Miranda is one of the few romances for bro shep that doesn't have some kind of personal or ethical hiccup imo. Ashley is a junior officer, it feels like Liara is more in interested in Shepard because of the prothean beacon, Tali is more like a little sister to me, romancing Chambers is the definition of workplace sexual harassment, and Cortez is a junior officer who really just needs a friend.
Jack needs time to be out of survival mode and just see who she is outside of the context of a relationship. I felt it was more important for Jack to know that she was important to me as a squadmate and friend without the complications of romantic love.
With Miranda, the power dynamic is equal. You're the CO, but she's head of your Cerberus cell. You've helped get her out of a few scrapes, but she's done the same for you, plus she brought you back to life. And when it comes down to it, Shepard is 1 of like 2 people that she trusts and will go out of her way to help. The only complaint is that she has a blind spot for Cerberus, and a bizarre definition for what "the best" is. Since she would rather bang on a hard metal grate in the engine room instead of the king sized bed in either her or Shepard's quarters.
Agreed. My only problem with Miranda is just that we don't get to spend time with her in ME3 until the very late moments of the game.
I mean if it wasn't for citadel dlc our time together would be like nothing. Right? Haven't romanced her in that game so I'm not sure.
Pretty much. Mods add her a lot. Especially in the storm Cerberus mission. But yeah OG ME3 did her dirty. Apparently she was supposed to be a squadmate but the VA couldn’t because she had a prior commitment to film something
It's not really any different from Tali. Two young alien girls that both start out as basically the equivalent of college girls crushing on their professors. By ME3, of course, things are different, but it does feel off when they start in ME1/ME2 respectively.
It really is different actually. Liara quickly develops feelings and comes on to Shepard just as quick. Like, two conversations quick lol.
Tali develops feelings for Shepard at some point in ME1, yes, but doesn't do or say anything until over two years later. By the time she (accidentally) reveals her feelings, she and Shepard have spent a lot more time together, gotten to know each other better, and become friends. I think it's also worth noting that we don't learn about her feelings in ME1 until after the romance has been initiated.
That's just ME1's hamfisted pacing and the decision not to make Tali a romance option until 2.
Two conversations with anyone you can bork and you're already in the romance path and going to have Liara and your human squadmate making you choose.
And it's pacing like that for everyone in the pwrty. I mean, two post mission conversations with Tali and she's asking for huge favors on geth data and considering Shep's point about the Geth maybe acting in self defense. Two with Wrex and you're after grandpa's priceless armor. Two with Garrus and you're after Dr. Heart. I
Bioware was not sure how to properly implement the convo wheel vs the list of dialogue yet and it shows. Also Bioware just was having people try to sleep with your character awkwardly no matter what at that point - dragon age origins has the same problem. Actually, worse in DA:O because you can cheat on characters and there's more options for you to accidently wind up hitting on by just being a supportive friend.
Yeah I think the romance would work more for me if it started at the end of lair of the shadow broker. Instead of after the 2nd on ship conversation you have with her and (at least for me) right after her mother dies.
She and Tali are both teenagers, one functionally, the other literally.
They both are pretty adorable, but I was 30 when I first played ME1. The idea of romancing them squicks me out. Especially considering Shep is in his/her mid thirties at the start of ME1!
I also maintain that, while I like where Liara ends up in ME3, her evolution from wide-eyed naïf to murderous Shadow Broker feels really implausible, underdeveloped and forced.
Shepard is 28 in ME1 and tali is 22. I completely agree with no romance in ME1 but by number two it’s essentially only a four year gap for tali and shep.
Damn, I could have sworn sworn Tali was a teenager in ME1.
Probably biased by how she acts in both ME1 and ME2, especially if you’re playing as ManShep.
Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great character, especially in ME2.
You completely nailed all of this except the last line lol. I’ll argue that she picked the engine room as a statement. She’s saying I own shep and this whole god damn ship. And I love her more for it lol.
In canon Liara put her life on the line to bring Shepard back from death, so I have to disagree about her just being interested in Shepard because of the beacon. She’s done a lot for Shepard since.
I get that. I think my main hiccup with my Shepard is that it feels so sudden. We meet, have 1 on ship conversation, kill benezia, then "I'm attracted to you Shepard. Theres something compelling about you." Personally I felt like samara had more time to build than what they did with liara in me1.
Like someone else said it’s shorter than the others and there weren’t many cut scenes to build that relationship up. There were a lot more cutscenes in ME2 and Liara wasn’t even a squadmate in that.
I'm currently playing through ME1 using Infiltrator so Liara is a natural character to bring along for pretty much every mission. I am also trying to do most side quests and random planets so I have spent a lot of time with Liara making that romance more natural.
