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6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3849 Ratings

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  1. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    The culmination of a great series which has as the greatest disappointment that it is actually coming to an end! This is a game of amazing choice with only a semi-linear path from Mass Effect. through Mass Effect 2 and 3. Definitely the most defining game series that I have played with peerless Combat/RPG elements and a Grand Scale yet emotionally moving and relevant storyline. BiowareThe culmination of a great series which has as the greatest disappointment that it is actually coming to an end! This is a game of amazing choice with only a semi-linear path from Mass Effect. through Mass Effect 2 and 3. Definitely the most defining game series that I have played with peerless Combat/RPG elements and a Grand Scale yet emotionally moving and relevant storyline. Bioware deserves every accolade for having the vision and ability to craft this series from beginning to end. I have to say from a Metacritic's point of view that I'm dismayed by the consumer backlash on here which appears to be mostly out of spite regarding jealousy and dismay over Day 1 DLC. Childish IMHO! This is a great game and deserves to be reviewed without the flame war! The gaming world would be far poorer without Bioware's input Expand
  2. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    What can I say that hasn't already been said? The game is a masterpiece. It is flawless. It is the apex of artistic achievement. While it is true that nothing is perfect I think this comes as close as possible to perfection and thus the only possible score I can give it is a 10 since its minor imperfections would only take away mere decimals from its score.

    Where to begin? The story, the
    What can I say that hasn't already been said? The game is a masterpiece. It is flawless. It is the apex of artistic achievement. While it is true that nothing is perfect I think this comes as close as possible to perfection and thus the only possible score I can give it is a 10 since its minor imperfections would only take away mere decimals from its score.

    Where to begin? The story, the universe, established by this franchise is tremendous in its detail and scope. Its on par if not better than the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek in terms of its sheer size and detail. There is so much to do and so much to learn. Even more so now than in previous games. In terms of its conclusion to the tale of Shepard, there are no complaints whatsoever. Every loose end is tied up, every question is answered and there are absolutely no plot holes, regardless of your choices in the previous installments. And yet all of these choices do play some sort of role, leaving us to wonder just how meticulous and neurotic the writing team at Bioware must be. More power to them because such an intricate plot line which adapts to your every move really is a monumental achievement. The game play is another high point. Unlike most RPGs, the combat does not take a back seat in any way, only improving on the impressive precedent set by Mass Effect 2. It plays like a thrilling action game while maintaining its RPG focus. There are more powers to learn, more guns to find, an improved melee system, more challenging enemies to fight, and simply a lot more fun to be had. What more could you want? The characters and dialogue are another high point. Most major characters from the previous games will make some sort of appearance (assuming they survived) and it is a joy to see your favorites once again. There are a lot more options in regards to relationships which can be developed in new and interesting ways. The dialogue is often witty and sharp and at times quite heavy and intense. Some scenes will pull at your heartstrings with a surprising intensity, packing a serious emotional sucker punch. These are often a direct result of your choices, carrying even more weight as a result.

    Perhaps the biggest change to the Mass Effect formula is the addition of multilayer. These matches are quite a bit of fun, keeping the strategic feel of the single player while integrating the thrill of the human factor. It is at times reminiscent of classic multilayer crowd pleasers such as Gears of War which is certainly a tremendous accomplishment. In the end, while the game does have a few technical kinks here and there, Mass Effect 3 is an unforgettable experience and monumental accomplishment in complex gameplay, captivating storytelling and smart dialogue as well as many other things. It truly is a fitting end to the epic saga of the legendary Commander Shepard.
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  3. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    Everything about this game proves Bioware's crowning achievement. It takes everything right about the previous games and betters them, and fixes all the technical issues. The combat is better than it's ever been, there are fewer technical issues. The writing is once again brilliant. Applaud Bioware, folks, they have done it again.
  4. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 delivers in all respects. This game is truly firing on all cylinders, gameplay, characterization, plotting, action, everything! I fail to understand all the negative ratings, that really seem to be more out of spite that the game didn't fit into what were there preconceived "notions" than actual reasonable criticisms of the game itself. Because, let's face it people, MassMass Effect 3 delivers in all respects. This game is truly firing on all cylinders, gameplay, characterization, plotting, action, everything! I fail to understand all the negative ratings, that really seem to be more out of spite that the game didn't fit into what were there preconceived "notions" than actual reasonable criticisms of the game itself. Because, let's face it people, Mass Effect 3 probably won't be topped again in 2012. Or 2013. Or 2014. Etc. Releasing dlc on the release date of the game is a money grab, but it doesn't make the game bad. The number of fallacies that contradicts is astounding. Expand
  5. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    WOW. That is the only word capable of summing up my feelings. People who compare this to Call of Duty have a few screws loose. Such a comparison is insufferable, as this game is so far ahead of anything Infinity Ward has ever made that it's unbelievable.
  6. Mar 24, 2012
    10
    I beg everyone to go and watch the indoctrination theory it was nothing short of mind blowing. I understand why people have given this game 0 and 1 for the ending, but the fact is they (most likely) have been playing the game on the most physical and ultimately shallow level. Please watch this video it really made me rethink my previous rating of a 7, and realize what this series wasI beg everyone to go and watch the indoctrination theory it was nothing short of mind blowing. I understand why people have given this game 0 and 1 for the ending, but the fact is they (most likely) have been playing the game on the most physical and ultimately shallow level. Please watch this video it really made me rethink my previous rating of a 7, and realize what this series was really about. It gave it purpose again. I promise you it will make you look at the game in a completely different light. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ythY_GkEBck Expand
  7. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    Where do I begin..."Never before have so many species come together..." Mass Effect 3 fills all of the hopes, dreams, and imaginations of everyone who started the the series back in 2007. Bioware has done an amazing job by perfecting combat, exploration, and choice. I have never been influenced or touched by game-design to point where virtual characters have an effect on my humanWhere do I begin..."Never before have so many species come together..." Mass Effect 3 fills all of the hopes, dreams, and imaginations of everyone who started the the series back in 2007. Bioware has done an amazing job by perfecting combat, exploration, and choice. I have never been influenced or touched by game-design to point where virtual characters have an effect on my human emotions. Whoever has played Mass Effect 1 & 2 needs no need of reading this...because they have already experienced the same events I have..

    N7 Recruits......good luck

    -"Shepard Out"....
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  8. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    quite possibly the definitive action RPG of this generation, Mass effect 3 is astounding when it comes to visuals, combat, voice acting and especially story. I encountered no bugs or glitches and was glued to the teli for 3 days trying to wrap up this masterpiece and what a glorious ending it was
  9. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Epic is an understatement. I have played through both Mass Effect games and this third and final installment is simply the best out there. The way every choice you've made impacts the storyline, the way the game looks, the perfected combat, the optimized menus, the return of some old characters, even the emotional impact the game makes is phenomenal. Mind that I haven't even mentioned theEpic is an understatement. I have played through both Mass Effect games and this third and final installment is simply the best out there. The way every choice you've made impacts the storyline, the way the game looks, the perfected combat, the optimized menus, the return of some old characters, even the emotional impact the game makes is phenomenal. Mind that I haven't even mentioned the super-fun multiplayer mode yet. When it was announced, I doubted that multiplayer would work in a singleplayer game like Mass Effect, but it is brilliant and addictive. Moreover, it ties into and impacts the storyline of your singleplayer adventure, and it is of the same quality of the singleplayer. Big props to BioWare for pulling this off. The expectations were mile high, and yet they delivered. I'd recommend anyone to buy this game. Every core gamer that takes itself seriously MUST buy this game. Expand
  10. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For starters, I have been a fan of the Mass Effect series since the first game released, I became so involved with Shepard and his crew that I would spend hrs on end replaying and getting perfect endings, the major change in the third title was the idea of multiplayer which helps you in singleplayer with military assets, but I did not do that for i felt it made the game easier.

