Does Kelly Chambers Count as Cheating in Mass Effect 3? A Definitive Guide
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No, romancing Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 2 does not automatically count as cheating in Mass Effect 3. However, the situation is nuanced and depends on your actions and romantic choices in both games. Kelly is considered a “fling” rather than a full-fledged romance, and her status as a “romance” in Mass Effect 2 can be tricky. To fully understand the implications, let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Kelly Chambers and Romance in Mass Effect
Kelly: More Than Just a Fish Feeder
Kelly Chambers, a yeoman aboard the Normandy, offers Shepard a unique relationship dynamic. Unlike the deeper, more involved romances with squadmates, Kelly provides a lighthearted and flirtatious connection. This dynamic is critical in determining her status in the following game. This relationship offers unique benefits like fish care and insights on the crew’s well-being.
“Fling” vs. Romance: A Crucial Distinction
The key to understanding Kelly’s role in your romantic life is recognizing that her relationship with Shepard in Mass Effect 2 is often regarded as a “fling,” not a “romance.” While initiating a romance with her leads to intimate dinner scenes and the ever-so-important fish-feeding service, it doesn’t hold the same weight as a serious romance with a squadmate. This is why it does not trigger the Paramour Achievement in Mass Effect 2.
Consequences in Mass Effect 3
Now, here’s where things get complicated. While romancing Kelly in Mass Effect 2 doesn’t jeopardize a “Serious Romance” with, say, Miranda, Tali, or Liara, the game does acknowledge the relationship. The crucial decision point occurs when you encounter Kelly in Mass Effect 3.
- Forgiving Kelly vs. Cutting Ties: In Mass Effect 3, Shepard discovers that Kelly was briefly acting as an informant for Cerberus, even though it was under duress. You have the option to forgive her or cut ties with her.
- The Impact of Forgiveness: If you choose to forgive Kelly, the game will acknowledge your past relationship. You can continue a brief, non-exclusive interaction with her. This interaction does not preclude you from pursuing a Serious Romance with another character.
- The Impact of Cutting Ties: Choosing to cut ties with Kelly essentially erases the relationship from the game’s memory. You are then free to pursue any Serious Romance without any repercussions related to Kelly.
- Kelly’s Fate: Ultimately, regardless of your actions, Kelly’s fate is somewhat predetermined. She can be killed by Cerberus. This will happen if the player doesn’t encourage her to change her identity, even after the confession.
The Bottom Line
Kelly’s fling does not, by itself, prevent you from initiating or continuing a Serious Romance in Mass Effect 3. However, the decision to forgive her or cut ties with her affects how the game perceives your past and the potential for future relationships. It is a more complex decision that impacts the narrative in ways that many players miss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Kelly Chambers count as a romance in Mass Effect 2?
Technically, yes, but it’s considered a “fling” rather than a full romance. It’s a lighter, more casual connection.
2. Will romancing Kelly in Mass Effect 2 lock me out of romancing someone else?
No, it will not. One of the key characteristics of the Kelly “romance” is that it doesn’t jeopardize other Serious Romances.
3. Can I get the Paramour Achievement with Kelly?
Not in Mass Effect 2. The Paramour Achievement requires a deeper, more significant romance with a squadmate. Continuing to Mass Effect 3 will allow players to get the Paramour Achievement but only for ME3.
4. What happens if I don’t have dinner with Kelly?
You’ll miss out on the opportunity to have her take care of your fish in Mass Effect 2, and you’ll miss out on the interaction in Mass Effect 3.
5. Does Kelly’s appearance change between Mass Effect 2 and 3?
Yes, her appearance changes significantly due to character texture issues during the transition between games. The change was unintentional.
6. How do I get Kelly to take care of my fish?
Invite her to dinner and then speak to her again afterwards. She’ll offer to feed them for you.
7. What happens if Shepard doesn’t forgive Kelly in Mass Effect 3?
If Shepard doesn’t forgive Kelly, you’ll cut ties with her, effectively ending any prior relationship acknowledgment.
8. Can I save Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 3?
Yes, you can save Kelly in Mass Effect 3 by encouraging her to change her identity during your conversation. If you fail to do so, she will die.
9. Does romancing Samara count as cheating?
The Samara romance is considered a semi-serious romance. It won’t jeopardize other romances in Mass Effect 2, but it cannot be continued in Mass Effect 3 if you’re romancing someone else.
10. Can I romance Ashley in Mass Effect 3 if I romanced someone else in Mass Effect 2?
Yes, you can romance Ashley in Mass Effect 3 even if you romanced someone else in Mass Effect 2. However, your choices from previous games can influence available dialogue options and scenes.
11. Can you romance Miranda in ME3 if you didn’t in ME2?
No, Miranda will only be available as a romance option if you romanced her in ME2 and she survived the Suicide Mission.
12. What happens in Mass Effect 3 if you romance Miranda?
You’ll have additional scenes with her during the Citadel DLC, and she’ll appear as a hologram before the final mission.
13. Is it possible to save Miranda in Mass Effect 3 without romancing her?
No. Miranda’s survival is tied to having locked-in a romance with her, or ending the romance at some point so that the game doesn’t see the option to break up with her again.
14. Does my performance in Mass Effect affect my real-life cognitive skills?
Exploring the cognitive and learning aspects of gaming can be very enlightening. You may be interested in visiting the Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org), which delves into the educational potential of games and how they impact cognitive skills.
15. What are the long-term implications of my choices in Mass Effect?
The Mass Effect trilogy is celebrated for its emphasis on choice and consequence. Your decisions, including romantic ones, ripple through the narrative, affecting relationships, alliances, and ultimately, the fate of the galaxy. These choices offer meaningful replayability and a uniquely personal experience for each player.