Also, just to note one other thing about the dialogue options and the Paragon/Renegade system, you're now a lot more free to pursue both if you wish (without having to waste talent points). You can essentially build up both your Paragon and Renegade meters, and it can be intentional, or it can be natural.
I frequently pick the evil choices in these games as I find them far more entertaining, but while my Renegade meter is higher right now, my Paragon meter has also had a surprisingly decent amount of points pumped into it. Many of the choices are still black-and-white, but there is some more variety there in general and occasionally you'll be getting Paragon or Renegade points and wonder what exactly led to that.
I've also chosen the "good" option at times when it comes to minor characters because their plight came across effectively, which is very rare for me (I do pick good options in these games, but mostly for major characters I like or certain plot-points I wish to pursue). That wasn't the case for me in the first ME.
I just wish the male Shepard actor could put some more emotion in his voice. It would lend some of the scenes, especially when he gets angry, a lot more power. It's actually very amusing sometimes. I'll pick the red Renegade option, and he'll deliver some otherwise hard-boiled line in mostly monotone, and then some really tough-looking Krogan will be like "man, I didn't know humans could be so forceful", with no irony whatsoever.
I never did play as the female Shepard. Might have to try her out next time around.