    I like a challenge and Bioware sure as hell gave us one, throughout this game the set pieces of nearly being taken out by huge squads of reapers is at times insane, that final push to the beam to enter the citadel was shockingly brutal, finding out that the illusive man was also right, that was even more shocking, but nothing prepared me for seeing shep sacrifice himself as he remembers joker,anderson and others, yes tears were shed, and i replayed this immense tragic story to it's heartbreaking end again, I wanted so bad to save edi , joker was so happy with her and she died so I felt horrible, and when legion died , i lost it.

    yes the masses say this title is bad, but they have never put enough time into this series like the true fans have, we love this series. This was the only way to end the series in my eyes, if they release a new one I would play it but I never would feel as much as I did with shep, and yes I think the child was sheps son or possibly him, I will remember this game series as the best I ever played and hope that the ones bashing it will realize they were wrong.
    mass effect 3 is goty
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  11. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Everyone who is giving this game a very low score has the same, silly issue with this incredible finale; they came into this game with preconceived notions about how they wanted it to end. You're fighting a vastly overwhelming force with little hope from the get go, I personally would have been unhappy if BW introduced some "magic fix" that allowed you to somehow effectively battle everyEveryone who is giving this game a very low score has the same, silly issue with this incredible finale; they came into this game with preconceived notions about how they wanted it to end. You're fighting a vastly overwhelming force with little hope from the get go, I personally would have been unhappy if BW introduced some "magic fix" that allowed you to somehow effectively battle every reaper you come across. They didn't, so lots of people are raging.
    ME3 has the best character development of the series, almost guaranteeing that you develop strong emotional attachments to many of your characters. And yes, it's a very somber mood and many of those emotions are sad; but the fact that they managed to illicit sadness/fury/hopelessness (as opposed to typical, easy emotions for games such as excitement/wonder/achievement) speaks to the incredible writing and storyline.
    Many of your choices don't effect WHAT happens, but all of them change HOW it happens. It's an important distinction. "Your species has the attention of those infinitely your greater", should have warned all you raging lunatics, this is a desperate battle from which many won't survive, but that's as it should be.
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  12. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Epic, chilling and suspenseful are the three words that first come to my mind when I remember this game; however, fans are no doubt going to be disappointed about the ending of this fantastic series which simply deserved something much more satisfying. Yet, no other game in recent memory has given me chills so many times throughout the story. One last gripe I have with the game is itEpic, chilling and suspenseful are the three words that first come to my mind when I remember this game; however, fans are no doubt going to be disappointed about the ending of this fantastic series which simply deserved something much more satisfying. Yet, no other game in recent memory has given me chills so many times throughout the story. One last gripe I have with the game is it doesn't quite show you all of the the war assets that you have spent all game collecting, making the ending and the beginning the weakest parts of the game, leaving an astonishing middle section that will have you in awe and ready to take back earth. Expand
  13. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is fantastic. All of the detail and work that went into building this story and this universe is incredible. It literally feels like a living, breathing world. On top of that, throw in fantastic third person shooting, rpg elements, and an addictive multiplayer mode, and you have in my opinion, one of the best games created in the last 10 years, maybe ever. You get so much more than 60 dollars worth of game, I would have been willing to pay 100, theres just that much content. This game is a masterpiece and it should be considered as one of the greats for years to come. Expand
  14. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    To be perfectly honest, this review board is filled with trolls... Which is really a sad thing, considering this is probably one of the greatest games to come out this generation. Is it perfect? No, but it damn sure is close. Just about every issue that presented with Mass Effect 2 has been addressed:

    1. Scanning for Minerals - it has been replaced by a much more entertaining mini-game of
    To be perfectly honest, this review board is filled with trolls... Which is really a sad thing, considering this is probably one of the greatest games to come out this generation. Is it perfect? No, but it damn sure is close. Just about every issue that presented with Mass Effect 2 has been addressed:

    1. Scanning for Minerals - it has been replaced by a much more entertaining mini-game of sorts (I wont go into specifics since it could be considered spoiler material.)

    2. Lack of choices in skill trees - The skill trees now offer way more depth; with 21 choices you can make for each character.

    3. Some maneuvering issues - all I have to say is f*#! yeah rolling

    4. The lack of involvement of previous characters - This time around the whole gang is back, and it is a nice d=touch for fans of the series

    5. Audio discrepancies - I may be the only person noticing this, but weapons finally have a weight to them, and the audio sells them in a incredibly natural way (was just one of those things that bothered me in the previous games)

    There are actually a few more, but I feel after the list presented I can make my point: The user reviews of ME2 are sitting around 8.9... and ME3 is such an atrocity that it evidently has a 5.0? Even though all it did was take steps forward. To be perfectly honest, I doubt half of the people who reviewed this game even played it through all of the way (or even played the actual game for that matter). But, I have played it to completion, and it was one of the most memorable gaming experiences I've had. So, ultimately I am giving this game a 10. Does it deserve it? Not quite, but it sure as hell doesn't deserve a 5.
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  15. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    People are honestly being ridiculous with this game, it's bizarre. Each of the Mass Effect games differ from one another in little ways, and this one just happens to be more intense and action oriented. HOWEVER I found that the RPG elements are more effective here than they were in Mass Effect 2. Leveling up is more apparent, and XP gains are clear. So I don't get those complaints. Also,People are honestly being ridiculous with this game, it's bizarre. Each of the Mass Effect games differ from one another in little ways, and this one just happens to be more intense and action oriented. HOWEVER I found that the RPG elements are more effective here than they were in Mass Effect 2. Leveling up is more apparent, and XP gains are clear. So I don't get those complaints. Also, the writing is just fine. Sure, this installment is more action oriented, but there are emotional beats at the right moments, and the dialog is smart and logical for the situation, with some humor put in there too. Voice acting is top notch, as usual. Graphics are more fluid than the past games, and the whole weapon deal is much more varied and fun than before. Amazing set pieces as well. The visuals are pretty stunning at times, just in the composition of everything. Fighting geth husks on Menae as we see the Reapers destroying Garrus' home planet was quite a spectacle. Multiplayer is actually fun and fast paced, surprisingly. As for the romance options, well, I'm pretty sure you have to ask for a gay relationship in some way, so the homophobes have nothing to worry about there, unless they choose the right responses that would trigger it, which would seem interesting to me. Overall, if you've enjoyed the other ME games, then buy this without hesitation, just to experience this compelling universe again. I am disappointed in Metacritic gamers, both with the fake, desperately negative reviews, and with the immature, insatiable gamers who can't accept anything different than slower-paced RPG's. This game may not be perfect, but it's pretty darn great. Expand
  16. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Game is AMAZING! Many emotions, many drive. Find story like in Mass Effec!. Find so fantastic emotions! Find so amazing EPIC You can't find it in Skyrim or Amalur. Free world is not better than GREAT story! So many agressive! Why? Gamers, WAKE UP! Stop it. This game survive is better than 5! It is a LEGEND.
  17. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    I've been enjoying the game enormously. Will be replaying in the different modes, and seriously tempted to go back to 1 to give the whole trilogy a marathon play-through. Writing is sharp and good as ever, I like the tweaks to combat and the addition of power combos--gives me more options in my play strategy. And enjoying the new enemy types. There is a little added variety in characterI've been enjoying the game enormously. Will be replaying in the different modes, and seriously tempted to go back to 1 to give the whole trilogy a marathon play-through. Writing is sharp and good as ever, I like the tweaks to combat and the addition of power combos--gives me more options in my play strategy. And enjoying the new enemy types. There is a little added variety in character creation, but would have liked to see even more options or have tools for additional customization. Like the increased options for romantic pairings. I play with both fem and male Sheps and like going through the different story lines with different characters. Very pleased that Bioware is willing to add flexibility there and give gamers more choices to explore. Game is beautiful and hope this isn't the end for the Mass Effect universe. So many stories out there! Expand
  18. Mar 18, 2012
    10
    I bought the game for my PC and the graphics are just amazing, I also purchased the two games for the iPad that are also linked to my PC game and affects each other, I am really glad the developers merged all of these tools/devices to work great with each other, it enhances the immersion.

