Romancing NPCs is a key part of the Mass Effect franchise, as the series has arguably pioneered the inclusion of romantic subplots in AAA RPGs. Love stories between player-characters and in-game companions are more commonplace now, but Mass Effect 4 can exceed expectations by expanding romance beyond just the player. Luckily, Mass Effect 3 already provides a great example of how this can be accomplished.
Mass Effect players are well acquainted with Shepard's many potential love interests. It sometimes seems like the whole galaxy is throwing themselves at the esteemed commander, but most of the other major NPCs of the franchise seem considerably less interested in dating other people, ostensibly remaining single unless the player decides to romance them. Mass Effect 3 introduces two exceptions to this rule, with Joker and EDI as well as Tali and Garrus. Joker and EDI will get together if Shepard recommends it, and Tali and Garrus will date if Shepard doesn't romance either of them in ME2 or ME3. This level of reactivity, where the NPCs will engage with each other based on the player's decisions, is a welcome addition, but a bit barebones.
Mass Effect 4 Needs to Let Companions Date Each Other
Mass Effect 3's focus on romance outside of Shepard is a good start, but Mass Effect 4 could take it to the next level. Romance subplots in Mass Effect, while sometimes criticized as shallow or objectifying, are often valuable, meaningful additions to the narrative experience. The world of ME is one of brutality, uncertainty, and existential dread, but the highly stressed stars of the franchise find hope and peace in romantic pursuits. Looking at the romance plots through this lens, it seems like a shame that, for the most part, Shepard is the only character who gets a major romantic partner.
How Mass Effect 4's NPC Romances Can Build Off Mass Effect 3
Although Tali and Garrus are some of the best romanceable characters in Mass Effect, them ending up together still feels like a natural and satisfying turn for the story to take. Moreover, it serves to support the illusion of a world that exists outside the player, which goes a long way toward establishing immersion. The same can be said for Joker and EDI's relationship, although the player has less of an impact on this coupling, as neither Joker nor EDI are eligible for the player to romance themselves.
Mass Effect 4 should give the player more influence over the personal lives of their crew mates, taking a few notes from ME3. ME4 would also be helped by taking a page out of Baldur's Gate 3's book, as that game lets players play matchmaker with their party members as well, albeit differently than ME3. Ideally, the next Mass Effect will feature a number of different potential couples outside the protagonist, with the game perhaps even allowing for love triangles or other conflicts based on the decisions made by the player.
There is probably an endless list of changes fans would like to see when it comes to romance in Mass Effect 4, and while it's a significant part of the franchise's legacy, it's hardly the most important element. At the same time, well-written romances have always helped the world of Mass Effect feel more believable and emotionally resonant, so BioWare should try to be as creative and ambitious and possible when implementing it in the future.