This game gets a bad rap. The ending does suck but it’s still pretty good
This review contains spoilers
Rating based on my Insanity run.
Thankfully ME3 walked back on some of the absolutely horrid changes to difficulty made in 2, namely every enemy in the game having an extra meter of shield or armour. Being able to roll around to dodge fire also makes it so being out of position doesn't mean you're instantly dead like it did in the previous game.
Enemies are generally quite spongy but the grunts just have health, you can throw them around with Biotics and focus on the shielded commanders. So overall a good gameplay loop exists, juggle the fodder and focus on the big baddies.
Unfortunately save for few exceptions the forces of the Reapers and Cerberus are almost entirely identical in their enemy types, to the extent that the Geth (that were ubiquitous in Mass Effect 1) almost feel like a breath of fresh air when you run through Rannoch.
So yeah, ultimately less of a hair pulling experience than ME2 on such a high difficulty, so that's a win.
I had relatively low EMS but still just above minimum as I just wanted to get through to the ending, turns out keeping the Collector Base and doing Control is one of the better endings you can get below 6k. Renegade Shep talking about how he's going to lead the galaxy through the Reapers really does feel like A Bad Sign but I enjoy it as a portrayal of an ultimately flawed man who still saved the galaxy.
Palpable sense of relief knowing I've 100%ed the achievements on Steam and can go back to playing on Normal from here on out.
Thankfully ME3 walked back on some of the absolutely horrid changes to difficulty made in 2, namely every enemy in the game having an extra meter of shield or armour. Being able to roll around to dodge fire also makes it so being out of position doesn't mean you're instantly dead like it did in the previous game.
Enemies are generally quite spongy but the grunts just have health, you can throw them around with Biotics and focus on the shielded commanders. So overall a good gameplay loop exists, juggle the fodder and focus on the big baddies.
Unfortunately save for few exceptions the forces of the Reapers and Cerberus are almost entirely identical in their enemy types, to the extent that the Geth (that were ubiquitous in Mass Effect 1) almost feel like a breath of fresh air when you run through Rannoch.
So yeah, ultimately less of a hair pulling experience than ME2 on such a high difficulty, so that's a win.
I had relatively low EMS but still just above minimum as I just wanted to get through to the ending, turns out keeping the Collector Base and doing Control is one of the better endings you can get below 6k. Renegade Shep talking about how he's going to lead the galaxy through the Reapers really does feel like A Bad Sign but I enjoy it as a portrayal of an ultimately flawed man who still saved the galaxy.
Palpable sense of relief knowing I've 100%ed the achievements on Steam and can go back to playing on Normal from here on out.
This was my favourite of the trilogy, well, including the DLC at least, that brought a lot of life to the game. It feels like a warn-torn world and it's very intense, while still making time for the characters. And you can finally be gay! It mostly succeeded at making choices matter, at least more than the second game. It was a great ending for the franchise, I'm not sure if I'll every play Andromeda or whatever the hell they will try to sell next.
O que tinha tudo pra ser o melhor da trilogia, foi cagado por um dos finais mais inconsequentes e medíocres possíveis que joga no lixo toda a jornada dos 3 jogos.
Mas não posso ser injusto, o resto do jogo é muito bom, com alguns momentos absurdos de bons
Mas não posso ser injusto, o resto do jogo é muito bom, com alguns momentos absurdos de bons
Played Legendary Edition
A repeated series of emotional gut punches peppered by small glimpses of hope amidst ruin. I'm not sure Mass Effect 3 is my favourite of the trilogy - that will still likely always be ME2's spectacular buildup and character work - but there is something about the mix of grandeur and intimacy that makes this particular installment hit so hard. There is a lot of great setpieces here but the moments that truly shine are so small; character stories in the background, hangout sessions in the brief times of rest, saying goodbye to a loved one. Poignant stuff.
And it's the best playing of the trilogy, which helps a lot. The more dynamic movement and improved melee system makes this still control like a dream, and the complete overhaul to weapons means the game is now also a legitimately high tier shooter. Wish the multiplayer was still around cause that's also excellent. Basically a perfect end to a perfect trilogy of games.
A repeated series of emotional gut punches peppered by small glimpses of hope amidst ruin. I'm not sure Mass Effect 3 is my favourite of the trilogy - that will still likely always be ME2's spectacular buildup and character work - but there is something about the mix of grandeur and intimacy that makes this particular installment hit so hard. There is a lot of great setpieces here but the moments that truly shine are so small; character stories in the background, hangout sessions in the brief times of rest, saying goodbye to a loved one. Poignant stuff.
And it's the best playing of the trilogy, which helps a lot. The more dynamic movement and improved melee system makes this still control like a dream, and the complete overhaul to weapons means the game is now also a legitimately high tier shooter. Wish the multiplayer was still around cause that's also excellent. Basically a perfect end to a perfect trilogy of games.