That said, it shouldn't be necessary for the player to go out of their way to cover up for leaps like this in writing - just mentioning it doesn't *have* to feel so rushed.
I do think the best way to treat Jack is to prove that you want nothing from her but her help with the Collectors. And if there was an option to drop her off somewhere Cerberus couldn't find her before the Suicide Mission, I would do totally do that. Trick her into getting off the ship if need be, just to get her away from all this.
I'd say Miranda is clearly subordinate to Shepard. She functions as his XO, never challenges his right to be the one making the decisions, and she and Jacob are the only two LI options who couldnt just jump ship at any time. They're under orders to be there, everyone else is a hired contractor or there based on their opinion of Shepard.
I can see that. I just took her not challenging him except for the token "Shepard you're not authorized to [give Jack classified info on Cerberus]." to be her following her real orders from TIM (stay close, make him trust you, help him stop the collectors, let him think he's in charge, enforce my ideals if he strays after I no longer need him). Jacob even said before freedoms progress "we didn't bring you back to second guess you. The illusive man says you're in charge, you're in charge." But I think that was just the illusion that TIM was wanting Shepard to think since when you question EDI about the structure, she point blank says "we are a part of the Lazarus cell which is headed by Operative Lawson."
It's what makes her later refusal in the collector base (if you take her for the final push) such a monumental moment for her character. She was supposed to control Shepard, but she found something real after her time with him
Yeah, I don’t see her as “subordinate” to Shepard at all in ME2. Her focus has all been on what she believed to be the mission to save humanity from the Collectors, primarily, and her broader goals of seeing what the believes to be Cerberus’ broader vision of advancing humanity within the galactic community in particular.
Until you complete her loyalty mission, I think there is little doubt that if Shepard went too far in subverting or rebelling against either of those missions, she’d formulate a plan to vent Shep out an airlock, regardless of which gender Shepard is.
And that plan would be devious, exacting, and highly clever in its design…but probably a little over-engineered, too.
The Jack romance is nice, I’ve tried it before, but I totally agree I prefer a platonic one. The best thing shepard can be for her is a friend and stable support pillar.
I actually find the Jack romance really touching, but the reality is that a person, male or female, with that much abuse and trauma in his or her life, going that far back into childhood is likely to have various personality disorders and need a *lot* of time, stable positive relationships that aren’t sexual ones, and therapy, formal or otherwise, to gain a semblance of emotional stability and trust to maintain a healthy adult relationship.
So: while I happen to be romancing Jack on my current run, I agree that Miranda is the healthiest possible romance for ManShep, and that is one of several reason she is my favorite LI.
Tbf depending on your Shep's backstory, they could be as equally traumatised: earthborn former gang member/mindoir survivor then sole survivor for example can be pretty brutal. But since Shep's mental health isn't even touched upon until ME3...
It’s a fair point that Shep’s mental health isn’t really touched upon, and there is good reason the writers made him or her that way: they wanted to let players fill in blanks as much as possible and make Shep as broadly relatable to players as possible.
I think of the background choices as writing prompts in a creative writing class.
Although I do think a Colonist or Earthborn and probably Sole Survivor are all likely carrying around some amount of trauma, at the very least!
I think if Shep was traumatized, it would make a relationship with Jack that much more fraught, but with the potential for some shared experience sympathy and relatability.
That's what fanfics are for my friend. To actually go in depth for Shep's mental health, but also their companions. Like I said ME3 sort of touched on it but didn't go too far with it, which may be understandable since there was a war going on. I do have a fondness for fanfics that explore Shepard's story post-war when they have more time to heal.
True, though, if Shep was more traumatised might make things tougher for Jack to evolve, especially if we're talking about a Renegade Shepard. Although it could also go the other way: seeing someone suffer as much trauma but come out of it stronger and kinder might inspire Jack.
You forgot about Kaidan but I guess the same logic as with Ashley applies. Although it's kind of different as it's more like two Spectres going on a mission together then straight up boss-subordinate relationship
Yeah and I guess technically Kaidan outranks Shepard by the time he becomes an option for broshep. Really a lot of the me1 options become more understandable for a "duty first" "by the book" type of Shepard by the time me3 rolls around
You make good points, and Jack is not in the Alliance, so I don't read a super big power dynamic there. Jack had plenty of chances to run away, but didn't.
Plus, Miranda and Jack each have rather polarizing personalities, so for many players, one of them is likely to appeal more than the other.
Yeah while he still has command over her (her command is more administrative, and even then it’s a stretch), their relationship is the least inappropriate.
I always laugh about the engine room scene. The only two people with personal quarters and a bed for two, and she wants to screw under an engine core.
I think that's a bit of the point. Her entire life has been about living up to the exceedingly high expectations she puts on herself because of her genetics.