    The story of Mass Effect 3 is solid, the voice acting is superb, the music is hypnotizing, love the
    I bought the game for my PC and the graphics are just amazing, I also purchased the two games for the iPad that are also linked to my PC game and affects each other, I am really glad the developers merged all of these tools/devices to work great with each other, it enhances the immersion.

    The story of Mass Effect 3 is solid, the voice acting is superb, the music is hypnotizing, love the action and the easy of use. I give this game a 10 for perfect!
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  19. Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Mass effect 3 is simply amazing! Bio ware has done a terrific job with this final installment in the mass effect series. The first mission where the reapers are attacking earth is a thrilling and excellent way to start off the game.
  20. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    A great story. A brilliant ending and a masterpiece from Bioware. Ð
  21. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Even better than the already near perfect Mass Effect 2. If you enjoy a rich story with awesome characters and smarter than the typical blow everything up shooter then the Mass Effect series is for you. I can't imagine anyone calling themselves a gamer wouldn't love this game.
  22. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Awesome game. Loved the first two games, and ME3 does not disappoint. Easily a 10 / 10. All of the low scores are shocking. They must not have played the game, or did not play the first two games.
  23. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is not the terrible and horrendous piece of crap that all these folks on here are trying so hard to make it out to be. Sure, the game has some flaws, but to give it a "ZERO" doesn't prove anything, other than some people know how to exaggerate and hop on a bandwagon. I'm currently about 30hrs into the campaign, and so far the only real tangible problems with the game are someMass Effect 3 is not the terrible and horrendous piece of crap that all these folks on here are trying so hard to make it out to be. Sure, the game has some flaws, but to give it a "ZERO" doesn't prove anything, other than some people know how to exaggerate and hop on a bandwagon. I'm currently about 30hrs into the campaign, and so far the only real tangible problems with the game are some minor technical annoyances. Framerate stutters in the beginning cutscenes, talking heads and some dubious cover mechanics. These are established flaws within the game that can be disruptive to the flow and cohesiveness of the experience. However, even with the weight of these issues, they are not heavy enough to mar the experience to such a strong degree that the game becomes a complete and utter failure. Those who've tried so hard to dismiss the game as a "ZERO" or even a "ONE", have every right to do so, but they also will be lacking in a reasonable and compelling argument to justify it. So far most of the negative user reviews are focused on what they see as a horrible story in the game. Fortunately, a game's story and whether it can be called good or not, is completely subjective. If one doesn't like the story arc in Mass Effect 3, then that's fine. But it isn't really the developers fault is it? Our tastes and standards vary, so we can't really dismiss an entire game as crap, just because we didn't love the story. As long as the writers were inspired, and actually tried to craft a entertaining tale, then they've done all they can do. The rest is just preference and opinion. Unfortunately, it seems clear that the real issue here is the matter of EA's decision to include day1 DLC. This to me, is the real reason for all the bandwagoning backlash. It's just too bad that Bioware is suffering the consequences for their greedy publishers shrewd business tactics. Because all they did was release the third installment to a beloved sci-fi saga. The rest is just white noise. Expand
  24. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played, no other game has ever managed to get emotional responses from me! The story comes full circle in this last instalment and we can truly see the scale of the galactic war. We are treated to some truly neat set-pieces and great characters.
    Many seem to think that this game is somehow worse or more mainstream than the previous Mass Effect games, don't
    One of the best games I've ever played, no other game has ever managed to get emotional responses from me! The story comes full circle in this last instalment and we can truly see the scale of the galactic war. We are treated to some truly neat set-pieces and great characters.
    Many seem to think that this game is somehow worse or more mainstream than the previous Mass Effect games, don't let them fool you, this game is more accessible, but it strikes a nice and simple balance between the hefty RPG elements of Mass Effect 1 (which were sometimes cumbersome) and the severed simplicity of Mass Effect 2 (only upgrade purchases, really?). Mass Effect 3 features a plethora of weapons, upgrades, mods and character abilities that you can use to craft your own Shepard, Truly an amazing end for an incredible series, it is worth every penny and every hour!
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  25. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    A note to all who hate the ending. It is 15 freaking minutes of horror, out of a 100 hour game (At least). You are all giving it a zero when you probably really never even say the ending for yourself. And the DLC? Who cares, go to the dlc page to rate it bad, not here. All of you dislikers are probably cod players who compulsively dislike.
  26. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    I absolutely love this game, and the trilogy as a whole. It was a fantastic ending to something that I've been enjoying for so many years now, the writing, gameplay, mechanics, graphics and story was top notch. Bringing back many of the elements from ME1 and mixing it together with ME2 made a winning formula gameplay wise. Adding mods to weapons and a bigger rpg system was something that II absolutely love this game, and the trilogy as a whole. It was a fantastic ending to something that I've been enjoying for so many years now, the writing, gameplay, mechanics, graphics and story was top notch. Bringing back many of the elements from ME1 and mixing it together with ME2 made a winning formula gameplay wise. Adding mods to weapons and a bigger rpg system was something that I missed in ME2, so again thanks Bioware for making such an Sci-Fi epic!

    Anyway, I finished the game after 29 hours so there is much to it. And don't take good or bad reviews as an dealbreaker for either buying it or not, just try it. It is so worth it :)

