Mass Effect 3

 PC
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7228 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,703 out of 7228
  2. Mixed: 1,119 out of 7228
  3. Negative: 2,406 out of 7228
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  1. gustarivrag
    Aug 13, 2013
    9
    Time will only tell how great this game actually is. I don't understand the bias of some people here, you can't just low-grade spam reviews for a game just cause you don't like the ending. There is at least 4-5 factors when you judge something, so even if the ending is the worst possible, it can't seriously lower the grade for more than 1-2 points. And ME 3 is great in every possibleTime will only tell how great this game actually is. I don't understand the bias of some people here, you can't just low-grade spam reviews for a game just cause you don't like the ending. There is at least 4-5 factors when you judge something, so even if the ending is the worst possible, it can't seriously lower the grade for more than 1-2 points. And ME 3 is great in every possible aspect, let's get that clear for start. It is improved compared to ME 2 in a lot of ways, gameplay, graphics, you name it. There is lot more diversity between classes, when you play a class it actually feels like your playing that certain class, unlike ME1, where every class was just a different mix of same abilities. As for the ending issue, it has been updated and made downloadable for free. I can understand that you are not very sympathetic towards greediness of EA company, or that the ending made your efforts while progressing trough this really fun game kind of useless, but you wouldn't even get there if it wasn't well worth it.… Expand
  2. effataigus
    Nov 15, 2014
    8
    I recommend doing two things:
    1. reading all of those negative reviews,
    2. and playing the game anyway. I expected such an awful game after that that I was actually pleasantly surprised. Also, it's now being sold for ~$10 instead of ~$60, sooo... Oh, and the game is pretty annoying if you did play ME1 and 2 and don't have the "saves" for them. I kinda think they should just let you    I recommend doing two things:
    1. reading all of those negative reviews,
    2. and playing the game anyway.
    I expected such an awful game after that that I was actually pleasantly surprised. Also, it's now being sold for ~$10 instead of ~$60, sooo...

    Oh, and the game is pretty annoying if you did play ME1 and 2 and don't have the "saves" for them. I kinda think they should just let you answer a multiple choice quiz about what ya did in the last games.    … Expand
  3. raulacho
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    Amazing Game, a great ending to a great trilogy, extremely polished, and full of detail, incredible combat and excellent story telling, its a must have for this generation of gaming.
  4. ssenginss
    Jan 5, 2014
    9
    I did not played this before extended cut expansion DLC so i don't know old ending. The game is a fair Mass effect game its content may not be as rich as ME2 but it is fun to play as a continuation.
  5. CaptainCornhole
    May 16, 2013
    10
    No way this should be a 4.7 all the cheep need to get a life and stop being butt hurt over the ending. ME3's ending was absolutely brilliant in terms of semantics and the games overall tone, it is depressing that the majority of asswipes cannot see nor do they care to appreciate that. Bioware fans a truly the scum of the earth.
  6. NestLols
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    Mass effect 3 is a fitting conclusion to the mass effect saga. It boasts significantly improved gameplay fluidity and mechanics, as well as a more varied campaign. The story is emotional, hard hitting, and diverse. The games visuals have been improved a lot, and the pc version looks quite spectacular despite and aging core engine, and runs smoother than the previous games to boot. In termsMass effect 3 is a fitting conclusion to the mass effect saga. It boasts significantly improved gameplay fluidity and mechanics, as well as a more varied campaign. The story is emotional, hard hitting, and diverse. The games visuals have been improved a lot, and the pc version looks quite spectacular despite and aging core engine, and runs smoother than the previous games to boot. In terms of streamlining which I hate the game is in between mass effect 1 and 2, the major disappointment in the game is the planet exploring, which has been stripped down. Imported save games determine a lot, from entire characters no longer existing in the story to conflicts that play out entirely different.Multiplayer is fun, and is not required to get the best ending in the game. In the end, mass effect 3 is special. As good as mass effect 2 in storytelling, and almost as good as mass effect 1 in rpg-like skill/item medications and exp distribution. My favorite in an acclaimed series.… Expand
  7. KingShree
    Jul 25, 2013
    8
    Strange ending and the fact that its basically just Mass Effect 2 v2.0 prevents this game from being bombastic ending of the saga. Final battle is also very dull and the extra linearity of the game can be disturbing. Very good game, but not as good as ME2 or ME1.
  8. tyrael9027
    Oct 17, 2013
    10
    A good RPG is not without its drawbacks, of course, but it turned out very well. Upset a lot of DLS, which did not at first suspect. If you set the DLS Free Extended cut, then the game (depending on the position of the player) will end well. I was glad to play in the trilogy, and to share money with the developers
  9. SneezeJunky
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt the best series i've ever come to play! So much replay value! Its insane and I can't describe it enough. THIS IS A MUST BUY AND PLAY EXPERIENCE. Trust me on this!
    I don't understand why people are complaining about the endings. Do not be scared of the low user score. trust me when I tell you. This game is awesome and you wohn't regret playing it
    Pros: Just... wow    Without a doubt the best series i've ever come to play! So much replay value! Its insane and I can't describe it enough. THIS IS A MUST BUY AND PLAY EXPERIENCE. Trust me on this!
    I don't understand why people are complaining about the endings. Do not be scared of the low user score. trust me when I tell you. This game is awesome and you wohn't regret playing it

    Pros:
    Just... wow (useless pros. I know :v)
    Story and characters are so well done!

    Cons:
    Combat can get a little linear
    No coop :/
    End of the series     … Expand
  10. HenriqueV
    Nov 12, 2014
    8
    Of course those bad reviews from gamers are out of place. The end was indeed bad, but it was still a pretty solid game.

    The gameplay is easily the best one in the series, and the game is really successful in creating an atmosphere where you get the feeling that the world is falling apart and there is little hope left. It wasn't a game that would suit a happy ending. I believe even if    Of course those bad reviews from gamers are out of place. The end was indeed bad, but it was still a pretty solid game.

    The gameplay is easily the best one in the series, and the game is really successful in creating an atmosphere where you get the feeling that the world is falling apart and there is little hope left. It wasn't a game that would suit a happy ending. I believe even if the ending wasn't rushed and incomplete, lots of fans would still believe it was bad because it was not a typical "Star Wars everybody is happy and the world is in peace again" ending.

    The big problem with the game for me was the lack of characters interaction. You never get the same depth you did in previous games, specially Mass Effect 2. If one character is not a love interest, then probably you only will get some random lines while you are on Normandy.

    Another big issue is that, after playing the game, turns out that your decisions during your journey made zero to none impact in the final outcome.

    ME3 deserved to be the best one of the trilogy, but at the end of the day it was easily the less enjoyable one, perhaps because the game could not fulfill the amount of expectation created by the previous games. But it was also a memorable game and easily one of the best of its generation.    … Expand
  11. Ajneb97
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A pesar de que el final fue confuso y algo inesperado para los fans de Mass Effect, creo que este juego supera a los anteriores en cuanto a jugabilidad e historia. Hay momentos en los que disfrutaba mucho mas ver las cinematicas de Mass Effect 3 que una pelicula. Momentos de tristeza y felicidad que me mantuvieron DENTRO del juego y sentia que vivia dentro de la Normandia. Pero lo que simplemente me dejo sin palabras son las acciones heroicas que Shepard pudo lograr realizar, tales como la cura de la **** la solucion al conflicto quarianos - geth, todos los problemas que se habian presentado en los anteriores Mass Effects.

    Mass Effect 3 no se merece un 5, se merece mucho mas, creo que hay personas que estan exagerando un poco, solo siguen a la "masa" y realizan criticas negativas. Uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado, 10/10    … Expand
  12. GAMER01
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    The only bad thing in that game was that THAT ! ENDING !!!!!! WHY ?!?! EA WHYYYYY!!!!! Everything in this game was amazing . Anyway i will rate 10/10 because it is amazing. :-)
  13. Nojbee
    Nov 29, 2015
    8
    I don't understand the bad critics. This is a good game. Maybe the ending is not the best, but not as bad as they say. Sure I will play with it some times.
  14. 19bufordcarl
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    The weapon customization isn't perfect, neither is the fighting, it is all third person cover based, and the original ending was a little confusing. I know that this is not a generally agreed on opinion, but I think that after all of the free dlc fixing some of the plot points I actually quite like ME3 and thought it was satisfying and very fun and I have played through it multiple timesThe weapon customization isn't perfect, neither is the fighting, it is all third person cover based, and the original ending was a little confusing. I know that this is not a generally agreed on opinion, but I think that after all of the free dlc fixing some of the plot points I actually quite like ME3 and thought it was satisfying and very fun and I have played through it multiple times and it always provides at least a somewhat new experience. I know many still dislike the "Extended wrist cut ending" but I thought it was pretty good.… Expand
  15. Wessen
    Dec 29, 2012
    9
    Come one people! i don't normally write reviews, but i felt compelled to, because the game was really enjoyable, no idea why so many are complaining about the ending, it wasn't that bad, i enjoyed the game and found myself captivated throughout my playtime, there's no reason to trash the game if the story line didn't meet your expectations, its a phenomenal experience. i had very littleCome one people! i don't normally write reviews, but i felt compelled to, because the game was really enjoyable, no idea why so many are complaining about the ending, it wasn't that bad, i enjoyed the game and found myself captivated throughout my playtime, there's no reason to trash the game if the story line didn't meet your expectations, its a phenomenal experience. i had very little performance issues, and i highly recommend this if you enjoyed the other two titles, don't let the user reviewed put you off trying this out, for once the game critics got it right.… Expand
  16. Ziamboni
    Jan 28, 2013
    8
    Could be perfect, but is only great.
    Positives:
    Main plot is just epic, great and awesome Gameplay is finally refined, making this a fun shooter Emotionally impacting story AMAZING soundtrack As always great voice-acting (especially Mark Meer, Brendan Keener (sp?), Keith David) Javik! Quite good multiplayer, even if lacking Negatives: Scrapping of old characters (most of the    Could be perfect, but is only great.
    Positives:
    Main plot is just epic, great and awesome
    Gameplay is finally refined, making this a fun shooter
    Emotionally impacting story
    AMAZING soundtrack
    As always great voice-acting (especially Mark Meer, Brendan Keener (sp?), Keith David)
    Javik!

    Quite good multiplayer, even if lacking

    Negatives:
    Scrapping of old characters (most of the characters from ME2 are only featured in cameos
    Side-quests aren't as good as they were in ME2 (still better than ME1)
    DAT ENDING, really WTF.
    Some plot points were left hanging (dark energy, proto-reaper from collector base, actually whole collector base decision is nonexistant)
    Handling of MAJOR decisions leaves much to be desired (Rachni queen, already mentioned collector base, rewriting/destroying geth etc)
    Aside from the main ENDING cutscenes, the last mission (priority: earth) which was advertised to DEATH is the worst, most boring missions in whole trilogy. I highly recommend the game, even in its flaws it's an amazing conclusion to epic trilogy.

    TBH, if the last mission (Priority:Earth) wasn't so lack-luster, noone would mind the retarded endings. Here's hoping for Priority:Earth DLC    … Expand
  17. terbas
    Mar 29, 2013
    9
    I don't know what the people who poorly rated this game were thinking but this is one legendary game. It immersed me in the first couple of hours and I can't leave ME3 for long hours once I start to play it. Despite a few flaws (especially the same button used for cover, running and jumping over obstacles), this game is pure FUN and it surely deserves my score of "9".
  18. runeron
    Dec 23, 2012
    8
    I bought this game since I've played through both ME1 and ME2. After reading a lot of bad reviews, I didn't play it until recently. I have to say, after finishing it I don't understand why it has gotten so many bad user reviews. Sure, it could have been a lot better in many ways, but the game is fun to play and offers many hours of entertainment. I'm also positively surprised as to how funI bought this game since I've played through both ME1 and ME2. After reading a lot of bad reviews, I didn't play it until recently. I have to say, after finishing it I don't understand why it has gotten so many bad user reviews. Sure, it could have been a lot better in many ways, but the game is fun to play and offers many hours of entertainment. I'm also positively surprised as to how fun the multiplayer is. If you haven't bought the game already, it's well worth the money. Don't rush through the game, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well; It's not all about how good/bad the ending is (the way it is done was actually a bit disappointing). Don't forget to try out multiplayer.… Expand
  19. skeith
    Apr 5, 2013
    9
    I do not think the story is as bad as most people think it is. I also think it its always up to the developers how to end the story. The overall gameplay is good, it is getting better since ME1 and ME2. Many of the scenes are touching and sad. It is a shame I did not play it on release. Thanks Bioware, for this epic journey.
  20. alanbessa
    Feb 24, 2018
    8
    Recommended.

