Tali romance. No doubt. Geth and Quarian alliance, Shepard always hits the news reporter. Big stupid jellyfish. All of those I just can't not do in every run.
The best part about mass effect is that there is no cannon. You can do what you want and that's just as valid.
That said, I can't really play Shepard as a real renegade. There are some great moments, but trying to save everyone and basically being a paragon is how I view Shepard when really pressed.
True dat. I don't really even have a cannon ending, though I am one of those scoundrels who is partial to synthesis. Depends too much on which Shepard I'm playing.
I usually go full paragon on the characters I like (Squadmates, Anderson, etc.) but full renegade on anyone I don't like (Saren, TIM). Romancing Liara in ME1, then going for Tali in ME2 and ME3. Leading Garrus on the "good" path. Saving the council. Geth/Quarian alliance. Curing the genophage. Synthesis.
I tried to play it different many times, but in the end I just can't help myself but to stick to these points.
Colonist // Sole Survivor: Shepard has lost everything, twice. Come out of the unlikeliest scenarios consistently.
This gives them a pragmatic view of survival and a chip on their shoulder for Batarians and Cerberus. Seeing the way people have been mistreated, Shepard goes out of their way to help those that are genuinely in need while mercilessly fucking up anyone who is causing suffering to others. Always betray Cerberus, tell TIM to fuck off in every possible scenario, probably a little prejudiced toward Batarians.
So Paragade, basically. 60/40.
"Lot's of ways to help people, sometimes heal patients, other times kill dangerous people. Either way helps." -Mordin
Paragade Shepard Shepard is a pretty strong playthrough. My Shepard tends to be a bit more diplomatic with TIM until the crew gets thrown into the truly shitty situation on the Collector ship and EDI says the Illusive Man set us up. Yes, we got the data but Shepard stops being nice about going along with TIM.
That's how I play it when I don't do sole survivor, knowing the evils they did in ME1 makes it difficult but I'll give TIM the benefit of the doubt until he throws me into the situation and lies.