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BioWare Forums  Forum Archives Old Dragon Age Forums Dragon Age (Old) Breaking Up
Dragon Age (Old)
Mean-Mister-Mustard
Joined: 19 Oct 2004 |
 Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 02:23AM |
This was an idea that popped into my head recently. Often on these forums, people talk about romanceable NPCs and how they are going to work in DA. So i was wondering, since it has been confirmed that you will be able to start romances with party members, will you be able to end a relationship? As in, will break-ups be included in DA? While I realize that the game isn't a dating sim, it only seems natural that if you can start a relationship, you should be able to end it; or, conversly, have the other person end it.
So what do guys think. Is there a chance that this will be in the game. Would it be too difficult to implement? Would it be worth it. Personally, I think it would. | 
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Sythion
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Joined: 24 May 2002 |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 02:32AM |
You think it would be worth it? Why? What could break ups possibly add to a game? If you are willing to break up with them, then why did you romance them to begin with? It's not like you're going to play a game for years, where you or your significant other have a chance to change who you are. The game will take most players a week or two, maybe a month tops.
Now, if you're discussing breaking up for a reason (ie. girlfriend cheats on you, has become possessed, etc) then that's a different story. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to facing those kinds of decisions, especially if they were consequences of my own choices within the game. | |
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Mean-Mister-Mustard
Joined: 19 Oct 2004 |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 04:37AM | |
Well, I was thinking more people breaking up with you. i think that could add a lot to your connection with characters. | |
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Kevin Lynch
Moderator
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From: NS, Canada |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 12:07PM |
Considering how shallow romances usually are in games, I don't see any reason why "breaking up" couldn't be included, and it doesn't have to be for any other reason other than you (or the NPC) don't want the relationship anymore. Happens in real life. Would be great if there's consequences attached to such a break-up, too.
It's not difficult to implement. BG2 had characters breaking-up due to simply choosing the dialogue options that brought you to that point. There may not have been a specific "we're breaking up" dialogue, but there were plenty of chances to end relationships. It all depends on whether there's enough time to establish a relationship that would need breaking-up within the gameplay. BG2 was a pretty massive game; DA will only be a fraction of that.
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Chokladglass
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From: The dark forests of Sweden |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 01:56PM |
I think it would be a nice option. There are many situations where a break-up would fit in.
Maybe you have a romance with a girl/guy who was nice in the beginning, but then changed and became greedy, powerhungry etc? What if he/she reacted so badly to a situation you came up against that you were appalled by her/him? Maybe a romanceable partymember is choosing between you and another partymember? Perhaps you started to romance one NPC, and then met another you liked better?
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Edit: I won't tell you what I edited!  Being a perfectionist I have the right to edit as much as I want!Edited By Chokladglass on 11/25/07 14:02 | |
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Melirinda
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Joined: 30 Sep 2002 |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 02:10PM |
I think they said they will be doing something like the IE mods flirt-packs. If so, I would be surprised if the break-up option is not included.
And yes, it is something I realy like about BG1-BG2 mods, the option to let a person down nicely at any time, if you didn't like the romance, instead of having to be rude. It's, of course, the best when there are multiple romances, but I don't think there are more than one per gender, but it's still nice to have.
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Bishop's Romance and Other NWN2 Mods
Companions for IWD2Edited By Melirinda on 11/25/07 14:11 | |
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schalafi
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Joined: 15 Feb 2003 |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 05:08PM | |
Where in BG1&2 were the options to break up? All I remember is if I didn't want an npc anymore, I had to remove him/her from my party. At one point in BG2 I removed Jaheira and she just waited for me at the Harper's place. I don't remember any specific dialogue at all. | |
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Melirinda
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Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 05:21PM |
I meant mods. Sorry, if it was unclear. Break up nicely is a standard option in every flirtpack, and pretty much every NPC has a flirtpack nowadays, including the Bio ones via mod.