    Kinda clunky, and yes, could have a better ending, but still is a good game.
  21. idohaker
    Dec 12, 2012
    10
    this is mass effect the best game ever and mass effect 3 is out its a great game for the frenchise its batter then mass effect 1 but not mass effect 2,a year after the events of mass effect 2 commender sheperd is retired from is gob and after the reapers are invading for earth he is back you get to play a returning character from mass effect 1 and 2 the story is amazing if you have the 2this is mass effect the best game ever and mass effect 3 is out its a great game for the frenchise its batter then mass effect 1 but not mass effect 2,a year after the events of mass effect 2 commender sheperd is retired from is gob and after the reapers are invading for earth he is back you get to play a returning character from mass effect 1 and 2 the story is amazing if you have the 2 first game you can import your character from mass effect 2 and then the story is amzing without it the story will be fine but no so great.multoplayer is not so intersting but the gameplay is improved so becuase i dont care about the multiplayer i will give it 10/10 and say its in the second place on the best game for the frenchise the first is mass effect 2.so buy it… Expand
  22. Efferkongen
    Jul 7, 2015
    9
    I am a HUGE Mass Effect fan, and I got so say that the third is the best. It's combat system has been improved a lot, it's amount of dialogues are numerous, it's humor is great, and it's story awesome!

    However, a few mentions about it's flaws: It's a shame that it doesn't give you the chance to involve any of your previous party members from the second game. Even if some of them has    I am a HUGE Mass Effect fan, and I got so say that the third is the best. It's combat system has been improved a lot, it's amount of dialogues are numerous, it's humor is great, and it's story awesome!

    However, a few mentions about it's flaws:

    It's a shame that it doesn't give you the chance to involve any of your previous party members from the second game. Even if some of them has good reasons, it should still be an option to include them, and take the consequences of them joining you.
    The ending which a lot of people are mad about are worth mentioning as well. I personally love the explanation of why the reapers do the cycles, it makes sense, especially from a machines cold couculations. However, what disappointed me the most, what the unresolved matter with the Illusive man. Everything in 2 and 3 points to that he has a plan with the reapers that could be useful and effective, but morally screwed, but he is just indoctrinated for no reason, which is a huge letdown for me.

    Those are the two main reasons that I don't give this game a 10/10, because it just remove some of the best things in Mass Effect that could have made it completely epic.    … Expand
  23. mbelle_1983
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 shows us an intense ending of an epic story with good graphics and characters. You have to know part one and two. For all others: It`s a mix of a science fiction action role playing game.
  24. Tecco
    Jul 3, 2013
    10
    Best Game series out there, great story and better and better gameplay for each game that tops in Mass Effect 3

    Abilities on different carracters that can be used in combination with each others, gameplay that makes you want to play just to play. A awesome story with characters you build a great personal relationship to, great laughs and great sorrows, that makes you go 35-45hours    Best Game series out there, great story and better and better gameplay for each game that tops in Mass Effect 3

    Abilities on different carracters that can be used in combination with each others, gameplay that makes you want to play just to play. A awesome story with characters you build a great personal relationship to, great laughs and great sorrows, that makes you go 35-45hours straight skipping work/school and forgetting to eat and sleep.

    Sadly people cant seem to review the game as a whole and focus on the ending that could be better, but even with the endings there is very little to put a finger on as a whole.
    Still it not even that bad a ending, just not how people want it to end making them butthurt, that they dont get a sugar sweet ending.

    I read trough afew critics in the "red" and alot of the stuff i just cant reconize from my playtroughs.
    Some state the exact opposite(Lies? but why?) of how the game works, some state the character acting and story is bad, even though i think both tops even the top end movies we have on the market today.

    This game made me play the ME1 and ME2 several times over to get the different coices and i have 5-7 playtroughs of the ME3 game itself, and besides that the surprisingly good Multiplayer i used a good 1000hours om itself.

    This game has been worth every penny!    … Expand
  25. THIJAKA
    Dec 16, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mass Effect 3 is an incredibly controversial game, it has seen a lot of hate for all the flaws it has, these include a lack of dialogue options compared to the original two, more action oriented gameplay and a unsatisfying ending, for the most part these criticisms are valid, but even though there are many problems with the game I have no trouble in saying that Mass Effect 3 is a masterpiece.

    The Characters: Mass Effect 3 for all the things it did wrong, it did many things oozing with greatness, first of the greatest thing about the game is the characters, Garrus, Liara, Mordin, Legion, Thane, Anderson and my personal favourite character in the third installment ; EDI. They all have masterful moments, these moments range from being incredibly sad and emotional to moments which put a massive smile on your face.

    The Story: Mass Effect 3 has a damn good story (for the most part), and even though the story is a far worse RPG than 2, and especially Mass Effect 1, this doesn't mean that the story is any worse, people complain about the game compared to the previous two, but fail to realize that Mass Effect 3 is its own game, and is just as good, but in many different areas. The story is about taking down the reapers and gathering alliances to stop them, this will take you on an incredible journey full of beautifully executed moments, some of these moments I'd dare say are some of the greatest moments in media history.

    Gameplay and Presentation: Mass Effect 3 has once again greatly improved the gameplay for the series, the shooting mechanics have been tweaked and are better than ever, which still not masterful by any means, with a few bugs here and there, they controls are still pretty damn good. The Presentation hasn't improved so much from Mass Effect 2, but then again Mass Effect 2's feel and artistic style was near perfect, so there's no complaints here. Unlike Mass Effect 1, where you would land on a planet, which where always the same planet, just re textured , with the same facilities and artistic design, Mass Effect 3's location all feel diverse and wonderfully crafted.

    The Ending: The original ending was a highly disappointing conclusion, the extended cut made things a lot better, and despite the plot holes gave me a sense of closure

    Conclusion: Mass Effect 3 is a wonderful game, with great characters, great stories and great artistic design, and despite its flaws, and Casey Hudson's artistic integrity, Mass Effect 3 is a tremendous game and deserves to be played.    … Expand
  26. The_Blackmoore
    Jan 4, 2013
    8
    So the holydays are soon to be over. Every xmas I end up playing old games or trying out titles I skipped when released, sometimes I return to old mmo's or fire up battlefield or COD. This year I ended up buying (among others) the Mass Effect series on the cheap. I played ME1 a couple of years ago, but being a hardcore mmo player the streamlined gameplay somehow left me disappointed backSo the holydays are soon to be over. Every xmas I end up playing old games or trying out titles I skipped when released, sometimes I return to old mmo's or fire up battlefield or COD. This year I ended up buying (among others) the Mass Effect series on the cheap. I played ME1 a couple of years ago, but being a hardcore mmo player the streamlined gameplay somehow left me disappointed back then. Treat it like a interactive book or a movie instead To be honest the problem was, I misunderstood the whole concept and compared it to computer games and mmo gameplay I general. When I returned this winter I choose to treat it as a interactive book or a movie instead - and boy was I in for a ride. I played thru ME1 and ME2 and finally in ME3.

    For the first time I have actually cried during certain moments in a computer game.
    As an interactive movie or book the Mass Effect trilogy is one of the greatest games/stories of our generation. It's a trilogy and should be experienced like one straight up. Gameplay is pretty streamlined, but Bioware leaves you with a ton of hard moral choices within the story itself making the game taking some really different turns depending on how you decide play it. There at least three different endings - each of them depending on the decisions you made during the game(s). The replayability is not all that great, the core of the story will always be the same, but the relations with your comrades, alliances with other races could change dramatically. It's the little things that stand out and stay with you. The deep comradeship with Garrus or the fact that there at least two crewmembers being openly gay. The different romantic relations you can pursue. Or the moments when you have to sacrifice one of you teammates. In my case one who had been with me from ME1

    If you're looking for cheap games on Steam or Origin the Mass Effect series is a great choice if you likes me missed out earlier. It's breath taking.

    The Mass Effect trilogy is one of the greatest games of our generation, and you would be a fool to miss it.    … Expand
  27. AlanComek
    Jan 8, 2013
    8
    If you just take the ending out of this, this is another beautiful addition to the Mass Effect series, and (in my opinion), the most refined in terms of gameplay and overall design. Please disregard the hundreds of thousands of babies whining about the ending, which, by the way, is only 15 minutes of your 20-something hour experience.
  28. Minigun
    Mar 29, 2013
    8
    Here's a different kind of review: I actually liked the ending!

    Ok, so I started my Mass Effect journey with a bargain purchase of the first game in 2010, followed by a bargain purchase of the second part of series in late 2011 and now the final part in 2013. I still clearly remember the whole story and the feelings I had while playing it, so I can speak both for ME3 and the trilogy as    Here's a different kind of review: I actually liked the ending!

    Ok, so I started my Mass Effect journey with a bargain purchase of the first game in 2010, followed by a bargain purchase of the second part of series in late 2011 and now the final part in 2013. I still clearly remember the whole story and the feelings I had while playing it, so I can speak both for ME3 and the trilogy as a whole.

    Technically speaking, ME3 had superb audio and nice graphics. Very satisfying and enjoyable audiovisually. Game never crashed, I did not encounter any bugs either. Game felt very solid all around. The Origin requirement is a downer, but a small one. The atmosphere of the game (ie. the despair of the war) was a bit forced at times, but in the end held quite nicely. In ME1 I liked the feeling of vastness, how the plot spanned a lot of places on a huge scale. ME2 had perhaps did not have as epic a feel to it, for most of the game you spent hiring squad members from not-so-epic places and fights. I think ME3 went back to the roots in the epicness of scale.

    In ME1 I liked the fighting system and finding and upgrading new weapons. ME2 kind of streamlined the combat, but also removed all those micro-management details such as weapon mods. ME3 took somewhat a middle road in that regard: weapon mods return, but the weapon arsenal is quite limited. The biggest problem in fighting I had was Shepard getting stuck in cover when trying to run, resulting in a couple of unnecessary deaths in some of the harder fights. Other than that, gameplay felt pretty smooth.

    On terms of dialogue I think ME2 was the high point of the series. I really liked especially the female Shepards delivery of her lines. ME3 is not that good, but certainly not bad, either.

    The galaxy map mini-game this time was avoiding reapers, who were alerted by scanning the space for artifacts etc. I think ME1 had the best mini-game in that you actually landed on the planet and searched for stuff, even though it did get quite repetitive after while. In ME2 the mineral scanning was just dumb, as it did really not offer any challenge and there really was no big difference in the tactic you did it. The reaper mini-game in ME3 is again quite unnecessary, but at least you can apply some tactics to it, and it isn't really that much of an annoyance.

    And then there is the ending. I did play the extended cut, but also watched all the original ending videos from YouTube. I didn't really see the necessity of the extended endings, although they were perhaps a bit more satisfying. And the fourth ending type was indeed a smart move, which should have been in the original release also. On a side note, I also have played Eye of the Beholder, which threw you right back into DOS prompt after finishing the game, so I'm used to not having any fancy ending scenes. Anyway, most comments I've read about the ending being bad had two things in them: previous choices in the games had little to no effect, and not everything was explained. I think both are wrong accusitions.

