Interesting that you mentioned "orientation options" but didn't actually touch on them in your post. It sorta sounds like you've played somes games where there wasn't a distinct man/woman dynamic present and things were open-ended, and you were made uncomfortable by it. So as opposed to stepping on anyone's toes by directly stating that, you'd either like to see the romance options removed completely, or make them entirely heterosexual. And then you're protecting your stance by slapping a disclaimer on your statement saying that it's a personal opinion and not meant to be offensive, when it low-key sorta is at its core.
I'm not trying to be confrontational. I just don't understand how you're perfectly content with playing a game that that dabbles in the occult, spellcasting, demons, and planes that resemble hell, all of which are warned against and contradict the beliefs of many faiths, but two people of the same sex flirting is where you would be so disturbed that you'd call for a toggle unless all of the relationships were strictly and bluntly heterosexual.
That would be like if I made a post insinuating that I would like to see nothing but same-sex relationships or no relationship option at all because the inclusion of straight relationships would bother me.
Sweetheart, if I can manage to get over the entire "male hero saving the damsel in distress" dynamic that's been prevalent in practically everything and has been forced since the early 80's that was never a choice, I think you'll be just fine politely declining the PG-13 rated advances of video game characters that won't force you to interact with them in a sexual manner if you just choose the option that's the equivalent of "no thank you."
Great post: this deserves some golden pantaloons.
100% with you regarding the imagery/themes on show that, IMO, should be far more disconcerting to Christians.
Planes that resemble Hell and the general dark vibe of the Illithid spawn in your head scares me a lot more than 2 guys/girls having a relationship.
A toggle system sounds good actually. (Interested / not interested).
I recall in the Mass Effect series wanting to get to know the characters better and so I talked with them. I remember having to reload several times because I was suddenly forced into a romance unawares.
Ashley in ME1 was coming on full speed ahead for one, and there were others. you could easily cut yourself off from dialogs with other NPCs.
Dragon Age was another game I remember getting into some "uncomfortable" dialogs with players as well..."Hey watch where your pointing that sword!".
Anders got a little pushy for my liking: pest level is not good no matter what the sexual orientation.
