Reasons to Replay

As a person who always plays an identical playthrough of the entire Mass Effect Trilogy, not sure if I am the best person to answerr this XD

saboteur6 , there are a few things you can do to change it up in your next PT.

* NG+: I did go with NG+ for my second PT. I think it's something everyone should try once. It gives you an opportunity to try completely different gameplay styles, and to truly use those Favorites throughout your PT. The Nomad keeps its upgrades, so it doesn't suck hard at the beginning. Difficulty actually begins to climb, again, at Level 90+, as enemies out-level your gear. There is a subtle gameplay "ebb and flow" in a NG+, as the difficulty shifts slightly in either direction. The infamous "NG+ Bugs" are overblown. It all revolves around Movie Night, a minor quest that can easily be saved until the end of the game, regardless of bugs. If you enjoyed the combat gameplay, NG+ might be for you.

* Change Gender: I know some persons say that they can only play as their own gender. Unless this applies to you, you should definitely switch twins. (I even have some excellent Sara Ryder faces I'd be happy to share, if you're iffy about crafting a good face.) The two twins are written and acted differently. It's worthwhile to experience the game with both characters and VAs. It goes without saying that available romance arcs are also dependent upon gender. If you do play these arcs in your PTs, there are a few that are well done. Switch it up in your second PT.

* Switch up your playstyle and gear: I touched on this is NG+, but it's worth revisiting, since it applies in either case. Try something totally different. If you don't like it, it's easy to retrain. It's nearly impossible to sample every playstyle in a single game. There is likely a lot of fun stuff you've not yet tried or considered. Crafting unique, optimized (or not) gear for your different "builds"/Favorites can freshen up the visual and mechanical experience. There are so many different guns, armors and skills to try in this game.

* Try different squad combos: The mechanical benefits of squaddies are apparent. A lot of their character development, though, happens during gameplay chatter. They also develop individual relationship dynamics amongst themselves. Some like one another, while others don't as much. Often, the character who seemed less likable ends up being pretty cool, if you take him or her along for a decent amount of time.

* Approach things in a different order: When I see people complain about this game's pacing, I can't help but wonder in which order they're playing the various missions and worlds. I certainly have a preferred order, and I know others have their own. Finding your own "correct" pace is important. Skip stuff you don't want to do. Change up the order of the missions you choose to do. See if it adds anything.

Lastly, I think "make different choices" goes without saying. I'm not in favor of changing choices simply for the sake of change, since I choose whatever makes sense for the character I'm playing. Still, there are many choices, small and large, to be made. Some may feel less consequential, at the moment; but we won't know until a sequel arrives. Either way, I tend to get immersed in my current PT, rather than worry about constructing varied game saves.

I feel like I've forgotten a major thought, but I've typed enough as is.

Renegade Ryder would have made at least as much sense as renegade Shep. The directorate of the Nexus is constantly in Ryder's face. No snide comeback to their comments possible. Even if you choose a seemingly appropriate option. What comes out of Ryder's mouth is just on the meh level. There are lots of side quests that could have provided for different Ryder reactions. Such as Something in the Water, where you're railroaded into killing the Turians. The station sabotage is another one where you're railroaded into either rewarding the guy by sending him away or by simply handing the matter to the directors, which doesn't do much in terms of choice or resolution either.

All in all Ryder doesn't come over as a strong leader, which the character is obviously designed to represent. The meetings on the Tempest are largely on autopilot and ultimately leaves the impression of a weak personality, stammering along if the crew just leaves without their permission, which is a statement about leadership in itself. I can see that kind of behavior in Peebee or Drack. I can't see it in Liam, let alone Cora.

Ryder sr, short as he's along for the ride, gives the impression of being strong. I appreciate that their offspring has still to learn the ropes, but at least after establishing on Eos there should be at least some signs of gaining some self assurance.

As I said, I played the game twice. Once with a character from scratch, the second time NG+. A third time offers little in terms of motivation, since the lack of choice is glaringly obvious. I don't expect something big on the lines of saving or destroying a universe, but I would at least have hoped for different dialogues leading to different replies. Yet the response is often exactly the same, regardless if you choose left or right. Which reminds me a little bit of FO4, where you could outright insult an NPC and they would still blabber away with the same lines as if you just had made them a compliment.