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Bishop's Romance and Other NWN2 Mods
Companions for IWD2 | |
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iRunFromElpy's
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 |
Posted: Sunday, 25 November 2007 10:29PM |
Quote: Posted 11/25/07 17:08 (GMT) by schalafi
Where in BG1&2 were the options to break up? All I remember is if I didn't want an npc anymore, I had to remove him/her from my party. At one point in BG2 I removed Jaheira and she just waited for me at the Harper's place. I don't remember any specific dialogue at all.
you had to have a relationship established allready to be able to break up, Arie and viconia flirted right away and could be dumped anytime. Jahieras took longer so since you werent dating you couldnt break up, though you could tell her to pike off by siding with viconia or airie. | |
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Vaeliorin
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Joined: 29 Jun 2002 |
Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 10:40AM |
Quote: Posted 11/25/07 02:23 (GMT) by Mean-Mister-Mustard
So what do guys think. Is there a chance that this will be in the game. Would it be too difficult to implement? Would it be worth it. Personally, I think it would.
Personally, I doubt it will be in. It just seem unnecessary (and like a waste of zots...of course, I'd probably say that having romances at all is a waste of zots, simply because I've yet to see one in a cRPG where I actually cared about it at all) Unless something really changes in DA as compared to other recent games, any romance is going to reach fruition at such a late point in the game that having the ability to break up (or get broken up with) would be largely pointless. That being said, if they actually have meaningful romances with well-developed characters that come to fruition in the first 2/3rds of the game, then I suppose it might be a worthwhile option. | |
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DeathnightF1
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NWN: SoU
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Joined: 31 Jan 2004
From: London |
Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 02:05PM |
I dont see why it would take that much time. Just add the ability to say "you know what, i dont think this relationship will work" or something similar to most romance convos. As for why, well maybe you'v decided that the NPC complains too much or is too high pitched or starts complaing whenever you talk to a waitress etc. There should be an option to end a relationship because you decide that it aint worth the effort, or there is another problem, but without having to be really rude.
As for romances being a waste. To be honest, this mite be true. If the game isnt particuly long, will there be enough time for a convincible romace to occur? I dont wanna go from meeting someone to sleeping with them in 2 hours(well depending on the character i play).
One of the worst things for a romance i think is for it to be rushed.
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Michael FurlongEdited By DeathnightF1 on 11/26/07 14:07 | |
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Sythion
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Joined: 24 May 2002 |
Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 02:26PM |
A few things to consider here.
1) There's more to a break-up then, "Hey, I don't want to be together anymore." Consider what happens to the players conversations with that character afterwards. If they just ignore the fact that they were ever together, that would feel artificial and gamey. What about quests that involved that character? You're in the middle of doing a quest that got started due to a romance sub plot, and then you break up. When you complete the quest does your ex gush all over you still? How do the other party members feel about this? Is romance now an option for other party members? Do they ignore so-and-so when the second romance begins? It brings some real soap opera crap into the equation, which needs to be addressed.
2) It's stupid because it adds nothing to the game. If you dislike the character in question, just don't bring him/her with you on quests. He'll have the same lines outside of quests, and you're not required to talk with them. Also, if they annoy you, why the hell did you start the romance to begin with? It's not like they have some secret personality that only comes into play after you're together (unlike real life).
3) You mention that romances that feel rushed are a waste. Consider that a break-up will necessarily take up extra game time on top of a romance, since it happens afterwards. Also, romances typically take place towards the end of a game, so there is a reduced time to make a break-up work. A break-up can feel rushed just like any other part of a story based game.
The game is called "Dragon Age", not "Days of our Dragons." | |
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imported_beer
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Joined: 30 Jan 2006
From: Texas |
Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 03:07PM |
I am confused. How are you even going to get the time to break up with anyone? Don't most of the "confessions" happen to close to the end, anyhow.
Before Boss Battle:
Romanceable NPC: I have hidden this for all this while etc etc. You shine, you glow, you are greased lightning. I love you, I worship you, I crave you.
PC: a) I accept, b) Go DIAF, c) I consider you my friend.
Then you guys usually go and fight the baddie boss villain right? When are you going to break up then? During the battle?