Mass Effect 3 is the third and final game in the Mass Effect series, developed by Bioware and published by EA. The game was released on March 6, 2012, and was highly anticipated by fans of the series who were eager to see how the story of Commander Shepard would conclude.
The story of Mass Effect 3 picks up where Mass Effect 2 left off, with Shepard and the crew of the Normandy attempting to stop the Reaper invasion. The Reapers are a race of sentient machines that are intent on wiping out all organic life in the galaxy, and Shepard must unite the different alien races and factions in the galaxy in order to stand a chance against them.
One of the strengths of Mass Effect 3 is its storytelling. The game features a deep and engaging narrative that draws the player in and keeps them invested in the fate of the galaxy. The characters are well-written and their relationships with Shepard feel real and meaningful. The game also features some truly emotional moments that will leave players feeling heartbroken or inspired depending on the choices they make.
The gameplay in Mass Effect 3 is similar to its predecessors, with players taking control of Shepard and his/her squad as they explore various planets and complete missions. The game features a mix of third-person shooter gameplay and role-playing game mechanics, allowing players to customize their characters with different weapons, armor, and abilities. The combat is fast-paced and exciting, with a wide variety of enemies to fight and different strategies to employ.
One of the new features in Mass Effect 3 is the addition of multiplayer. Players can team up with up to three other people and take on waves of enemies in a variety of maps. The multiplayer is well-designed and adds a new layer of depth to the game, as players can earn experience and unlock new weapons and characters.
The graphics in Mass Effect 3 are impressive, with detailed environments and character models that bring the game's universe to life. The game also features a fantastic soundtrack, with an epic score that adds to the sense of scale and drama.
However, Mass Effect 3 is not without its flaws. One of the biggest criticisms of the game was the ending, which was controversial among fans. Many felt that the ending was unsatisfying and did not do justice to the choices they had made throughout the series. Bioware later released an updated version of the ending that addressed some of these concerns, but the damage had already been done.
Another issue with Mass Effect 3 is the implementation of the game's DLC. While the DLC added new content to the game, some players felt that it was too expensive and that it should have been included in the base game. This led to some backlash from the community, and Bioware later released a "complete edition" of the game that included all of the DLC.
In conclusion, Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game that provides a satisfying conclusion to the story of Commander Shepard. The game's storytelling, gameplay, graphics, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and the addition of multiplayer adds even more replay value. While the ending may be controversial and the DLC implementation could have been handled better, these issues do not detract from the overall quality of the game. Mass Effect 3 is a must-play for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted sci-fi epic.
The story of Mass Effect 3 picks up where Mass Effect 2 left off, with Shepard and the crew of the Normandy attempting to stop the Reaper invasion. The Reapers are a race of sentient machines that are intent on wiping out all organic life in the galaxy, and Shepard must unite the different alien races and factions in the galaxy in order to stand a chance against them.
One of the strengths of Mass Effect 3 is its storytelling. The game features a deep and engaging narrative that draws the player in and keeps them invested in the fate of the galaxy. The characters are well-written and their relationships with Shepard feel real and meaningful. The game also features some truly emotional moments that will leave players feeling heartbroken or inspired depending on the choices they make.
The gameplay in Mass Effect 3 is similar to its predecessors, with players taking control of Shepard and his/her squad as they explore various planets and complete missions. The game features a mix of third-person shooter gameplay and role-playing game mechanics, allowing players to customize their characters with different weapons, armor, and abilities. The combat is fast-paced and exciting, with a wide variety of enemies to fight and different strategies to employ.
One of the new features in Mass Effect 3 is the addition of multiplayer. Players can team up with up to three other people and take on waves of enemies in a variety of maps. The multiplayer is well-designed and adds a new layer of depth to the game, as players can earn experience and unlock new weapons and characters.
The graphics in Mass Effect 3 are impressive, with detailed environments and character models that bring the game's universe to life. The game also features a fantastic soundtrack, with an epic score that adds to the sense of scale and drama.
However, Mass Effect 3 is not without its flaws. One of the biggest criticisms of the game was the ending, which was controversial among fans. Many felt that the ending was unsatisfying and did not do justice to the choices they had made throughout the series. Bioware later released an updated version of the ending that addressed some of these concerns, but the damage had already been done.
Another issue with Mass Effect 3 is the implementation of the game's DLC. While the DLC added new content to the game, some players felt that it was too expensive and that it should have been included in the base game. This led to some backlash from the community, and Bioware later released a "complete edition" of the game that included all of the DLC.
In conclusion, Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game that provides a satisfying conclusion to the story of Commander Shepard. The game's storytelling, gameplay, graphics, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and the addition of multiplayer adds even more replay value. While the ending may be controversial and the DLC implementation could have been handled better, these issues do not detract from the overall quality of the game. Mass Effect 3 is a must-play for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted sci-fi epic.
i see myself a lot in javik as in i also have sensory issue and need to wash my hands like a lot
uj/ for a more serious review:
It took me three games and hundreds of hours to finally tap into the magic of Mass Effect, and I'm so happy that I'm finally here.