    Choices in the previous games mainly affected your companions: who you were working with. At no point do I recall making any huge decisions directly regardin the forthcoming reaper invasion. Killed or saved the rachni queen in Noveria? Who cares, no one probably even knew she was there in the first place. Killed Wrex or was his best friends? Doesn't matter, there are plenty of krogans to be their leader, and plento of people on Normandy to be your wingmen. My point is, all the choices you made only affected the people around Shepard not things on a galactic scale. Therefore, I don't see how can someone expect so see any huge change in the outcome no matter what they did in the previous games. On the other hand, I still think they did a hell of a job with all the different combinations of who are alive and who you are with: dialogue changes according to the setting, and there are a huge number of different settings, which your previous choices _do_ affect.

    And the other thing, about leaving stuff open. I think the ending tied all the knots there were to be tied regarding galactic scale. Again, what happens to your mates is a different story, and left open. But that was not the point of the big picture. The point was the reaper invasion, and that was concluded in satisfying enough a way.

    The multiplayer requirement for the "better" endings was a stupid move, but I hear it was removed in the extended cut patch. I wouldn't know, as I ended up hacking my save game just to be sure I get the best ending: there were no multiplayer games anymore to boost your rating.

    All in all, a highly recommended game, and nowadays very good entertainment value for the cost: I only paid 9,95 in Origin store. I would give the game 8.5/10, which rounds to 8 just because of the multiplayer thing possibly affecting your single player campaign ending.    … Expand
  29. Xelion
    Jan 15, 2013
    8
    This was almost a great game, it's as good as ME2 with some enhancements. It has many epic missions and moments, yet.. in the end it doesn't even matter. That's why this is not a 10. It's an 8 but including the Extended Cut which really enhanced the game's last moments, though it could have been better.
    I have to admit it has a great optimization as I could fluidly play the game on an    This was almost a great game, it's as good as ME2 with some enhancements. It has many epic missions and moments, yet.. in the end it doesn't even matter. That's why this is not a 10. It's an 8 but including the Extended Cut which really enhanced the game's last moments, though it could have been better.
    I have to admit it has a great optimization as I could fluidly play the game on an old, lowend pc    … Expand
  30. DeadlyVeggie
    Jan 19, 2013
    9
    Spoilers on the ending:

    Look, moral choices are good, but having a 'Good' and 'Bad' scale to regulate them, is horrible. Thus, the paragon/renegade polarization is a terrible mechanic. HOWEVER, the ending to this series is its redeemer. Having absolutely everything burn is a way to hold up the small moral choices of the series as ultimately pointless. The binary morality of the    Spoilers on the ending:

    Look, moral choices are good, but having a 'Good' and 'Bad' scale to regulate them, is horrible.

    Thus, the paragon/renegade polarization is a terrible mechanic. HOWEVER, the ending to this series is its redeemer. Having absolutely everything burn is a way to hold up the small moral choices of the series as ultimately pointless. The binary morality of the series is therefore undermined.

    I imagine the one brain cell of EA got up on the wrong side of the bed and thought to reinvent Mass Effect at the end, and I for one commend it for its efforts.    … Expand
  31. mckw
    Apr 29, 2013
    8
    Apart from the ending, let us not forget that it is still a great experience, I may have many gripes but I still had a fun and enjoyable time with this game. It does hit the high tension mark at times but ultimately it is a step back or two from the previous game. With smaller team roster and less interesting back stories to them (except Legion's which was pretty BA). The quest system isApart from the ending, let us not forget that it is still a great experience, I may have many gripes but I still had a fun and enjoyable time with this game. It does hit the high tension mark at times but ultimately it is a step back or two from the previous game. With smaller team roster and less interesting back stories to them (except Legion's which was pretty BA). The quest system is just bad and was really overlooked by developers, though I do prefer the scanning in this game compared to searching for ores in the previous game. Overall the experience of this franchise is a 10/10, however the end leaves you wanting and very disappointing.… Expand
  32. BreakingBrad
    Jan 24, 2013
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is an epic and brilliant finale to a great trilogy of games. Let me just note, I am reviewing this game with the Extended Cut ending. The Mass Effect trilogy is the best series of games of all time, mainly because its choices are you choices and we do matters. Some may have found this to be disappointing, but not me.
  33. DrunkenWhaler
    Apr 13, 2013
    8
    when i have played the first mass effect then the second mass effect i have enjoyed playing those games and i never stopped playing the second one trust me. until the third one came out and i just got me3 at the start if 2013. now the thing did not bother me much are the gameplay,new weapon designs and the new covering thing is cool! and some old favorite characters! but when i checked mywhen i have played the first mass effect then the second mass effect i have enjoyed playing those games and i never stopped playing the second one trust me. until the third one came out and i just got me3 at the start if 2013. now the thing did not bother me much are the gameplay,new weapon designs and the new covering thing is cool! and some old favorite characters! but when i checked my journal the quest system is broken and that really pissed me off like they wont tell you your progression and like finding war assets and side missions on the citadel. and why is chobot in the game!?!? and the squad roster more smaller then the 2nd one? the thing that really pissed me of is the reveal of tali's face, damn bioware for the photo god dang it! i liked multiplayer but its whored mode (u dont sAY u guys played its before me yes yes yes) also the ending i have heard alot of people talking about the ending god dammit. then here comes mr dlc to save the day! but wait a minute? DLC THE ACTUAL ENDING!?! BULLSH*t EA AND BIOWARE!

    people who gave this game an extremely low score plz and try to understand that mass effect 3 isnt terrible, it is awesome.

    my score is this: you guys would love me to give this game a low score but this is what im giving it.....

    8/10 it is an extremely awesome game.

    if u low me3 scorers hate this score dont judge me there are alot of me3 players out there and you guys should follow.

    final things to say:
    i hope they will make an me4 game and i would be really happy :)

    PS you guys who gave this game a low score its fun and it got around 6-3rd place in best games of 2012!

    by DrunkenWhaler    … Expand
  34. silverwolf12711
    Apr 28, 2013
    8
    I know many people are very angry at this game, and I understand that. Mass Effect 3 is just as much a step backward as a step forward from the previous iterations of the series. ME3 is much more action-oriented than the previous two games, something which I don't mind, There are more weapons in each category, and each class can now use every weapon. For me this opened up new gameplayI know many people are very angry at this game, and I understand that. Mass Effect 3 is just as much a step backward as a step forward from the previous iterations of the series. ME3 is much more action-oriented than the previous two games, something which I don't mind, There are more weapons in each category, and each class can now use every weapon. For me this opened up new gameplay possibilities. I could be a sentinel with a sniper rifle, a shotgun-wielding adept or engineer. While I like some of the new combat changes, the loss of RPG elements annoys me. Shepard can still pick his/her squad, but now there are only 6 squad members to chose from, 7 if you bought the DAY-ONE dlc, as opposed to the 11-12 there were in ME2. Loyalty mission are also gone, which takes away a personal element. Long-time fans of the series may be a bit disappointed by all this, but ME3 makes up for it in other ways. The Graphics are actually impressive, with nice lighting effects and great CGI space battles. These battles will be in great abundance, as now Shepard is facing the full force of the reaper onslaught against the galaxy. Shepard will have to unite the races of the galaxy, no easy task, to successfully fight off the reaper invasion and recapture earth. Choosing which races to side with, and some actions that Shepard chooses have an effect on and overall "readiness" bar which indicates military strength, and chances of victory in the final battle. Unfortunately, none of the other decisions Shepard has made throughout the other games will have ANY impact on the final ending. The end of the game feels rushed and lazy. For this i find that EA is probably to blame, rushing the game out ahead of schedule. An ending DLC does fix many of these issues, but leaves many unanswered. The fact that there even is an ending DLC to me shows that bioware cares for the universe it created, even if the messed up the first time around. Another good thing is that the awful mining mini games are gone...to be replaced with a less annoying, simpler, "find stuff on planet to help you in the war effort". One final thing that annoyed me about the gameplay was that instead of multiple factions and enemies, there are only three: Cerberus, reapers, and geth. This feels like another move away from more rpg elements to action elements. The AI is adequate; on higher difficulties some of the bigger enemies can be troublesome. Despite the changes, ME3 still feels like Mass Effect, a third person cover shooter.rpg hybrid. Using Shepard's powers and squad mate's powers to effectively combat enemy strengths and weaknesses is something true fans of the series will find fun and familiar. The soundtrack is great, the characters still great, and the story only slightly less than what most expect from Mass Effect.
    Which brings me to the multiplayer. Many people were worried it would take over from the single player, but it doesn't, in fact, it provides a welcome distraction from the reaper attack. Multiplayer is a horde-based mode in which up to four players can fight against waves of enemies of different types as many different races and classes. Ever wanted to play as a quarian engineer? A drell assassin, turian soldier, or even Krogan and Geth? There are also scores of weapons, upgrades, and attachments available. So far all the MP DLCs have been free, but MP still feels like EA trying to make quick cash sometimes. Multiplayer can still be fun, though. All considered, Mass Effect 3 feels a slightly rushed ending to a series dear to many people's hearts. It is still a good, dun game, but lets down in many things fans have come to expect form Bioware and the series as a whole.    … Expand
  35. sft
    Feb 26, 2017
    8
    Still not quite the full kilo

    I have a somewhat ambivalent relationship with the Mass Effect games. I’ve enjoyed all of them but that enjoyment has been tempered by frustration, mostly with the combat mechanics. MASS EFFECT 3 is no exception to this rule. The cover mechanics in ME2 were an improvement over those in the original game but in ME3 they have messed them up. For some crazy    Still not quite the full kilo

    I have a somewhat ambivalent relationship with the Mass Effect games. I’ve enjoyed all of them but that enjoyment has been tempered by frustration, mostly with the combat mechanics. MASS EFFECT 3 is no exception to this rule. The cover mechanics in ME2 were an improvement over those in the original game but in ME3 they have messed them up. For some crazy reason they’ve bound 3 vital actions (cover, roll, and storm (sprint)) to a single key (I believe this may also have been the case with ME2 but I don’t recall it being so annoying). This is a monumentally stupid design choice. (Now that I’ve finished the game I discover that there is a work around for the PC version – if only I’d looked earlier.) And yet, despite this, I still had fun battling the Reapers and their cronies. Aside from this the RPG elements seem to have been played down a little and there’s an option to water them down even more, so that it plays as more of an action game (I didn’t try this option, so I don’t know exactly how different the experience is). Personally, I don’t see the point in this as this is where the Mass Effect games score highly – in the RPG elements. It’s the characters, the strong story, and the detailed universe that draw you in, and make you become invested in the outcome for all concerned. And ME3 is very effective in all these areas. As always there’s lots of background information to absorb as well, if you choose to do so. The graphics are reasonable for a 2012 game (although they don’t stand out as exceptional in any way) and the voice acting is good for the most part. Overall ME3 is a worthy addition to the franchise (I won’t get into the debate regarding the ending, as this is not the ideal platform) and I look forward to Mass Effect: Andromeda.    … Expand
  36. Vonnd
    Jul 22, 2013
    10
    I played this game a long time ago but just decided to come back and reflect. I thought the gameplay was good. But the best thing about this game was the atmosphere. It felt crushing at all times. I felt that there was no time and all would be lost, so I had to try something. I could really get into the mood of this game and I thought the ending reflected ME3's atmosphere as a wholeI played this game a long time ago but just decided to come back and reflect. I thought the gameplay was good. But the best thing about this game was the atmosphere. It felt crushing at all times. I felt that there was no time and all would be lost, so I had to try something. I could really get into the mood of this game and I thought the ending reflected ME3's atmosphere as a whole perfectly. I think this game has had one of the best storylines in a game yet. The most important thing to me was the music combined with the few glimpses of light and hope spending time with those close to the protagonist. This game shows to me how creating a coherent structure for atmosphere can make for a unique, amazing and touching experience. I understand that this came at a cost of some features, but I still loved it. I also felt the game series had matured to beyond the black and white. I understand that the younger audience might find this annoying. I loved it. Finding an answer to all the questions after all that, would've been the definition of anticlimax. I find myself listening to "Leaving Earth" from time to time and it can take me through my journey at any time.… Expand
  37. Floxer
    Jul 5, 2013
    9
    Mass Effect 3 (2012)

    Mass Effect 3 ist ein Science Fiction/Action Rollenspiel. Es ist die Fortsetzung und der Abschluss der Mass Effect Trilogie. Wie bereits sein Vorgänger, basiert das Spiel auf der Unreal-Engine 3 und wurde ebenfalls von BioWare (Baldur's Gate, Dragon Age) entwickelt. Der Publisher ist Electroic Arts. Das Spiel wird wieder aus der dritten Person gesteuert, sodass    Mass Effect 3 (2012)

    Mass Effect 3 ist ein Science Fiction/Action Rollenspiel. Es ist die Fortsetzung und der Abschluss der Mass Effect Trilogie. Wie bereits sein Vorgänger, basiert das Spiel auf der Unreal-Engine 3 und wurde ebenfalls von BioWare (Baldur's Gate, Dragon Age) entwickelt. Der Publisher ist Electroic Arts.

