494 réponses à ce sujet

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Well I've been trough this rodeo before but on the other side. Before ME2 came out and we didn't really know much about the characters, I saw that male Shepards got two hot women (Miranda and Jack) and one hot woman with weird legs and hands and a mask but a clearly human body and face (Tali) as LI and female Shepards got a giant frog man and a bird dinosaur as LI's with their only attractive option being Jacob. I was annoyed and felt left out, but when I actually played the game I loved Thane and Garrus (didnt pay much attention to him in ME1) and their romances and I totally changed my mind. Same thing with DA2, I was ready to hate Isabella (random shallow sex appeal I assumed)and Fenris (childish, emo, anime knockoff I assumed) but I ended up loving both. I also expected to love Anders like I did in DAA and that certainly didnt happen.

Just keep an open mind and wait for the game to come out. You may find your options phenomenal and hold them up as the standard to measure future romances by. You may end up thinking other characters are so awesome that you're willing to roll an alt of a different gender or orientation to experience that content and perspective and it may blow you away.

Actually, Drell are based off lizards not frogs. 

[Grieving Natashina]

Actually, Drell are based off lizards not frogs. 

The salarians would be a little bit closer to frogs, since they are descended from amphibians.  Even then, they are more like salamanders.  

 

Otherwise, I agree with Nef's point up there.  As I had mentioned in "why is the LIs ugly?" type threads this summer, I can't even imagine what Garrus or Thane or Tali would have been like pre-ME2 launch to the kinds of folks that keep complaining that Cass or Iron Bull are ugly here on the DA forums.

 

I can just hear it now:

 

Garrus: "Ugh, the burnt-out cop with the bird looks."

Tali: "Three fingers, and you can't even see her face?!?"

Thane: "Um, he looks like a lizard with oversized eyes and rather disturbingly human lips."

 

Makes me very glad that I avoided the ME forums altogether until I played the games in late spring of this year.  Garrus is my favorite romance, and Tali is my best bud.

[Nefla]

Actually, Drell are based off lizards not frogs. 

Before we knew much about the game, he was just "the weird alien that looks like a frog" in my mind lol

[Hellion Rex]

The salarians would be a little bit closer to frogs, since they are descended from amphibians.  Even then, they are more like salamanders.  

 

Otherwise, I agree with Nef's point up there.  As I had mentioned in "why is the LIs ugly?" type threads this summer, I can't even imagine what Garrus or Thane or Tali would have been like pre-ME2 launch to the kinds of folks that keep complaining that Cass or Iron Bull are ugly here on the DA forums.

 

I can just hear it now:

 

Garrus: "Ugh, the burnt-out cop with the bird looks."

Tali: "Three fingers, and you can't even see her face?!?"

Thane: "Um, he looks like a lizard with oversized eyes and rather disturbingly human lips."

 

Makes me very glad that I avoided the ME forums altogether until I played the games in late spring of this year.  Garrus is my favorite romance, and Tali is my best bud.

Good grief. Hell, I romanced a human, Kaidan, and I had my own fair share of battling against idiots after Kaidan was shown to be bisexual. I can't even fathom the issues that Tali and Garrus romancers had to deal with.

[Super Drone]

I just wish people would play the game first before complaining about the characters and romances we know next to nothing about.

 

Eh. a lot of media time has been spent on Cassandra. We know her better than a lot of characters even in previous games. A crisis of faith or whatever it is that the "Wait, you don't know her!!" crowd is pushing, is not going to make her any less scowly.

[aTigerslunch]

Sorry, but we don't know enough about her regardless of the tidbits in DA2, Dawn of the Seeker shown a few things, but not exactly enough without talking to her. Yeah, you can say you might know her enough, but technically, we don't. There is a lot more to learn about her still. Also, sorry, but we know the previous characters in DAO and DA2 more than we know Cassie, less of course someone never bothered talking to anyone in Origins or bothered to read in DA2. Which then have to ask why they are playing BW games if don't care about companions.