    NOTE: I just wanted to add that I don't think this is actually the end for the ME universe, since my ending had a big Cliffhanger... So there has to be more to it.
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  27. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    This is a Game that every moment i enjoying, one game with action and rpg´s that others want to copy.
    Beautiful envirnoments, Good story, Graphics, talking, and moments that are better that all action games in the last year.
  28. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'll begin this review with my own perspective on the game's ending, since that seems to be the source of most of the low user scores on this site (the controversy over the DLC aside). I'll admit, immediately after completing the game, I felt a little betrayed by the finale - the pseudo-philosophical climatic revelation and choice was quite unexpected, as was Shepard's inescapable death, and the lack of resolution for most of the player's allies left me cold. However, the more I reflected on ending and all of its permutations, the more I appreciated it. In my view, the lead-up, that last ditch charge towards the beam, the horror of the Citadel, the last moments with Illusive Man and Anderson, all worked on a very potent emotional level, no matter what followed. Catalyst's revelation of the Reapers' nature makes a great deal of sense in the context of the rest of the series, giving them motivation and character that transcends the typical pestilential invader trope - indeed, there is even a perverse sort of logic to the Catalyst's solution, preserving organic life as a whole by ensuring that no force can rise up to stamp it out forever, that adds an unexpected element of ambiguity. Then comes Shepard's choice and sacrifice - admittedly, Bioware could have done more to make the consequences of each choice visually distinct, but the choice itself is very powerful and fascinating in terms of its implications. At first, I was afraid that the truly transformational nature of each path nullified all of the other decisions the player makes throughout the course of the series, but that really isn't the case. Barring the "failure" ending, the galaxy lives on as a result of Shepard's triumph, deprived (at least temporarily) of the easy transport of the Mass Relays, but able to rebuild and self-determine all the same. It is a bit frustrating that the futures of your party members and allies are left unstated, but then, it would have been impossible to satisfy every player and all of their investments in particular characters - leaving their fates to the imagination was, perhaps, the most elegant solution. Finally, Shepard's "death" in each ending seems to have rankled a lot of people who would have grown extremely attached to their own Commander over the course of three games. I empathize with this, but I'm inclined to think that killing Shepard was a brave and powerful choice on Bioware's part. It would have been easy to have Shepard bounce up the the Citadel, shoot Martin Sheen, flip the Reaper kill switch, and waltz off into Garrus'/Tali's/Ashley's/Wrex's arms, but that would have diminished the sheer emotional impact and consequence of the finale. No matter what choice is made, Shepard ends a cycle of destruction that has lasted for millions of years and defines the character of the galaxy for the next million â Expand
  29. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    I'll start with the bad. Problems include familiar lip syncing issues, an improved but still troublesome cover system, what I assume to be a problematic introduction to gamers new to Mass Effect, and the underwhelming and increasingly controversial ending - which I'll return to later.

    Everything right with the game overcomes all of negative. The story was more engrossing than ever. The
    I'll start with the bad. Problems include familiar lip syncing issues, an improved but still troublesome cover system, what I assume to be a problematic introduction to gamers new to Mass Effect, and the underwhelming and increasingly controversial ending - which I'll return to later.

    Everything right with the game overcomes all of negative. The story was more engrossing than ever. The voice acting; inspired. The sound and music was perfect. The loose integration of a genuinely fun, cooperative mutliplayer mode into the campaign was a stroke of genius. Buy now if you have played and completed Mass Effect and ME2, do not rent. If you haven't played the previous games: do so. Before you buy, arm yourself with good excuses for your significant other or boss as to why you've mysteriously disappeared. As for the end. The end may not be what some may have idealized during their struggle through the series. During the play-through, gamers will reflect on what they want for Shepard, what they define as victory. But the dialectic between agency and determinism can only be resolved by resolution. Everything which Shepard struggled for is preserved. Everything which Shepard struggled for is destroyed. Bitter sweet and beautiful.
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  30. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    It seems that this game is either a hit or a miss for most people. I love this game and I see nothing wrong with it. I do not understand the 5.0 rating from the users. This game has good graphics, good story, and good gameplay. What more could you ask for?
  31. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    Those who have rated this game below a seven simply do not know how to review games. Straight simple. I'm seeing a lot of ones and zeroes that don't make any sense; not really sure what people are crying about. 1) Graphics: Improved
    2) Sound/Music: Improved 3) Multiplayer: Functional and Enjoyable
    4) Combat Gameplay: Improved--Melee does stuff now, cooldowns make more sense, less ammo
    Those who have rated this game below a seven simply do not know how to review games. Straight simple. I'm seeing a lot of ones and zeroes that don't make any sense; not really sure what people are crying about. 1) Graphics: Improved
    2) Sound/Music: Improved 3) Multiplayer: Functional and Enjoyable
    4) Combat Gameplay: Improved--Melee does stuff now, cooldowns make more sense, less ammo starvation, certain biotics more balanced than previous two games.
    5) Inventory/Weapon Management: Improved--you can now mod your equipment with a greater variety of equipment depending on your style of play, and there's a wider variety of armor with different buffs.
    6) Skillset/Powers: Improved--definitely more skills/powers than ME2, trimmed the fat from ME1, and gave a whole number of different options for branching out abilities that simply were not present before.
    7) DLC: Incomplete as of yet, but From Ashes is better than Zaeed's DLC
    8) Day 1 DLC: An unfortunate reality of gaming these days. This isn't the first and won't be the last. It may even become the norm. It is however unnecessary for the story, free with the Collector's Edition, and given the delay from the initial forecast for the game's release--right on time. 9) Same-sex romance options. Didn't hear any complaining about girl-on-girl. The male homosexual fanbase now has something more to relate to. Kaiden's advances on Shepard are a little surprising, but no so much now that I remember that he turned down a threesome with FemShep and Liara in the first game when he told me to choose between him and her. These sorts of things make RPGs great; the choices and the consequences that come with them. I can see why homophobes would drop their review score because of this. Because they're bigots.
    10) The story. Here's where people are weeping the most. Apparently some things don't make sense or allegedly retcon what was learned in the first two games. Having played through both of them eight times apiece making different decisions each time, I know that's not the case. Some say that there's no story to the game, but there's more of a story than ME2. And as for choices affecting the final outcome and endgame scenario for ME3, it's no less complete than the influence of ME1 on ME2. If you liked ME2 you should like ME3 if a story is what you're looking for. The game delivered. Everything that people were crying about was addressed. More outfits/armor than ME2. More romance options. Improved Reputation system. New exploration system (and from how much bawling there was about the Mako missions of ME1 and planet scanning of ME2, this is a welcome alternative, but I was one of those people who loved the Mako). It was exciting, gave us more information, more character development, wrapped up a bunch of plotlines seamlessly and had its share of epic battles. One thing that I did miss however was Aria's reclamation of Afterlife. Maybe that's going to be DLC. I want to see that. And maybe we'll get some ME2 characters recruited in DLC as well. So given all the improvements and the adequate story progression based of the progression from ME1 to ME2, I do not see how this could rate any lower than a 7 even if you hate what the story actually is. Personally, I love it. But even if I didn't, I know how to rate the game fairly. I think a lot of people are pissed about what they didn't get instead of enjoying what they did--and they got a fantastic game epic in scope and delivery. Replayability 10/10: Multiplayer and Paragon/Renegade plotlines stemming from the previous games Graphics 9/10:Beautiful cutscenes, breathtaking environments, but people still kind of look molded from clay for some reason. Sound 9/10: Includes music, sound effects and dialogue. Dialogue is great, everyone has their own unique voice (vs. Skyrim where five voices occupy 9 population centers). Sound effects are well done, music isn't my favorite but done well for drama. Where it falters is volume. I know it's hard to hear conversations in a nightclub, but It's a little annoying having to manually adjust volume levels to hear cutscenes in Purgatory. Also, depending on camera angle or POV, people near your character are quiet. Perhaps this is an issue due to my lack of surround sound. Story 8/10: I had hoped for a more meaningful impact on my story when it came to my decisions about the Rachni and the Geth in the previous two games, and recruiting the ME2 characters would have been nice but perhaps overkill. Fun: 10/10: Intense, high-stakes battles. Multiplayer component works great and promises to provide for the long haul. New romance options worth exploring. Great replayability encouraging playing through the previous two games. Wonderful cutscenes. Hilarious and sometimes touching dialogue. Thane will be remembered fondly. Overall 10
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  32. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    I've previously really enjoyed the mass effect series. Played the whole thing, taken the time in each game to explore every facet of the universe, explore each nook and cranny; and ultimately enjoy the ending i (felt) like i carved wth my character. ME3 let me into the mass effect universe again which i was happy about, it let me make differences, resolve rivalries and most importantlyI've previously really enjoyed the mass effect series. Played the whole thing, taken the time in each game to explore every facet of the universe, explore each nook and cranny; and ultimately enjoy the ending i (felt) like i carved wth my character. ME3 let me into the mass effect universe again which i was happy about, it let me make differences, resolve rivalries and most importantly form a connection with characters both new and old. Graphics were fine, there was some texture pop in, and characters randomly dissapearing but i accept that as just part of the course for a game of such scale. Sound and music were fine too, alot of recycled music and effects but hey they worked, they still do. Gameplay was fine, typical ME gameplay, i liked the alterations to the skill try that let you customize it abit more. Customizations for weapons could have been made abit more so that they actually made a noticeable difference rather than passive alterations. But overall no real complaints with gameplay, not groundbreaking, but a tried and tested formulae.