    Das Spiel wird wieder aus der dritten Person gesteuert, sodass man einen guten Überblick über das Schlachtfeld hat und die Gestaltung der Spielfigur direkt erkennen kann. Die Spieldauer beträgt ca. 40 Stunden.

    Nachdem im ersten Teil ein abtrünniger Spectre (sowas wie Geheimpolizei mit unbeschränkten Befugnissen) namens Saren aufgehalten wurde, eine Reaper-Invasion zu initiieren (Reaper Maschinenvolk mit der Absicht alles Leben auszulöschen) und im zweiten Teil die Bedrohung der Kollektoren (von Reapern indoktrinierte Spezies) neutralisiert wurde, konnte es das Maschinenvolk nun doch schaffen in die Sonnensysteme der Völker der galaktischen Allianz einzudringen.

    Als Commander Shepard sieht man nun erneut der Gefahr ins Auge, einer gewaltigen Übermacht gegenüber zu stehen, die alles einsetzten, um das Leben in der Galaxie auszulöschen.
    Zusammen mit altbekannten Charakteren aus Mass Effect 1, sind die Völker der Allianz zu vereinen um den Reapern eine finale Endschlacht zu bieten. Dabei trifft man des Öfteren auch auf alte Bekannte aus dem zweiten Teil der Trilogie, die einem Aufträge anbieten und Unterstützung im Kampf gegen die Reaper zusichern.

    Durch die Möglichkeit Spielstände aus den vorher gespielten Teilen der Trilogie zu importieren, kann der Verlauf der Story sich ändern, da z.B. einige alte Crew-Mitglieder nicht überlebt haben oder Entscheidungen anders getroffen wurden als die Standardeinstellungen eines neuen Spielstandes es darstellen würden.

    Das Spielgeschehen kann maßgeblich beeinflusst werden durch eine Vielzahl verschiedener Entscheidungsmöglichkeiten, die den Spieler stellenweise mit z.B. ethnischen und moralischen Fragen konfrontiert. Durch ein "Gesinnungssystem" kann man so zu einem rücksichtslosen Tyrannen oder aber zu einem hilfsbereiten Helden werden.
    Zusätzlich bietet das Spiel die Möglichkeit sowohl als männlicher als auch weiblicher Charakter das Geschehen zu erleben. Dies verändert ebenfalls das Verhalten der Crew-Mitglieder.
    Der Wiederspielwert des Spiels ist also enorm.

    Durch weitere DLC's (Downloadable Content) erweitert sich die Story. Jedoch sind einige dieser Erweiterungen mit Kosten verbunden, bieten aber dementsprechend auch mehr Inhalt.

    Alles in allem übertrifft dieses Spiel trotz Neuerungen im Kampfsystem nicht die Vorgänger, zieht jedoch auf Augenhöhe. Für Mass Effect Veteranen ein Muss. Science Fiction Liebhaber und Rollenspiel Fans werden auch voll auf ihre Kosten kommen.    … Expand
  38. Syrius00
    Jul 11, 2013
    9
    This game, well, is the conclusion of an incredible journey. All the Bioware team made a great work, overall.

    The game features great graphics and a captivating storytelling (even if the best one is in the second chapter IMHO). It is so fast paced that it can be exhausting at high difficulties. The finals, this time, are FINALS and even if they may leave you with disappointment (or    This game, well, is the conclusion of an incredible journey. All the Bioware team made a great work, overall.

    The game features great graphics and a captivating storytelling (even if the best one is in the second chapter IMHO). It is so fast paced that it can be exhausting at high difficulties. The finals, this time, are FINALS and even if they may leave you with disappointment (or tears, like my case) are original and EPIC.

    Multiplayer is OK, but I would definitely exchange it for more "single player".

    So, why nine? Actually, I would have liked to give a 8.5, but 9 is for the excellent references and the emotions I felt while playing. Anyway the game is a bit buggy now and then and some things seem to have been completed in a hurry. Anyway this won't ruin the experience at all.

    Want the best experience? Buy all the trilogy and "grow up" your Shepard. For me has been the best non-real experience of my life till now.

    Keelah se'lai!    … Expand
  39. Supernova722
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    I'm not go to sit here and tell you Mass Effect 3 is perfect. I won't sit back in my chair and explain how it "Doesn't follow a storyline." Spoiler yes it does, as with Mass Effect 2, discussion you made all the way back in Mass Effect come into play. This is whole heartedly Mass Effect. Now dos the Arrival DLC give some crap intro to the next game? Yes. Does it matter that they wanted toI'm not go to sit here and tell you Mass Effect 3 is perfect. I won't sit back in my chair and explain how it "Doesn't follow a storyline." Spoiler yes it does, as with Mass Effect 2, discussion you made all the way back in Mass Effect come into play. This is whole heartedly Mass Effect. Now dos the Arrival DLC give some crap intro to the next game? Yes. Does it matter that they wanted to explain it at all and release several online and magazine based articles detailing the events for those who didn't want to play? Also yes. They wanted to take the intense Third Person shooting that we saw in Mass Effect 2 and the more heavily driven RPG that we saw in Mass Effect, they then added meaningful weapon customization, upgraded cover, armor, and shield elements, and spiked the difficult. After playing ME3 on hardcore ME2 insanity was a picnic.

    But then we come to the elephant in the room. What about the endings? Are all those who felt betrayed be an ending 5 years old. I didn't have one problem with how they did the ending. They we trying to be artful and mysterious much like Kubrick in the movies. In fact movies have several examples of why you don't need to see every little detail. Do I like the new endings, yes. Well now for the outrange that was a relatively good (maybe great) horde mode multiplayer. I got 4500 force because I made go choices in the other 2 games. I still went through the multiplayer because it was fun, do you need to micro purchase. Well do you need to make them in any other multiplayer. It's not just EA every major multiplayer has come out with something like this so you can not and may not fault them.

    And now I come to the part where I get to be an mean. I don't know when you preordered your copies... but my collector editions were reserved for 9 months. I was one of the first if not the first to Pre-order the collector's edition from GameStop. It was $100 to get it day one and I was happy to pay every bit of it. It made my year along with Skyrim it was my top play game.    … Expand
  40. Mahdiar
    Jul 6, 2016
    9
    Gameplay : 9
    Graphics : 9
    Story : 8
    Sound : 9
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 9
  41. Kasseldanger
    Dec 12, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this game, however, the ending was EXTREMELY disappointing. I spent like three weeks trying to make all the right choices in every game so I would get a positive ending, only to have it mean almost nothing at the end. Sure, your paragon versus renegade and effective military strength makes a tiny difference, but in the end you're screwed no matter what. And also, when Garrus (if you romanced him) says something about having kids together and then you end up dying…. ah man. That was awfully harsh.… Expand
  42. LifeHistory
    Apr 20, 2017
    8
    All in all a very enjoyable game. Its a gears of war in a mass effect shell. There is almost no RPG elements in this game and by the end nothing that you did in the two amazing ME games before did matter.

    The game was very rushed when it could have been fantastic if only they gave it more time. The action in this game made it fun to play and am not kidding when I say it felt like I was    All in all a very enjoyable game. Its a gears of war in a mass effect shell. There is almost no RPG elements in this game and by the end nothing that you did in the two amazing ME games before did matter.

    The game was very rushed when it could have been fantastic if only they gave it more time. The action in this game made it fun to play and am not kidding when I say it felt like I was playing Gears of war.

    This was as big of a disappointment as Dead Space 3. EA lost it soul by the time they released DS3 and ME3 they never came back from that fail. Ever since they kept releasing pure sh*tty games.    … Expand
  43. pinkytwist
    Mar 22, 2017
    8
    [Some mild spoilers about the ending.]

    I understand why this game is not that popular among some of the fans, specially if you played it before all the DLC came out. Personally, I only experienced the Mass Effect games recently so maybe I had a better first impression on the trilogy, specially ME3, because the DLC really added a lot to that game. I think people who were expecting a    [Some mild spoilers about the ending.]

    I understand why this game is not that popular among some of the fans, specially if you played it before all the DLC came out. Personally, I only experienced the Mass Effect games recently so maybe I had a better first impression on the trilogy, specially ME3, because the DLC really added a lot to that game.

    I think people who were expecting a different ending allowed their whole experience be ruined when they didn't get what they wanted. I did feel really depressed when I finished ME3, but not because I thought the ending was bad. I actually liked that there is basically no perfect ending. Every choice has pros and cons and it's up to you to choose which one you think fits your Shepard best. I think this was why this game got so much hate, people got so resentful that even though the game as a whole is just as good as all the other ME games, they still rate it as a 0 just because the ending wasn't all sunshine and butterflies. Talk about being bitter.

    I've grown attached to my female Shepard and she is probably my favorite protagonist of all time now. Did I want her to happily ride off into the sunset with all squad members? Of course. But considering the scale of the story and the reapers as a villain, I think it would be unlikely and illogical to have that perfect ending. I think I wouldn't get as emotional as I did when those credits rolled.

    Overall, really good game and a perfect close to the trilogy and to Commander Shepard's story. ME3 only made my love for these characters grow even more, specially those who were with Shepard since game 1. It's really amazing to see how far they have come and how strong their relationship has become over the course of the trilogy. I'm going to miss them. I can always go back and replay it all, but it will never be the same thing as experiencing it for the very first time. I envy the people who will get to have that chance.    … Expand
  44. VmsCritic
    Apr 26, 2020
    9
    I'd give this game 9.5 out of 10. The game isn't the masterpiece of Mass Effect 2. The drama of main missions and side missions aren't as heavy or well elaborated as ME2. However, we cannot deny that this is still an AMAZING game. I played with all DLCs, did all main missions and just a few side missions. Still, the ending was very satisfying to me with plenty of action and drama!
  45. Dudeorama
    Jun 19, 2015
    9
    ME3 was damn near a masterpiece. Was the ending bad? No. But was it terribly implemented? Yes in all ways. If after having a field day at an amusement park end with some guy throwing up on you, you consider it to be the "worst day ever" you didn't deserve to go, and that's what the ME franchise has been. ME1 was great, had it's hiccups but where it shined was the sense of scale, it'sME3 was damn near a masterpiece. Was the ending bad? No. But was it terribly implemented? Yes in all ways. If after having a field day at an amusement park end with some guy throwing up on you, you consider it to be the "worst day ever" you didn't deserve to go, and that's what the ME franchise has been. ME1 was great, had it's hiccups but where it shined was the sense of scale, it's combat fell short. It was fine but we needed more. ME2 was great in characters, you felt more for your squad then you ever did before, in return you lost alot of that scale, but still great. ME3 took from both and ended with something almost spectacular. Felt bigger than 2 but not as big as 1, characters were almost as good as 2 way better than 1, and it's combat blew 'em both outta the water. That ending though.… Expand
  46. bardlala
    Jun 19, 2015
    9
    I'll only list the bad things about the game because everything else was ace.

