J is for John Shepard

While I'm planning on making "M" for Mass Effect, there is so much going on with the controversy surrounding the third game (especially the ending) I don't want all that to overshadow the Commander. Besides, it's his/her birthday today! (although he/she isn't even born yet)

Mass Effect's default Shepard is named John.  However, my femShep shares my name, Jenn.  Through BioWare's magic, I created a character that looks so much like me, it's actually sort of eerie. Too bad I can't put glasses on her.

Of course, the difference between everyone's Shepards is more than just appearance. The options in Mass Effect are numerous. You can be a lil' goody-goody or a complete jerk. You can romance your squad mates or ignore them. All the choices makes it sort of hard to talk about Shepard because my Shep might be the opposite of yours.

Mine tries to keep everyone happy and be friendly, but some people (like Miranda) are just jerks.

She loves Liara.

She has a space hamster named "Mr.Fuzzybottoms."

In ME 3, she got the "good red ending."  (but more on that for M day)

But, there are important things about the character of John/Jane/Jenn whatever Shepard that ring true no matter what. From the first time I played Mass Effect, I couldn't believe how much pressure is put on your character. Everyone in the galaxy is counting on you, to stop Saren, to stop the Collectors, to stop the Reapers. And the kicker is, nobody seems to believe anything you say, from "Saren's bad" to "the Reapers are real." Until, you know, they're under attack. Then it's your problem.

So whether your Shep is a John or a Jane, a solider or a vanguard, a jerk or a peace keeper, he/she is the galaxy's only hope. ( or at least one of the very few who don't have their head completely up their ass) Get ready to say "I told you so" a lot.