The third installment stands as a triumph in the trilogy, merging the best elements of its predecessors while surpassing the second game in many areas. It boasts better gunplay, more mature writing, featuring characters who interact with each other in meaningful ways, all presented in a prettier package. I love the funny but sometimes creepy quips from crewmates, and most welcomingly, homosexuality is finally legal in the Citadel. The base game is action-packed and had me hooked from the start, while the DLCs expanded on various gameplay styles and added so much breadth to the galactic lore.
The game is a masterclass of character building, I found myself growing to love every crew member, even those I previously hadn't cared for. The offshore activities provided some of the most memorable moments throughout the trilogy. Massive kudos to all the voice actors for delivering stellar performances and bringing these characters to life (with the exception of male Shepard, although his portrayal remains inoffensive).
However, my critique lies in the narrative direction and thematic coherence. It feels as though the game imposes a different meaning onto the story, failing to recognize the thematic groundwork laid out in the previous two games. The resolution of the storyline, centered around the incompatibility of organics and synthetics, feels disconnected from the established themes and was massively anticlimactic.
This is coming from someone who thought that The Last of Us 2 had a perfect story and never liked a happy ending in media because it discounts the emotional labor imposed onto the audience. This departure from established narrative threads creates a sense of dissonance and detracts from the impact the previous games had.
The potential of AI as a classic sci-fi trope within an RPG format is immense; it's a question that has been thoroughly explored by the previous two games. However, Mass Effect 3's ending dismissed this well-established narrative foundation, negating the possibility that creators and their creations could coexist under a mural agreement. In doing so, it undermined the significance of EDI’s character arc and the sacrifices made by beloved crew members in the Geth and Quarians plotline. Consequently, it falls short on a rhetorical level and fails to provide a logical resolution to Mass Effect's established central conflict.
The resolution also feels disappointingly cheap; it’s completely disconnected from the personal choices you have made throughout the trilogy and the collective efforts of the squad. Despite the multitude of choices presented across the trilogy, the conclusion narrows down to three essentially identical endings, trivializing the significance of the hundreds of carefully considered decisions into an unnecessarily lengthy epilogue followed by "Pick a color." It lacks the depth to provoke thought or evoke emotional catharsis; instead, I found myself dumbfounded by the absence of any meaningful attempt to elevate the message at the end.
At the risk of being yelled at by half of the community here, I think Starfield achieved a more satisfying conclusion and served some higher meaning with its ending. Surprisingly, both games share similar story arcs, featuring the introduction of the Starchild and Starborn characters tasked with safeguarding galactic evolution. Themes of the pursuit of truth and power, symbolized by artifacts and the Catalyst, echo the story of Icarus, presenting protagonists with moral dilemmas and the ultimate choice of their fate.
The contrast lies in the distinct themes and the emotional resonance they evoke. Starfield delves into the story of humanity, emphasizing the fundamental need for purpose in our existence. On the other hand, Mass Effect tackles the existential peril posed by the creation of artificial life forms. However, its conclusion feels flawed, lacking substance beyond the rushed decisions made in the final hours of gameplay. This isn't a direct comparison between the two games, as both excel in exploring the breadth and depth of their universes. But I can't help but hope that BioWare dedicated more time to crafting an ending that acknowledges alternative solutions to the narrative conundrum already established within the series.
Nevertheless, I love the trilogy to pieces, and I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get into it. Playing all three games back to back immediately after Starfield only made me realize how ambitious this franchise was set out to be. The depth of the world-building, the intricacies of the characters, the diverse colonies portrayed, and the romantic interest (singular as I had my eyes on Kaidan from ME1) my Shepard had along the way all contributed to an unforgettable journey.
uj/ for a more serious review:
It took me three games and hundreds of hours to finally tap into the magic of Mass Effect, and I'm so happy that I'm finally here.
The third installment stands as a triumph in the trilogy, merging the best elements of its predecessors while surpassing the second game in many areas. It boasts better gunplay, more mature writing, featuring characters who interact with each other in meaningful ways, all presented in a prettier package. I love the funny but sometimes creepy quips from crewmates, and most welcomingly, homosexuality is finally legal in the Citadel. The base game is action-packed and had me hooked from the start, while the DLCs expanded on various gameplay styles and added so much breadth to the galactic lore.
The game is a masterclass of character building, I found myself growing to love every crew member, even those I previously hadn't cared for. The offshore activities provided some of the most memorable moments throughout the trilogy. Massive kudos to all the voice actors for delivering stellar performances and bringing these characters to life (with the exception of male Shepard, although his portrayal remains inoffensive).
However, my critique lies in the narrative direction and thematic coherence. It feels as though the game imposes a different meaning onto the story, failing to recognize the thematic groundwork laid out in the previous two games. The resolution of the storyline, centered around the incompatibility of organics and synthetics, feels disconnected from the established themes and was massively anticlimactic.
