I never have much expectation for romance in these types of game, i only do them if they are a requirement for a ending.
Should Call some GAME DEVS to tie up all these options lmaoSo here is what happened with V having two romantic partners at the end of the game; V gets the option to call both. V can talk to either one however if V talks to one V can’t call the other. If V talks to Judy, she says that she will be waiting for V at the end of the call. If V talks to River, he says that V can count him at the end of the call.
I picked option not call either to see what happens. And went with the nomads for help and called Panam. Afterwards neither Judy or River showed up at the end. I reloaded the save file before the call and picked Judy as the person to call then replayed the assault with the nomads and she was at the camp in the end. So, it seems the phone call determines who will be there. And during the credits the only thing River talked about was thanking V for helping him with his investigations.
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The worst thing in a romance is, game and V, don't care about it. After I estabilished a relationship with Judy, I met River, male romance option for Fem V and guess what? V had an amnesia. She was flirting with River, his family was constantly commenting through one quest how great she and River look together and there was no option to even say "I'm already taken" or anything like that. No option to disagree or anything or maybe to even say "I'M A LESBIAN". Even BioWare wasn't that lazy with their romances.
I actually made a thread about it yesterday, but I needed to vent here again.
The Romance in this game is truly amazing, and equally disappointing.
Judy Alvarez, as an example.
You're led on an almost 12 hour long journey, starting where she doesn't like/nor trust you very much. Over time winning her over to your side and are able to to quests for her. All the while doing side missions with her and getting closer via dialogue options, and when you're not, getting excited for the random text/phone call that she might send. You comfort her, help her out with missions, get invited to her house. Make decisions that impact whether or not she actually wants you to be in her life. Save her seemingly best friend, there for her during the traumatic experiences of this mission.
After a while the Messages get more personal, the phone calls as well. You're actually in a sort of relationship with this in-game character you're getting to know slowly.
At one point in a mission, V says something like - "I only tell people I care about my real name". This led me to believe this game has a lot of impactful moments if you were to get close to certain characters.
Anyway, at a certain point you help Judy, and she obliges by opening herself up, and taking you out into probably one of the most amazingly romantic missions/scenes I have encountered in any game. You go underwater diving, after flirting quite amazingly (I'm still waiting for that MaxTax uniform btw) - and you visit Judy's old home, and you learn about her past and feelings.
She breaks down and you comfort her, ending up in a tasteful, not over done sex scene where two characters are enjoying each others company. If you're role playing this game, this was a sweet moment for you, as you have spent 12 hours or so with this person who has suddenly changed their whole dynamic with you, to get to this point. And she clearly tells you there's more to her story.
You go outside, and are posed with a question, What did this mean to you?
Well after 12 hours, this wasn't just a one night stand, if it was for anyone else, I would be amazed.
You explain this, and are suddenly in a relationship, with a few more dialogue options. The immersion, romance, excitement of a new message/phone call coming through suddenly, a thought of a date, the thought of maybe hearing V's REAL NAME to someone that shes inlove with. All that has disappeared because Judy is no longer part of the story in any shape or form, other than standing at the window.
SUGGESTIONS:
The relationship progresses beautifully imo, im not sure about the other ones but I feel they would be similar. BUT there are multiple missed opportunities here.
-Explain V's backstory through relationship with Judy in dialogue.
-Dating + Drinks + Extra Dialogue, sex if that matters in a meaningful way
-V's apartment
-Random text/calls
-Missions
-Judys story progression
-Don't just keep Judy in eye shot for her apartment, its quite depressing spending 12 hours with a character I can no longer interact with,
-Extra Dialogue options with other characters stating you're with Judy (whoever frankly) instead of randomly flirting ruining the immersive feeling you have.
The game doesn't need to be a mindless way forward, I understand in context that there are time constraints but you're going back into the game as free play from a loading point (I understand why but its still weird)
-Whats the point of playing as V and wanting to survive, with nothing to survive for?
I am holding out for an update/dlc where this progresses. This was a great missed opportunity, and I expected a little better.