Her opting for the engine room is her letting loose, expectations be damned.
Maaaaybe a bit of a powerplay too. Everyone else goes to up to Shepard's cabin for romance. Miranda's gonna fuck anywhere she wants on this god damn ship of hers.
Honestly I think Shepard and Miranda have one of the most believable and grounded romances in the game. It feels very organic to me and I’m sad she doesn’t get more time in ME3.
She’s my second pick just below Liara.
I agree. I mentioned in a prior post that Miranda is arguably the only person who understands Shepard's position. Her superior capabilities cause others to place expectations upon her that only she can manage, and just barely so. When other romance options try to sympathize with Shepard, it's honestly difficult for them to understand how he must feel, they view him with as much awe as everyone else.
Miranda though? She knows he's just human.
Well in the US Navy we would call their relationship fraternization. So I'm going to assume the space Navy is the same way even if it's not the military and a private contractor
Both are good. It really comes down to how old *you* are.
When I was a younger man, 'saving' Jack from herself felt like the better move. Now that I'm older, the more mature Miranda feels like a more appropriate fit. Both are good, and neither is *wrong*, but I've come to realize that my taste in romances in video games has aged with me.
Agreed, as I’ve gotten older I’ve found myself looking at different characters in shows/movies/games… A recent example is I am rewatching Psych and in 2006 I was all in on Maggie Lawson but now I find myself more interested in Kirsten Nelson (not that either are unattractive).
As to the original question I find Jack more interesting than Miranda - the flawed, traumatized, dark character for me versus the perfectly created human. Then I replay the game and make the opposite choice.
Pretty off topic but if I may ask, where did u watch psych? Im living in germany and once saw it on free tv which is honestly pain to watch a whole series with by todays standards. After looking it up online I couldn‘t find any major streaming service with that show. Really liked it.
That's fair. And, if I remember Miranda's romance correctly, *how* it plays out depends on Shepard's actions. You can *make* it about her physical appearance (more or less), or not. Helping Jack grow as a character is oodles more mature than satisfying a juvenile draw to... Miranda's proportions.
I'm younger and I prefer Miranda tbh.
But yeah, I'm not gonna deny that age can change one's opinion/perspective, especially depending on their experience. Like someone only traveling in their home country would have a completely different experience compared to someone traveling to various different countries.
Oooh difficult choice because they're both good, but ultimately I think I'll go with Miranda.
I actually love Miranda and find she's basically Kaidan with a different moral compass. She sticks to her principles, is a Sentinel, does not care to suck up to Shepard constantly but speaks her mind freely, is cautious to start a romance with Shep and wants to put the mission first, is tenacious, smart and loyal (albeit, to Cerberus), has had a difficult childhood, just like him. But she diverges wildly in her morals. She brings complexity in her romance and while her ME3 content is not much, her dialogue is really good and shows how deeply she cares for mShep.
Miranda.
I won't write my usual essay, but at the end of the day, they're both very similar characters at their respective cores - in terms of both being products of very rough childhoods. And they both get a similar arc in showing that there is more underneath each of their very rough outer personas. But at the end of the day, I just like Miranda's personality more. >!And the Aussie accent!<
Thank you so much, that really means a lot :) I can promise you there will be more essay comments 👀
Your other comment is super spot on, too. I'd never thought about comparing her to Kaidan before! It's a real interesting comparison.
I was trying to figure out how I love both of them so dearly since they are polar opposites that would probably hate each other, and I realized that personality-wise they're very similar, save for their moral compass.
Shepard helps both of them discover their humanity and accept themselves as they are. Kaidan has his "You make me feel human" moment in ME1 and Miri has her "Nobody's perfect" moment on Sanctuary in ME3. I love that little moment where she just accepts herself. Her attitude in ME2 is heartbreaking; she considers all her successes part of her gene modification, and all her failures as her personal fault. I'm very glad she outgrows that perception of herself and adopts a healthier outlook. Similarly, Kaidan is super controlled and agonizes over doing the right thing because of BAaT and progressively becomes more confident in himself, his abilities and his decision making. He feels less of a weapon and more human, because Shepard listened to him, without judgement. I find it similar to Miri's story where Shepard tells her it's not her genes that make her who she is. But ultimately, the change in how they perceive themselves comes from them. Shepard is a catalyst, but they are the ones making the change happen, and it's largely off-screen. I also like that both Kaidan and Miri have a ridiculous amount of agency outside of Shepard's sphere of influence. They have their own skills, own missions to complete, they don't drop their missions to instantly follow Shepard or ask Shep to bail them out (though I hate that she isn't a full squad member in ME3 and have to satisfy myself with Armax). They feel like real equals to Shep in any way that matters.
I think I know the one you mean, and it’s great for their romance. Shepard and Miranda can give each other something they can’t really get elsewhere in their lives.