[Melca36]

I just wish people would play the game first before complaining about the characters and romances we know next to nothing about.

 

People should have never expected the game to be exactly like DA2.

Bioware never does the same thing when it comes to games.  People should know that by now.

 

And too many people set themselves up to be disappointed.

 

I just think its selfish for people to demand the writers to change the game just to cater their needs. 

 

I agree people need to wait and play the game before making these harsh judgments.

[Grieving Natashina]

People should have never expected the game to be exactly like DA2.

Bioware never does the same thing when it comes to games.  People should know that by now.

 

And too many people set themselves up to be disappointed.

 

I just think its selfish for people to demand the writers to change the game just to cater their needs. 

 

I agree people need to wait and play the game before making these harsh judgments.

For my part, I'm jazzed that we've got less than 2 months to go before the game comes out.    I'm really looking forward to meeting these characters, as well as checking in on old faces.  As far as Cassandra goes, aTigers nailed it on the head.  Unless you watched Dawn of the Seeker, the most we really know about Cassandra is that:

 

1) She's a good interrogator, and asks smart questions.

 

2) She's passionate about finding out the truth, even when it contracts what she thinks.

 

3) She has either a case of hero worship or crush over someone that had a duel right out of a bard's tale, implying she has something of a romantic nature.

 

4) She looks great in black.

 

5) Her concern is genuine, for both Hawke and for the safety of Thedas.

 

6) She's working with Leliana, confirming what they already feared: Hawke is gone, as is the Warden.

 

Unless I missed something, that's all the average player is probably going to know about her.  Oh, if they watch the trailer(s), they know that she's a warrior class.  Doing some digging through the EU does reveal a bit more, but only in regards to her history as a late teen/early 20-something.

 

Many forum posters know that she's royalty; has a mixed history with mages; is heterosexual; and that she comes from a family of all around dragon-slaying badassess.  Even still, I think that's not enough to say we know her yet.  Besides, with all that in mind, it's been around 20 years since DotS, and a lot has changed since the end of DA2 (9:37 Dragon,) so she might not be quite the same as we assumed she was like before.  Finally, with her being a friend/potential LI for a male Inquisitor, she'll open up more.  The possible End-Of-Life-As-We-All-Know-It tends to break down barriers in even the most stoic people.  

 

That's why I say we don't know her yet.  Really, we don't know the woman at all. 

[Hellion Rex]

For my part, I'm jazzed that we've got less than 2 months to go before the game comes out.    I'm really looking forward to meeting these characters, as well as checking in on old faces.  As far as Cassandra goes, aTigers nailed it on the head.  Unless you watched Dawn of the Seeker, the most we really know about Cassandra is that:

 

1) She's a good interrogator, and asks smart questions.

 

2) She's passionate about finding out the truth, even when it contracts what she thinks.

 

3) She has either a case of hero worship or crush over someone that had a duel right out of a bard's tale, implying she has something of a romantic nature.

 

4) She looks great in black.

 

5) Her concern is genuine, for both Hawke and for the safety of Thedas.

 

6) She's working with Leliana, confirming what they already feared: Hawke is gone, as is the Warden.

 

Unless I missed something, that's all the average player is probably going to know about her.  Oh, if they watch the trailer(s), they know that she's a warrior class.  Doing some digging through the EU does reveal a bit more, but only in regards to her history as a late teen/early 20-something.

 

Many forum posters know that she's royalty; has a mixed history with mages; is heterosexual; and that she comes from a family of all around dragon-slaying badassess.  Even still, I think that's not enough to say we know her yet.  Besides, with all that in mind, it's been around 20 years since DotS, and a lot has changed since the end of DA2 (9:37 Dragon,) so she might not be quite the same as we assumed she was like before.  Finally, with her being a friend/potential LI for a male Inquisitor, she'll open up more.  The possible End-Of-Life-As-We-All-Know-It tends to break down barriers in even the most stoic people.  