    Story: this is where my problems lay. I like the idea of the reapers, the whole cyclic nature of the galaxy shepard lives in.. and even all the characters. I liked vega, even though he was a massive stereotype. I had nothing against that reporter wearing skin tight pvc, but i thought she was just a gimic and could have been implemented alot better. BUT what i didnt like was the ending... i spent the entire game making decisions that i felt mattered to be slapped in the face with that pile of rubbish. Normally i'm not one to really care, because hey.. its a game. But i spent a good portion of my life playing mass effect, and i feel abit screwed over by poor writing in the end! Its like buying a brand new car only to find out the air conditioning makes the car smell of fish, not soul destroying, but damn annoying. Everything boils down to an a'la deus ex:human revolution style ending, rendering everything you did previously useless. I just feel cheated by the designers that they sold (and i bought), massively marketed, pushed and succeeded in pushing something shoddy like this. I just fear its a sign of the times we live in when designers think its fine to end a story like this. Its not fine to create and sell something that ends like this.
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  33. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    Superb game in almost every aspect. It upgrades dull and slow combat from the second game and brings it to life. Very fast paced and very responsive. Engine is brilliant with the loading screens being rapid in almost every transition. Story was very gripping per usual with any Bioware game. The RPG elements are outstanding and enjoyed every piece of content this game has thrown at me fromSuperb game in almost every aspect. It upgrades dull and slow combat from the second game and brings it to life. Very fast paced and very responsive. Engine is brilliant with the loading screens being rapid in almost every transition. Story was very gripping per usual with any Bioware game. The RPG elements are outstanding and enjoyed every piece of content this game has thrown at me from the beginning. Absolutely loved this game. It's a great end to a brilliant trilogy. - On a side note, the ending is really down to your opinion, most negative reviews are from complete trolls who bash the game down to it's last 10-15 minutes. Some fans were disappointed and some weren't. A game should not be viewed negatively for it's ending because that is down to personal opinion. 99% of this game is brilliant yet it should be negatively scored down to it's last 1%? Quite simply these trolls need to grow up and get out of the habit of making drama over EA/Bioware. Expand
  34. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    This flame war is silly. Mass Effect is a stellar game! Look at the critic reviews and don't waste time with the people who are trying to knock the score down for malicious and hateful purposes. ME3 is just as good, if not better than the first two. Although, I really loved #2!
  35. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    I dont see why its getting all of the stick from everybody, sure if you have done every single paragon thing/ saved everybody throughout the trilogy there could be a different ending for you yes. But even with the other endings you still save the galaxy, all or most life with the cost of yours and many others.... i dont see what the problem is? i found it to be a perfect ending, to aI dont see why its getting all of the stick from everybody, sure if you have done every single paragon thing/ saved everybody throughout the trilogy there could be a different ending for you yes. But even with the other endings you still save the galaxy, all or most life with the cost of yours and many others.... i dont see what the problem is? i found it to be a perfect ending, to a perfect trilogy. Expand
  36. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    This game is just a masterpiece, the mix between nice graphics and low requirements makes it hardware friendlily as never before, great story and great combat, good job bioware.
  37. Sep 13, 2012
    10
    Great game, and one of the best (if not the best) trilogies in gaming. I just wanted to add my two cents as there are some very strange reviews on Metacritic. I found that the choices I made throughout the series hugely satisfactory down the line. I also feel the ending was great. You can achieve the "best" ending without jumping through any or the peripheral hoops EA set up. TheGreat game, and one of the best (if not the best) trilogies in gaming. I just wanted to add my two cents as there are some very strange reviews on Metacritic. I found that the choices I made throughout the series hugely satisfactory down the line. I also feel the ending was great. You can achieve the "best" ending without jumping through any or the peripheral hoops EA set up. The aforementioned ending has emotional weight and payoff. Brilliant. ME4 please Bioware! Expand
  38. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    I understand a lot of the negative reviews for this game. For many, the endings are unsatisfying, and the lack of character-driven story (at least compared to Mass Effect 2) leaves a bitter taste. But to this reviewer, I thoroughly enjoyed Mass Effect 3.
    The game does focus less on your squadmates, but it does so because the plot demands it. The focus of this game is a galactic war, not
    I understand a lot of the negative reviews for this game. For many, the endings are unsatisfying, and the lack of character-driven story (at least compared to Mass Effect 2) leaves a bitter taste. But to this reviewer, I thoroughly enjoyed Mass Effect 3.
    The game does focus less on your squadmates, but it does so because the plot demands it. The focus of this game is a galactic war, not recruiting awesome people and developing them. In fact, many of your squadmates--and even other characters--have already been developed thoroughly, and the fact that BioWare managed to get more in is just a bonus to me.
    The gameplay is smooth, and the weight system is amazing. It allows a player to choose how they want to mix gunplay and powers, and really makes your character feel customized without too much tedium. I feel like they put a lot of time into making the game play very well and pulled it off.
    As for the story--and more specifically the endings--I feel like they did an amazing job integrating characters and choices from all three games. There are so many possibilities for every situation it's pretty amazing they made a game that works well at all. But the story flows well and very rarely does it feel contrived. There are many complaints about the endings, mostly because people found plot holes or disliked the disconnection from the characters, but I believe they work perfectly with the feel of all three games. They are about Shepard's choices, and the fact that sometimes what you've done up to this point, the people you've met, and the alliances you've fostered, don't matter. And all three games are about paradigm shifts, and that really is what this game is about, especially the end.
    A review wouldn't be complete without touching on the multiplayer. Overall it's fantastic and fun. It has a great flow and customizability and the power system makes it feel very unique. I also personally like that it's only cooperative. Their are some balance issues, but BioWare is constantly fixing those, so expect whatever character you play to be fun and powerful yet still give you a challenge.
    Overall ratings:
    Gameplay: 10
    Story: 10
    Multiplayer: 8 (for balance issues)
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  39. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    Mass effect 3 is awesome and dont let any of these trolls tell you differently. emotionally engaging and technically excellent, you wont find another experience like it. one of the best games of all time
  40. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    The game was beautiful. The gameplay was tight, the characters were well realised, the story was great. I loved every second of my time with the game and the multiplayer aint half bad and i can totally see Bioware going with it somewhere in the future. I personally liked the ending and found it really interesting, however i can understand why people may not like it, but these reviewsThe game was beautiful. The gameplay was tight, the characters were well realised, the story was great. I loved every second of my time with the game and the multiplayer aint half bad and i can totally see Bioware going with it somewhere in the future. I personally liked the ending and found it really interesting, however i can understand why people may not like it, but these reviews suggesting the game is worth a 0 or 1 is ridiculous because the rest of the game was fantastic and well worth my purchase and I bloody loved it!!! Expand
  41. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    Great game! Heavy competition for game of the year. Awesome multiplayer.
  42. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have tried for awhile now to stay out of this, but I just can't take it anymore. In fact, I just created a metacritic account so I could voice my opinion this instant. I am sick and tired of reading reviews that say Mass Effect 3 is disappointing and crap. This game and the entire franchise is absolutely incredible, through and through. You are able to build meaningful emotional connections with a cast of great and interesting characters. While at the same time making impactul decesions that have dire ramifications and participating in awe-inspiring combat scenarios, especially in Mass Effect 3. Other gamers are in an uproar because they feel that they were cheated by the ending. I could not disagree more. Mass Effect has always been the story of Commander Shepard, and that's what it was up until the very end. Ignorant reviewers say that the only difference in the end is "a different color light show." I didn't know that destroying the Reapers was the same as controlling them or combining synthetics and organics. If it is then I must be losing it. I should have seen this coming though. Some people don't understand that it's not always just about the destination, but also the journey. And over the course of the three games, the journey has been so powerful and astounding that creating an ending to this epic trilogy that pleases everyone is nearly impossible. I have never been more emotionally invested in a video game franchise, and I am extremely sad to see the story of MY Commander Shepard come to a close. This game and franchise represents the pinnacle of video game storytelling and emotion, and it is an experience that should be experienced by everyone. Expand
  43. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    The amount of disinformation in the metacritic user reviews forced me to make an account. Here's the most frequent complains listed on 0/10 reviews, and why they are complete and utter nonsense.

