Reyes Vidal - No longer A Mystery (Official Thread)

You make light of it, but this is the kind of shit that can scar you for life... kill you, even

Hmmm, so that's how it is? Well, they can't hit what they can't see... or be sure with the existence of. I approve of the idea. And it seems that  it's standard issue for intergalactic travel, the hit of 2080s, too.

Well, yeah, definitely Problems stemming from lack of gun exluded, that is.

Agreed in all points, I survived the "honey" thing just by telling myself it's just Garrus trying to sweet talk Shepard into letting him make her hot tub into a murder instrument of doom, and have a little headcanon of Shepard running away from the engine room in ME2, when she realizes what she's just suggested, coming back after an hour of pacing in the cargo hold with a speech and about ten excuses, tearing down the myth Commander Shepard never says sorry. That said, I like Garrus and the relationship that develops between him and Shepard, though it's certainly more because of the off the record stuff, than how the romance is actually written. More about what happens tha what is said. But when there's RP, there's appropriation and headcanon anyway, so it works.

Now there's a very, very high change of that for sure, especially if he'd get more space in the later games. He'd also had one game of not being sort of bland for a headstart so unless someone somewhere royally screwed up, I can see something epic happening

 
Hmm, I never played BG1, so annoying Jaheira got the boot out of the party after the first mission and never ever returned. But seriously, to forget Cortez Ughhh how dumb of me. Guess by now the recording is little more than background noise to my brain.

I apologize for being unclear, on this and every other occasion. Actually, it’s unbelievable someone would bear with my ranting mess all this time. But since your original point was that Reyes’ secretiveness might have screwed up some of his relationships and angered people (I belive Zia was an example), considering their exact relationship seemed relevant to me. Why would anyone feel angered by the person they sometimes fuck not telling them anything or guarding their privacy? Why would they even care about anything about that person that’s more than skin deep- and doesn’t concern them personally in any way- if there was no attachment to begin with, not to mention getting murderously vitriolic about them? It’s a given Reyes didn’t care about Zia, but if Reyes didn’t matter to Zia enough, nothing purely personal about him or their relationship would prompt any feelings of being slighted and need to get back at him, lethally at best... (a place for honorable mention of Zitrus suggestion that he might have refused her, that’s a good one that might work in that regard)
Which is still why I’d go with the conflict between them stemming from selfishness of both sides only, perhaps some professional rivalry and very likely some business gone sour, not really anything about Reyes’ person, secrets etc.

Though it might be potentially funny if it weren’t even Zia who stirred the whole action, but someone else making use her anger to remove Reyes... perhaps someone who was already suspicious of him. Pure speculation, though, there are no such indications whatsoever.

Of course, taking this generally and Zia-free, you’re right, it’s definitely easier for Reyes not to keep any friends he would have to lie to. But with non-friends and casual acquitances one doesn’t have to care all that much about the picture they make of them, nor is there so much need to make excuses of any kind. So by his not having close friends nobody gets damaged by his lies, and consequetly there’s nobody to hold it against him so much as to consider their ties damaged. I may have strayed from the original point, misread it or forgotten it, though.

Your point is fine, perhaps mine is not clear enough. Yeah, she might well take that notice but unless that appeared in a bubble over her head, there’s no way for anyone to tell that or anything else she might be thinking in that whole scene. Ryder doesn’t change the situation all that much, Sloane’s out of options the moment she chooses to enter that cave anyway (Which is, I agree, the one original dumb move. Seriously, who in their right mind gets to meet people who very possibly want to dispose of them, in caves -emphasize, caves, for fuck’s sake- of their own choosing?).
Any moment she spends in that cave she can get killed. She can refuse the duel and risk getting killed outright. She can try to run.. but err, seriously? As you pointed out, there’s no way for her to know there are not fifty guns aimed at her at the moment. And the Pathfinder would, frankly, be similarly totally screwed if they weren’t an acquaitance of Reyes’. She doesn’t have it figured out at all, has no power over the situation, can’t be sure what she’s up against and the poor choice of associate is just the final fuck-up on the list. She might as well pretend to be blind and deaf about the Ryder/Reyes business because she’s screwed anyway. Out of curiosity, what would your exit strategy be in a case where there’s none? I know I’d just probably mentally bash my head against the rock, saying "oh, fuck me, dumb me, I’m dead now, I might just as well take that duel. Also, go fuck yourself, Ryder asshole."

Well, Mr. Sniper Guy is just indispensable. Where would Reyes even be without him? Besides nobody knows Mr. Sniper Guy so perhaps his presence would raise less question as he could be waved off as some random field commander giving orders to his squad... Loool at Reyes vs krogan catfight. Now I want a fanart of this so bad. With the continuation with Mr. Sniper guy finishing the krogan off I bet Reyes would wish someone had actually put some thought into his loadout.

