Ok
It happens that sometimes people just can't make themselves understood to each other. It's pretty funny in this case as we do agree that Larian have created the expectation of romance. I also agree it would be bull**** (aka straight up dishonest) to claim people misinterpreted the comments about becoming lovers. Or to brush potential complaints off as people being wrong to assume some form of romantic content (however you might define romance) in the game. But that presupposes that Larian have indeed cut all forms of romantic content - so let's not jump to conclusions as the game hasn't released yet.
Our point of contention is that I consider the artwork (3 pieces ITT) and title by themselves to be insufficient evidence to conclude that romance (as commonly understood to include a sexual component resulting from a series of romantic dialogue choices) is in the game.
And to repeat myself, this is where our argument gets confusing... because yes, definitions are crucially important in arguments, which is the reason why academic articles will begin by defining their terms yes? Concepts like romance and love are notoriously malleable and open to varied interpretation - hence my astonishment that you seem to find it hard to believe I can look at the artwork/cover/title to see and expect something different from another person. Or that a romantic interpretation is somehow so strong and obvious as to indicate the extent of the protagonists intimacy.
As it is I'm left wondering what you are smoking
(Though this is not a very helpful thing to say is it? Ie it is insubstantial and inconsequential to the argument. As is claiming I am arguing that the sky is not blue, or making a mountain into some dirt, or that I am trying to sweep something under the rug, or arguing circularly that it is obvious because it is obvious.)
Question: Do you think the artwork and title by themselves, obviously and with no logical capacity to expect otherwise, indicate a bioware-style romance? If not necessarily a bioware style romance, do you then concede that our conception of romance is important in forming people's expectations for this game? Can you then see how this relates to my point that people will expect different things from the art and game itself according to their conception of romance?
To take the definition you gave "...but defining romance is VERY simple....a stated sentiment between the characters that reoccurs at least a couple of times", I would have no problem agreeing with you that we should all expect romance to be in the game, because it is virtually certain that sentiments will be stated between the characters many times.
The reason I am harping on about definitions is not to make some abstract theoretical point but to help illustrate my view that people can and will draw different interpretations from the art & title according to their personal conception of romance... not to mention their interpretation of humanity's original sin, capacity to find meanings in art, cultural background, pre-knowledge of the game and just because hey, we are all different.
To repeat myself, I don't deny that one can draw romantic meanings from the art and title. I am disputing your claim that the romantic meanings are so profound and abundant as to over-ride all other potential meanings and set expectations for the game.
I am saying they'd have to be incredibly stupid because it's too obvious they created the perception and assumption which would most definitely qualify as deception. It comes down to what people expect and want and not delivering on desires and expectations they created themselves would be underhanded. Is that so hard to understand?
Not at all difficult, I agree with this. You lose me with the remainder of that paragraph though. Again, we may have to agree to disagree about the extent and ways Larian have created expectations and what those expectations can reasonably be. We are arguing a moot point anyway because Larian did make those public statements about becoming lovers.
Not to worry though, I'm not personally offended beyond feeling irked that I am apparently unable to effectively communicate my position to you. I did appreciate the tone of your last post more than previous ones though, thank you. And I do appreciate your sincerity.
All that Bioware ME3 stuff you mention... Yeah, couldn't agree more. An example of a complete f*** you to their fans and I have no problems with you or anyone calling bull*** on that... BECAUSE they explicitly promised something misleading to customers - Not because of some artwork or title that is so culturally value-laden as to be open to diverse interpretation.