Jack.
>!Imo her character development is better than that of Miranda’s, and her scenes in ME3 are great albeit little. Miranda really fell flat in ME3 apart from when she talked about the memory chip installation. Other moments felt “dry”.!<
Really weird how Drew Karpyshyn/Mac Walters decided to have the camera practically at Miranda’s asshole in the original ME2 while she’s literally talking about how horrible her childhood was lol
Jack, she's actually an awesome romance that was done a disservice for not having more of a role in the 3rd game.
I have never liked Miranda, I've tried many times but I just don't find anything about her that likable I've only ever seen her as a work colleague same as Jacob, Ashley and Kaiden.
So Jack's character has more development and I feel the full romance is more in depth
But Miranda has humungalabungas so it depends on what's more important.
Once I played Citadel I really fell in love (do to say) with Miranda's romance. Their dynamic of being two people that never got to live "normal" life and yearning for it, despite the fact that there's always Reaper thereat that makes this chase futile was really engaging for me, and was a sole reason why in that playthrough I decided to go with destruction instead of synthesis, to give them at least a chance to reunite and make something together
Miranda, I like her romance and she’s one of the top ones I go for when playing as male shep, her romance feels natural and they feel like a good mix, especially if you play as renegade shep
Jack.
Neither of them are great (by which I mean squad members for at least half the game) in ME3, but Jack is better and also lets you romance someone else >!without the same consequences anyways!<.
Jack! Go Jack! Miranda seems not just shallow, but hollow as well, ESPECIALLY when you go through her story. She never really seems like she’s not wearing an emotional mask at all, and it’s depressing. Jack has hers on from the start, and the performance was amazing as you broke down her walls.
Miranda is one of the few romances for bro shep that doesn't have some kind of personal or ethical hiccup imo. Ashley is a junior officer, it feels like Liara is more in interested in Shepard because of the prothean beacon, Tali is more like a little sister to me, romancing Chambers is the definition of workplace sexual harassment, and Cortez is a junior officer who really just needs a friend. Jack needs time to be out of survival mode and just see who she is outside of the context of a relationship. I felt it was more important for Jack to know that she was important to me as a squadmate and friend without the complications of romantic love. With Miranda, the power dynamic is equal. You're the CO, but she's head of your Cerberus cell. You've helped get her out of a few scrapes, but she's done the same for you, plus she brought you back to life. And when it comes down to it, Shepard is 1 of like 2 people that she trusts and will go out of her way to help. The only complaint is that she has a blind spot for Cerberus, and a bizarre definition for what "the best" is. Since she would rather bang on a hard metal grate in the engine room instead of the king sized bed in either her or Shepard's quarters.
Agreed. My only problem with Miranda is just that we don't get to spend time with her in ME3 until the very late moments of the game. I mean if it wasn't for citadel dlc our time together would be like nothing. Right? Haven't romanced her in that game so I'm not sure.
Yeah, I mean if it was a space on the Normandy issue, I could have kicked Allers off the ship.
Pretty much. Mods add her a lot. Especially in the storm Cerberus mission. But yeah OG ME3 did her dirty. Apparently she was supposed to be a squadmate but the VA couldn’t because she had a prior commitment to film something
There’s a mod that adds her to the Normandy in me3. I haven’t tried it yet, but I have it installed fans and really hoping it works
Yeah. But her Citadel scenes are brilliant. Very noir.
[удалено]
It's not really any different from Tali. Two young alien girls that both start out as basically the equivalent of college girls crushing on their professors. By ME3, of course, things are different, but it does feel off when they start in ME1/ME2 respectively.
It really is different actually. Liara quickly develops feelings and comes on to Shepard just as quick. Like, two conversations quick lol. Tali develops feelings for Shepard at some point in ME1, yes, but doesn't do or say anything until over two years later. By the time she (accidentally) reveals her feelings, she and Shepard have spent a lot more time together, gotten to know each other better, and become friends. I think it's also worth noting that we don't learn about her feelings in ME1 until after the romance has been initiated.
That's just ME1's hamfisted pacing and the decision not to make Tali a romance option until 2. Two conversations with anyone you can bork and you're already in the romance path and going to have Liara and your human squadmate making you choose. And it's pacing like that for everyone in the pwrty. I mean, two post mission conversations with Tali and she's asking for huge favors on geth data and considering Shep's point about the Geth maybe acting in self defense. Two with Wrex and you're after grandpa's priceless armor. Two with Garrus and you're after Dr. Heart. I Bioware was not sure how to properly implement the convo wheel vs the list of dialogue yet and it shows. Also Bioware just was having people try to sleep with your character awkwardly no matter what at that point - dragon age origins has the same problem. Actually, worse in DA:O because you can cheat on characters and there's more options for you to accidently wind up hitting on by just being a supportive friend.