This is coming from someone who thought that The Last of Us 2 had a perfect story and never liked a happy ending in media because it discounts the emotional labor imposed onto the audience. This departure from established narrative threads creates a sense of dissonance and detracts from the impact the previous games had.
The potential of AI as a classic sci-fi trope within an RPG format is immense; it's a question that has been thoroughly explored by the previous two games. However, Mass Effect 3's ending dismissed this well-established narrative foundation, negating the possibility that creators and their creations could coexist under a mural agreement. In doing so, it undermined the significance of EDI’s character arc and the sacrifices made by beloved crew members in the Geth and Quarians plotline. Consequently, it falls short on a rhetorical level and fails to provide a logical resolution to Mass Effect's established central conflict.
The resolution also feels disappointingly cheap; it’s completely disconnected from the personal choices you have made throughout the trilogy and the collective efforts of the squad. Despite the multitude of choices presented across the trilogy, the conclusion narrows down to three essentially identical endings, trivializing the significance of the hundreds of carefully considered decisions into an unnecessarily lengthy epilogue followed by "Pick a color." It lacks the depth to provoke thought or evoke emotional catharsis; instead, I found myself dumbfounded by the absence of any meaningful attempt to elevate the message at the end.
At the risk of being yelled at by half of the community here, I think Starfield achieved a more satisfying conclusion and served some higher meaning with its ending. Surprisingly, both games share similar story arcs, featuring the introduction of the Starchild and Starborn characters tasked with safeguarding galactic evolution. Themes of the pursuit of truth and power, symbolized by artifacts and the Catalyst, echo the story of Icarus, presenting protagonists with moral dilemmas and the ultimate choice of their fate.
The contrast lies in the distinct themes and the emotional resonance they evoke. Starfield delves into the story of humanity, emphasizing the fundamental need for purpose in our existence. On the other hand, Mass Effect tackles the existential peril posed by the creation of artificial life forms. However, its conclusion feels flawed, lacking substance beyond the rushed decisions made in the final hours of gameplay. This isn't a direct comparison between the two games, as both excel in exploring the breadth and depth of their universes. But I can't help but hope that BioWare dedicated more time to crafting an ending that acknowledges alternative solutions to the narrative conundrum already established within the series.
Nevertheless, I love the trilogy to pieces, and I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get into it. Playing all three games back to back immediately after Starfield only made me realize how ambitious this franchise was set out to be. The depth of the world-building, the intricacies of the characters, the diverse colonies portrayed, and the romantic interest (singular as I had my eyes on Kaidan from ME1) my Shepard had along the way all contributed to an unforgettable journey.
I know the game is shit to alot of people, or at least the ending but I found myself really enjoying the story. If you play through all the games the ending is (mostly) rewarding and tear jerking. Yeah it's not the ideal ending (depending on what you picked) but I really don't think its as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
10/10 - bc garrus...
10/10 - bc garrus...
Obligatory yes the ending sucks, but you know what doesn't suck? The rest of the game. Biggest lows of the series, but easily the highest highs possible. It's a game of conclusions. All I feel looking at Mass Effect 3 now, is home.
Oh god what have they done with the story?
They ruined a lot of great characters.
They ruined a lot of great characters.
there's fewer conversation options, not enough squad mates, and of course the whole ending thing, but in the legendary edition with all the DLC and no multiplayer its a lot easier to appreciate how gut-wrenching a lot of the writing is
finally gay sex
The gameplay is really, i mean REALLY, good for it's genre. It's faster than its predecessors. Story is really good up until the ending. It's clearly rushed because EA gave them tight deadline. The original writer of ME1 and ME2 also left, so the story direction can be confusing because of tone differences. And yeah, in an interview, it wasn't supposed to be like this. Still a solid third person shooter with better stories than any game out there.
The most disappointing of the Mass Effect trilogy, but still strangely good. The game isn’t awful but it basically is just 2 but not really improving upon anything.
One of the best finale to a franchise this is one of the games that made me feel it was better when it lasted Bioware put so much effort in the story of this trilogy it made me wanna play the game more. Which can't be found in games of this generation it's one of the most underrated hidden gems every character was so alive with so much personality put in the voice acting made the game so much alive. I will end my review saying it was worth the time i spend in this game
I actually had a pretty good time with this. The decade of hearing people complain endlessly about it certainly kept my expectations low which probably helped me see it in a better light. Sure there's plenty of dumb things like EDI's cringe hookup with Joker, Kai Leng hopping out of a naruto fanfiction into a mostly-serious sci-fi world, and the unbearably goofy child PTSD dreams, but there's plenty to like as well. The rest of the game is still Mass Effect and it's still enjoyable to go on missions with your squad and make choices in the story, regardless of it just building up to the "choose your ending" scene. There's plenty of solid interactions, especially in the Citadel DLC, and I quite enjoyed how high-stakes the story felt leading up to the final confrontation with the reapers. Also Javik is cool.
