Prior character-specific missions leading up to these missions with a character may or may not involve romance. These missions are the culmination of the romance with a character. While all romance options include unique dialogue and scenes, some missions are specifically romantic.
If Ryder has the option to choose the Flirt (large heart) option during conversations, dialogue that is normally romantic with a potential partner will be changed to dialogue that deepens the friendship. Mass Effect Fanon was created in February of 2010 with the purpose of becoming a community where dedicated Mass Effect fans could create and share their fanon based on the Mass Effect franchise. If Ryder is not of the preferred gender, deepening friendship will replace romance. Some potential romantic partners prefer one gender to another. This tone choice has a small heart icon but deals with Ryder's psychological profile and has nothing to do with romance. The game takes place in the year 2186, with the player reprising the role of an elite human soldier named Commander Shepard, who is in the middle of a galactic-scale invasion of Reapers - sentient starships that wipe out all technologically advanced organic life in the galaxy. The Emotional Response Tone Choice during conversations does not move romances forward. Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.Ryder has to flirt many times to develop a romance and the option to lock in a romance will be very clearly stated. This isn't an all or nothing one time conversation choice. Such conversations are tagged with a unique "Friendship" conversation option. To romance Jaal, Ryder must first develop their friendship. Except with Jaal, these are the only conversation options that will move a romance forward. Romance conversation options show a heart icon known as "Flirt" when hovered over.
Some side missions and cutscenes progress differently if romance is in play. Romance has no impact on storyline missions, but does add to the atmosphere.