One of the biggest choices of Mass Effect, some players may not have dedicated two complete playthroughs to each gender and missed some details concerning the galaxy's views of a male or female Shepard.
There are many details about Commander Shepard that effects how they are perceived by the world of Mass Effect. Spacer, Earthborn, and Colonist are backgrounds players can choose for their Shepards, which will influence missions and characters that will appear in their playthroughs. Similarly, the Sole Survivor, War Hero, and Ruthless psych profiles impact players' Mass Effect Legendary Edition Paragon and Renegade ratings and reflect the effect of Shepard's actions on the galaxy. All of these options are available to both male and female Shepard, but Shepard's gender can completely shift cutscenes.
As one of the most popular Mass Effect Legendary Edition companions, Garrus Vakarian features charming dialogue for Commander Shepards of either gender. Shortly after recruiting Garrus, he will ask Shepard about the severity of his battle scars and provoke a witty response about Turian's tendency to cover their blemishes with paint. To female Shepards Garrus will respond with, "I'll have you know that many women find scars attractive. Granted, most of those women are krogan." This speaks to the potential romantic chemistry between the female version of Commander Shepard and Garrus Vakarian that is absent with male Shepards. Instead, Garrus will share a teasing, "Ah, probably for the best. Everyone was always ignoring you and hitting on me. Time for you to get a fair shot it," with his 'broShep' Commander.
Commander Shepard's Gender In Mass Effect Determines NPCs' Perceptions
During the Mass Effect missions to cure the genophage and rekindle reproductive abilities within the Krogan species, Commander Shepard and their crew will encounter Eve (aka Urdnot Bakara). Shortly after rescuing her from the clutches of a dangerous scientist, she and female Shepard will share a touching conversation that connects their individual struggles. Upon recognizing Shepard is a woman, Eve will remark that she is "glad to see that humans treat their women with respect" and acknowledge that "[humans] have put a lot of responsibility on [Shepard]". Shepard will respond with a sympathetic, "No more than your people have put on you." This moment of connection is an effective narrative device to acknowledge the struggles and heroes outside of the game's main campaign, and make the Mass Effect galaxy seem truly alive.
Male Shepard also receives special attention from side characters throughout Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and will be drawn into flirtatious conversations with Gianna Parasini at the Noveria Hotel bar. Both characters seek to expose Anoleis' corruption and abuse of funds, but need assistance to secure enough evidence for a conviction. The more male Shepard assists Parasini, the more affectionate they'll become. Should Parasini survive the events of Mass Effect 1, and Shepard offered his assistance, he will be rewarded with a kiss on the cheek when they reunite in Mass Effect 2.
Commander Shepard will enjoy unique dialogue and cutscenes regardless of gender, and gain access to different experiences in each playthrough. Shepard's gender will determine many interactions throughout the Mass Effect series, but do not directly influence gameplay. This allows players to enjoy Mass Effect Legendary Edition's many details with both forms of their character.