Not nearly as bad as some people say, brilliant. Maybe the base game is a bit lacking but the legendary edition is fantastic with all the additional DLC. I can see why the end is underwhelming for some but it didn’t bother me much personally, at least with the extended DLC. The game is clearly rushed tho which is a real shame, I think with a year or more in the oven this could be on the same level as Mass Effect 2. Hopefully the new one is actually good too, I guess we’ll see but I doubt it.
fantastic way to end Mass Effect.
the gameplay has since been perfected with every installment after an much needed improvement coming from ME1 and in ME3 is the culmination of the combat-system thus far, the cover-system mechanics are much better, weapons are satisfying to shoot and there is an distinct variety between them, skills are more easier to trigger and all of the Squadmates are more capable in battle.
the other mechanics in the gameplay notably the customization and RPG mechanics are much better than in ME2, grinding is no longer required to upgrade stuff, weapon mods are back, plenty of armor customization and Skills to choose from.
the visuals and world-building is great as ever, the soundtrack is one of the best that I heard in a game.
the storyline does an great job to wrap up the number of arcs since the beginning of the trilogy especially if you are using an imported Shepard from the previous games, the dialogue is still great and all the characters and relationships are better than ever.
there are some faults in the storyline though notably on how Cerberus and the ending was handled.
overall ME3 for me was an notable improvement after ME2 in almost every area with maybe the only expections being some of the storylines and choice-making potential.
the gameplay has since been perfected with every installment after an much needed improvement coming from ME1 and in ME3 is the culmination of the combat-system thus far, the cover-system mechanics are much better, weapons are satisfying to shoot and there is an distinct variety between them, skills are more easier to trigger and all of the Squadmates are more capable in battle.
the other mechanics in the gameplay notably the customization and RPG mechanics are much better than in ME2, grinding is no longer required to upgrade stuff, weapon mods are back, plenty of armor customization and Skills to choose from.
the visuals and world-building is great as ever, the soundtrack is one of the best that I heard in a game.
the storyline does an great job to wrap up the number of arcs since the beginning of the trilogy especially if you are using an imported Shepard from the previous games, the dialogue is still great and all the characters and relationships are better than ever.
there are some faults in the storyline though notably on how Cerberus and the ending was handled.
overall ME3 for me was an notable improvement after ME2 in almost every area with maybe the only expections being some of the storylines and choice-making potential.
I really can't decide which ME game I like the most. They all have some really strong points and then a bunch of stuff that drag them down. In this one, the gameplay improvements were a welcome addition, but they seemed to sacrifice a lot of the story and writing in return. It feels super lazy for them to establish these new characters like Javik, James and Kai, just to give them close to no development or impact whatsoever. I really liked how in ME2 you were given optional missions focused on specific characters to give them the depth they need, but in this you get nothing. James is such a hollow and pointless character, Javik could have been really interesting, but the writers just completely wasted him and Kai was an incredibly pointless villain. We learn nothing substantial about any of them. Harbinger was another character that was wasted. Nothing happened with them in the end.
I feel like the story focused too much on Shepard honestly. The squad members you choose are often secondary in the grand scheme of things. You don’t even get to find out what happened with most of them in the end. I guess you can assume they were all aboard the Normandy when it crash landed, but it wasn’t clear. Also, the whole starchild thing and the model of it being the kid from the beginning of the game felt super silly. The scene of the father and child “recounting Shepard’s story” was also stupid as shit. Made me roll my eyes.
I thought there were some weird inconsistencies with the reapers as well. It was likely just a decision made for spectacle, but it felt strange that the reaper ships were easily capable of destroying the original Normandy at the start of ME2, yet Shepard can simply dodge to the side to avoid the laser with ease.
I wanted to go for the green ending, which I later found out you achieve by going down the central path, but I literally did that and nothing happened, so I ended up getting the blue ending. No idea why it didn’t work.
In the end, I was definitely left quite disappointed by the ending. I think I understand why the controversy was so large upon release. Even the extended cut I’ve read about doesn’t seem to fix the main issues.
I feel like the story focused too much on Shepard honestly. The squad members you choose are often secondary in the grand scheme of things. You don’t even get to find out what happened with most of them in the end. I guess you can assume they were all aboard the Normandy when it crash landed, but it wasn’t clear. Also, the whole starchild thing and the model of it being the kid from the beginning of the game felt super silly. The scene of the father and child “recounting Shepard’s story” was also stupid as shit. Made me roll my eyes.
I thought there were some weird inconsistencies with the reapers as well. It was likely just a decision made for spectacle, but it felt strange that the reaper ships were easily capable of destroying the original Normandy at the start of ME2, yet Shepard can simply dodge to the side to avoid the laser with ease.