    1) Choices matter. Decisions from ME1 and ME2 will effect the course of the game. An asset lost in one of the previous games can effect your War readiness and alter the fate of shepherd and the
    The amount of disinformation in the metacritic user reviews forced me to make an account. Here's the most frequent complains listed on 0/10 reviews, and why they are complete and utter nonsense.

    1) Choices matter. Decisions from ME1 and ME2 will effect the course of the game. An asset lost in one of the previous games can effect your War readiness and alter the fate of shepherd and the galaxy as a whole. In the end, the choices effect the entire game, not just the ending. Imagine how different a mission would be if one of your ME2 characters died on the suicide mission. Play the game. Talk to a friend who played the game, I guarantee you'll have different stories.

    2) The writing is thoroughly enjoyable. In fact, the character to character dialogue is the best of the series. The plot follows the same Organic versus Synthetic motif that has defined the series. Walking around the Citadel and the Normandy, I found myself awed at the level of detail these writers went to to make a vibrant and active world. Along with Skyrim, ME3 provides a level of immersion that is hard to find anywhere else. The romance, intrigue, and conflicts are still there, waiting to be uncovered.

    3) The combat is much better than any point in the series. Powers and other abilities are extremely fun to mix and match, and the weapons are diverse and customizable. The devs did a great job preserving everything that made combat fun in ME2, and added some of the variety that mods and multiple weapons added from ME1. The cover mechanic received some welcome upgrades and the melee attack, while simple, is very satisfying.

    4) Some people are actually complaining that the game betrays the lore and events of the previous game. I can't see how anyone can say this with a straight face. The very existence of the reapers always posed a question that hung over the series and was answered in an extremely well crafted way.