 

That's why I say we don't know her yet.  Really, we don't know the woman at all.

She's perfect...

If there was ever a woman for me to be attracted to, it'd be Cass. She's just so friggin' awesome!

[Revan Reborn]

I actually have a lot of respect for the BioWare writing team. David Gaider and company have really put themselves in a difficult position by attempting to make an experience that is as inclusive and open-minded as possible. This is also coming from a straight, male gamer. That doesn't just go for the writers either, as BioWare has made a concerted effort to make an experience where anyone can be the hero, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

 

You don't see that level of commitment from other developers, and certainly not to this degree. At most they might take the Skyrim approach to marriage where developers will just leave companions or others sexually neutral for either gender to have an opportunity. Besides the societal issues that certainly come into play, it's also a monetary one. BioWare doesn't have an infinite amount of resources and VO is expensive in general. They are trying to provide options for everybody, leading to everyone to an extent being limited.

 

Do I have to like the fact that in some regards, I feel like I'm being limited based on my interactions with characters (especially since Leliana and Morrigan are off-limits)? No. At the same time, I understand the principle of the matter, what BioWare is trying to achieve, and ultimately romance is just one pillar of the entire BioWare formula. If BioWare is going to do a compelling romance, I'd rather they do a few for each that are really good, rather than leaving them open and general for everyone where it isn't nearly as convincing.

 

I felt this was somewhat of an issue with DA2 since companions didn't have a sexuality and could either be heterosexual or homosexual based on the player's preferences. As David Gaider said, that cheapens who bisexuals are as people almost suggesting they just don't have a preference or sexual identity, but also does not provide a realistic or compelling romance as companions should have a defined romance orientation of their own without consideration on the part of the player.

 

As long as the romance arcs for Cassandra and Josephine are thoroughly explored and well-executed, I'm sure many will be happy and this will become less of an issue post-launch of DAI. At the very least, as I explained earlier, I believe since there is this greater focus on characters having a sexual identity that the storytelling and experience overall should be much richer and likely more compelling. This hopefully will be less like a cheap Sims dating mini-game and more like an actual organic and developing relationship.

 

Just a final point on the straight, male options. I feel that Josephine and even Cassandra are really wild cards. We obviously won't have interactions with Josephine unless we are at the Stronghold, so I'm assuming those dialogue scenarios will be rather involved and frequent. In regards to Cassandra, I believe she may be one of the most interesting romances out of the entire cast. Just from what we know of her in DA2, you would almost think there wasn't a kinder side to her, with the exception of a few moments when she let her guard down. I think many will find she is going to have a really interesting story to tell, and I look forward to seeing those barriers actually come down and learn who she is as a person.

[CuriousArtemis]

I felt this was somewhat of an issue with DA2 since companions didn't have a sexuality and could either be heterosexual or homosexual based on the player's preferences. As David Gaider said, that cheapens who bisexuals are as people almost suggesting they just don't have a preference or sexual identity, but also does not provide a realistic or compelling romance as companions should have a defined romance orientation of their own without consideration on the part of the player.

Actually, DA2 companions are canonically bisexual.

And as usual, I fail to see why my inability to romance Alistair makes him more "compelling" and "realistic" than Fenris.

[Revan Reborn]

Actually, DA2 companions are canonically bisexual.

And as usual, I fail to see why my inability to romance Alistair makes him more "compelling" and "realistic" than Fenris.

I am quite aware what they are "canonically." Again the reason it was done that way was from a gameplay standpoint to provide everybody with as many choices as they liked. The problem, which I addressed quite thoroughly above, and David Gaider explicitly addressed during a panel earlier this year, is that all the companions in DA2 were "bisexual" in order to give the players more choice. He found this to be unsatisfying and quite frankly disrespectful to people who are actually bisexual, as the intent and execution in DA2 came across as if the companions did not have their own sexual identities. Everybody in real life also isn't bisexual and certainly doesn't change their orientation immediately based off conversations with another person, so it didn't make a lot of sense from an immersive standpoint to take such an approach. Life is more complicated than that.