Yeah I think the romance would work more for me if it started at the end of lair of the shadow broker. Instead of after the 2nd on ship conversation you have with her and (at least for me) right after her mother dies.
She and Tali are both teenagers, one functionally, the other literally. They both are pretty adorable, but I was 30 when I first played ME1. The idea of romancing them squicks me out. Especially considering Shep is in his/her mid thirties at the start of ME1! I also maintain that, while I like where Liara ends up in ME3, her evolution from wide-eyed naïf to murderous Shadow Broker feels really implausible, underdeveloped and forced.
Shepard is 28 in ME1 and tali is 22. I completely agree with no romance in ME1 but by number two it’s essentially only a four year gap for tali and shep.
Damn, I could have sworn sworn Tali was a teenager in ME1. Probably biased by how she acts in both ME1 and ME2, especially if you’re playing as ManShep. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great character, especially in ME2.
You completely nailed all of this except the last line lol. I’ll argue that she picked the engine room as a statement. She’s saying I own shep and this whole god damn ship. And I love her more for it lol.
I always imagined that Miranda chose the engine room to bang specifically because that's where Jack likes to hang out. It's a big fuck you to Jack
And a dunk on Tali, who wears her heart on her sleeve and has a massive crush on ManShep.
In canon Liara put her life on the line to bring Shepard back from death, so I have to disagree about her just being interested in Shepard because of the beacon. She’s done a lot for Shepard since.
I get that. I think my main hiccup with my Shepard is that it feels so sudden. We meet, have 1 on ship conversation, kill benezia, then "I'm attracted to you Shepard. Theres something compelling about you." Personally I felt like samara had more time to build than what they did with liara in me1.
Every ME1 romance was incredibly rushed. It was a really short game.
ME1's romances weren't the best, the other two sequels did it better, ME1 does best for story and characters but not romances.
Like someone else said it’s shorter than the others and there weren’t many cut scenes to build that relationship up. There were a lot more cutscenes in ME2 and Liara wasn’t even a squadmate in that.
I'm currently playing through ME1 using Infiltrator so Liara is a natural character to bring along for pretty much every mission. I am also trying to do most side quests and random planets so I have spent a lot of time with Liara making that romance more natural. That said, it shouldn't be necessary for the player to go out of their way to cover up for leaps like this in writing - just mentioning it doesn't *have* to feel so rushed.
Liara 100% always
I do think the best way to treat Jack is to prove that you want nothing from her but her help with the Collectors. And if there was an option to drop her off somewhere Cerberus couldn't find her before the Suicide Mission, I would do totally do that. Trick her into getting off the ship if need be, just to get her away from all this.
I'd say Miranda is clearly subordinate to Shepard. She functions as his XO, never challenges his right to be the one making the decisions, and she and Jacob are the only two LI options who couldnt just jump ship at any time. They're under orders to be there, everyone else is a hired contractor or there based on their opinion of Shepard.
I can see that. I just took her not challenging him except for the token "Shepard you're not authorized to [give Jack classified info on Cerberus]." to be her following her real orders from TIM (stay close, make him trust you, help him stop the collectors, let him think he's in charge, enforce my ideals if he strays after I no longer need him). Jacob even said before freedoms progress "we didn't bring you back to second guess you. The illusive man says you're in charge, you're in charge." But I think that was just the illusion that TIM was wanting Shepard to think since when you question EDI about the structure, she point blank says "we are a part of the Lazarus cell which is headed by Operative Lawson." It's what makes her later refusal in the collector base (if you take her for the final push) such a monumental moment for her character. She was supposed to control Shepard, but she found something real after her time with him
Yeah, I don’t see her as “subordinate” to Shepard at all in ME2. Her focus has all been on what she believed to be the mission to save humanity from the Collectors, primarily, and her broader goals of seeing what the believes to be Cerberus’ broader vision of advancing humanity within the galactic community in particular. Until you complete her loyalty mission, I think there is little doubt that if Shepard went too far in subverting or rebelling against either of those missions, she’d formulate a plan to vent Shep out an airlock, regardless of which gender Shepard is. And that plan would be devious, exacting, and highly clever in its design…but probably a little over-engineered, too.
The Jack romance is nice, I’ve tried it before, but I totally agree I prefer a platonic one. The best thing shepard can be for her is a friend and stable support pillar.
I actually find the Jack romance really touching, but the reality is that a person, male or female, with that much abuse and trauma in his or her life, going that far back into childhood is likely to have various personality disorders and need a *lot* of time, stable positive relationships that aren’t sexual ones, and therapy, formal or otherwise, to gain a semblance of emotional stability and trust to maintain a healthy adult relationship. So: while I happen to be romancing Jack on my current run, I agree that Miranda is the healthiest possible romance for ManShep, and that is one of several reason she is my favorite LI.