    - Poorly written and implemented ending
    - lack of an ending boss fight
    - autodialouge even though dialogue was a strong point in the game; would have preferred the usual cinematic dialogue
    -need more sidequests(personal pet peeve)
    -lazy writing in some areas like Cerberus

    9/10 game though.
  47. mitsosgk22
    Oct 22, 2016
    9
    I'm a huge fan of the Mass Effect series. I love Mass Effect 3, not as much as Mass Effect 2 though. Despite the ending (I modified it. I didn't want to finish the game with the original one.), the decent multiplayer and the confusing quest system, the game was fantastic. The graphics and gameplay feel very polished. The decision making was so INTENSE! The story was PERFECT! Okay, I wouldI'm a huge fan of the Mass Effect series. I love Mass Effect 3, not as much as Mass Effect 2 though. Despite the ending (I modified it. I didn't want to finish the game with the original one.), the decent multiplayer and the confusing quest system, the game was fantastic. The graphics and gameplay feel very polished. The decision making was so INTENSE! The story was PERFECT! Okay, I would probably give it an 8 because of the marketing decisions, but I know that this wasn't Bioware's fault. Neither the ending.… Expand
  48. themars2011
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    The ending isn't perfect but the extended cut DLC (which is free btw.) makes it a lot better. That said, the journey you go through till the ending is simply amazing.
  49. shadorn
    May 6, 2019
    10
    This game is just awesome, the amount of quality content, gameplay, balance and "soul" put into this game is just staggering. It sadden me to see that the work of countless professionals gets so bad reviews just because of a single perceived defect: the ending. And just because "it is too linear".

    I fail to comprehend how come people did not realise sooner (i.e. after the first hours    This game is just awesome, the amount of quality content, gameplay, balance and "soul" put into this game is just staggering. It sadden me to see that the work of countless professionals gets so bad reviews just because of a single perceived defect: the ending. And just because "it is too linear".

    I fail to comprehend how come people did not realise sooner (i.e. after the first hours with mass effect 1) that in this game all choices are just "illusion of choices", i.e. that all possible paths have already been settled for us, and they all lead to more or less the same outcome; because even as it is, the production cost of this kind of games is just sky high.

    Instead of appreciating the amount of work behind this masterpiece, the exciting journey that lead to a truly epic ending, people complain that the producer should have done even more, that they should have gone beyond budgets and nowadays technical limitations to implement "true choices". It's crazy.

    I played this game in 2019, it costed me only few bucks and I've got almost touched by its beauty: personally I believe it deservers much higher metacritic rating.    … Expand
  50. Panica3643D
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    Немного запороли концовку, но в целом игра такая же, как и вторая часть.
  51. KittyWhisky
    Mar 20, 2017
    9
    That's the end... there has been Much debate about the ending, yeah, we could do better, even necessary. But what we have is not so bad.
    The game has changed, and now it's more action than RPG. And this is disturbing. Dialogues are simpler and less interesting than Shepard.
    The reapers are already on Earth and we must destroy them once and for all. Epic! But the game felt so epic as we    That's the end... there has been Much debate about the ending, yeah, we could do better, even necessary. But what we have is not so bad.
    The game has changed, and now it's more action than RPG. And this is disturbing. Dialogues are simpler and less interesting than Shepard.
    The reapers are already on Earth and we must destroy them once and for all. Epic! But the game felt so epic as we would like. I became more bored. In the story we combine race. Interesting jobs became less and more boring shooting. The combat system is even more improved, but we are forced to shoot very much.
    New characters boring, and the old friends and familiar, but still more sad. Although one scene with Garrus is very touching.
    The plot is full of intrigue. Everything is simple and straightforward. This part is weaker than the previous two, but still it is the same native Mass Effect.    … Expand
  52. Diegochocho
    Jul 3, 2018
    9
    Esta entrega supera a la anterior por jugabilidad, historia... pero no el final.
    Para explicarles mejor en mi humilde opinión, la jugabilidad mejora con respecto al 2, la historia es increíble y te hace creer que la trilogía de Mass Effect se va a concluir con un final épico, pero no es así, ya que el final no esta tan bien logrado hasta que sacaron una actualización que alivianó las    Esta entrega supera a la anterior por jugabilidad, historia... pero no el final.
    Para explicarles mejor en mi humilde opinión, la jugabilidad mejora con respecto al 2, la historia es increíble y te hace creer que la trilogía de Mass Effect se va a concluir con un final épico, pero no es así, ya que el final no esta tan bien logrado hasta que sacaron una actualización que alivianó las criticas pero aun así no es el mejor final para mi gusto. Pero por lo demás supera al 2.    … Expand
  53. Colbigdog67
    Apr 29, 2017
    8
    Just finished the game last night. I am still processing everything so I may come back later and add/edit this. I played ME:A all the way through and then decided to binge-play the trilogy as I never completed it in the past. It was well worth the 2 weeks or so it took me to get through the entire trilogy. Here are my thoughts:

    This was the first time I actually wept from playing a    Just finished the game last night. I am still processing everything so I may come back later and add/edit this. I played ME:A all the way through and then decided to binge-play the trilogy as I never completed it in the past. It was well worth the 2 weeks or so it took me to get through the entire trilogy. Here are my thoughts:

    This was the first time I actually wept from playing a video game. No other game has tugged on the heart strings like this game and I am not the type to cry over movies and games. The music in 2 & especially 3 is just phenomenal and really works well to bring out the emo's.

    Yes, there are problems with the game but it's the characters hands-down that make this game great. More than the story, more than the combat (which is pretty fun in 2 &3 ), more than the graphics, it's the relationships that you develop with the characters that are unforgettable. You really do care about them and if/when one if these characters is killed, you feel the loss for real.

    Regarding romance, it tore me up that I had to choose between 3 women, all of whom I really loved. I had to chose one and it killed me to break the hearts of the other two. This is not a bad thing as it illustrates the emotional impact the game has on you.

    As for the story, it's difficult to say much about it here without spoilers. Overall, I think BW did a good job with it. Especially in making you feel like things were utterly hopeless at times, going against insurmountable odds. I was disappointed in my own ending the first time through playing it blind. I felt a little cheated by my choice for reasons that I can't really divulge here. After the game ended, I went back through the long ending sequence a few more times selecting the other endings and then spent several more hours researching the endings and their meanings.

    Combat was kind of "meh" in 1 but became fun in 2 and was polished up in 3. I played on normal difficulty as I was more into the game for the story and characters than the fighting but wanted to have some challenge to the fights. Most encounters were pretty easy to get through but there were a few times that I had to work for it. If I replay the series at some point, I'll probably go insane mode. Also, I was vanguard all the way through.

    There were things about the game that disappointed and frustrated me as well which is why I am not giving it anything higher than an 8. I think the DLC is way too expensive for a 5 year old game. I played the digital deluxe edition with the included DLC and I decided to purchase the Kasumi DLC as I really liked her character but opted not to pay the high price for the other stuff.

    It should be noted that I watched Christopher Odd play the series along with my own play through, only watching him after I completed the missions first so I was able to experience some of the missing DLC through him. If I decide to replay the series in the future, I may spring for some of the other DLCs but I've already purchased 1 & 2 on Steam back in the day and paid for the Origin annual sub so I feel like EA has gotten enough of my $.

    In conclusion, whether or not I ever play the series again, it will leave a lasting impact and I will consider the trilogy to be one of my most memorable gaming experiences.    … Expand
  54. Greko03
    May 9, 2018
    8
    Claro que no esta a la altura de mass effect 2, pero en ningún aspecto es mal juego, muy disfrutable con grandes momentos que son inolvidables para mi, quizá el final no fue lo esperado, pero eso no justifica notas tan bajas de algunos jugadores exagerados.
  55. dlcwolf
    Mar 21, 2020
    10
    It complete very well the Trilogy and is a must follow after Mass Effect 2. It is very similar to the Mass Effect 2, it recovers the engine, the scenography (the Normandy is practically the same, with some modifications and new rooms). I would name this as Mass Effect 2.5. But there are overall improvements and, of course, a new story that goes on and conclude the epic story. I am notIt complete very well the Trilogy and is a must follow after Mass Effect 2. It is very similar to the Mass Effect 2, it recovers the engine, the scenography (the Normandy is practically the same, with some modifications and new rooms). I would name this as Mass Effect 2.5. But there are overall improvements and, of course, a new story that goes on and conclude the epic story. I am not against the ending, it is an end and you have also opportunity to have some different ends. To some can like it, to some one else not. It is a end. But for the great universe, the plot, the love story (i loved the one with Liara that i followed from the first chapter), let me feel really the emotions as a great movie/book/story should do. For this, i put a 10, for the overall trilogy, the great universe and experience of game. As i said, is not so different as gameplay and graphic from the 2, but anyway, all the story is a must to know/play for everyone that likes the Sci-Fi. I will not forget this.… Expand
  56. PappyBakesCakes
    Dec 12, 2017
    9
    I have not played this game standalone so I cannot say how exactly I would score it but most likely as a 7. Having played this for the first time as the trilogy one after the other I see this as one of the best experiences I have had in gaming. The combat is the best in the series and the game just keeps upping the stakes until you get to the point everyone is dissatisfied with. Sure, II have not played this game standalone so I cannot say how exactly I would score it but most likely as a 7. Having played this for the first time as the trilogy one after the other I see this as one of the best experiences I have had in gaming. The combat is the best in the series and the game just keeps upping the stakes until you get to the point everyone is dissatisfied with. Sure, I wouldn't have minded more effort put into large number of outcomes that would be possible in the end but overall most of it does not matter because it should not matter. This whole game was a huge undertaking and i appreciate everything that went into the final product... even if it let some areas fall by the wayside. In the end this series is about Commander Shepard stopping the Reapers and nothing else. Take from that what you will.… Expand
  57. AFriendlyMan
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    I just remember how epic it was when i played it. Really don’t understand many of people here - game was awesome. As for me: better than 2 part.
  58. yota71
    Jan 10, 2020
    8
    Not as good as ME2 but this is a solid game that leaves a sign, this is a game (one of the few) that i played more than two time, yes maybe the end was weak, but not that bad
  59. CoKronakan
    Feb 12, 2018
    8
    I'm purely rating this game for it's amazing game-play, overall awesome coherent story, character writing and amazing characters that offer a lot of content. Obviously the ending didn't satisfy many fans but considering the scale of the war which the story depicts, became 10 fold in size since the first game, we could all appreciate the somewhat realistic ending. In terms of innovation,I'm purely rating this game for it's amazing game-play, overall awesome coherent story, character writing and amazing characters that offer a lot of content. Obviously the ending didn't satisfy many fans but considering the scale of the war which the story depicts, became 10 fold in size since the first game, we could all appreciate the somewhat realistic ending. In terms of innovation, not much happened, but was there it was definitely quality over quantity.… Expand
  60. zodak
    Feb 23, 2020
    9
    this game definitely deserves more than 5.8 user rating imho. i literally had tears in my eyes when I saw the ending for the first time. throughout the game you will have to make several hard decisions for you probably have grown to like most of the characters very much therefore the impacts can be incisive sometime. profound dialogues betwenn interesting characters embedded in anthis game definitely deserves more than 5.8 user rating imho. i literally had tears in my eyes when I saw the ending for the first time. throughout the game you will have to make several hard decisions for you probably have grown to like most of the characters very much therefore the impacts can be incisive sometime. profound dialogues betwenn interesting characters embedded in an immersive story. for me, mass effect is one great trilogy for the ages and lives up the quality of part one and two.

    play this for yourselves, then decide. it will be worth your while.    … Expand
  61. Turgun
    Jun 30, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not understand those stupid idiots who are screaming about the fact that the game is a failure, I beat it 3-4 times, and all that is said against the game is all an obscene lie.… Expand
  62. greenbey
    Jun 27, 2020
    9
    A+
    Combat is better than its predecessors. Finale is a bit disappointing. Graphics are fine.
  63. ElCucuy
    Apr 24, 2019
    9
    Here the developers tried to do everything the same as in the second part, but more and better. It is no less cinematic, dramatic, the action part is improved, the dialogues and text are more, the exploration of the planets, which many found boring from the second part, is eliminated. It would seem that the perfect completion of the trilogy, but either did not have enough time, or theHere the developers tried to do everything the same as in the second part, but more and better. It is no less cinematic, dramatic, the action part is improved, the dialogues and text are more, the exploration of the planets, which many found boring from the second part, is eliminated. It would seem that the perfect completion of the trilogy, but either did not have enough time, or the scriptwriter of the first two parts did not have enough, but the final leaves a residue. This was not how the trilogy of games was supposed to end, where you almost at every step make momentous decisions that, because of the final, 3 parts really do not matter. In addition, there is a strong contrast with the strongest final 2 parts.

