Crimson Moon wrote...
Like I said in another thread, I'm satisfied with how they do it in Dragon Age 2. Bioware doesn't exactly have a good record when it comes to handle homosexual relationship in games. They always cater to the straight relationship first and foremost. I understand that from a business standpoint, but it's not exactly fair for those who pay the same price yet having to enjoy less content. That's why I refuse to buy SWTOR. Having to pay for the game as well as a monthly subscription just like everyone else and yet I can't participate in the romance that was promised by Bioware. Dragon Age Origins has 2 straights and 2 bisexuals. Both of the bisexuals are promiscuous by nature, and their relationships are not as important as the heterosexual ones. You can't just kiss randomly and there is no important decision regarding your relationship like becoming king or having an Old God child. Mass Effect decides to cut the homosexual content with Kaidan. They later implement it in the third installment, but it's not fair for those who wants to romance him from the start. There is a pseudo lesbian relationship with Liara, but I suppose since lesbian relationship is hot, that's okay for them. In Mass Effect 3, the homosexual options are not even squadmates and are just crew members you meet randomly. I'm not exactly ungrateful because Bioware is one of the few companies that actually allow homosexual relationship in the game, but the company is still very much adhere to the heteronormativity. All I'm saying is, unless they can written good relationships for homosexuals exclusively, they should do it like Dragon Age 2.
If by, they don't have as much impact on the story as ruling Ferelden or the OGB, then yes, I have to agree with you. But, if you're implying that they don't take their relationship seriously because they are 'promiscuous', then I have to disagree. Both Zev and Lels will confront a player 'two timing' them with another character, and still make mention of a Warden lover if encountered 7 years later in Kirkwall, even if the Warden dies in Origins. If a player is looking for a relatively angst free romance with a mostly happy ending, then Zevran and/or Leliana are the route to take. Even Queen Cousland has the inevitable issue of "there can be no heir when Alistair and I go to our Calling" (unless you go with the "having Fergus' child rule afterward"
if he has one). Even if you decide to keep him a Grey Warden, to reach your 'happy ending' on a female romancing Alistair, you have to let him have that one night with Morrigan, with all the angst, worry and knowlege he (a man abandoned by his father and who always wanted nothing more than a family) must give up his (quite likely ONLY child) to a woman who hates him. No choice. Before Witch Hunt there was also the angst of Morrigan just doing the ritual, sticking around to cement it and then skipping out on the Warden she loves at the end. I suppose your Warden can follow her through the mirror to raise OGB together, but that seems pretty contrived and detached from the story at that point.
So even DAO's heterosexual romances don't end on an entirely upbeat note.
Now, for DA2, none of the romances has any impact on the overall story, even the Anders one, though his actions are central to the plot. You still reach the conclusion no matter what you do in the game or who you romance (as my first playthrough was a mostly alone Hawke).
Female heterosexual options are:
Fenris, angry, broody elf guy with Mage issues, who probably drinks too much (in at least 2 scenes is drunk and tossing bottles at the wall). Despite this, he is my pick by default on female Hawkes who aren't bi/gay because I find him less annoying/creepy than the alternatives.
Anders, weasel faced, batsh*t insane abomination who prattles on and on about slavery in the Circle (while poopooing Fenris' experiences in Tevinter), and still holds a candle for Hawke 7 years later, enough to
badmouth her current love and try to insinuate himself into his/her life. Ugly stalker dude, is
so not my cup of tea!
Plus, he blows up a building with people inside (no telling how many) and sparks a war that will cost the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands of mages across Thedas, and leave mage children in ensuing generations with no training to resist demons (we all saw how well
that option works out in Redcliffe).
Sebastian, former bad boy now chantry dude who thinks a 'chaste marriage' is an option, and that's the
sweeter romance of the two (between his rivalry/friendship) where you get the feeling he actually
does like Hawke. The rivalmance left me cold, more like it was a political manuever than an actual 'romance'. Further, his 'romance' doesn't integrate well into the story (would have been nice to have the one guy who actually
does believe in a Higher Power to come and try to cheer you up after the death of Leandra like the rest of the LI's try to do), and he isn't even mentioned by Varric at the end of the story. Sebastian would almost be my pick, as he's not so bad looking, and has some humorous banter and even his 'preachiness' doesn't bother me that much since he isn't trying to shove his agenda down your throat, leaving you to choose whether you believe in the Maker or not. But he's not angst free. Like Alistair, it is for female characters, and this romance goes completely goes ****** up if you push his crisis point.
As the only male gay options, it's sad that you only had 2 one note charlies to pick from, though i did enjoy Fenris' rivalmance on my gay rogue Hawke. Except for that jarring three year gap, it had a very 'natural' feel to it. Lesbian's and straight male players at least had Isabela if Merrill is too "little sisterish" to want to romance. But even then with Isabela I didn't get the feeling she took the relationship seriously till her QB quest in Act 3.
Bioware does romances very well. If they didn't, it wouldn't spark so much debate on these threads and polarize the fanbase around their favorites. Despite what I've posted I have enjoyed all but two of DA2's romances (that being Anders--who creeps me out--and a rivaled Sebastian).
I still wish for the next game, though, we get an option more like Varric, easy going and friendly with the entire group and not completely batsh*t insane. Angst is fine, when it isn't in complete overload. If they dialed down the angst a notch...or 5...I'd be one pleased customer!
BTW I love SWTOR, I've had loads of fun playing it, more than any other MMO, and while some romances in the storylines have left me cold, I have enjoyed others. There is talk of integrating something with same sex relationships in the game, though as of this time, it still hasn't been implemented.
Modifié par sylvanaerie, 07 septembre 2012 - 12:10 .
Retour en haut
And please don't be mad - my wording sucks, I know it, but I never mean any insult (if I do I say it directly)
Anders is a furry !?!?!?!
