[crimfan]

Since Bioware is moving to a "downloadable content" model, it might be that a lot of the issues people raise here will be rectified in subsequent releases. On the issue of romances, I think they were pretty brave---given the vocalness of the moral majority types---to put out a gay male one in Jade Empire. As to why there wasn't one in ME, it's hard to say. I am always leery of forcing a game or other entertainment venue to be a soapbox for social causes. It may be they simply didn't manage to get a good NPC together which fit and plan to put out something else later. Things like NPC romances are sauce, not fundamental to the meal. When you've got fundamental things to get working, they go by the wayside. For instance, KotoR II: The Sith Lords lacked any female character romances at all and, in fact, was rather underdeveloped for female characters. The game designers were rushed and had to tie off the most likely paths that players would take. The game for a light side male character was much better.

I'd love to play ME but lack an Xbox 360. More importantly, I'm not sure I have the time....

Crimfan