Samara: A Complex Romance in the Mass Effect Universe
Yes, Samara is a romance option in Mass Effect 2, but with significant caveats. It’s considered a semi-serious romance, meaning it won’t jeopardize existing relationships in Mass Effect 2, but it also lacks a dedicated romance scene. Furthermore, it cannot be continued into Mass Effect 3 if you’re already romancing another character. The romance is available to both Male and Female Shepard, but it is also subject to a morality requirement.
Understanding Samara’s Unique Romance
A Path Laden with Conditions
Samara’s romance is perhaps the most unique and challenging in the entire Mass Effect trilogy. Unlike other companions, initiating and maintaining a romantic connection with her demands strict adherence to her personal code of honor and morality. This makes her romance a test of Shepard’s character and choices, pushing players to consider the consequences of their actions.
Morality Matters: The Paragon Threshold
One of the key factors that sets Samara’s romance apart is the morality requirement. If Shepard has accumulated too many Renegade points, Samara will reject romantic advances. She reasons that Shepard’s actions could force her to act against them once her oath is fulfilled, creating an irreconcilable conflict with her Justicar Code.
The Semi-Serious Nature of the Relationship
Even if Shepard meets the morality requirements, the relationship with Samara remains “semi-serious.” This translates to a more subdued and introspective romance, lacking the explicit intimacy seen with other characters. There isn’t a dedicated romance scene with Samara in Mass Effect 2, making it a more subtle and nuanced connection.
The Citadel DLC: A Final Farewell?
While the romance cannot be continued in Mass Effect 3 if you are involved with another character, there is a scene in the Citadel DLC where Samara expresses her feelings for Shepard. This scene provides a sense of closure and reinforces the deep connection that could have been.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Samara Romance
1. Can you romance both Kelly Chambers and Samara?
No, you cannot romance both Kelly Chambers and Samara. While you can have dinner with Kelly, that’s the extent of that relationship. Samara’s romance is a semi-serious one, and it won’t be jeopardized by having dinner with Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 2.
2. Is Samara the only romance option with a morality requirement?
Yes, Samara is the only romance option in the entire Mass Effect trilogy to have a morality requirement. This sets her romance apart, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to her Justicar Code.
3. Does Samara shoot herself?
During Samara’s loyalty mission, she faces a difficult choice involving her daughter, Morinth. If Samara cannot bring herself to kill Morinth, she chooses to kill herself to prevent Morinth from harming others. However, Shepard can intervene with a Paragon Interrupt to stop her.
4. Why can’t you romance Samara with a Renegade Shepard?
You cannot romance Samara with a Renegade Shepard because her Justicar Code requires her to uphold justice and protect the innocent. If Shepard has committed too many actions that violate this code, Samara cannot reconcile a relationship with them.
5. Is there a Samara romance scene in Mass Effect 3’s Citadel DLC?
There is no full romance scene, but there is a poignant interaction in the Citadel DLC where Samara acknowledges her feelings for Shepard. This provides a moment of closure for those who pursued her romance in Mass Effect 2.
6. Does romancing Samara lock you out of other romances?
In Mass Effect 2, romancing Samara does not prevent you from romancing other characters as it is a semi-serious relationship. However, in Mass Effect 3, you cannot continue the Samara romance if you are already in a relationship with another character.
7. Who are considered the hottest romance options in Mass Effect?
Romance is subjective, but some commonly cited “hottest” romance options in Mass Effect include:
- Jack
- Liara T’Soni
- Garrus Vakarian
- Miranda Lawson
- Tali’Zorah vas Normandy
- PeeBee (Pelessaria B’Sayle)
- Thane Krios
- Vetra Nyx
8. What is the best romance option for a Male Shepard?
Popular choices for Male Shepard include:
- Tali’Zorah vas Normandy
- Liara T’Soni
- Miranda Lawson
- Jack
9. What is the best romance option for a Female Shepard?
Popular choices for Female Shepard include:
- Garrus Vakarian
- Thane Krios
- Liara T’Soni
10. Is Liara T’Soni the canon romance for Shepard?
There is no official canon romance for Shepard, although Liara T’Soni is often considered a strong contender due to her presence in all three games and significant plot involvement, even when she is not a party member.
11. What are the consequences of romancing someone else in Mass Effect 2 after romancing someone in Mass Effect 1?
In Mass Effect 2, if you romance someone new after having romanced someone in Mass Effect 1, the picture of your previous love interest on Shepard’s desk will be turned face down.
12. How can you avoid romancing characters in Mass Effect 1?
To avoid romancing Kaidan, Ashley, or Liara in Mass Effect 1, choose more aggressive or neutral dialogue options, particularly the bottom-right choices during conversations with them.
13. Is Samara available for both Male and Female Shepard?
Yes, Samara is a romance option for both Male and Female Shepard in Mass Effect 2, provided the morality requirements are met.
14. How do you make Samara loyal?
To make Samara loyal, you must successfully complete her loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2. The crucial choice is to either kill her daughter, Morinth, or allow Samara to kill Morinth. Killing Morinth will ensure Samara’s loyalty and grant you Paragon points.
15. How old is Samara?
Samara is an Asari Justicar, and they live for centuries. Her exact age is debated, but it is stated that she is around 600 to 1000 years old.
Conclusion: A Romance of Ideals and Boundaries
Samara’s romance stands out in the Mass Effect trilogy as a unique exploration of duty, morality, and connection. While it is a challenging path with limitations, it offers a compelling narrative for players willing to align with her principles and understand the sacrifices inherent in her way of life. The complex nature of this relationship underscores the depth and maturity of the Mass Effect series, showcasing that romance can be more than just a subplot; it can be a reflection of the character’s core values.
To further explore the transformative potential of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.