, I suspect they intentionally flip-flop on the issue. In the first two games, they pointedly denied that female Shepard/Liara was a lesbian romance, despite it having all the properties of one. Presumably to appease the conservative critics. Then in ME3 they want to roll with the times, or at least create an impression they're rolling with the times, so suddenly they change their judgement on Liara. Pure PR.

[ediskrad327]

lucidfox wrote...


There are no new lesbian romances in ME3? And Liara suddenly counts in their eyes?

there is one

[XEternalXDreamsX]

lucidfox wrote...

Wait, wait, wait.

There are no new lesbian romances in ME3? And Liara suddenly counts in their eyes?

Good grief. :/

As for Liara, I suspect they intentionally flip-flop on the issue. In the first two games, they pointedly denied that female Shepard/Liara was a lesbian romance, despite it having all the properties of one. Presumably to appease the conservative critics. Then in ME3 they want to roll with the times, or at least create an impression they're rolling with the times, so suddenly they change their judgement on Liara. Pure PR.

What strikes me is that even though Asari are of course womanized even though they are not really either... I don't see Liara as my Male Shep's woman but more along the lines of just my loveable alien. With the distanced feelings for some L.I. which have romance-like conversations, it feels like I fill the blanks for the relationship between the heart-felt conversations. I guess I'm weird for that. Sometimes my girl thinks I only romanced Miranda for dat body but I liked to break her barrier down to show her that her abilites and body are wonderful but my character wants her but who she is. It's kind of how my girlfriend and I developed our relationship. Yea, she's fine and she seemed distant but over time, her personality got my interest.

Modifié par XEternalXDreamsX, 27 décembre 2011 - 06:55 .

[shinobi602]

I've said from the beginning that your romance partner should at least acknowledge you during missions or when you're in world hubs.

Something small and simple, for an example if Ashley is your romance partner, and you're on a dangerous mission and are critically wounded or injured, etc, she should do or say something unique to you during the cutscene as opposed to if you brought another random squadmate along.

Small things like that can go a long way.

[kojac.ghosper]

When you read a book, if it tells a really good story, should you **** and moan about it not covering some niche that you're particularly interested in?

No. You shouldn't. If you're so damn concerned about gay/alien/more thorough romance, design your own videogame and convince a team of talented individuals to help you create it. Otherwise, let the creative team do their thing. There's millions of other people out there that enjoy the game without whining about certain features that may or may not be included.

[mybudgee]

Ask Rush Limbaugh if Liara is a lesbian

[shinobi602]

The PLC wrote...

"But a lot of my friends (who are indeed gay"
Seriously.. I read that all the time. Am I the ONLY person on the entire internet who doesn't have many gay friends?! Judging from this forum alone, half of the worlds population has to be gay! When did this happen?!

And it's not just on here. When someone talks about the s/s romances of ME3, they ALWAYS have to mention that "hey, all my friends and entire family are gay. I'm allowed to think this." What the hell!? I'm afraid I won't be able to answer the OP, before someone explains this to me.

Oh and by the way, I have nothing against gays. My girlfriend is gay, actually.

Lol I know what you mean, but no you're not the only one. I don't really have any gay friends, at least that I know of.

The Bioware Social forums houses a large gay population (which for whatever reason I'm honestly not sure).

[lucidfox]

The PLC wrote...

"But a lot of my friends (who are indeed gay"
Seriously.. I read that all the time. Am I the ONLY person on the entire internet who doesn't have many gay friends?! Judging from this forum alone, half of the worlds population has to be gay! When did this happen?!

Can't say for sure, but if I were to hypothesize, it may be that ME has some appeal to LGBT audiences by giving same-sex romance a "no big deal" in-universe treatment. Being a lesbian myself, the Liara romance was one of the reasons I checked out the franchise in the first place.

My girlfriend is gay, actually.

That's... an odd phrasing. What's your gender? Because one of the possible answers disproves this statement and the other means you're yourself at least bi.

[Aggie Punbot]

ShadowNuri wrote...

Most of my friends wanted nothing more than to romance Garrus with a MaleShep (though from what I've heard, the voice acter refused the dialouge).

I don't think voice actors can "refuse the dialogue." Why would they? They're acting. Brandon Keener is a consummate professional and wouldn't refuse to do any such thing. If you're referring to Mark Meer, though, I suggest you take a look at some of the other things he's done and then try and claim that he would "refuse the dialogue."

Seriously, the next time you spread gossip like that around, check your sources. That sort of accusation makes you look ignorant and uninformed.

Note: link is NWS.

Modifié par TS2Aggie, 27 décembre 2011 - 10:13 .

[Lotion Soronarr]

[ShadowNuri]

kojac.ghosper wrote...

When you read a book, if it tells a really good story, should you **** and moan about it not covering some niche that you're particularly interested in?