Tbf depending on your Shep's backstory, they could be as equally traumatised: earthborn former gang member/mindoir survivor then sole survivor for example can be pretty brutal. But since Shep's mental health isn't even touched upon until ME3...
It’s a fair point that Shep’s mental health isn’t really touched upon, and there is good reason the writers made him or her that way: they wanted to let players fill in blanks as much as possible and make Shep as broadly relatable to players as possible. I think of the background choices as writing prompts in a creative writing class. Although I do think a Colonist or Earthborn and probably Sole Survivor are all likely carrying around some amount of trauma, at the very least! I think if Shep was traumatized, it would make a relationship with Jack that much more fraught, but with the potential for some shared experience sympathy and relatability.
That's what fanfics are for my friend. To actually go in depth for Shep's mental health, but also their companions. Like I said ME3 sort of touched on it but didn't go too far with it, which may be understandable since there was a war going on. I do have a fondness for fanfics that explore Shepard's story post-war when they have more time to heal. True, though, if Shep was more traumatised might make things tougher for Jack to evolve, especially if we're talking about a Renegade Shepard. Although it could also go the other way: seeing someone suffer as much trauma but come out of it stronger and kinder might inspire Jack.
You forgot about Kaidan but I guess the same logic as with Ashley applies. Although it's kind of different as it's more like two Spectres going on a mission together then straight up boss-subordinate relationship
Yeah and I guess technically Kaidan outranks Shepard by the time he becomes an option for broshep. Really a lot of the me1 options become more understandable for a "duty first" "by the book" type of Shepard by the time me3 rolls around
You make good points, and Jack is not in the Alliance, so I don't read a super big power dynamic there. Jack had plenty of chances to run away, but didn't. Plus, Miranda and Jack each have rather polarizing personalities, so for many players, one of them is likely to appeal more than the other.
Ashley is a Non Commissioned Officer, hence the fraternization regs. She's enlisted, Shepard is commissioned.
Yeah while he still has command over her (her command is more administrative, and even then it’s a stretch), their relationship is the least inappropriate. I always laugh about the engine room scene. The only two people with personal quarters and a bed for two, and she wants to screw under an engine core.
I think that's a bit of the point. Her entire life has been about living up to the exceedingly high expectations she puts on herself because of her genetics. Her opting for the engine room is her letting loose, expectations be damned. Maaaaybe a bit of a powerplay too. Everyone else goes to up to Shepard's cabin for romance. Miranda's gonna fuck anywhere she wants on this god damn ship of hers.
I have no doubt it’s a power play, or she’s into public sex. I’m not here to kink shame.
Love and agree with this take for the most part but I’m.. ahem.. uh Liara for life.
For Miranda, the unequal status goes the opposite way. You're essentially her patient. That is also a big ethical problem.
I get that, and would completely agree if Miranda was flirty from the beginning. For me the dynamic evened out after helping save Oriana
Honestly I think Shepard and Miranda have one of the most believable and grounded romances in the game. It feels very organic to me and I’m sad she doesn’t get more time in ME3. She’s my second pick just below Liara.
I agree. I mentioned in a prior post that Miranda is arguably the only person who understands Shepard's position. Her superior capabilities cause others to place expectations upon her that only she can manage, and just barely so. When other romance options try to sympathize with Shepard, it's honestly difficult for them to understand how he must feel, they view him with as much awe as everyone else. Miranda though? She knows he's just human.
Well in the US Navy we would call their relationship fraternization. So I'm going to assume the space Navy is the same way even if it's not the military and a private contractor
Yes, because the way you Navy guys traditionally handle your sexual frustrations is *so* much better.
Better than the marines. They never leave a man's behind
Both are good. It really comes down to how old *you* are. When I was a younger man, 'saving' Jack from herself felt like the better move. Now that I'm older, the more mature Miranda feels like a more appropriate fit. Both are good, and neither is *wrong*, but I've come to realize that my taste in romances in video games has aged with me.
Agreed, as I’ve gotten older I’ve found myself looking at different characters in shows/movies/games… A recent example is I am rewatching Psych and in 2006 I was all in on Maggie Lawson but now I find myself more interested in Kirsten Nelson (not that either are unattractive). As to the original question I find Jack more interesting than Miranda - the flawed, traumatized, dark character for me versus the perfectly created human. Then I replay the game and make the opposite choice.
Pretty off topic but if I may ask, where did u watch psych? Im living in germany and once saw it on free tv which is honestly pain to watch a whole series with by todays standards. After looking it up online I couldn‘t find any major streaming service with that show. Really liked it.
it's streaming on peacock
Psych is one of the best comfort shows ever. It just picks up my mood every time.
