Hi, long time lurker - very bored and had a thought on romances, so I'd thought I'd break the silence.
I can't actually remember playing a game where you started in a romance and then had to take it from there, but I think that would be interesting. For example; In Jade Empire, you and the girl next door ghost seeing girl (I forget her name) have some history, but it still takes the same amount of time to develop as if you pursue something with Silkfox (Think that's the correct name).
Perhaps if we're thinking of where romances could go, then that's a great example of a missed opportunity. Had you been involved (or had the option to state you were involved, ala what happened to Revan in TSL), then either remaining loyal to her despite other characters advances or breaking up with her and making off with others would have been far more interesting than having to work at getting to a smooch. When we have romance options, it really is just courting options, but that's perhaps only 1% of what relationships are really about.
Yes, probably a lot harder to write and implement, but still - working at getting just one kiss is really where romances are becoming stale. Maybe explore other aspects of them?
Thoughts?
