Romantic Entanglements--Mass Effect 3

After wading through the myriad romantic choices presented in Mass Effect 2 it's nice that most of the same characters are valid options in Mass Effect 3.  But, damn it, there's still so many complicated aspects to romance in Mass Effect 3...at least in my head.  So let's hold hands and wander down the crooked path that is the craziness in my head and how I apply that to my video game adventures.

One of the biggest romantic obstacles is presented early on in Mass Effect 3.  You are finally re-united with your original crew members and most possibly earlier romantic interest in the form of Ashley or Kaidan.  In Mass Effect 2 Commander Shepard is briefly reunited with one of these characters (depending on who you saved on Virmire) during a mission on Horizon.  The exchange is not very loving and leaves you with the impression Shepard has made the absolute worst choice in trusting Cerberus.  It's not very endearing.  In Mass Effect 3 you start off with an awkward exchange on Mars where your former interest asks about renewing your relationship.  So do opt for Shepard to stand by his/her man/woman or do you side with your newest flame?  In directing a paragon Shep I generally opt to renew the older relationship but will cast them aside in favor of the newer characters for renegade Shep.

BioWare also opted to throw in some wildcard options for strictly same-sex relationships.  Your lady Shep has the option of romancing the new communications officer Samantha Traynor while manly Shep can opt for shuttle pilot Steve Cortez.  This also presented some interesting two-timing scenarios.  In one playthrough my renegade lady Shep was firmly ensconced in a relationship with Liara...then Traynor asked to used the shower and one thing led to another...and Liara was not happy.  (Seriously BioWare...a shower scene?) My renegade Shep is pretty much the most horrible person ever to save the universe.  Besides two-timing Liara she also lied to the Krogan about a cure for the genophage, shot Mordin in the back, and allowed Samara to shoot her own daughter and herself.  My soul felt truly black playing as that Shep.

But back to Traynor or Cortez as options.  I like Traynor as an option more than Cortez.  There's something really awkward but also kind of  hot about her.  Cortez is just so sad...but that kind of makes me want my Shep to comfort him and be his new boyfriend.

Your crew has gotten close over the last three suicide missions.

One part of Mass Effect 3 that I found interesting was there were side romances occurring.  There's the famous Garrus/Tali hook-up (get it...hook-up?  Like his mandible.....on her suit....funny?) or Joker and EDI.  In the "Citadel" DLC there is also an alluded to possible James/Ashley relationship.  Shepard is actually given the option of encouraging it or telling them to cool it.  Sadly Jacob has also moved past his relationship with lady Shep.  Oh Jacob...I will never forget your contributions to the crew of the Normandy..or your abs of steel.  There's also Traynor's uncomfortable discussion with EDI about her initial attraction to her voice.  I thought it was nice to see that the crew of the Normandy were forming their own attachments.

Even though you would think romance in Mass Effect 3 would be easier...it's really not.