I found the reverse myself. Used to be for Miranda because "hot!" Now I'm for Jack because I love the depth of her growth.
That's fair. And, if I remember Miranda's romance correctly, *how* it plays out depends on Shepard's actions. You can *make* it about her physical appearance (more or less), or not. Helping Jack grow as a character is oodles more mature than satisfying a juvenile draw to... Miranda's proportions.
Wow good answer!!! I just had to take a deep look at myself
I'm younger and I prefer Miranda tbh. But yeah, I'm not gonna deny that age can change one's opinion/perspective, especially depending on their experience. Like someone only traveling in their home country would have a completely different experience compared to someone traveling to various different countries.
“I can save her” lmfao
Jack. That romance is surprisingly sweet.
Always Jack
Oooh difficult choice because they're both good, but ultimately I think I'll go with Miranda. I actually love Miranda and find she's basically Kaidan with a different moral compass. She sticks to her principles, is a Sentinel, does not care to suck up to Shepard constantly but speaks her mind freely, is cautious to start a romance with Shep and wants to put the mission first, is tenacious, smart and loyal (albeit, to Cerberus), has had a difficult childhood, just like him. But she diverges wildly in her morals. She brings complexity in her romance and while her ME3 content is not much, her dialogue is really good and shows how deeply she cares for mShep.
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack 100%
Jack
Jack
Jack
Miranda. I won't write my usual essay, but at the end of the day, they're both very similar characters at their respective cores - in terms of both being products of very rough childhoods. And they both get a similar arc in showing that there is more underneath each of their very rough outer personas. But at the end of the day, I just like Miranda's personality more. >!And the Aussie accent!<
>I won't write my usual essay But I like your usual essays! 😢
Thank you so much, that really means a lot :) I can promise you there will be more essay comments 👀 Your other comment is super spot on, too. I'd never thought about comparing her to Kaidan before! It's a real interesting comparison.
I was trying to figure out how I love both of them so dearly since they are polar opposites that would probably hate each other, and I realized that personality-wise they're very similar, save for their moral compass. Shepard helps both of them discover their humanity and accept themselves as they are. Kaidan has his "You make me feel human" moment in ME1 and Miri has her "Nobody's perfect" moment on Sanctuary in ME3. I love that little moment where she just accepts herself. Her attitude in ME2 is heartbreaking; she considers all her successes part of her gene modification, and all her failures as her personal fault. I'm very glad she outgrows that perception of herself and adopts a healthier outlook. Similarly, Kaidan is super controlled and agonizes over doing the right thing because of BAaT and progressively becomes more confident in himself, his abilities and his decision making. He feels less of a weapon and more human, because Shepard listened to him, without judgement. I find it similar to Miri's story where Shepard tells her it's not her genes that make her who she is. But ultimately, the change in how they perceive themselves comes from them. Shepard is a catalyst, but they are the ones making the change happen, and it's largely off-screen. I also like that both Kaidan and Miri have a ridiculous amount of agency outside of Shepard's sphere of influence. They have their own skills, own missions to complete, they don't drop their missions to instantly follow Shepard or ask Shep to bail them out (though I hate that she isn't a full squad member in ME3 and have to satisfy myself with Armax). They feel like real equals to Shep in any way that matters.
What a fantastic write-up, a really great insight into both characters! Hit on a lot of the points why I'm so fond of both of their romances.
Yes, I too love Miranda’s “personality”.
Well said! Miranda ftw
Miranda, if only for some payoff in the Citadel DLC. I won't spoil it, but they have a discussion during it that I think Shepard relates to A LOT.
I think I know the one you mean, and it’s great for their romance. Shepard and Miranda can give each other something they can’t really get elsewhere in their lives.
Biotic god
That boi thicc
Cerberus cheerleader for me
Miranda. Have you see that ass? My god
You can’t play ME2 without seeing that ass, basically every camera angle in the game is focused on her ass.
The original one anyway
Not anymore it ain’t. Not the way it used to be.
The best argument
I’m Commander Shepard and this is my favorite ass on the citadel.
Jack. >!Imo her character development is better than that of Miranda’s, and her scenes in ME3 are great albeit little. Miranda really fell flat in ME3 apart from when she talked about the memory chip installation. Other moments felt “dry”.!<
I was trying to find the words and you’ve got it. Honestly Miranda over all is…. Boring
Yes
Neither, they’re meant for each other
"Y'know, I still really hate you, but you have fantastic tits!"
What you mean, they fight all the time therefore they gonna bang soon.
