bah, humbug
I just finished the game (finally), and while I really loved all other aspects of the game, this is the part that really left me feeling gypped. Be warned... it is NOT the same for male and female characters. The romantic interest between Carth and a female character just... vanishes. Poof. Which really bites, since a friend told me how the relationship between a male character and Bastila is vital to the ending. But once you finish Carth's side quest (even before that, really), all those great romantic clashes that made me enjoy the game so much more than any other I've played in a long time just stopped. Talk about dropping the ball!
I wasn't expecting fireworks (though what I've heard about male characters and the slave quarters seems awfully unfair, though I haven't tried a male character so that's only hearsay for me), but I really loved the interaction between my character and Carth. I loved how they'd yell at each other. I loved how my choices could practically make him tear his hair out at the beginning. And I hated how suddenly he became about as responsive (and as interesting) as the Wookie. Suddenly one of the things that I loved best about playing the game disappeared without warning or reason. So I finished the game and felt ultimately unfulfilled. Which is doubly sad cause the ending kicks major butt in all other aspects.
Games are already too gender biased. I was expecting so much more from Bioware and LucasArts. More women are playing (and buying) games, and this is the kind of game that most of them would really enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I love the game. I love the interface. I love the graphics. I love the game mechanics. I love the story. I love watching the baddies fall under the blade of my 'saber. But it still left me feeling gypped and cheated at the end. I could make a very sarcastic comment about the typical male 'great romantic lead in but the inevitable lack of followthrough/satisfaction', but I won't. Oh, wait, I just did!
So enjoy the first half of the game, because the last half will leave you high and dry. At least on the romantic front.