I wanted to go for the green ending, which I later found out you achieve by going down the central path, but I literally did that and nothing happened, so I ended up getting the blue ending. No idea why it didn’t work.
In the end, I was definitely left quite disappointed by the ending. I think I understand why the controversy was so large upon release. Even the extended cut I’ve read about doesn’t seem to fix the main issues.
Yeah I know the ending. It doesn't erase the greatness of this game and the culmination of the greatest video game franchise ever made.
This review contains spoilers
Includes spoilers
Mass Effect 3, for all the ink that’s been spilled on it, remains a unique experience in 2021. Once justly derided for its ending, this game now functions as a sort of Rorschach test for how people feel about the series as a whole. This is a game that bizarrely includes some of the most genuinely moving and emotionally resonant moments you will ever experience in any video game (assuming you play 1+2 beforehand, at least) alongside moments of equally staggering stupidity (looking at you, Kai Leng). When this game works, it’s absolutely unforgettable. By the same token, when it’s at its worst, it’s incredibly frustrating.
Starting off with the positive - the Tuchanka and Rannoch storylines in this game are just so unbelievably satisfying and moving. The writers beautifully leverage characters and plot elements from the first two games to bring long-running arcs to their crescendos. I just can’t really imagine a person who played ME1 and 2 and isn’t just completely gutted by what happens to Mordin and / or Wrex in the Tuchanka storyline and to Tali in the Rannoch storyline. Even Legion, who really only made a cameo in the last 10% of ME2, gets a memorable resolution here that is full of well-earned pathos.
Indeed, interaction with companions is one of the major overall wins of ME3 - longtime stalwarts like Garrus and Liara also feel much more fleshed out and real. Pretty much all of the more brief interactions you have with former companions from previous games are spot-on, beautifully balancing nostalgia with the need to move the story forward (Grunt’s last stand is a standout). People justifiably rip on the ending of this game, but it’s also genuinely too bad that moments like the touching scene of saying goodbye to all of your teammates before the final battle or the shooting competition with Garrus in the Citadel got forgotten in the vitriol.
It’s unfortunate that the vitriol exists, but that doesn’t mean it’s not at least partially understandable. Yes, I think the ending is bad (even with the extended cut), but I would actually go further to say that basically anything involving Cerberus in this game is really dumb. I would love to know what jackass at BioWare thought it would be good idea to make one of the game’s main villains a generic space ninja (it was probably the same guy who thought up the equally stupid ‘human reaper’ as the final boss of ME2). The inanity of Kai Leng is a symptom of the larger issue, which is that the morally ambiguous conception of Cerberus from ME2 is thrown out the window, replaced by over-the-top mustache-twirling. This was the Illusive Man’s plan all along? Bumble his way into getting indoctrinated by the Reapers? Cerberus felt like they were building toward something cool in the second game - in ME3, it feels like they are only in the game so that there are humanoid enemy types available for multiplayer.
Which is another issue in and of itself - some of what makes Mass Effect games great was clearly sacrificed on the altar of multiplayer. Side questing and exploration, which were major parts of ME1 (and to a lesser degree, ME2) appear to be the big casualties of the multiplayer focus. Most of the side quests are reduced to simple planet scanning fetch quests that I would’ve rather had been left on the cutting room floor. The side quests that involve actual gameplay are just advertisements for the multiplayer (they take place in what are obviously multiplayer arenas).
Now for the elephant in the room - that ending. I agree that it’s not good. I do think people overstate the problem a bit, though. It is slight and underwhelming, to be sure. Also, I find the constant reminders of the kid who dies at the beginning to be really cheap and exploitative, a perfect example of an unearned emotional payoff. And yes, the choices are predictable, but ultimately I was OK with the outcome of the one I picked, even if I wasn’t particularly moved. Almost a decade on, I generally find the ending to be harmless and inoffensive. Weak praise, I know, but certainly more kind than most people were at launch.
ME3 is a fun game that hits some extremely satisfying high points while also frequently frustrating and annoying me. Still, if you’re a fan of the series, there’s no way you can miss this.
Mass Effect 3, for all the ink that’s been spilled on it, remains a unique experience in 2021. Once justly derided for its ending, this game now functions as a sort of Rorschach test for how people feel about the series as a whole. This is a game that bizarrely includes some of the most genuinely moving and emotionally resonant moments you will ever experience in any video game (assuming you play 1+2 beforehand, at least) alongside moments of equally staggering stupidity (looking at you, Kai Leng). When this game works, it’s absolutely unforgettable. By the same token, when it’s at its worst, it’s incredibly frustrating.
Starting off with the positive - the Tuchanka and Rannoch storylines in this game are just so unbelievably satisfying and moving. The writers beautifully leverage characters and plot elements from the first two games to bring long-running arcs to their crescendos. I just can’t really imagine a person who played ME1 and 2 and isn’t just completely gutted by what happens to Mordin and / or Wrex in the Tuchanka storyline and to Tali in the Rannoch storyline. Even Legion, who really only made a cameo in the last 10% of ME2, gets a memorable resolution here that is full of well-earned pathos.