 

DAI is rectifying that by companions actually having sexual identities before you meet them, and they will either be straight, gay, or bisexual. The point is in real life, people have their own perceptions of sexuality and who they are as people. If Alistair is heterosexual and you are homosexual, why should what you want then force him to bend to your will? He should have the independence and will of character to reject your offer saying he isn't interested. By actually having characters who have sexual identities before we encounter them, BioWare is able to develop more accurate and believable writing, whether its based on mannerisms, actions, or how that companion will react to particular individuals based on their gender, sexual orientation, and race.

 

This is a matter of creating authentic and believable companions for us to get to know. One of the steps the writing team is taking is by cementing and establishing sexual personalities for the companions early on to allow them to more fully flesh out these characters.

[Hanako Ikezawa]

I am quite aware what they are "canonically." Again the reason it was done that way was from a gameplay standpoint to provide everybody with as many choices as they liked. The problem, which I addressed quite thoroughly above, and David Gaider explicitly addressed during a panel earlier this year, is that all the companions in DA2 were "bisexual" in order to give the players more choice. He found this to be unsatisfying and quite frankly disrespectful to people who are actually bisexual, as the intent and execution in DA2 came across as if the companions did not have their own sexual identities. Everybody in real life also isn't bisexual and certainly doesn't change their orientation immediately based off conversations with another person, so it didn't make a lot of sense from an immersive standpoint to take such an approach. Life is more complicated than that.

 

DAI is rectifying that by companions actually having sexual identities before you meet them, and they will either be straight, gay, or bisexual. The point is in real life, people have their own perceptions of sexuality and who they are as people. If Alistair is heterosexual and you are heterosexual, why should what you want then force him to bend to your will? He should have the independence and will of character to reject your offer saying he isn't interested. By actually having characters who have sexual identities before we encounter them, BioWare is able to develop more accurate and believable writing, whether its based on mannerisms, actions, or how that companion will react to particular individuals based on their gender, sexual orientation, and race.

 

This is a matter of creating authentic and believable companions for us to get to know. One of the steps the writing team is taking is by cementing and establishing sexual personalities for the companions early on to allow them to more fully flesh out these characters.

Yes, because people who don't have set sexualities aren't believable or authentic people. 

[Melca36]

I am quite aware what they are "canonically." Again the reason it was done that way was from a gameplay standpoint to provide everybody with as many choices as they liked. The problem, which I addressed quite thoroughly above, and David Gaider explicitly addressed during a panel earlier this year, is that all the companions in DA2 were "bisexual" in order to give the players more choice. He found this to be unsatisfying and quite frankly disrespectful to people who are actually bisexual, as the intent and execution in DA2 came across as if the companions did not have their own sexual identities. Everybody in real life also isn't bisexual and certainly doesn't change their orientation immediately based off conversations with another person, so it didn't make a lot of sense from an immersive standpoint to take such an approach. Life is more complicated than that.

 

DAI is rectifying that by companions actually having sexual identities before you meet them, and they will either be straight, gay, or bisexual. The point is in real life, people have their own perceptions of sexuality and who they are as people. If Alistair is heterosexual and you are heterosexual, why should what you want then force him to bend to your will? He should have the independence and will of character to reject your offer saying he isn't interested. By actually having characters who have sexual identities before we encounter them, BioWare is able to develop more accurate and believable writing, whether its based on mannerisms, actions, or how that companion will react to particular individuals based on their gender, sexual orientation, and race.

 

This is a matter of creating authentic and believable companions for us to get to know. One of the steps the writing team is taking is by cementing and establishing sexual personalities for the companions early on to allow them to more fully flesh out these characters.