    So, if not to mention the ending, this game is not inferior to the great previous game. 9 out of 10.    … Expand
  64. MadnessisRising
    Mar 6, 2019
    10
    Like the second Mass Effect an absolute masterpiece! Even better gameplay and better missions with awesome written conflicts between the races. Fantastic fanservice with the DLC's Omega and especially Citadel! Entertaining multiplayer with a lot of great collect-able chars. I absolutely understand the people who say the ending is totally disappointing. I fully agree with this. But even theLike the second Mass Effect an absolute masterpiece! Even better gameplay and better missions with awesome written conflicts between the races. Fantastic fanservice with the DLC's Omega and especially Citadel! Entertaining multiplayer with a lot of great collect-able chars. I absolutely understand the people who say the ending is totally disappointing. I fully agree with this. But even the disappointing ending can't change my love for this game. Together with Mass Effect 2 my favorite game of all time.… Expand
  65. dz1001
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    This is a brilliant denouement to the best game series ever. Gameplay is smooth and fun and there are a number of highpoints to the story, with breathtaking scenes like the threshew maw–Reaper face-off on Tuchanka or the arrival of the allied fleets to the Solar System. The Citadel and Leviathan DLCs are great, deepening and extending the story, lore and character arcs.

    The controversy    This is a brilliant denouement to the best game series ever. Gameplay is smooth and fun and there are a number of highpoints to the story, with breathtaking scenes like the threshew maw–Reaper face-off on Tuchanka or the arrival of the allied fleets to the Solar System. The Citadel and Leviathan DLCs are great, deepening and extending the story, lore and character arcs.

    The controversy about the ending is quite absurd. I agree that the original endings, before the Extended Cut DLC, were lackluster, but the amended endings are fine. Unless ME3 is the only game you have played in your life, you cannot honestly say that the way ME3 ends is somehow beyond the pale. The writing in ME3 is head and shoulders above almost everything else in gaming; getting angry over endings of most games would be an improvement given that the stories of most games are too silly and forgettable for anyone to give a second thought to them. The only thing I can really fault the endings of ME3 for is that by giving the player so much choice over the future of the Milky Way, BioWare made sequels set in the Milky Way impossible, giving us the dud that is Mass Effect: Andromeda.    … Expand
  66. TheHosdadal
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Это конец.
    -
    Ты забыл о том, что хотел защитить. «Цербер» должен был стать мечом человечества, а не ножом ему в спину. (c)    … Expand
  67. Your_Muza
    May 8, 2019
    9
    Good end of great story. It's amazing that all 3 games are very good and we will alwaysl remember the adventure of captain Shepard.
  68. Fatbag
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I created an account on metacritic just to review Mass effect. The series as a whole is not without flaws, and yet I still have never been so touched by the atmosphere presented by a game. The ending of the trilogy is unfortunately marred by ambiguity that is only rectified by paying for the Leviathan dlc. That being said, the series is easily my favorite set of games of all time by far. Even in 2019. A must have series for any gamer… Expand
  69. Kadirov
    Jul 5, 2019
    9
    A great game with a lazy ending. No past choices matter in the end. This was disappointing, but the game itself gave me great emotions.
  70. MaxmilianKohler
    Sep 24, 2019
    8
    Part of a wonderful series.

    Better than ME2: Dialog skipping finally doesn't accidentally trigger. Worse than ME2: Mission statuses don't update in the journal, meaning that you have to check online to see what the next step is. You get missions that you can't complete till later in the game, but no telling when or where. They let you do all this f*ggitty male on male    Part of a wonderful series.

    Better than ME2:
    Dialog skipping finally doesn't accidentally trigger.

    Worse than ME2:
    Mission statuses don't update in the journal, meaning that you have to check online to see what the next step is.
    You get missions that you can't complete till later in the game, but no telling when or where.

    They let you do all this f*ggitty male on male degeneracy, but if I wanna be a hot little femshep slut that sleeps around with my whole crew somehow that's immoral. Slut shaming c*nts.    … Expand
  71. nounasgrand3
    Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 8 years after ME3 release, this game is still grossly UNDERRATED. the entire essence of the ME trilogy is its story and characters. guess what: the game delivers fully satisfactory conclusions for all main plot-threads for the ME universe: krogan genophage; geth/quarian war;reapers war; cerberus war; + having all characters fully developed from the previous games doing their thing (especially ME1 characters) and not making them a shell/caricature of their former selves. and did i mention that literally DOZENS of TINY MINOR CHOICES you did in ME1 and ME2 have ACTUAL EFFECT and echo in ME3. SO MANY, when I replayed the trilogy in 2020 i was awestruck with the complexity for some of these plot-threads to make sense and be acknowledged in ME3: conrad verner, khalisah al-jilani, shiala and zhu's hope, kelly chambers, rachni, balak the batarian, maelon and his data, dr michel, literally anything to do with ME2 companions, FREAKING ASARI WRITINGS COLLECTIBLES IN ME1, i could go on baby.

    people forget the plot of this game, the whole premise... ME1 was about galaxy building/establishing/exploring. ME2 was all about the characters (with essentially a non-important main plot for the bigger picture btw, think about it). ME3 is about the freaking reaper war. no time to go around doing dozens of side-quests (ME1); no time exploring a dozen characters' unique pasts and backgrounds and become their buddies (ME2). in ME3 you are SUPPOSED TO KNOW the state of the galaxy; in ME3 you are SUPPOSED TO KNOW all the main and side characters. in ME3 its time for CLOSURE boys. its time for the epic missions where epic FINAL things are going to happen. Time to CLOSE all running plotlines of the trilogy. HOW can you not acknowledge Bioware GREATLY delivering in this respect. what more did you want from the KROGAN FINALE. what more did you want from the GETH/QUARIAN FINALE. what more did you want from the CERBERUS FINALE.

    What people remember, and destroys their perception of this game, is the stupidly rushed ending WHICH IS A HUGE BUMMER. bioware (or should I say EA) put themselves in a precarious position, wanting to release the game merely TWO YEARS after ME2. they JUMBLED UP the ending due to deadlines! they screwed themselves not having the extended ending (or similar) in the initial release. but THE THREE (+1) ENDINGS are SOOOOOOOO essentially different, it blows my mind how everyone just criticizes them as being just different colors. YES, THE CUTSCENE SURE IS THAT, because its the emotional CINEMATIC CLOSURE of the trilogy. but what about THE MEANING of the choices?? COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DIFFERENT + with the extended (not of the base game I concede) you get epilogues for most of your choices in ME3 without a doubt.

    also, if you did not like any of the 3 endings. excuse me. what did you expect??? did you expect to just DEFEAT THE REAPERS and EVERYTHING BE OK??? that they just lived HAPPILY EVER AFTER??? that shepard was going to have BLUE BABIES and grow old at a vineyard??? are you 8 years old??? OF COURSE ALL ENDINGS were going to be GRIM AND MELANCHOLIC. did you play a different trilogy from me??? did you expect freaking zelda???? REAPERS HELLO????????? REMEMBER????

    BONUS: even if the "colors" are only different, your exploration/time-investment of the ENTIRE trilogy still mattered big time, as the galaxy can be utterly DESTROYED if you did not explore/invest time.

    Deus Ex - Human Revolution, released around the same time, had THE SAME STYLE OF ENDINGS, yet was praised for its story. but no one bats an eye there, whereas for ME3 everyone lost their minds.

    The game also had THE BEST (though not that special anyway) gameplay of the 3 games, with the best mix of 3rd-person action and RPG elements (ME1 lacked in action, ME2 lacked in RPG). it also had a fully immersive multiplayer mode NO ONE EXPECTED, EVERYONE LOVED, YET EVERYONE SEEMS TO FORGET WHEN CRITICIZING ME3 and also was absolutely NOT REQUIRED to achieve best single-player ending, that is BLATANTLY FALSE. and also (though it does not count for the base game) one of the best DLC of the time, and arguably the best bioware DLC ever: Citadel.

    YES, the final stages are NOTHING compared to the final stages of the other two games (Ilos/citadel for ME1, omega suicide mission for ME2) because it was rushed, THAT SUCKS. that has to put the game below 9/10 by itself. they should had developed London missions 5 times more, with specific parts relating to krogan, geth/quarian, and the amount of still loyal-surviving companions and some other side missions. they should have released the game at 2013 AT THE EARLIEST, and fully develop the final epic ending. but do NOT condemn the rest of the game please. its moronic.

    the game is 8-8.5/10 but i put 10/10 to counter the hundreds of moronic 0/10 ratings of immature imbeciles.    … Expand
  72. Agress0r
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Опишу то, чем мне ярче всего запомнилась эта часть игры.
    Проходил все части и знакомился я с Трилогией в 2019 году.
    -
    Сразу отмечу важный момент - со старта этой части я смотрел на игру как на окончание событий, происходивших в прошлых частях игры, и в каком-то смысле это так и вышло. Сюжетные события завершаются, но иногда не так как хотелось бы. Влияние прошлых частей на эту часть осталось, разве что важность многих решений из прошлых игр трилогии, в этой части стала гораздо ниже, и из за этого часто наблюдается прописанный СЦЕНАРИСТАМИ сюжет, а не выбранный игроком путь.
    -
    Лично моё вовлечение во всех частях игры было больше нацеленно не на события и эпик, происходивший вокруг, а на персонажей, которые принимали участие в этих событиях. Каждый из них имеет свою историю, свои душевные и личные проблемы а так же свои особенности - для себя подметил, что на время прохождения трилогии они были для меня в каком-то смысле "второй семьей". По итогу я пришёл к заключению - критическим фактором в том, как вы думаете об этой игре и как вы её оцените в целом, будет то, как вам понравились и запомнились персонажи, с которыми вы прошли этот долгий путь, прямиком с первой части трилогии. Если привязанности нету и вас интересовал только основной сюжет, то вы получите скорее всего только разочарование в виде разноцветной концовки и дырок в сюжетной части.
    -
    Дополнения на мой взгляд весьма объёмные, и выглядят они интереснее чем в прошлой части, да и сопартийцы их активно комментируют. Больше всего понравилось DLC Цитадель. Смесь юмора, старых воспоминаний и сражений создаёт хорошую комедию и в своём роде фан сервис, ну а так же доставляет много эмоций и позитивных ощущений. (если обратить внимание на критику в сторону этого DLC, то большинство нулей и плохих оценок стоит за несерьёзность этого дополнения... Мол галактике пиз*ец, жнецы уничтожают планеты а Шепард в этом время устраивает вечеринку. Я же ничего не могу сказать по этому поводу т.к на игру смотрю иначе чем те, кто пишет такой отзыв)
    -
    Концовка... Ну, да - если прое*ться так по полной сказали Биовары.
    Ваши прошлые решения оказывают малейшее влияние на происходящее. Есть возможность изменить характер концовки, сделать её более жестокой или более мягкой, в одном варианте погибнет и Нормандия, и ваш отряд, который шёл с вами в последний бой, в другом варианте, при хорошей подготовке и больших военных ресурсах, Нормандия, как и ваш экипаж выживает, а сражение не выглядит столь безысходным. Происходящие события обретают вид уверенно высокой боевой готовности к битве, да и катализатор ведёт спокойный диалог, нежели насмехается над Шепардом при низкой боеготовности. Из этого видим, что влияние решений на окружающие события есть, но на конечный выбор и исход - нет.    … Expand
  73. Sh3p4rd90
    Feb 4, 2020
    9
    With exception for the unsatisfying ending, everything else this journey has to offer is just pure awesomeness. The Reapers invasion is upon us and everyone faces annihilation, the faith of the milky way galaxy rests in your hands. You'll need to assemble the fleet, strengthen the ranks and confront new tough decisions to win this war. Combat feels smoother, visuals is looking sharper andWith exception for the unsatisfying ending, everything else this journey has to offer is just pure awesomeness. The Reapers invasion is upon us and everyone faces annihilation, the faith of the milky way galaxy rests in your hands. You'll need to assemble the fleet, strengthen the ranks and confront new tough decisions to win this war. Combat feels smoother, visuals is looking sharper and just about everything has been tuned to some degree. If you can forgive the somewhat lackluster ending then there really is an amazing game to be found here. I definitely recommend.… Expand
  74. Corefitz
    Feb 15, 2020
    8
    Everything from Mass Effect 2 survived and Bioware added what needed to be added, polished what should have been and basically did everything right...