Indeed, interaction with companions is one of the major overall wins of ME3 - longtime stalwarts like Garrus and Liara also feel much more fleshed out and real. Pretty much all of the more brief interactions you have with former companions from previous games are spot-on, beautifully balancing nostalgia with the need to move the story forward (Grunt’s last stand is a standout). People justifiably rip on the ending of this game, but it’s also genuinely too bad that moments like the touching scene of saying goodbye to all of your teammates before the final battle or the shooting competition with Garrus in the Citadel got forgotten in the vitriol.
It’s unfortunate that the vitriol exists, but that doesn’t mean it’s not at least partially understandable. Yes, I think the ending is bad (even with the extended cut), but I would actually go further to say that basically anything involving Cerberus in this game is really dumb. I would love to know what jackass at BioWare thought it would be good idea to make one of the game’s main villains a generic space ninja (it was probably the same guy who thought up the equally stupid ‘human reaper’ as the final boss of ME2). The inanity of Kai Leng is a symptom of the larger issue, which is that the morally ambiguous conception of Cerberus from ME2 is thrown out the window, replaced by over-the-top mustache-twirling. This was the Illusive Man’s plan all along? Bumble his way into getting indoctrinated by the Reapers? Cerberus felt like they were building toward something cool in the second game - in ME3, it feels like they are only in the game so that there are humanoid enemy types available for multiplayer.
Which is another issue in and of itself - some of what makes Mass Effect games great was clearly sacrificed on the altar of multiplayer. Side questing and exploration, which were major parts of ME1 (and to a lesser degree, ME2) appear to be the big casualties of the multiplayer focus. Most of the side quests are reduced to simple planet scanning fetch quests that I would’ve rather had been left on the cutting room floor. The side quests that involve actual gameplay are just advertisements for the multiplayer (they take place in what are obviously multiplayer arenas).
Now for the elephant in the room - that ending. I agree that it’s not good. I do think people overstate the problem a bit, though. It is slight and underwhelming, to be sure. Also, I find the constant reminders of the kid who dies at the beginning to be really cheap and exploitative, a perfect example of an unearned emotional payoff. And yes, the choices are predictable, but ultimately I was OK with the outcome of the one I picked, even if I wasn’t particularly moved. Almost a decade on, I generally find the ending to be harmless and inoffensive. Weak praise, I know, but certainly more kind than most people were at launch.
ME3 is a fun game that hits some extremely satisfying high points while also frequently frustrating and annoying me. Still, if you’re a fan of the series, there’s no way you can miss this.
Mass Effect 3 is one of the best games I’ve ever played. Top 5. Top 3. Maybe the best.
There is a lot of discussion on what doesn’t work in ME3, and most of it is fair and true. The ending is bad. Miserable, really. But it has the skeleton of what could have been a great ending. Cut the game 5-10 minutes shorter, lose the tri-colored beams, and you have a dying Shepard sitting next to his mentor and father figure Anderson, taking that last, long break they have been needing. And right before, in the original ending, your two squad member choices burning into ash from the reaper’s blast. A tragic spin on the choice, for me at least, killing my two favorite characters who I took with me for one last fight. The one time I shouldn’t have.
Gameplay in ME3 has stepped up again. Visuals, animation and writing are at their peak in the third installment - reaching the top of an already tall mountain. The inclusion of multiplayer seemed tacked on when announced, but it was a great time. Shockingly, it still holds up.
But the writing is what rises above all else. A culmination of characters and choices over a 100+ hour trilogy, as a final installment is has the ability to write some final stories. And it does with precision.
Mass Effect is the gold standard for characters in games, and ME3 goes beyond. It is deep, harrowing, funny and ambitious, even if some choices were made with monetization in mind.
I’m wrapping up my final play through of the series right now. This game still rocks.
There is a lot of discussion on what doesn’t work in ME3, and most of it is fair and true. The ending is bad. Miserable, really. But it has the skeleton of what could have been a great ending. Cut the game 5-10 minutes shorter, lose the tri-colored beams, and you have a dying Shepard sitting next to his mentor and father figure Anderson, taking that last, long break they have been needing. And right before, in the original ending, your two squad member choices burning into ash from the reaper’s blast. A tragic spin on the choice, for me at least, killing my two favorite characters who I took with me for one last fight. The one time I shouldn’t have.
Gameplay in ME3 has stepped up again. Visuals, animation and writing are at their peak in the third installment - reaching the top of an already tall mountain. The inclusion of multiplayer seemed tacked on when announced, but it was a great time. Shockingly, it still holds up.
But the writing is what rises above all else. A culmination of characters and choices over a 100+ hour trilogy, as a final installment is has the ability to write some final stories. And it does with precision.