 

 

Exactly,

 

Isabela felt like the only real character out there to me. Anders was a close second.  My brother is a hardcore gamer, happily married to the man he's been with for ten years.  He's told me as much as he enjoyed the game...it did not feel real and authentic to him.

 

He's looking forward to Dorian. He'd rather have one character that identifies as being gay than have them the way they were in DA2.

[Ina]

Honestly as much as I enjoyed all bi romances in DA2 from a gameplay standpoint, I prefer the DAI approach because then the sexualities are handled better IMO from a story perspective if not from a everyone gets equal options perspective. I could go for all-bi from a gameplay standpoint once again if done extremely well but I don't think that was the case with DA2.

 

Mostly the problem for me with DA2 was that the devs have gone back and forth on what they think about their sexualities. At one point, Gaider was saying "they were not all bisexual because only two of them explicitly reveal that to be the case" and then later on said "no no they're all bi, they're definitetly not playersexual or ambiguous" which honestly just leaves people annoyed and confused. I really despise playersexuality and I hope there are never any LIs that give off that impression. I'm fine with ambiguity and/or characters who don't feel the need or want to define themselves, but then I want those aspects to not be left ambiguous.

 

At the end of the day, I understand that there needs to be a balance in terms of both gameplay LI choices and story vision. Ideally I'd want mixed sexualities represented with everyone getting equal options. I understand that sometimes that's not possible so if there absolutely has to be a skew, I'd prefer it be a minor one like a DLC romance or perhaps a heavily gated extra one rather than double LIs for some which is currently the case.

[Melca36]

For my part, I'm jazzed that we've got less than 2 months to go before the game comes out.    I'm really looking forward to meeting these characters, as well as checking in on old faces.  As far as Cassandra goes, aTigers nailed it on the head.  Unless you watched Dawn of the Seeker, the most we really know about Cassandra is that:

 

1) She's a good interrogator, and asks smart questions.

 

2) She's passionate about finding out the truth, even when it contracts what she thinks.

 

3) She has either a case of hero worship or crush over someone that had a duel right out of a bard's tale, implying she has something of a romantic nature.

 

4) She looks great in black.

 

5) Her concern is genuine, for both Hawke and for the safety of Thedas.

 

6) She's working with Leliana, confirming what they already feared: Hawke is gone, as is the Warden.

 

Unless I missed something, that's all the average player is probably going to know about her.  Oh, if they watch the trailer(s), they know that she's a warrior class.  Doing some digging through the EU does reveal a bit more, but only in regards to her history as a late teen/early 20-something.

 

Many forum posters know that she's royalty; has a mixed history with mages; is heterosexual; and that she comes from a family of all around dragon-slaying badassess.  Even still, I think that's not enough to say we know her yet.  Besides, with all that in mind, it's been around 20 years since DotS, and a lot has changed since the end of DA2 (9:37 Dragon,) so she might not be quite the same as we assumed she was like before.  Finally, with her being a friend/potential LI for a male Inquisitor, she'll open up more.  The possible End-Of-Life-As-We-All-Know-It tends to break down barriers in even the most stoic people.  

 

That's why I say we don't know her yet.  Really, we don't know the woman at all. 

 

And I plan to roll a male character just for her. 

[Grieving Natashina]

And I plan to roll a male character just for her. 

That's a little down the road for me.  My first male character (which will be my second PC) is going after Dorian.  

 

With Cass, I might, but it depends upon how much I enjoy the friendship.  For instance, I could never roll a male Warden to romance Morrigan.  I tried, but I love the friendship arc with her as a lady Warden too much.  Same with Tali in Mass Effect: I know she has a great romance like Morrigan does (much different characters, naturally, but still solid romances,) but the friendship is just so good with her and my female Shepard.