Think Evfra would not recognize the guy that makes him go nuts during their dealings? (I suppose they talked through vidcon at least) That would definitely be a serious argument for all people being the same... Though there’s definitely something about Evfra having that stuffy expression and wondering about what the guy is doing in his shuttle with such apparent entitlement.

Officially confirmed- no dlc. The only way we can get more Reyes is through books and graphic novels.

orchid , you always post the prettiest screenshots.

Also, just saw this:


source.


God, I hate being right sometimes.  Guess I'll go try to track down where this was finally announced.

Was Reyes and Scott's dance ever fixed?

Bahh, fuck. So that's how it ends. Sad and largely undeserved. And those are all the words I'm wasting on the dlc shit.

Lol, that thought I won't even wonder why Evfra would let some Vidal guy pilot his personal shuttle, this is too great. I think he should at least know who he is (he's an alien fromanother glaxy working for him, after all), even though he's his clueless self after the big reveal.. Well, they should see people similar, shouldn't they? People recognize other people well enough but are much worse at differentiating between examples of other species... so perhaps it works even for the aliens, unless they're super evolved or something?

My entire point, that. He may lie all the time but who will actually care about the truth? Random people and shady business partners? They're too busy covering their own precious behinds.

Hmmm, yeah, now I see what you were getting at in the first place. I admit at some moment somewhere I misread your point and as it concerned relationships and interactions aka the topics I'm generally quite impossibly callous about, I should have either kept my hands off the keyboard or do the necessary squinting I usually need to address these things properly and with some empathy. I failed at that as keeping people at arm's length has been my never-contested mode of operation ever since I've acquired the little brains I have so I gave it way too little thought. Oh, but it needs special thinking, somebody might have problems with that and actually not want that.. yeah, if I stare at it very intently for an hour, I may see some subtle hints of that, but before that I get confused and stray from the point when it is mentioned as something non-natural that brings its downsides.. I apologize for starting this mess, it's really not my intention to bring about any unchillness or frustration, this place is way too great for that.

That said, yep, Reyes might be undermining himself with all that dishonesty but perhaps the risk just outweighs the pros in the long run? After all who can you trust and how can you be sure? Those claims about trust are very quaint but that might as well be all they are, look at how Sloane met her end... Dishonesty might threaten you, but trust can kill you outright. All the secrecy about the Charlatan business is a necessity and supposing Reyes is more on the practical side, he should well know that, emotion free. (So, that might as well be his only train of thought. No one can have it all. If such a thing would actually weigh too much on him, it would prove he has chosen a bad line of business indeed). I probably wrote this part only to cover for the misinterpretation that turned it into a psychedelic drama. I suggest no more about that before it drives us all nuts
Hmm, that's actually great. If he stated his business outright that might make for a beautiful case of diverging paths, actually. And they could have done that, they already started with Vehn.. To sulk a while and then say "whatever" would be my dream scenario in the case we have, though. I think there's going to be some headcanon needed when I get there, Ryder really seems to be way too fine with stuff for once, as in-
 a big revelation and a very dramatic murder and whatnot, let's make out? Huh... a breather, please?

Sloane shit

All that excitement and theories and now we are left kinda wondering where to go from here. There's always fanfiction, but even then some people have different gendered Ryder's and different personalities, so that also wouldn't really be the same either. I was really banking on more romance opportunities with Reyes and more time with the characters I liked- Cora, Vetra, etc. 

I'm just like, I mean, I figured that they would keep Ryder as the protagonist and do an epic Mass Effect 2 type sequel that amped up the story to 100% and threw it back to the feel of the original series (like maybe Ryder and co. get hints that the Archon's people are going for a counterattack and bringing the best, but the Nexus isn't ready for that type of attack.) I think just giving up Andromeda because people say frozen face memes before they saw actual good or bad reviews for the game is a little too premature. 

I mean how many game series can we as a community list off where we say "the first game is alright, but two is where it gets really good, so I'd start there." 

No. The wording Ian Frazier used in reply when he was asked about it once sounded, at least in retrospect, like they never even intended to. I know they use corporate speak, but as I said back then, a simple “no, we won’t fix it ever” would’ve been preferable.

Not sure there’s really a need to go anywhere. There weren’t really any open ends in need of closure or any holes to patch (animations aside). In and of itself, the romance was very good and will always remain one of the better parts of MEA. I feel okay with things; as a game, it was better than ME3, and I finally got a good romance out of it, one that felt specifically crafted for my exact wishes.  I guess it helps that I haven’t expected any DLC for months now.