Villain: Ha. You may have struck me now. But have you ever thought about what could have been, if I had been you, and you had been me.
PC to romanceable NPC: I find the human hotter, I am breaking up with you, elf.
Kinda ruins the moment doesn't it.
Unless it is like BG2, where the romance actually goes through steps- romance, commitment, engagement...(shudder) marriage, how does a breakup help us? From what I have read about DA, it doesn't sound like it is going to be as long as BG2 was- so...is it even possible to incorporate such a detailed romance?
The previous poster Sythion made a brilliant point- at some point, it starts crossing over to soap opera territory. I am not exactly sure when it does but certain elements like teary breakups and makeups, your boyfriend turning up to be your mother- those kind of things do not help too much. | |
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DeathnightF1
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From: London |
Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 03:41PM |
Quote: Posted 11/26/07 14:26 (GMT) by Sythion
1) There's more to a break-up then, "Hey, I don't want to be together anymore." Consider what happens to the players conversations with that character afterwards. If they just ignore the fact that they were ever together, that would feel artificial and gamey.
So you are advocating not being able to end a relationship at all? How on earth is that NOT artificial and gamey?
Quote: 2) It's stupid because it adds nothing to the game. If you dislike the character in question, just don't bring him/her with you on quests. He'll have the same lines outside of quests, and you're not required to talk with them. Also, if they annoy you, why the hell did you start the romance to begin with? It's not like they have some secret personality that only comes into play after you're together (unlike real life).
How do you know? Are you wrting the script or the dialogue that you know how a romance will plan out?
Quote: 3) You mention that romances that feel rushed are a waste. Consider that a break-up will necessarily take up extra game time on top of a romance, since it happens afterwards. Also, romances typically take place towards the end of a game, so there is a reduced time to make a break-up work. A break-up can feel rushed just like any other part of a story based game.
How much of a brake up are you looking at here? I am not advocating a gerry springer tears and hair ripping end to a relationship.
I am not saying i dont want relationships in the game, i very much do, and i am unlikely to brake them. However i dont see why there isnt some way to quickly and quitely end a relationship before it hits a full blown im carrying your baby relationship.
As for my comment on romances being a waste, i read it again and it doesnt come out as i want it to, also note i said if they are rushed. I just feel that romances that go from hello to sleeping together in 3 hours to be odd, and considering that DA is supposed to be shorter than BG2 i worry if a good romance will fit properly, though i am sure bioware, david gaider and the writers are more than capable. However i think NWN and KOTOR had bad romances.
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Michael FurlongEdited By DeathnightF1 on 11/26/07 15:50 | |
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Sythion
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Posted: Monday, 26 November 2007 03:52PM |
Quote: Posted 11/26/07 15:41 (GMT) by DeathnightF1
So you are advocating not being able to end a relationship at all? How on earth is that NOT artificial and gamey?
Because unless it's intentionally added as an issue in the game, there's no reason to break up with a character. At all. Ever. Therefore the gaminess of this concept never comes into question.
Quote: How do you know? Are you wrting the script or the dialogue that you know how a romance will plan out?
Uhh.. because this is a Bioware game and not a romance simulator?
Quote: How much of a brake up are you looking at here? I am not advocating a gerry springer tears and hair ripping end to a relationship. When i advocate an end to a relationship, im just thinking of some quick dialogue to easily and preferably quitely end a relationship.
The severity of a break-up is irrelevent. Keep in mind that most romances in RPGs are done with a happily ever after approach. The romance begins, culminates, and then it's complete and is not brought up again. Since nothing happens, breaking up to stop nothing from happening is kinda pointless, don't you think? Oh, and if you want to break off the relationship before it reaches its climatic point, there's always an option for that.
In the end, I think the severity of the romance is what you're confused about. I think you believe the romance will continue on with tons of discussions and issues that come up after you officially become a couple. I doubt that's going to happen. Again, this is not a soap opera.  Edited By Sythion on 11/26/07 15:54 | |
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