[Sylvianus]

Honestly as much as I enjoyed all bi romances in DA2 from a gameplay standpoint, I prefer the DAI approach because then the sexualities are handled better IMO from a story perspective if not from a everyone gets equal options perspective. I could go for all-bi from a gameplay standpoint once again if done extremely well but I don't think that was the case with DA2.

 

Mostly the problem for me with DA2 was that the devs have gone back and forth on what they think about their sexualities. At one point, Gaider was saying "they were not all bisexual because only two of them explicitly reveal that to be the case" and then later on said "no no they're all bi, they're definitetly not playersexual or ambiguous" which honestly just leaves people annoyed and confused. I really despise playersexuality and I hope there are never any LIs that give off that impression. I'm fine with ambiguity and/or characters who don't feel the need or want to define themselves, but then I want those aspects to not be left ambiguous.

 

At the end of the day, I understand that there needs to be a balance in terms of both gameplay LI choices and story vision. Ideally I'd want mixed sexualities represented with everyone getting equal options. I understand that sometimes that's not possible so if there absolutely has to be a skew, I'd prefer it be a minor one like a DLC romance or perhaps a heavily gated extra one rather than double LIs for some which is currently the case.

 

This. This is exactly what I think. There's a funny thing with me though.  I must admit that months ago, before we learn it would be the set sexualities again, I was more for the all bi system. Why ? I asked myself often this question lately. Because it's weird compared to what I argued in the past on the old forum. Years ago, I despised the playersexual thing, didn't enjoyed it in DAII, and argued against it for months. I never really changed my opinion about it. 

 

So why did I change my mind a few months ago ?

 

I think that's because, noticing all the posts, I wanted to see a few of my friends happy, and many folks who take the romance feature so seriously and can't stand not having the Li they want ( something that I never really understood, for me it's like real life, we have all our preferences ), happy too despite what * I * wanted myself, to the point that * I * totally forgot my own feelings, and was finally convinced that all bi system was what * I * wanted too for a while. 

 

But seeing as I seem really satisfied with the new system, I am now aware how I was just terribly lying to myself for the sake of others. I am actually very happy that the devs take this road again. I know now it's always what * I * wished actually and always what * I * felt what the right thing to do for the best compelling story. So go-go bioware ! 

 

Edit : Also thank you for pointing out that the context around the all bi system was confusing, it never was clear, and even the devs coulld be a bit lost sometimes with the concept and the debate. They are humans, there's nothing wrong to aknowledge that. 

 

As for the romance, I am definitely rolling a female character for Sera. But I have no idea who I will choose for my first playthrough between Cassandra and Josephine. It will be finally like DAO, Mass effect 1 and 2. It's been a while after DAII and M3 that I didn't feel that way ! 

[Ina]

This. This is exactly what I think. There's a funny thing with me though.  I must admit that months ago, before we learn it would be the set sexualities again, I was more for the all bi system. Why ? I asked myself often this question lately. Because it's weird compared to what I argued in the past on the old forum. Years ago, I despised the playersexual thing, didn't enjoyed it in DAII, and argued against it for months. I never really changed my opinion about it. 

 

So why did I change my mind a few months ago ?

 

I think that's because, noticing all the posts, I wanted to see a few of my friends happy, and many folks who take the romance feature so seriously and can't stand not having the Li they want ( something that I never really understood, for me it's like real life, we have all our preferences ), happy too despite what * I * wanted myself, to the point that * I * totally forgot my own feelings, and was finally convinced that all bi system was what * I * wanted too for a while. 

 

But seeing as I seem really satisfied with the new system, I am now aware how I was just terribly lying to myself for the sake of others. I am actually very happy that the devs take this road again. I know now it's always what * I * wished actually and always what * I * felt what the right thing to do for the best compelling story. So go-go bioware ! 

 

Edit : Also thank you for pointing out that the context around the all bi system was confusing, it never was clear, and even the devs coulld be a bit lost sometimes with the concept and the debate. They are humans, there's nothing wrong to aknowledge that. 

