Fluffsy

Yes and... No? You'll see I guess.

Somehow I'm not surprised. I still have chills every time I speak with GM - I can't imagine playing the game without her in my party. Can't you? Have you completed her quest? Because I found her approach somewhat offputting. I couldn't imagine playing without her because of Mind Blades and Blind though. I have not yet completed the quest, however I do not shy away from disturbing stuff. I actually prefer it over cookie-cutter "all is good" resolutions. So far I loved everything involving her. Me liking mystery stories, illusions and mind-affecting magic has something to do with it I guess

Somehow I'm not surprised. I still have chills every time I speak with GM - I can't imagine playing the game without her in my party.

Everyone knows "real" "gamers" hate to read. Amiright guys? Guys ?..

Or let them create something new and not recycle same characters all over again? Party banter is a simple talk between companions. It is a good distraction while traveling. I'm not sure what your expectations were, but I don't see how they can be any better. There are jokes, small talk, arguments - little bit of everything. I haven't finished the game yet, but so far all of the companions are above average in my book. Yes some are less interesting than others, but everyone has their own tastes. I for one LOVE Grieving Mother. But I'm a mystery story junkie, so I guess I'm a little biased in that regard.

You get used to it. It was hard at first, but once I started searching for the green endurance bar I accustomed to it over time and now it works perfectly for me.

Here we go again.. {grabs popcorn}

Combat is fairly simply. Just have your front liner(s) stand in first and wait until they occupy enemies. Use "+ X enemies engaged" stuff so they can attract more opponents at the same time and then engage with the rest of the party - don't rush in, just wait until enemy reaches your front liners. Also I suggest turning on "auto slow mode in combat" and auto pause ever 3-5 seconds until you get a hang on positioning, target focus and spell usage. Crowd control and debuff spells seem to be the most powerful ones.

Items (gear), food, potions, resting bonuses. The increase in stats through any source also works for scripted interactions and conversations, which is great.

I think you are doing something wrong dude. My rogue, playing on hard:

Playing on Hard. Had to turn back from the first dungeon I found since I couldn't handle group of 7 mobs when I only have 3 party members. I bet I'm not supposed to go there yet, got my ass whooped pretty hard. So far the difficulty seems fair, need to get used to all the mechanics so there is that.

Dexterity and Perception all the way! Gotta be able to find and steal them treasures.

ME 1: Garrus, Wrex, Ashley, Tali ME 2: Garrus, Thane, Tali ME 3: Garrus, Tali, Ashley I loved most of the companions honestly, but my least favorites are by far Jacob and Vega (stereotypical and uninspired). Garrus is my bro, calibratin' all day 'er day. Wow!... I'd never guess you liked Garrus that much (joking ) ' Badass. Garrus is a badass - yes. I loved him from the moment we met till the very end. While his "calibrations" thing is iconic, I for one love the few last moments the most. The "bar in heaven" part is by far the most memorable (along with Javik's "visiting the graves of fallen comrades for one last time".) Shepard is waiting for him at the bar in whatever afterlife there is and I bet he wont mind buying.

I just hope that not every side-content hobo you encounter will be a demigod prince of darkness whooping the player's ass without a sweat My most memorable encounter in DA:O was a Hermit in the elven forrest. If anything I wish more encounters like that one.

ME1: Wrex and Garrus. Romances suck, none for me. ME2: Mordin, Garrus and Zaeed. Romances suck, tho friendly time with Kelly is fluff and cute - she is welcome to feed my fish anytime. ME3: Garrus and maybe EDI, but just because she is something different. As for romances, Traynor takes the cake, the only romance I liked through the trilogy and I played through it like 5 times.