Mass Effect is the gold standard for characters in games, and ME3 goes beyond. It is deep, harrowing, funny and ambitious, even if some choices were made with monetization in mind.
I’m wrapping up my final play through of the series right now. This game still rocks.
People give this game so much shit, but I have always defended it. Some of the criticism is definitely valid, the writing is not as strong as the first two games, it is clear there was meddling from above to get this game out quick. But I still think, especially with the Extended Cut, it is a solid end to the trilogy. People complain about the ending, which of the three colours to pick–the whole game is the ending. It's the culmination of the trilogy, and it fulfills those demands. Yeah, Kai Leng sucks or whatever. The crucible is a cop out, sure. But everything with the Genophage and solving the Geth/Quarian conflict and not to mention the DLCs are all great. Despite all the problems, I think the gameplay is the tightest and seeing the culmination of your friends throughout the series makes it easy to overlook all that.
This is my favourite of the series and I won't apologize for that. It's the most special of the trilogy to me. It's the first game to ever make me cry. The deaths of Mordin, Legion, and Thane are all so sad and I think really well-handled. Also Garrus is the canonical LI.
This is my favourite of the series and I won't apologize for that. It's the most special of the trilogy to me. It's the first game to ever make me cry. The deaths of Mordin, Legion, and Thane are all so sad and I think really well-handled. Also Garrus is the canonical LI.
I snagged the Legendary Edition for $5.99 during the Winter Sale on Steam, and it would become an itch on my backlog since it would be the longest game in my Backlog. But after considering and making time for it, I decided to tackle through the Mass Effect trilogy which was pretty new for me -- considering that I'm not big on games with a Sci-Fi setting.
One of my biggest recommendations is to mod the game heavily to add some QoL changes to it since I found some issues I had with the game (Camera shaking when running which was nauseous, making exploration easier, etc) and the community is really big when it comes to mods. Such as community patches that improve the bugs and new additions that EA couldn't handle themselves. Despite that, I had a fun time even though I found myself immersed in its setting and having a blast of what was to come.
The ending of ME3 isn't the best but I found myself enjoying the journey from ME1 to its finale, even if it was rocky, and found myself laughing badly at how unhinged or questionable the game can be at times. I didn't find the game to change my life compared to some who said so, it didn't change my perspective on games, but it was an experience for sure.
After racking up 70 hours on the Legendary Edition, I'd say Mass Effect was worth my time, and takes patience to get into the series. I thought I would be confused with the setting and lore but it comes together the more you keep playing, even if it's not for everyone. If anything, I'm more glad to complete the longest game in my Steam Backlog.
Completed all Side Missions for ME1-3, Synthesis Ending. Half Paragon/Renegade.
One of my biggest recommendations is to mod the game heavily to add some QoL changes to it since I found some issues I had with the game (Camera shaking when running which was nauseous, making exploration easier, etc) and the community is really big when it comes to mods. Such as community patches that improve the bugs and new additions that EA couldn't handle themselves. Despite that, I had a fun time even though I found myself immersed in its setting and having a blast of what was to come.
The ending of ME3 isn't the best but I found myself enjoying the journey from ME1 to its finale, even if it was rocky, and found myself laughing badly at how unhinged or questionable the game can be at times. I didn't find the game to change my life compared to some who said so, it didn't change my perspective on games, but it was an experience for sure.
After racking up 70 hours on the Legendary Edition, I'd say Mass Effect was worth my time, and takes patience to get into the series. I thought I would be confused with the setting and lore but it comes together the more you keep playing, even if it's not for everyone. If anything, I'm more glad to complete the longest game in my Steam Backlog.
Completed all Side Missions for ME1-3, Synthesis Ending. Half Paragon/Renegade.
Many shit on the third game of the ME series, but I really loved it. I didnt played it straight after launch, only after they made the changes, but I will always defend it!
great game but 2 is the best.
From unresolved sexual tension to a love headbutt to a kiss, we'll get a full fledged turian sex scene by Mass Effect 17
The beginning portion of the game as well as the Omega and Levithan DLCs were lame. Things really started to pick up at Tuchanka. Then, the game got good when Tali showed up (she's my favorite). After that, the game went from good to great with the Citadel DLC. Loved the party. Still liked the second game more. It was more consistent.
So yeah the ending is pretty lame, but honestly, how do you complete such an epic story in a satisfying way? Apart from that, the game is awesome. maybe ME2 is a touch better with its characters and story but this is almost perfect.
Was this the one where you had to scan planets for resources, cos that fuckin sucked though.
Was this the one where you had to scan planets for resources, cos that fuckin sucked though.
You can literally feel the upper management EA brain-leak in every facet of this game, but it still manages to be so good. Writing, while contrived at times, still shines best with it's characters and worldbuilding. Gameplay is now on-par with other dedicated 3rd person shooters, and the multiplayer for this game is (surprisingly) fantastic. Make sure to download the "actual ending" patch before you play.