 

As for the romance, I am definitely rolling a female character for Sera. But I have no idea who I will choose for my first playthrough between Cassandra and Josephine. It will be finally like DAO, Mass effect 1 and 2. It's been a while after DAII and M3 that I didn't feel that way ! 

 

Yes the main point in favor of an all bi system is that it caters to everybody equally. I too disliked and felt bad for all those people who had one choice in DAO and none in ME1&2, it was frankly unfair so it was nice that DA2 made a lot of them happy. Ultimately though they didn't implement it too well or rather their conflicting statements about it made it even worse. Anyway the better approach indeed is to cater to everyone equally and represent varied sexualities. I don't see why it should be mutually exclusive after all.

[Sylvianus]

Yes the main point in favor of an all bi system is that it caters to everybody equally. I too disliked and felt bad for all those people who had one choice in DAO and none in ME1&2, it was frankly unfair so it was nice that DA2 made a lot of them happy. Ultimately though they didn't implement it too well or rather their conflicting statements about it made it even worse. Anyway the better approach indeed is to cater to everyone equally and represent varied sexualities. I don't see why it should be mutually exclusive after all.

 

Actually, I felt bad for those who always were denied the possibility to choose whoever they wanted in the past, not because they would have necessarily less, because I always said that equality could totally happen with the set sexualities against those who were arguing that this system would objectively mean less for them. One poster, a lesbian  in a mp ( someone who used to argue against my posts in all the topics about the all bi system LOL ) explained me why she loved the all bi system when I claimed that equality could still happen. 

 

She always loved options that she could never have because of her gender, as it happened in many games, like Morrigan for example. With the possibility to choose between Merril and Isabela regardless of her gender, she felt it was awesome, it was her first time. I admit that I was receptive to her reasons and that's where I started to see the positive points about this system. " It could make some people happy " regardless of the results in the game. 

 

But otherwise if the number of romances are unequal, it's not because of the set sexualities. Equality could totally happen in one game, with a 2/2/2 for example. The devs just chose to do otherwise, they have different stories to tell and it isn't going to be always equal, yes, but because of other factors. 

 

I'd personally be glad with a 2/2/2 or 2/4/2, but I stopped to believe that it could happen one day. I also stopped to expect Bioware caring about fairness beyond the possibility to choose between two options for everyone.  

[Melca36]

That's a little down the road for me.  My first male character (which will be my second PC) is going after Dorian.  

 

With Cass, I might, but it depends upon how much I enjoy the friendship.  For instance, I could never roll a male Warden to romance Morrigan.  I tried, but I love the friendship arc with her as a lady Warden too much.  Same with Tali in Mass Effect: I know she has a great romance like Morrigan does (much different characters, naturally, but still solid romances,) but the friendship is just so good with her and my female Shepard.

 

 

Definitely rolling a male Inquisitor for Dorian too. Haven't decided on human rogue or Elf Mage.

 

I'm actually looking forward to the friendship aspect of the characters too.

[Grieving Natashina]

Definitely rolling a male Inquisitor for Dorian too. Haven't decided on human rogue or Elf Mage.

 

I'm actually looking forward to the friendship aspect of the characters too.

For Dorian, I'm rolling a 2-handed warrior human based as closely as possible to Auron from Final Fantasy X.  I'm even going to try to get a salt-and-pepper look for him.  Here's to hoping that there'll be options to play with hair highlights in the character creator.  

 

Anyway, as much as I do enjoy the romances (and I do,) they are icing on the wonderful friendship cake.  Without a solid friendship arc, the relationship arcs isn't as meaningful.  Without the friendship/potential enemy route from my companions and now major NPCs, the game wouldn't be from BioWare.

 

I think that's one of the big reasons why I've had trouble with NPC romances in the past.  It isn't just about who my PC journey's with.  I mean, that helps, especially since it feels like a bonding moment when my PC and my favorite party member share that kill shot.  The party banter helps too. However, it's mainly about the quality of the friendship more than any party member status at this point.  For some characters, the friendship is stronger, but not very often.  One ties into the other for me.  Even married my best friend.  