No. You shouldn't. If you're so damn concerned about gay/alien/more thorough romance, design your own videogame and convince a team of talented individuals to help you create it. Otherwise, let the creative team do their thing. There's millions of other people out there that enjoy the game without whining about certain features that may or may not be included.

Excuse me sir! But I specifically said that these were minor issues that barely apply to me that I am pointing out. I will love the game and if you read I've pre-ordered the collectors addition.

I think Mass Effect is a wonderful game. Read the whole damn thing. These are small iffy points. Now back off.

[ShadowNuri]

TS2Aggie wrote...

ShadowNuri wrote...

Most of my friends wanted nothing more than to romance Garrus with a MaleShep (though from what I've heard, the voice acter refused the dialouge).

I don't think voice actors can "refuse the dialogue." Why would they? They're acting. Brandon Keener is a consummate professional and wouldn't refuse to do any such thing. If you're referring to Mark Meer, though, I suggest you take a look at some of the other things he's done and then try and claim that he would "refuse the dialogue."

Seriously, the next time you spread gossip like that around, check your sources. That sort of accusation makes you look ignorant and uninformed.

Note: link is NWS.

I got my info from very well-informed friends. Plus I'm not saying I believe it. Kindly **** off.

[kyles3]

ShadowNuri wrote...

Barrier #1: The anti-social lover

While you can only record so many lines for a romance, not much can be said for many of them. In any romance you don't really feel like you've made a connection with that character after the intial romance moment is over... You might get a letter, or a small talk after the mission...but it feels very distanced. Garrus is a very good example. He simply says something curtly before dismissing you. And in missions, you act like teammate--understandable--but little gestures or words every now and then might be nice.

I feel this same sort of disappointment about Miranda. When I went down the romance path with her I was expecting a storyline with the same depth as her personal quest--but it turned out to be somewhat shallow. Maybe that's intentional, though--maybe all Miranda's up for is a bit of naughty, sexy fun with the dude she brought back from the dead. Guess we'll find out in ME3.

Could be it's the same with Garrus; could be that some characters are up for getting emotional with Shep and some are just looking to blow off steam. I understand others' frustrations--and feel some of them myself--but at the end of the day, maybe it's not the worst thing in the world that different romances provide different experiences.

[PauseforEffect]

You are a brave, brave person to broach this subject. Through the leaks I read with Garrus, it looks like he's going to be a lot warmer towards the relationship with Shepard. As for the others, I think a lot of gay guys would be happy enough with having their longtime crush on Kaiden finally being reciprocated.
Please don't take it too hard, OP. The forumites here are brutally honest, but they'll give you leverage if you're just expressing a personal wish and not demanding the change to be exacted

[Drunken_Soviet]

[Nissun]

You make really good points, and I agree with you. But at this point, I've just given up. They have acknowledged Garrus as a romanceable guy, and that's all I wanted. Was the headbump sort of half-assed and cold? Yeah it was. Was there a better way to approach attraction towards aliens? Sure. Could they have written a homosexual male somewhere along the way since ME1? Damn hell they could have.

But I'm just... tired. Tired of wishing, complaining, arguing... And yeah, you get your Garrus romance, but in exchange there is no way to stop every f*king asari in the galaxy from hitting on your female Shepard. Like I said - tired.

Modifié par Nissun, 28 décembre 2011 - 12:56 .

[AlphaDormante]

Very interesting post. When it comes down to it, everything circles back to that age-old truth: not everyone is going to get what they want.

Regarding Garrus - and this comes from an unabashed, Garrus-mancing lady - I can see why the writers handled him as they did in ME2. I feel like his was written more to test the waters of an interspecies romance between such physically different individuals. If so, the team got their results: the media didn't seem to give a damn, and what's more, Garrus is one of the most popular male LIs in the series.

I think the writers paid attention to that. I've read Garrus romance dialogue from the leaked ME3 script, and without actually spoiling anything, he seems considerably more affectionate. So I don't think you'll need to worry about xenophobia.

In that vein, I'm wondering if the male s/s romances are being handled the same way: limit the options to humans for the time being, wait for the world to untwist its panties, and then think about expanding the roster to aliens. There will be more ME games, after all. If that's true, then it really is unfortunate for those who wanted it, but I can understand the reasoning behind the method.

Also re: Brandon Keener denying Garrus s/s lines - would you mind asking your friends what their sources were? Because I've certainly never heard anything like that, and I follow VAs of my favorite characters pretty closely. Besides that, it seems petty and unlike Keener from what I've seen of him.

[Donnstar]

The fixation of virtual romances is nauseating.

[Aggie Punbot]

ShadowNuri wrote...

I got my info from very well-informed friends. Plus I'm not saying I believe it. Kindly **** off.

Nah, no thanks. When people like you go around perpetuating lies like that, I feel it is my civic duty to correct them so said lies can finally be laid to rest.