I assume that even if they eventually make a new ME game and situate it in Andromeda, they’ll do a timed jump. Unlikely, yes, but not impossible. Their other options are bravely picking a ME3 ending and sticking with it (but they won’t dare, even if it would be the smartest option), or some boring prequel crap about the First Contact War (a pure shooter, mostly created for multiplayer, I’d suspect).

Maybe a 50 year jump? Imagine encountering Reyes then? Enough time has passed to explain away any discrepancies about whether or not he or Sloane won way back then. Now he’s an older information broker-cum-crime lord with the Collective a vast spy network with its tentacles here and there. If they avoided Cerberus treatment, it could be interesting. And a gracefully aged, charmant Reyes with gray hair could be… a nice sight to see.

Also if our player character wasn’t a babby like Ryder, but closer to Shepard’s age or older, there might even be a new romance there. I doubt Reyes and Ryder will be together forever anyway, and if any LI would be fitting for this, it would be Reyes. Well, that’s some wild guesswork, but whatever.


Ryder is nonchalant about everything.  Shepard nearly committing suicide over Thessia in ME3 was terrible, and as usual, BioWare backpedaled way too hard. Ryder gives no fucks. Dad dead? Lol whatevs. Boyfriend a criminal kingpin that just murdered a rival? Eh, nothing’s changed.  Nuances would be welcome, but still, I didn’t hesitate for a second lol.

Not really, IMO. The Collective is interested in cooperation with the Initiative and doesn’t hate them, and Ryder knows this. SAM records Ryder’s situation at all times, so the Nexus would know how they died. This murder would serve as a guarantee that all relations would be soured for possibly decades. Ryder is aware that unless the Charlatan is insane, they won’t lay a finger on them. This is also the reason Sloane wants Ryder to come.

Doesn’t she say “you’re an outsider”? I can’t remember the exact words, but I think she believes Ryder to impartial – despite doing her utmost to antagonize Ryder at every turn, ha.

She simply has no other options. It’s interesting, really. Sloane is a traitor to the AI, yet she seems to have this air of claiming to be “honorable” and requiring “loyalty” of her thugs. Hence, once she becomes a victim of treason by her own people (they once betrayed the AI, why not betray again?), she loses it utterly. If she wasn’t a dishonorable little traitor herself or if she owned up openly that she was, she might have borne the event better and maybe made sane decisions.

Eesh. I'll be honest. I've read all of the novels save for 'Nexus Uprising' (I have it, I just haven't had the desire chance to read it, yet), and Cora is kind of the last person I feel like reading more backstory on. We already know about ALL THE ASARI HUNTRESSES, and her ties to Alec, so I'd honestly rather read a book about anyone else...

I liked when the books tied in a bit with the games, but skirted bigger issues. Like everything Karpyshyn wrote. I don't want to have to look outside of the games to understand what happens in the games. That's seriously a massive gripe I had about ME3. Where is Emily Wong? Oh, she died on twitter you say? Because we needed Jessica Chobot in this game. Right. Also? Anderson and Sanders were friends, but they were never a couple. She turned him down and the angst was awesome. Because I'm a terrible person and unrequited love is delicious. They need to keep better track of their own damn lore.

Questions as to the benefactor, the quarian Ark and Ellen Ryder really shouldn't be answered outside of the game. But whatever.

Sniff. I was really looking forward to seeing who the Ark's Pathfinder would be. Because a quarian SAM is so incredibly intriguing. 

I agree with all of this!!!

While it would have been nice to see how things ultimately play out with Reyes - are all the naysayers correct, will he ultimately betray Ryder in an evil nefarious way, or will he keep his word about "no more secrets between us"? - I am kind of used to not getting what I want with BioWare romances, so open endings aren't quite so bad. Especially in this case, because my Reyes headcanon is lovely.

I really do hope this isn't the end for Ryder, but again, I didn't want to let go of Hawke in the Dragon Age universe, so, I'm aware I'll survive either way.

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I've been working on what I would do if I were working on the sequel... and, like, there's so many places they could go. The only downside is less Ryder/Reyes with what I'm working with. (and also the fact that I am not an employee of Bioware, and I have years before I get my english degree, so this could likely never happen.)

But those are little technicalities.

I've always found DAI the worst offender in this. It just felt like there was always something, people, places, events I was supposed to know for things to add up and of course didn't because I never manage to make myself read these things... ME is either fine in that regard or I missed too much it ceased to matter... but I still don't have a clue who that Chobot woman who got Emily killed is. Matter of principle. Also, agreed with you and Zitrus, seriously, Cora - of all people- gets a book? 
It doesn't have to be a Quarian SAM, though, what if Blasto's half brother got himself the place of the Pathfinder for the Ark?