    Until the ending.
    And some alternate ending cooked up as a 3rd option isn't going to make up for how much you destroyed.
  75. GraysonUA
    Mar 31, 2020
    8
    В принципі той самий Mass effect 2, тільки веде до завершення трилогії. Мінус нічого особливо нового.
  76. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    still a great mass effect. the ending is not good, but until then you can have a great time
  77. MattKingsbury
    Jun 19, 2020
    8
    When you look back at Mass Effect 3, after all the DLC was released, the game is a much stronger package than it was at release. You can't help but feel that the game was rushed: streamlined journal, repeating multiplayer maps in singleplayer, few dialogue options. And despite all its flaws, and all the controversy, Mass Effect 3 is still an enjoyable game until its conclusion. A shameWhen you look back at Mass Effect 3, after all the DLC was released, the game is a much stronger package than it was at release. You can't help but feel that the game was rushed: streamlined journal, repeating multiplayer maps in singleplayer, few dialogue options. And despite all its flaws, and all the controversy, Mass Effect 3 is still an enjoyable game until its conclusion. A shame that such a ground-breaking series ends on such a hollow note, however it is the journey that counts...and the journey is truly something special.… Expand
  78. Dgeorgian
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time in, everything is better then in the 2nd game, weapon customization (which is non existent in the 2nd game, story(we are taking later about the ending) and gameplay. The ending was GOOD, after the extended ending it was great. I don't know why everyone says the ending is garbage.
  79. Hawkfrost123
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    Although the ending was far from perfect, I enjoyed the game. The gameplay was polished, the world building up to trilogy's standards. It's a shame the ending didn't reach the potential it had.
  80. ahrek
    Jun 22, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. masterful videogame. though not perfect. needed more missions on alien homeworlds and to allow the use of vehicles that were available in the ME1 and ME2. music, story, and gameplay are amazing. hard to believe that the only females of alien species that finally show up are just two turians. and only one nameless child. why is it that the entire galaxy seems to be made up exclusively out of adults? also the game should have resolved the mystery of Haestrom's sun.

    the whole drama with Tali's photograph and the presence of Diana Allers on the ship is well deserved. someone did not have their priorities straight.    … Expand
  81. levitan17
    Oct 14, 2020
    10
    I truly don't understand all the hate this game managed to gather... For me its one the best games ever! The culmination of our journey with our friends and squad mates... I will always love you, Liara... Synthesis all the way! Always!
  82. flowersdiego
    Aug 8, 2020
    9
    Everything was perfect but the last 10% was missing. As an installment its truly outstanding. As an ending maybe could have been better. Still amazing
  83. Lattely
    Nov 25, 2020
    9
    It could be 10 but ending of the game (without dlc's) just a big dissapointment personally for me (after completing previous games of Mass Effect).
  84. YurySosnov
    Feb 2, 2023
    9
    This game was not perfect, but gameplay is the best for trilogy. Also I liked an online game. It something new, different characters with different possibilities. Yes, it's grind, but it better than nothing and better most of the online games. The end was weird, but game before was deep.
  85. Swisspease
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    I am re-reviewing this game due to the Extended Cut release. I had originally given this a 4 due to the horrible ending with the Extended Cut I feel Bioware did well in trying to wrap up a difficult story. Bioware can't make everyone happy but I am satisfied with the Extended Cut and look forward to replaying this game over and over now.
  86. Windswept7
    Mar 28, 2012
    10
    Amazing game. Voice acting superb. Fairly realistic depiction of what the future may hold. The game play is heaps of fun. Choice between different game modes offers a tailored experience for every taste and the diversity of character customization offered by Bioware is commendable. You will want to replay this game after completion.
  87. mas223
    Mar 23, 2012
    8
    I just finished Mass Effect 3 tonight. I have no idea what all the drama is about. I thought the endings were fine. What i did have a massive problem with thought was the lack of character subplots for your crew. Sort of made the typical experience just a bit more shallow. I also cannot and will not forgive Bioware for including FAFFING NINJA'S in Mass Effect. I like Ninjas just as much asI just finished Mass Effect 3 tonight. I have no idea what all the drama is about. I thought the endings were fine. What i did have a massive problem with thought was the lack of character subplots for your crew. Sort of made the typical experience just a bit more shallow. I also cannot and will not forgive Bioware for including FAFFING NINJA'S in Mass Effect. I like Ninjas just as much as everyone else. But not in mass effect. Oh and theres too many sexual innuendos in the opening parts of the game, that dont really fit into the story, to make it totally clear bioware are pandering to gay people. There is so much gayness until the middle of the game. Still. they did manage to improve on the graphics, sound and surprisingly gameplay. The closing experience also left a positive note, so an 8. Ps. I'm not fan of bioware (quite dislike them at the moment actually) or mass effect, just wanted to see the close the trilogy, so my expectations could have been lower than many people here. Lucky me then??… Expand
  88. OcelotFox
    Apr 9, 2012
    9
    Though the ending may sour the taste of an otherwise amazing experience, BioWare must be applauded for creating a tale that has engrossed the minds of many through its compelling storytelling, varied gameplay, beautifully-realized universe, and incredible characters. Mass Effect 3 isn't the pinnacle of the series, but it's certainly not the terrible ending that so many people would makeThough the ending may sour the taste of an otherwise amazing experience, BioWare must be applauded for creating a tale that has engrossed the minds of many through its compelling storytelling, varied gameplay, beautifully-realized universe, and incredible characters. Mass Effect 3 isn't the pinnacle of the series, but it's certainly not the terrible ending that so many people would make it out to be. That said, BioWare, that last 15 minutes was pretty awful.… Expand
  89. NDMania
    May 19, 2012
    9
    -------STORY 9.0------- This is one of the few games in which talking about the quality of the game's story instead of the trilogy doesn't make sense. If anyone plays this game without having played the previous 2 games... they're doing it wrong! The story plot is amazingly well written and really makes you care for your followers, it has what most games don't: It sucks you into the world-------STORY 9.0------- This is one of the few games in which talking about the quality of the game's story instead of the trilogy doesn't make sense. If anyone plays this game without having played the previous 2 games... they're doing it wrong! The story plot is amazingly well written and really makes you care for your followers, it has what most games don't: It sucks you into the world of Mass Effect turning it into a Star Wars of the Gaming Industry. Definitely not a game for children, not that it has too much violence or strong language, but because it's really emotional, the difficult choices you made until this game will hunt you down and will be reflected on the game's direction. What made the fans so mad was the fact that these choices don't affect the end of the game. Being a renegade or a paragon player the ending is always the same, not that the game developers don't have the right to control the ending but at least the decisions should be reflect in a more intense way. Instead of being a whole, the plot of ME3 is divided in individual smaller plots that don't connect with each other, being the final one only related to Shepard and the fate of the universe. -------SOUND: 10.0------- More than in the previous games, the soundtrack binds you to the game in such a strong way that makes this game one of the best games I've ever played. With time I've come to notice the importance of music and sound effects in movies but even more in games. It's subtle, but it's the final and most important connection between the game and the gamer. The soundtrack doesn't need to be good while listening to it separately, it wasn't made with that intention, it was made to emphasize the emotions or even create them for a more realist and/or dramatic way. A true piece or art. -------GAMEPLAY: 8.0------- I wouldn't say it's just another shooter, cause it isn't, since you have that interaction with your teammates, special abilities (aka biotic powers), etc... it's just that it could be better, I really don't know what to write. The cover system is better but still with some problems, the existence of the heavy melee attack and over-the-cover melee gives a cool and rapid-pace feeling to the game as well as brutal, but it alone doesn't change much, I think the best new addition to the gameplay was the roll / evade move, that really lets you go all-out in a stylish way against your enemies. In non-combat situations the game gets too rpg for my taste, not that I don't mind making little errands but, specially in this game where the fate of earth is in your hands, chilling out in a bar may not be the best idea. In conclusion, you can play the game for fun as well as for interest in the story plot. -------GRAPHICS: 7.5------- Good, solid, could be better in humans, much better... It's OK for me but it's not what makes the game pop out. Don't get me wrong, though. I think it's a little better than in the previous games as it should be. -------ART-WORK: 9.5------- This is a special note that I don't think I'll be using in future reviews, but I bought the Art work book of ME3, and it is amazing. It really shows the readers the Universe and it's every detail, it shows what the players don't see while running through the lands of Tuchanka (for example...) it's really revealing. It's those things that make the game big. I really can't understand it fully but it's really impressive. Thanks for that Bioware. -------CONCLUSION------- For anyone who hasn't played it yet... please, for your own good... buy the Mass Effect games. It's a generation, it's a MUST-HAVE… Expand
  90. Smiley15
    Apr 15, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly in this game, everything good they add they add something terrible to even it out. The biggest improvement, by far, is the gameplay. They added tons of new weapons, rolling in cover, and to make Trench-Warfare a bit easier, quick-killing(grabbing). The singleplayer isn't as monotonous, in Mass Effect 2 it was recruiting and helping squad mates with the occasional mission against the collectors. However, the squadmates are a let down. Javik and James are the only new ones that haven't been seen before(forgive me if I'm wrong). Garrus, Tali,Liara, and Javik are the only alien squad mates, and there's no Drell or Salarian squad mates, much to my dismay. The graphics and animations are pretty much the same, if not slightly better. You can still upload from Mass Effect 2, so you aren't starting from scratch. For the ending, I am quite furious about it. Anderson is a fixed death (alongside other Mass Effect 2 squadmates like Legion and Thane) and apparently the indestructible Reapers are led by a ghostly kid who is also the Catalyst, a componet for the Crucible that you spend a lot of time looking for. Also, 2 randomly chosen squadmates will appear with Joker on survival island at the ending, not saying a word. However that's something that they're changing, so I will not be giving this game the 6 it deserves with it. As I mentioned before, many former squad mates are fixed deaths and die no matter what you do. However, all of the deaths, even the optional ones, are fitting. Thane dies saving a life rather than removing it. Legion dies either in defense of his species or to save them from annihilation. Mordin CAN(but doesn't have to) die curing the genophage, his biggest mistake. Samara CAN die fulfilling the code. Of course they add a heap of stupid and soulless characters, including a lesbian and a gay person. They also added Kai Leng, which I have concluded is a female after watching Thane hit him in his nonexistent balls 10 times. At least you get to slay him when it's over, I didn't hesitate for a nanosecond about the renegade interrupt. Also, they added Co-op Multiplayer which is the biggest new thing out of all the epic updates. You can FINALLY play as Salarians, Turians, Quarians, Asari, Drell, Geth, Krogan, Batarian, and even as a Asari Justicar. It's hard to implement slow motion attacks like Biotic Charge and such when others don't want random slow-mo, but they executed it very well. And a very prevalent topic is the day 1 DLC. I hated it too, but it's not a good reason for plop a 0 down as your score. The new War Assets idea was brilliant. Now you can do side quests and scanning parties for something more important than research material(removed, sadly). Anomalies and random missions were pretty much worthless in mass effect 2, except being very fun. Now they are fun and benefit you by giving a War Asset. Depending on the final decision in Mass Effect 2(destroying the Collector Base or not) you need a certain amount to keep Shepard alive and to keep Earth from utter destruction. A HUGE problem for me was the enemies. Besides having fairly stupid 1-shot kills (unavoidable once it starts), there's only THREE FACTIONS. It would be fun to have a boss on wave 11 in multiplayer, like a Geth Colossus or a Gunship, but no. In fact, in single player, the final boss is the infamous Marauder Shields, in which you have no choice but to use the limitless ammo M-3 Predator(Which I never used after I found my first Weapons Bench). At least they added gun modifications like extended barrels, and upgrading the guns to I and V and X. All in all, this game is excellent but if you're a poor starving person on the streets, prepare for the attack of the DLC.… Expand
  91. FIGIOT
    Mar 28, 2012
    9
    Awesome game. Choices made in the previous games still have some impact later on. Even in some small conversation details. Though the ending should be better I still had a blast playing this game.
  92. AlexanderVallin
    Mar 28, 2012
    10
    Aside from the endings, I found this to be a great experience. I really love the storyline, the voice acting, the graphics. I appreciated the romance / friendship development with the cast. This is presently my favorite game and I am generally not a fan of Sci Fi or Shooters.
  93. RangerGxi
    Jun 24, 2012
    9
    This game was amazing! The character was deep and the final conclusion made my boner rip through my pants. The gameplay was solid, with great innovation from EA but the game still holding to it's roots. I really don't understand all the hatred this game receives. If you read into the indoctrination theory and follow the correct ending you will probably see the ending as one of the greatestThis game was amazing! The character was deep and the final conclusion made my boner rip through my pants. The gameplay was solid, with great innovation from EA but the game still holding to it's roots. I really don't understand all the hatred this game receives. If you read into the indoctrination theory and follow the correct ending you will probably see the ending as one of the greatest ending's of all time. The ending ranks high on my favorite endings, among Fallout 3, Bioshock, etc.

