Whooped Mass Effect 2 now, so I'm at a pace of less than a week for each game. And to think I was worried I wouldn't beat them before the games came out! It's incredible how much of an improvement ME2 is over the clunky ME1. It's weird what you do and don't remember. I'd totally forgotten about the existence of Ilium but I remembered the Shadow Broker was a yahg for example. I also remembered exactly who should do what and when on the Suicide Mission so once again Everybody Lives, Rose.

Vanguard was indeed fun although sometimes it would go horribly wrong. Getting the upgrade in the Collector ship and being able to use the Mattock was a game changer though. I'll stick with it for ME3. I romanced Garrus and I kind of regret it and wish I'd chosen Thane but hey ho. Don't know who I'll bang in 3 - is Garrus in 3 a good romance? I love the dude as a bro and it kind of came across as that. I remember romancing Tali was a Big Deal, and I guess I'm hot off Inquisition where I had some good romances with Blackwall and then Cullen so maybe I'm spoiled. I definitely don't want Kaidan - I chose him as I saved Ashley on my first playthrough - as he's a gigantic bellend. I don't think you can romance James or Javik (because I totally would bang Javik) I can guess that leaves Liara again (which was pretty bland but better in 2) and Specialist whatever her name is.

One thing I hated was how they handle Cerberus, especially early game. "Oh man Shepard you're with CERBERUS!?!?!?!? But they're, like, evil and stuff!" Uh, are they? Show, don't tell. All I've seen so far is them bringing me back from the dead - and let's not understate that - and giving me a dope ass spaceship. Yes, fine, later in the game you see things like Jack's facility but really early on it's incredibly jarring. It's also annoying that your best option is to basically say "nah man, they work for ME " like ugh. And most of your dialogue options with the Illusive man are "I DONT TRUST U!!!!!" Ffff. I'm cool with him. I want the option to have a cigar and brandy with him. Hell, I want the option to romance him.

Finally, I agree with Formy that the voice acting of Shepard is improved but it's still kind of bland. I'm still not convinced femshep is that superior to maleshep like you said, they're still about equal. Although I have to say Maleshep's favourite store on the Citadel aka the most important line in the game delivery is way better!