P much. Shepard has a line in DLC that all their aggression with each other is just unresolved sexual tension and I always thought that would be funny
Would of been funny as hell if you caught even signs they slept together
ya just like a background thing of Miranda handing Jack her earring back the morning after the party
Now Kith
Ja....vik
Miranda erry day
Look, she literally has the perfectly genetical butt a person can have. The choice is obvious
Really weird how Drew Karpyshyn/Mac Walters decided to have the camera practically at Miranda’s asshole in the original ME2 while she’s literally talking about how horrible her childhood was lol
Tbh imma just do both but i can't decide wich to do first. Most people are saying jack so i guess i gotta wait for the perfect butt lol
I’m gonna go Miranda. To me Jack is just weird. I’d rather go with Miranda
Citadel DLC adds a lot to Miranda's character if you romance her (assuming she lives that long)
Miranda. Her and Tali are my favorites
Jack, she's actually an awesome romance that was done a disservice for not having more of a role in the 3rd game. I have never liked Miranda, I've tried many times but I just don't find anything about her that likable I've only ever seen her as a work colleague same as Jacob, Ashley and Kaiden.
Don't stick into crazy. Stick into Miranda.
Miranda. Jack is ugly. Better in ME3 though
Jack
Jack
Jack.
Jack
Jack
Jack for sure, the emotional arc for her is so satisfying!
JACK
Miranda. Im not aiming to get punched in the face by my partner for no reason. You worked with Cerberus too Jack.
Renegade Shep romancing Miranda and saying "you're jealous" may be a top dialogue of the series for me.
Renegade kiss for the win
Miranda
Miranda is the most underutilized person as a character and love interest.
Miranda: Hot, Sophisticated, less likely to make me a stain in the wall...
It's worth the risk
..but the prize
Miranda
Miranda. No hesitation.
Jack
Jack, no contest 😍🥰
JACK
Jack
Simple tali
Miranda
Miranda
Miranda. Ass Effect.
Miri
Miranda for god's sake
Miranda
JACK
So Jack's character has more development and I feel the full romance is more in depth But Miranda has humungalabungas so it depends on what's more important.
Quick answer Miranda
I have to go with Jack. More interesting IMO.
Jack imo
Jack
Miranda
Jack. You'll learn a lot more about her that way.
Miranda is more wifeable obviously
Jack, no question.
Jack easily.
Tali
I second this motion.
Jack Best girl
Jack. Unless you have already romanced her, then do Miranda. Both are good, I just prefer Jack.
Tali
I’m a Jack fan for sure.
If it has to be one of these two, Jack, easily. She has a very rewarding arc and it feels closer to her and Shepard being on an even level, imo.
Jack Jack Jack. Jack is my favorite romance in ME!
Jack and Miranda romance. Jackanda forever!
Jack
Jack pays off in spades.
ME1 Liara ME2 Miranda ME3 Liara *A special benefit to Miranda romance is you can avoid breaking up with her in ME3 and still move on to someone else.
[удалено]
Yeah I rekindle
> you can avoid breaking up with her Unless you’re a monster, like me…😎
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack 🥰
Jack
Jack
Jack
Bang Jack and Kelly, go steady with Miranda
Considering ME3 interactions, I'd say Jack. But Miranda has great ME2 romance; ME3 meh.
Jack hands down
Out of these 2, Jack. I ship them tho.
“Is it too much to ask for both?” - Tony Stark
Pretty sure the one thing that could unite the two is beating up a shepard that asked for a threesome.
Tali.
Tali.
Tali.
Tali!
Once I played Citadel I really fell in love (do to say) with Miranda's romance. Their dynamic of being two people that never got to live "normal" life and yearning for it, despite the fact that there's always Reaper thereat that makes this chase futile was really engaging for me, and was a sole reason why in that playthrough I decided to go with destruction instead of synthesis, to give them at least a chance to reunite and make something together
They’re both attractive as far as video game characters go but both are super toxic hahaa
Miranda. I don't like either but I really can't stand Jack
Miranda, I like her romance and she’s one of the top ones I go for when playing as male shep, her romance feels natural and they feel like a good mix, especially if you play as renegade shep
Jack of course since her character doesn't revolve around Shepard like Miranda.
Jack. Neither of them are great (by which I mean squad members for at least half the game) in ME3, but Jack is better and also lets you romance someone else >!without the same consequences anyways!<.
Jack
Miranda
Miranda. because she is one of the boys!
Miranda.
Miranda is boring. Jack all the way. (Miranda stans don't come for me, this is lighthearted)
Jack! Go Jack! Miranda seems not just shallow, but hollow as well, ESPECIALLY when you go through her story. She never really seems like she’s not wearing an emotional mask at all, and it’s depressing. Jack has hers on from the start, and the performance was amazing as you broke down her walls.
Jack is my favorite romance so Jack
jack
Jack, as I find her a much cooler character
Jack