    People who hate this ending are self-entitled brats giant expectations that are unrealistic. Each ending PERFECTLY reflected your decisions throughout the game. lol    … Expand
  94. JimmyWhistles
    Mar 21, 2012
    9
    I was seriously enjoying this game for 95% of the time I played it. In fact, if I could have, I would have given it an 11 out of 10. But then I reached the end. Don't worry, no spoilers, but let's just say the ending seriously leaves something to be desired. The gameplay aspect is just as good as that of Mass Effect 2, and the story itself (except the end) is nearly flawless. Mass Effect 2I was seriously enjoying this game for 95% of the time I played it. In fact, if I could have, I would have given it an 11 out of 10. But then I reached the end. Don't worry, no spoilers, but let's just say the ending seriously leaves something to be desired. The gameplay aspect is just as good as that of Mass Effect 2, and the story itself (except the end) is nearly flawless. Mass Effect 2 is absolutely my favorite game ever played, and Mass Effect 3 (Singleplayer) is a great game with a flawed ending. What bumps this game from the 8/10 I would have given it to the 9/10 I am giving it is the multiplayer. While it isn't the main focus of the game (not for me anyway), I foresee it entertaining me for a while while I rank up all the various classes. In summation, it would be a 10 from me, but the ending was flawed at best, so it's a 9.… Expand
  95. Radgeon
    Apr 1, 2012
    10
    Es la conclusión de una de las mejores trilogías de los tiempos, con un final polémico que esta dando que hablar con la formulación de varias teorias interesantes.

    Obligatorio probar algún mass effect
  96. Billy_Basso
    Apr 1, 2012
    10
    I normally never review anything online, but after seeing the absolutely asinine amount of negative reviews I felt obligated to speak up. First off, Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game overall. The universe it continues to build on from the first to games is probably the richest in videogame history. The voice acting is mostly excellent. The combat's more refined than in Mass Effect 2.I normally never review anything online, but after seeing the absolutely asinine amount of negative reviews I felt obligated to speak up. First off, Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game overall. The universe it continues to build on from the first to games is probably the richest in videogame history. The voice acting is mostly excellent. The combat's more refined than in Mass Effect 2. Although it only uses the unreal 3 engine, the graphics are still very nice -- the upshot being that it will run well on a wide range of systems. I've never felt so emotionally invested in a game's universe and plot as I've felt while playing Mass Effect 3. The fact that Bioware actually managed to carry so many things over from the first two games, and follow through with there original ambitions is extremely impressive. Okay. Sure. The ending could certainly be better. But to say it retroactively ruins the rest of the game is ridiculous. I must assume all the disproportionately negative reviews are being written by a very outspoken minority. If this were any other game, the ending would never get this much attention. If anything, it's a testament to the exceedingly high quality and player's investment in the series; any perceived flaw is going to be that much more difficult to deal with.

    Also, I almost forgot, Origin is really dumb. I hate using it, and I felt shameful downloading Mass Effect 3 through it. Once I starting playing the game, however, I quickly forgot about it. And I can't punish the developer for EA's lame, anti-consumer, business decisions. I hopefully will never have to download another origin game again.

    As the game goes, ff you enjoyed either of the first two Mass Effects at all, you should play Mass Effect 3. The developers put an immense amount of hard work into wrapping up their trilogy. Just about every aspect of the game is topnotch, and the series, as a whole, sets a new standard for story telling in the medium. Bioware deserves recognition for their hard work. If you were at all excited for Mass Effect 3 before launch, buy it. Ignore all the immature slander and pay attention to the critics reviews. Most normal people will love Mass Effect 3.    … Expand
  97. woahyeah
    May 16, 2012
    10
    Absolutely epic, one of the best games I've ever played. Besides the ending that has a lot of people upset, this game is absolutely gorgeous, the choices and story are enthralling, well-written, and emotional. Truly in the tradition of past Mass Effect games while taking the series to a new level. Absolutely love it, definitely one of my top 5 favorite games I've ever played. TheAbsolutely epic, one of the best games I've ever played. Besides the ending that has a lot of people upset, this game is absolutely gorgeous, the choices and story are enthralling, well-written, and emotional. Truly in the tradition of past Mass Effect games while taking the series to a new level. Absolutely love it, definitely one of my top 5 favorite games I've ever played. The multiplayer is fun as well. I would love to talk face to face with someone who doesn't like this game, because I feel like there is a real bandwagon sentiment for people giving it bad reviews. There is the whole indignation of the DLC releases, which has some valid points, but that doesn't make this game a bad game. Just taken objectively on its merits, it is an amazing and epic experience if you like RPG's, and like getting into a story. Any movie/game can be unenjoyable if you are in a mood to make it that way, or don't like getting absorbed in a story. For instance, the original Mass Effect and Bioshock 1 were favorites of mine, but one of my best friends doesn't really get into story lines so he just played for the action and preferred other games. But for someone who likes an engrossing atmosphere and story line, this is the game for you.… Expand
  98. BatmanRising
    May 18, 2012
    10
    The word of the day is "choice." The Mass Effect franchise has always rested on the idea that the player gets to pick Shepard's path, and in this last installment BioWare seems determined to give the player a small array of options for almost everything. Are conversations not your thing? There's an option to make them into cut-scenes. Is reflex-action combat too challenging? There's anThe word of the day is "choice." The Mass Effect franchise has always rested on the idea that the player gets to pick Shepard's path, and in this last installment BioWare seems determined to give the player a small array of options for almost everything. Are conversations not your thing? There's an option to make them into cut-scenes. Is reflex-action combat too challenging? There's an option to make it significantly simpler (you only need to bother taking cover in the hardest of fights). Like your helmet? See it in cut-scenes. Hate it? Turn it off.… Expand
  99. Dusty_Hayes
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    Mass Effect 3 if a good sci-fi RPG, the online mode is fun, good graphics, great musical score, very good story, ME3 still plays well, with some of the best voice acting and performances in a game, while the ending has been updated and expanded making it barely durable, if you own Mass Effect 1&2 you may want to play ME3 for closure, but be prepared for the possibility be put off the franchise
  100. yellowpride
    Mar 23, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While some elements of the game were less than great, I think the game as a whole was one of the best that I've played in a while. My biggest complaint is probably the changes to the dialogue system. There are almost no neutral options for conversations and each dialogue option you choose accounts for a longer part of the conversation, whereas it was usually only one or two lines in the previous two games. To compensate for it, they seem to have put in a lot more paragon and renegade interrupts, which are nice in that they give you a bit more control over what your Shepard says and does.

    Another drawback, for me, was the system for gauging your military strength. Unlike in Mass Effect 2, where each loyalty or upgrade you got was used for a specific purpose, this game just gives you a gross total that doesn't factor in either the source or the type of the resource. You also don't really see how it affects the ending of the game, beyond you, as the player, knowing that you got a certain total which allowed you to have certain possibilities.

    Without going into detail, I'll just say that the ending, to me, was pretty disappointing. As someone who's played both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 several times, I was unhappy with the way they chose to conclude the final chapter of the trilogy. That being said, I still think the positive elements of this game far outweigh the negative.

    One of the first things I noticed about this game was the improved look. They took a lot of what was great about Mass Effect 2 (the vibrant scenery, the dynamic cut-scenes) and added more of the texture detail from the first game and a nice grittiness that seemed fitting for the tone of this game. While a few of the scenes (especially on the Normandy) were poorly lit, that was more the exception than the rule.

    Probably the biggest improvement, in my mind, was the change to the weapons system. Much like in Mass Effect 2, there is no working inventory, so when you find a certain gun, it's then available for the whole squad. However, unlike Mass Effect 2, the different weapons aren't direct upgrades of each other. Instead, each one has a specific feel and is suited to a different style of play. Once you figure out which one will work best for you, you can upgrade and customize it to further fit your needs. Beyond that, the combat system is pretty similar to Mass Effect 2, with a few small improvements, so if you liked it in Mass Effect 2, you'll like it here. The multiplayer campaign is also a nice addition to the experience as a whole, even if it's more of a side dish than a meal on its own.

    Also, I would probably consider this game the strongest of the series as far as use of time. Whereas the first game had a lot of random side quests to make the game longer and the second game sometimes lost the urgency of the main quest between all the loyalty and recruitment missions, Mass Effect 3 is much more clearly focused on gathering resources to use against the Reapers. While the game as a whole was at least a few hours shorter than the other two, a lot more of that time was spent on the main mission. Overall, while there were a few things that I was less than happy about, this game is still definitely worth playing.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2012
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. CPUGamer
    Apr 11, 2012
    90
    BioWare captures the scale of the conflict well, but always focuses on the people involved in it. It's pretty amazing just how badly EA disregarded the heart of the game – the characters and the world – when they began their marking blitzkrieg, but don't worry, it's oh so definitely there – Day 1 DLC, controversial endings, and questionable use of resources be damned. This is a fine, lovingly crafted game with a clear vision despite the realities of corporations and damning business practices.
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  2. PC PowerPlay
    Apr 5, 2012
    80
    A game that's more shooter than role-playing, and a conclusion that's more spectacular than dramatic. [Apr 2012, p.47]
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  3. Absolute Games
    Mar 31, 2012
    85
    Finishing a trilogy is always difficult. Tying off dozens of story threads which had been woven by players into many different tapestries is a daunting task. Mass Effect 3 is the first game that succeeded at this colossal undertaking.
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