 

Many of my thoughts come down to this: Am I going to feel like a friend to this person?  Will I feel like I know them by the end, and that I could have a bond with them? 

 

That's really what helps factor in my decision into most BioWare romances.   There is a few that I just don't pursue because it doesn't suit many of my characters, like Merrill.  Or for meta reasons, like the character Jacob in ME is never going to be my Shep's romance because of my real life.  

 

_{Yeah, he shares the same name as my brother.  Romance = not happening for that reason among others.} 

 

I'll be honest.  I'd be more likely to try a Josie romance down if I find out that the friendship is really good when I play the first time.  Then I know that the romance is additional flavor to the rest of her story, which is a lovely bonus for me. 

[Ina]

Actually, I felt bad for those who always were denied the possibility to choose whoever they wanted in the past, not because they would have necessarily less, because I always said that equality could totally happen with the set sexualities against those who were arguing that this system would objectively mean less for them. One poster, a lesbian  in a mp ( someone who used to argue against my posts in all the topics about the all bi system LOL ) explained me why she loved the all bi system when I claimed that equality could still happen. 

 

She always loved options that she could never have because of her gender, as it happened in many games, like Morrigan for example. With the possibility to choose between Merril and Isabela regardless of her gender, she felt it was awesome, it was her first time. I admit that I was receptive to her reasons and that's where I started to see the positive points about this system. " It could make some people happy " regardless of the results in the game. 

 

But otherwise if the number of romances are unequal, it's not because of the set sexualities. Equality could totally happen in one game, with a 2/2/2 for example. The devs just chose to do otherwise, they have different stories to tell and it isn't going to be always equal, yes, but because of other factors. 

 

I'd personally be glad with a 2/2/2 or 2/4/2, but I stopped to believe that it could happen one day. I also stopped to expect Bioware caring about fairness beyond the possibility to choose between two options for everyone.  

 

I totally get where this is coming from and I partly agree that it would be nice to be able to romance an LI with anyone you choose. But to me this is purely a gameplay reason and promotes the idea of playersexuality (not necessarily, but sometimes). I too would have liked certain LIs to be available to certain gender/race. But given the choice I'd rather just have equal options with varied sexualities rather than equal options with all bi. I just think the former is a better option from a story perspective.

[BlueWaterNebula]

Liliana needs to be on that list.

[AlexiaRevan]

Maybe it is the starved player in me...but I'm for everyone go Bi . For the simple reason , that as a Lesbian in previous games...I was starved with having no choices . Either do an hetero romance that sucked..or go without . 

 

And in DA2 , everyone was bi . And to me , it is like saying 'Every race can be a Mage' . I won't see the lore limitation anymore , and I won't see that wall that scream 'Noo dwarf can't go into the fade get out!' . 

 

But when you start putting certain peoples with X orientation . Yes , it make them feel more authentic , yes it is get closer to our reality.......but at the same time you get close to the reality that hurt as well , and one that make you feel weird or akward . And often , that reality that shine for many as a beacon of goodness...well , let just say to some peoples like me....that same light doesn't come off as good but more like burning a vampire .

 

Now don't take this as a complain like 'Wahh I can't romance Cassandra' . If anything , being starved taught me to suck it and move on . Nobody..will stop me from drooling over her !

 

I understand that in real life you can't choose the gender of the one you love . But also , you can't choose to not fall in love with someone who is not...you know...gay like you . And it happen..more often then you think . And that door is barred forever , for it cannot be .

But it is still LOVE..even if not accessible and nothing ever will come out of it .

 

I'm not saying go chase heterosexual and convert them..geez . All I'm trying to say , is that to me : All bi...make it like the whole 'We are equal' . there is no bi...there is just peoples and one of them will be your love .