Mass Effect: Andromedahas undeniable rough edges that only got so much chiseling, but where it shines, this game is brilliant. The explorable environments are expansive and interesting, the combat system has fun perks, and the romances deliver what BioWare fans crave. That said, one of the rough edges is how theromancecontent is balanced between the love interests. A few feature lengthy cutscenes that could rivalBaldur’s Gate 3, while others are left largely to the imagination. Despite its flaws, the best ofAndromedais good enough to play the game for the content some companions bring.
Andromedaexperiments more with relationship models than Shepard’s trilogy did. This cast of characters draws inspiration from its predecessors without adding anything to establishedMass Effectcultures, but they explore new personalities and dynamics. For those looking for a good mix of casual and serious, there’s a range of emotional depths to explore, from flings that mean nothing to deep bonding. Some of these romances are full of potential, andthe things the game gets rightabout love continue to enrich the franchise.
10Avela Kjar
The Alien Emotional Experiment
This absorbingly intelligent Angaran scholar specializes inher people’s mysterious pastand charming alien Pathfinders.Avelaand science-oriented Ryders have a lot in common, which is a great foundation for a romance. Unfortunately, Avela is unavailable beyond expressions of affection. Her romance is more of a promise of a possible relationship that never manifests.
Avela breaks things off with Scott just as they would get started, citing the implausibility of making their relationship work with their busy schedules. With a little more groundwork, this could have been a more intense exchange. In the end, her romance seems like a missed opportunity shoehorned in for straight Scott Ryders who wanted a dalliance with the franchise’s new aliens.
9Gil Brodie
Going Straight For The Brodie Brood
Gilis a fun guy with some sweet moments in his romance, but while he is well-liked as a character, his romance is not. The pacing of developing intimacy with this handsome mechanic ends up somewhat bulldozed by hisfamily man arc. There’s nothing ill-fitting about the notion, especially in a story aboutcolonizers in Andromeda, but the way it unfolds doesn’t land well.
As with other “lesser” romances inAndromeda, the content is sparse compared to the concept it aims to fulfill, and Gil’s story does it less successfully than others. He’s not the most mature crew member to be talking about starting a family, and Ryder seems to be along for the ride rather than really exploring themes of possible fatherhood.
8Keri T’Vessa
Covering Personal Topics
Joining the prestigious lineup ofMass Effectreporters,Keriholds her own as a useful contact for the player’s character inAndromeda. Hers is another fling romance that doesn’t have to impact a primary lock-in, and she won’t mind being the secret affair, but this isentirely up to the player.
As another off-screen dalliance, Keri’s romance doesn’t offer a lot of unique content, but she remains a relevant, if not central, character for all the big plot events, and this at least fosters a sense of getting to know her. Ryder also has to pursue her assiduously, which has its appeal.
7Liam Kosta
Liam’spersonality is off-putting to some players, but his romance is a pleasant surprise. Far from the immaturity or simplicity one might expect, he’s serious about Ryder and will back it up with his mettle. Claiming some of the funniest moments inAndromeda, Liam is one of the better choices.
Liam’s imperfections are part of his charm. He can be edgy in team exchanges, but balances it out with a beer and a chat. He’s confrontational, but aims to open a useful dialogue.Liam is a character in growth, and his moments of maturity make for a well-rounded and fun romance.
6Pelessaria “Peebee” B’Sayle
The Flirty & Flighty Academic
Peebeeissomething of a mixed bag, and she can be just a one-off fling without investing in feelings. Much like Jack inMass Effect 2, sleeping with her casually precludes a committed romance. However, Peebee is best appreciated when approached with emotional intimacy, because her full romance blossoms into a journey of healing with love.
She’s guarded with her emotions when players meet her, traumatized from a previous relationship, and she lands more on the immature end of the scale at times. That said, Peebee has bothdepth and the capacity for growthwith a Ryder who takes the time to learn how to be her stable ground.
5Cora Harper
The Asari Commando Style
Corahas the most involved, romantic, and graphicromance content in the lineup, but her character isn’t so popular. A lot of that comes from her early dialogues, which seem to convey a biotic victim complex rather than relatable hardship, particularly if players also spec Ryder as one. Her blind idolization of Asari Commandos at the start of the story is also irritating.
What makes Cora great, though, revolves around her flaws and how she faces them when confronted. She grows from the experiences, adapts, and takes the time to emotionally process. Far from relying on Ryder to fix her,she evolves into a great partnerby herself, her self-reflection and maturity helping her grow into her own.
4Reyes Vidal
The Irresistible Con Don Juan
Kadara is a planet full of criminal entities and activities, andReyesfits right in. His flirtatious charm is disarming, and although he doesn’t discourage interested Ryder, he subtly warns players that his romance will have plot twists. If romanced, he gets the prize for satisfyingly electric buildup, but it doesn’t culminate in too many cutscenes.
His lovers won’t balk at a known spy revealing himself to be a criminal mastermind, but players who feel betrayed will have to contend witha brutal breakup. Aside from that, the only other downside to Reyes is that he is planet-bound. Once players finish all the Kadara quests, he feels less relevant as a love interest.
3Dr. Suvi Anwar
Matters Of The Science Liaison’s Heart
Suviwill delight philosophy-inclined players, science lovers, and debate enthusiasts. Unlike the other off-screen romances, hers stands out as the only one that does not imply a physical relationship evolving aspart of the romance. She is insightful, spiritual, open-minded, curious, and emotionally grounded, making her a top choice.
Suvi’s unofficial asexuality may be a relief for players who are otherwise defaulted to physical intimacy inAndromeda.However, feels lacking to some from the perspective of hers being the only strictly f/f romance available. Like Gil, her job is confined to theTempest, although at leastshe has insightful observations about missions. Despite these points of contention surrounding her character, it’s hard not to like Suvi for who she is for her poetic romance.
2Vetra Nyx
Pulling Strings To Win Hearts & Connections
Vetrabrings a lot into a relationship with Ryder, though sadly, she is not one of the cutscene-heavy romances. She’s the Turian who knows everyone worth knowing to verify theTempestflies and the missions are well-supplied. Beneath her swashbuckling talent for greasing palms is an adorably enthusiastic heart for Ryder to win over.
As a versatile mercenary, Vetra brings talent and maturity to the team without being too serious. Her sense of responsibility shines in her relationship with her little sister, Sid.Like Garrus before her, Vetra’s individualistic moral fiber stands in contrast to the rigidity often seen in Turian culture. Ryders who support her in what she feels she needs to do will get a devoted companion with her.
1Jaal Ama Darav
Slow Burning Turned Up To Adoring
Jaalmight have an unfair advantage as the representative Angaran.Andromeda’snew aliens feel strongly about everything and everyone, an immediately interesting trait for lovers of romance and passion. Ryder can also choose a non-sexual relationship with him, which does get great cutscenes. He has a lot of dialogue, a lot of plot-relevant content, and winning his heart takes a lot more than a few flirts.
For players enchanted by the powerful feelings of the Angarans, Jaal’s romance improves theAndromedaexperience as a whole game. Withthe best pacing, the most emotional and sensual cutscenes, and the boundless adoration and respect he shows Ryders who earn his trust, it’s easy to see why Jaal is not just the best ofAndromeda.His romance is also amongtheMass Effectfranchise’s best.