It could eventually get pretty awkward when one's alien LI changes outfit or sheds their distinguishing marks for once. "Jaal, my love, you look so wonderful today, what a gorgeous poncho!! "Jaal? What Jaal, I'm not Jaal, I'm *insert name* the gardener, get those hands off me, creep, or this gets reported!!!"

There's quite a high chance they won't, but till it's confirmed otherwise I'll hope they will. I like returning protagonists, so much room for them to grow.
Well, I already suggested something similar and since humans live to be about hundred, why not. Let's hope the doc is just being a hypochondriac with all these "too old" complaints, or just really ancient (100+) and looking great for his age But really, I think that such a jump wouldn't be so effective as most of the protagonists would still probably live and would be expected to appear in some capacity, so it would be quite counterproductive if the jump was made to put distance between the new game and the original one. If they indeed do a time jump I'd expect either a comparatively small one or a hundred or so years forward and MEA as water under the bridge.. (and of course, in the latter case I'd just expect Reyes to have achieved effective immortality and make a return, till the thought got absolutely disproved )



Yeah, absolutely. Share your thoughts before technicalities are overcome?

BloodOfShiagur

What I am about to suggest is basically an idea for if ME wanted to step away from Ryder, while still having both them and Andromeda alive and kicking. I posted a very early idea on Reddit a while back and I would still like it to somehow happen. I for one adore Ryder (and of course, Reyes) but I got to thinking about how I would make a story/game for Mass Effect that I would play. Just throwing this quick disclaimer out there!




Gameplay Features: (note I am not a game dev, so I can't really tell if these ideas are too much or something feasible. I did my best though!

1. Open World.

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Exploring in Mass Effect would instead be designated to hubs and to mission locations. You will have basic hubs to contend with, but the world of Andromeda will be more linear and more focused. With some story missions, comes the inclusion of more hubs- upon completing the mission- and each hub comes with unique opportunities, events, personalities, and even equipment and armor. For example- one hub will have an Artimax Arena type thing, while another is perfect for gambling. With a similar idea to Deus Ex: Human Revolution- players can stumble on terminals with messages sent back and forth between people in the galaxy, with lived in homes to explore that add depth to the world- without merely adding depth to missions. Sometimes being a snoop can even lead to unique side quests and stories.

2. The Romance/Relationship system we were promised.

Players can now tell NPC's that they're interested in not being serious or into open relationships- allowing for more romance and the added potential for lighthearted romantic encounters around the Galaxy. Some quest givers or characters you meet along the way will have the potential to begin romantic relationships with the player- some will be "flings" while others will a little more serious. The game will take how you like your romance into account, and although there might be some disappointed NPC's and some rejections from characters primarily into monogamy, ultimately you will not be punished for the type of gameplay you desire. These relationships, particularly those outside of the confides of your ship, will be of many genders and species- giving more variety and more inclusion. Want to date the cute engineer in your ship, while also being in a relationship with the polyamorous Asari you met on the second mission? You absolutely can.

With a revamped gift giving system from Dragon Age: Origins, you can give gifts to your potential or current LI's as you play. If you listen to your LI's, you can receive unique opportunities to go out on various dates or have unique interactions tailored to how you play your relationship. However, you can also give gifts to LI's that you're not into as well, which would lead to some cool ME3 inspired hang outs, so players uninterested in romances can still have fun.

3.) A new perspective on protagonists

I initially pitched this idea on another forum post, but I'll share it here two. Basically- I don't want a space messiah. Instead I would prefer to play a protagonist in similar standing with Alenko and Williams from ME1. I would prefer to have an NPC be in a commanding role while my character either attempts to influence them or merely goes with the flow. To make constant earth shattering decisions is kinda stress inducing, and while some players enjoy having control in their games, I think it would be unique to see a game where it forces you to think to get what you want- instead of forcing you to google the consequences of your actions or ponder at a screen for fifteen minutes. If you want your commander to listen to you- maybe you have to smooze with them to get them prior to missions to get them to listen to you. Maybe you have to argue your case with squadmates and get them to either change their minds or speak up.

This could also lead to more drama- I mean imagine a secret relationship with your superior? Imagine a system where certain missions your character sits out on depending on your playthrough- which could lead to some new dialogue with fellow squadmates. Imagine your boyfriend- the Quarian infiltrator- is in the mission and suddenly, on the squads comm link to the ship, you hear gunfire, screaming, and the line goes dead? What would you do?

Just a thought.

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