Mass Effect 2 is not only often regarded as the best game of the original trilogy, but it also expanded the romance options in a way that didn’t exist in the first Mass Effect game. The sequel added new options for both male and female Shepard, some of which were human and some of which were alien. February is “Creative Romance Month,” which is the perfect time to go through some of the best romances from the Mass Effect games. Perhaps the most emotionally fulfilling romance of all exists between Jack and male Commander Shepard.
Players meet Jack, also known as Subject Zero, after getting her out of cryostasis on a Blue Suns ship. Cerberus negotiated for her release from the gang, but things don’t quite go according to plan. From the moment players encounter Jack, it’s clear that she’s a powerful and dangerous biotic. What players didn’t anticipate is that underneath all the tattoos, scars, and take-no-crap attitude, is one of the best romances in Mass Effect 2. The overarching story isn’t really done justice in Mass Effect 3, but that doesn’t cheapen the love between Shepard and Jack.
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First, it would be remiss to dive in without mentioning that, during the development of Mass Effect 2, Jack was conceptualized and written as pansexual. She was initially intended to have been open to a romance with either male or female Shepard. However, the idea was scrapped for fear of backlash, so she’s only got a romance with male Shepard in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. Though it’s disappointing she can only be romanced by male Shepard, their story is still endearing and heartwarming.
It’s not a stretch to say that Jack had a hard life growing up. She spent her days staring at the walls of her Cerberus cell, being loaded up with drugs and tortured to become the strongest biotic possible. She was scarred, and deep down it seems like she’s still that scared little girl in the facility. Players wouldn’t know it though, because Jack is typically busy throwing people against the wall, yelling obscenities, and generally enjoying the bloodshed.
She was taught to enjoy killing, but she also adapted to not trusting anyone, or only sticking with someone for so long before thinking they would turn on her. Unfortunately, her life was colored with these instances of people seemingly being there for her, before turning on her. She’s understandably skeptical when Shepard shows any interest in her, romantic or otherwise, for that reason. She’s not used to genuine connections with people, always thinking someone is out to get something from her.
To be fair, if players choose the “Renegade” option of sleeping with Jack early on, Jack will consider herself proven right and refuse to talk to Shepard anymore. In Jack’s mind, Shepard will have gotten what he wanted from her, proving her theory that someone always wants something from her. Players can avoid this misstep in the relationship by choosing to tell Jack they want to get to know her more, which will confuse her, but she’ll continue talking to Shepard later on.
If players continue to approach and talk to Jack, eventually she’ll get abrasive and ask Shephard why he keeps talking to her, asking if Shephard’s got feelings for her. When Shephard says he does, Jack shuts down and pushes him away, just like she’s done with pretty much everything else in her life. Including those affectionate to her, everyone has always been at arm’s length for Jack, which is heartbreaking to see.
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Jack will later reveal that there once was a man who had planned a future for the two of them, but he was killed saving her. So not only did Jack grow up in a sterilized, hostile environment, but she also lives with a massive amount of survivor’s guilt. The man didn’t have to sacrifice himself for her, yet he did, and that tears her up inside. Her story is a rare moment of vulnerability that she doesn’t award to many people.
Nicknamed the “psychotic biotic,” Jack has never needed anything from anyone. She was taught to be bloodthirsty and vicious, but also learned people would regularly screw her over in her life. It’s understandable why she’s so hesitant and aggravated when Shepard shows interest, because almost everyone else in her life has proven they only wanted to use her.
Shepard cracks her tough exterior though, and it scares her. Until the events of Mass Effect 2, Jack had lived her life on the offensive. Then here comes this commander who tells her it’s okay for her to let her walls down — that it’s okay to let down her defenses. For a survivor like Jack, that’s daunting and terrifying. For players, it’s an emotionally fulfilling journey from start to finish.
Jack’s growth as a character, seen by players through the eyes of Shepard, is what makes her not only a fan-favorite character but a top-tier romance as well. The night before the Suicide Mission, Jack unexpectedly comes to Shepard and tells him that he was right, and that maybe she does need someone. She’ll cry, which is heartbreaking for players to see and yet necessary for Jack’s character development, as Shepard will comfort her and have a moment that’s more than a fling of her past.
Shepard and Jack’s romance doesn’t have to end in Mass Effect 3, though they don’t have as many moments together as other romantic choices. Players who choose to continue to romance Jack in Mass Effect 3 will still see some sincere scenes between the two of them, but nowhere near as extensive as Mass Effect 2. Despite this, it’s clear that Jack cares deeply for Shepard, even if it’s hidden behind sex jokes.
With the release of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition right around the corner, players will have tons of moments to look forward to revisiting Jack and Shepard’s groundbreaking, sincere love story.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is available for preorder and releases May 14 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
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