    5) Day 1 DLC. We all know this is the real reason for all the trolling here. The DLC is just like the Zaeed and Kasumi packs from ME3. You don't need it for the ME experience. In fact, I found the added character to be a little bland. The best parts of the DLC were a few cutscenes. This is how the industry works now, either pay the pittance to play the DLC and argue about it if it disappoints, wait for the GOTY version and get it for free, or ignore it. But don't pretend like a wonderful game is ruined because a game publisher asked you to pay some money for some additional content.
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  44. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    This has been some ride, since Mass Effect first grabbed my attention. I have played through every bit of the first two games, and loved every minute. Now the final comes, and I feel equal parts excited and sad. Sad that it will have to end, but thrilled to get a chance to play it. And it does not disappoint. The emotion - always the strong point of Mass Effect - is brought to anotherThis has been some ride, since Mass Effect first grabbed my attention. I have played through every bit of the first two games, and loved every minute. Now the final comes, and I feel equal parts excited and sad. Sad that it will have to end, but thrilled to get a chance to play it. And it does not disappoint. The emotion - always the strong point of Mass Effect - is brought to another level. The characters that I have come to care so much about are even more fleshed out. And the goosebumps at certain points of the game...well, I won't spoil. Just get it. Expand
  45. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    Was an amazing trilogy. Was an amazing game. It had it's faults, but was greater then the sum of it's parts. Foolish spoiled kids need to stop scaring game developers away from making games like this, instead of of CoD rehashed crap.
  46. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I preordered this game. I got it, started playing it, and within about 2 hours of playing it I was satisfied. BioWare streamlined and improved every system, including missions (although some were hard to do because they weren't on the galaxy map), and they brought back the Citadel with a number of new really cool areas to check out. Dialogue seemed so much more casual than it had been in the first two games, and in my opinion it was acted and animated better. Any character that was still two-dimensional after ME2 was made three-dimensional, and every character that was three-dimensional after ME2 was so multifaceted you could believe that they were real. For example, the whole interaction between Shepard and Garrus was just priceless. Garrus used to be just another companion in the first two games, but in Mass Effect 3 he became something like Shepard's best friend. The rest of the characters, like Tali, Ashley, and James were very well-developed. Even the Prothean squadmate had his moments. I felt like the romances in this series were also so much more real. I kept Liara as my love interest from the first game, and there was a lot more emotional talking going on than just plain sexy time at the end (that happened too, aw yeah). The plot was pretty freakin sweet, I loved the Tuchanka mission and the Rannoch mission... but man those decisions can be hard. I thought the combat system in this game was better than it had been in the first game (of course) and Mass Effect 2. I really enjoyed Mass Effect 2's combat but at times it seemed altogether too easy... it seems that BioWare improved the AI for ME3. The option of heavy melee is ingenious because there are so many times in the game when you're going to be in a bind. I appreciate the unlimited sprint... well you kind of need it on Tuchanka. The guns feel a lot better, the powers feel a lot better... weapon upgrades are great, armor upgrades are better than ME2's. Oh did I mention there's a **** **** of guns to choose from? Sweet stuff. Conversely, the end of the game was disappointing. The game led the player to believe that every choice would have its unique conclusion to the story, but that never happened. It's really sad to see something that could have been one of the greatest RPG's ever made kind of flop because the ending was lackluster. The multiplayer can be tough getting into it, especially if you fight Reapers or something (don't do it, just don't) but it pays off once you get a good team and get something cool (Krogan warrior or the Widow) and makes for a generally fun experience. This game is pretty freaking cool. The ending sucked, but it's definitely worth playing again with a different experience. I don't know why people posted bad reviews on here the day that the game came out, because you obviously couldn't have finished the game in a single day, and if you did, you didn't pay attention and subsequently the game sucked for you. So boo hoo, go play COD and keep the tissues and vaseline nearby. Expand
  47. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    The game gives us the best story, the voice acting gives you tears as the characters come to life. Yes, many including me didn't really like the ending but even then the game ends leaving everything open and closing the chapter on Shepard's story. It is up to the individual to make what he wants from it and that is true art. To leave things so open and yet finishing it all is hard and fewThe game gives us the best story, the voice acting gives you tears as the characters come to life. Yes, many including me didn't really like the ending but even then the game ends leaving everything open and closing the chapter on Shepard's story. It is up to the individual to make what he wants from it and that is true art. To leave things so open and yet finishing it all is hard and few actually can do this. The problem Bioware did was that they made the best game possible and some thought the deserved to have the ending fit them. The story gives us Shepard who is on Earth when the Reapers attack. He/she must flee and unite the known Galaxy against this threat or else all will be lost. The soundtrack is perfect and make you want to cry or yell in some parts from sheer joy or sadness. The characters especially Tali'Zorah vas Normandy and Garrus Vakarian feel more alive then any characters in any game and in almost any movie, the game is that good. The graphics have been fine-tuned and are truly beautiful, the fact that eyefinity now works is also an added Bonus. The combat is smoother then ever before and is now a true cover to cover shooter like Gears of war in terms of combat. The romances are wonderful, I let a few tears drop as my Shepards love interest in the final battle said "I want more time" in a tone of desperation, sorrow and love that I couldn't take. The emotional investment the gamer forms is truly marvelous. The game gives the player an almost outrageous amount of free will in many aspects like combat, exploration and story which is typical for Mass Effect and gives players an even greater feeling of immersion. The fact that you can load your save files from the previous games is superb as your individual story continues which the choice from every quest and conversation following you to the next game. If you like a truly good sci-fi adventure, if you like to have real characters threat travel with you, characters that almost feel alive, if you want all that then start playing Mass Effect and buy the next two games when you finish. This is in my opinion the best game series in the world and the only faults I was able to find in this game was that you have to be emotionally prepared for this game as it really touches your heart in ways you couldn't possibly expect. the other fault is that this is the end of Shepard's saga and I will never again be play him or romance Tali'Zorah and save the galaxy with her along side Garrus Vakarian the best turian there is. Expand
  48. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    Just finished the game and I have to say i'm thoroughly content. Both sad it's over and ponderous about the ending. The entire game just felt like a giant pay off for all your choices from the previous games. Most notably the Geth/Quarian war, (if you weren't able to save both then your simply a heartless bastard). I'm going to enjoy talking to people about the choices they'd made and howJust finished the game and I have to say i'm thoroughly content. Both sad it's over and ponderous about the ending. The entire game just felt like a giant pay off for all your choices from the previous games. Most notably the Geth/Quarian war, (if you weren't able to save both then your simply a heartless bastard). I'm going to enjoy talking to people about the choices they'd made and how it'd played out for them. I'm not really sure what people are saying when it comes to all your choices come to naught in the end. 70% of this game is watching your choices play out. Sure eventually the consequences boil down to a score about your fleet, but I by the end all the major plots have been satisfactorily laid to rest. This leads me to conclude that all these negative reviews are being written by whiny, entitled people who are terrible at having realistic expectations. I'm sure there are people out there who could have written a better ending in there heads. But I'm sure that for most all they have is a faint notion and nothing could ever come close to living up to it. Expand
  49. Mar 13, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is an amazing game if you were interested in the first or the second games or even if you have never played mass effect it is definitely worth buying this game. As for the people who say your choices don't matter they do, bioware has merely made the choices harder, and the consequences as well. Where as in the first two games deaths were minor, based on yours actionsMass Effect 3 is an amazing game if you were interested in the first or the second games or even if you have never played mass effect it is definitely worth buying this game. As for the people who say your choices don't matter they do, bioware has merely made the choices harder, and the consequences as well. Where as in the first two games deaths were minor, based on yours actions companions may die however, i feel that while it is at times shocking after you let it settle in it is something to be appreciated. As for those who say the graphics are terrible that is a lie, the game looks amazing probably better than most games that are out on the xbox360, the gameplay is solid i would say that the shooting mechanics have improved, and that from the occasional cover problem combat is very easy to get into but if you play the game on the harder difficulties such as insane the game is a challenge. For those who complain about the dlc or the ending judge the entire game not just one part, if you feel bioware has wronged you. Now some of you may disagree with my rating but i will say this there is no way mass effect 3 deserves anything less than a 8. In all i recommend mass effect 3 for anybody, it is a great game, the endings for some may be not what they expected but it is an amazing game full of incredible moments that should not be missed. Expand
  50. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    Of all the games I have played, individual or continual, Mass Effect tops them all. And though know there is plenty of criticism with Mass Effect 3, I found none to speak of myself. Although the previous lead writer departed, the story (to me) remained in tact. It may have left most wondering in the end what happened. But I was content. BioWare gave me exactly what I wanted. An endOf all the games I have played, individual or continual, Mass Effect tops them all. And though know there is plenty of criticism with Mass Effect 3, I found none to speak of myself. Although the previous lead writer departed, the story (to me) remained in tact. It may have left most wondering in the end what happened. But I was content. BioWare gave me exactly what I wanted. An end to an amazing trilogy. I started 2 years after the release of Mass Effect [1]. But I continued my journey throughout. Laughed, fought, sat on the edge of my seat in wonder. Mass Effect 2, I saw my decisions (most of them, anyway) carry over. Felt like I was part of something big. Then, Mass Effect 3. The laughter and joy continued. As did the hurt, the worry. Even the sadness appeared. Can honestly say I have never cried during anything. Movies, TV. Nothing. The Mass Effect Trilogy became personal to me in the sense that these are all my decisions spanning 3 whole games. And to see it come to an end, felt good. I hope BioWare keeps the franchise as a whole going into the next-gen consoles. There's so much more that can be done. Expand
  51. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game right now is one of my favorite games behind Half-Life 2. Those two games are the only ones to ever evoke an emotional response from me. I'll admit it, manly tears were shed but it really takes a lot to get that kind of emotion out of me from a video game. There is a lot of grief over the ending, but it was actually my favorite part of the series because of the closure that it brought with it.

    The tear jerker for me was near the end you and Liara share that special moment where time stands still. That part made me bawl like a baby.
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  52. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This franchise has been the most rewarding series of games that I have ever played, and this game was no different. The game is visually beautiful, brilliantly voice acted, has exciting combat and a stellar musical score that incorporates elements of the previous two games. I can't help but feel that all of the negative reviews posted here are nothing but a gross overreaction toThis franchise has been the most rewarding series of games that I have ever played, and this game was no different. The game is visually beautiful, brilliantly voice acted, has exciting combat and a stellar musical score that incorporates elements of the previous two games. I can't help but feel that all of the negative reviews posted here are nothing but a gross overreaction to dissatisfaction with the ending. How you feel about the very end of the game is up to you, but all of the people giving this game a review score of 0 or 1 either are simply venting their frustration with the final moments of the game. To do so is to ignore the previous 40+ hours of brilliance. Expand
  53. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SPOILER WARNING - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNING

    This is partly a review and partly a rant on what I see as fans strong-arming the creative process. First off what did I think of Mass Effect 3? Well considering I booked a week off work to play it and did nothing but play it for that week, that should tell you I bloody loved every minute of it, EVEN THE ENDING and I'll get onto why later. As an ending to a trilogy that I have been completely invested in since 2008 when I got to play the first game properly on my first Xbox 360 (I did play it on my mates console when if first came out, that is when he wasn't playing it and that wasn't much of the time!) I thought it was excellent. The story was backed up by superbly written and acted characters (although Jessica Chobot was a little distracting) and I got the feeling that everything I had done up to this point had an impact. An example; during my first playthrough of Mass Effect 2, I managed to accomplish the suicide mission without any of my team dieing. Seeing them again in Mass Effect 3 felt like seeing old friends and when they kicked the bucket, I genuinely felt emotion. All the main characters in the Mass Effect trilogy have a real character arc, especially those from Mass Effect 1. I wouldn't have thought during my first encounter with Urdnot Wrex that over the course of the trilogy he would be where he was by the third game. Thats the level of character depth Bioware have achieved, whilst excellent story and characters are a staple of Bioware games the culmination of the Mass Effect trilogy is the apex of their long history of creating virtual worlds. Gameplay and grapics wise its on par with Mass Effect 2, which is no bad thing as that game played well also. Now on to the rant about the community feedback regarding the ending, all I can say to all the internet trolls and 'dissapointed' fans out there is grow up!! Look we are all entitled to our opinion, but to say you hated a game because you hated the ending is immature. I'd hate to be a developer at Bioware, having achieved this incredible milestone in the medium of interactive storytelling and to have wake up to this unessecary vitriol over the ending of a game. My opinion on the ending; I honestly preferred it to a happy ever after everyone lives forgettable ending that we've seen time and again. Good Science Fiction creates fantastical worlds and concepts, great science fiction does these things but also challenges us to think. The ending of Mass Effect 3 in my playthrough had me thinking about the futility and insignifcance of our existence, the cyclical nature of history and other challenging concepts. Mass Effect 1 introduced us to this incredible vision of the future, Mass Effect 2 fleshed out that universe and Mass Effect 3 relates it to reality. Just because Mass Effect 3 doesn't end with the fist pumping bravado that characterizes a game like Call of Duty doesn't make it a bad game. I've heard of a campaign to force Bioware to change the ending of Mass Effect 3, entitled 'take back Mass Effect'. This attempt to strong arm the developer saddens me. It shows a community wholely ungrateful and immature to the point where they consider the intellectual property theirs. Mass Effect was Bioware's creation so what obligation do they have to satisfy a groups notions of what a 'good ending' is. With this response to the games ending, all I have to say is I can only see a bunch of children throwing the toys out of the pram. Right thats my two cents, now I'm going to play through all three games back to back. I'll close this article by saying thank you Bioware, thank you.
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  54. Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Nothing less then perfection. I managed to get a copy a few days early and I never thought the story and game could top what the last two games have delivered, but this keeps getting better and better! You really do feel the weight of those decisions you made. Its great to finally see the outcome of these shaping after waiting for 5 years in curiosity as to what would happen.
  55. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    10/10, endings included. I completely understand the ending leaving people feeling hollow, and for that I am sorry. It's obvious to me now that the majority of people do not understand the endings and how they work into the universe. What Bioware has done is both a writing and marketing masterpiece, leaving an entire series of dedicated fans continually discussing permutations and10/10, endings included. I completely understand the ending leaving people feeling hollow, and for that I am sorry. It's obvious to me now that the majority of people do not understand the endings and how they work into the universe. What Bioware has done is both a writing and marketing masterpiece, leaving an entire series of dedicated fans continually discussing permutations and possibilities. I am certain we will see 'the Truth' in some form of DLC, and that makes me all the more excited. If you want an immersive experience and an excellent (albeit unfinished) conclusion to an amazing sci-fi series, get this game. And please, take every little detail in, no matter how small. Hopefully, you will comprehend the masterpiece that Bioware has provided us. Expand
  56. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    I am SICK of all the hate! Duke Nukem forever IS NOT a better game, its user score is currently 5.8!?! That's terrible! ME3 is a great game, don't pay attention to all the b*tching. There are minor flaws in the game, it isn't perfect no game is. It deserves no less than an 8 for everything that Bioware put into it. The story is great, the gameplay is a rush, and the characters stickI am SICK of all the hate! Duke Nukem forever IS NOT a better game, its user score is currently 5.8!?! That's terrible! ME3 is a great game, don't pay attention to all the b*tching. There are minor flaws in the game, it isn't perfect no game is. It deserves no less than an 8 for everything that Bioware put into it. The story is great, the gameplay is a rush, and the characters stick out more then ever. I've gone through to the end and from start to finish the game was amazing. It makes me sick all of these people giving it a negative review. So overly critical of the game. Don't hate so much unless you're in the video game making industry yourself and you can do better. Expand
  57. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    I thought the game was awesome up until the end. I hating the ending and I think BW can do much better. That said, the triology was still one of the most awesome gaming experiences that I've ever had and will be much better if they change the ending. While I think the real score I would rate this is about a 7 or 8 I am giving it a 10 based on the rest of the game and previous games and toI thought the game was awesome up until the end. I hating the ending and I think BW can do much better. That said, the triology was still one of the most awesome gaming experiences that I've ever had and will be much better if they change the ending. While I think the real score I would rate this is about a 7 or 8 I am giving it a 10 based on the rest of the game and previous games and to try and offset the other people trolling on here that are obviously marking the score low because of the ending. I think BW deserves a fair score.â Expand
  58. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    It was an emotionally intense game from beginning to end. However, like the other reviews said, the ending was disappointing. Still, the game was definitely worth playing. And then you finish it by taking an arrow to the knee =(
  59. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    The Best SciFi RPG i ever played!
    Cool Shooter mechanics,
    Awesome story,
    Unforgettable characters,
    The ending is very impressive and epic.
    For me, it's the Game of the Year!
  60. Mar 14, 2012
    10
    People that rate this game low don't understand the meaning and amazing storyline of the mass effect trilogy. I think this game was absolutely gorgeous and an incredible amount of thought and work was put into the story. I cant believe how in depth Bioware went into making such a detailed and complicated work of art. Absolutely beautiful. I really hope this isn't the end to the mass effectPeople that rate this game low don't understand the meaning and amazing storyline of the mass effect trilogy. I think this game was absolutely gorgeous and an incredible amount of thought and work was put into the story. I cant believe how in depth Bioware went into making such a detailed and complicated work of art. Absolutely beautiful. I really hope this isn't the end to the mass effect universe. Expand
  61. Mar 15, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So like many other here on Metacritic, I am a huge fan of this series from the get-go. I found this game to very engrossing and live up to the exceptions we've come to expect in a Mass Effect game. I really did enjoy the over-arching narrative that gives conclusion to many of the characters in the game. I was also pleased with the level system and the weapons upgrade and customization system. They both feel balanced, but flexible at the same time giving the player plenty of room to try out new powers and weapons without a lot of hassle. The graphics are clean and crisp although there is some rendering problems from time to time, but it's so short it's barely noticeable. I was please overall with the game, the story, and the class system, but I should touch on the subject that has polarized every ME fan: the Ending. No spoilers here, but I just want to put on record that I think the execution of the ending is what was a major let down for me, and not the actual ending itself. If you had done the game through 100% you get some interesting extras at the end credits. The ending of this series feels like the end of "2001: A Space Odyssey" both the film and the book. There is this interesting technological philosophical idea that Bioware is attempting to play with at the end that they have been trying to get at for the past few games. Bioware is trying this idea out in an interesting form, but the execution falls flat for me, but this is a little glimpse of hope out there for Shepard's end that may come in the form of more DLC. Aside from the ending of the game, I couldn't have asked for anything more out of this game. Given all of the hype and build-up for the last 2 years this game wasn't going to live up to everyone's exceptions and this wasn't going to be a perfect game by any means. I enjoyed my play-through of the game and it makes me pine to go back and relive all of Shepard's adventures again from the start. For those that have decided to abandon the series entirely just for the last 15 minutes of a 100+ hour series is completely ludicrous.The simple fact that the game ends on a much different note that it has created so much talk is something I find inspiring and exhilarating. I was more interesting in the story or the process than the end. I'll remember my Shepard through all narratives and friendships build up and lost. I get great joy knowing that my Shepard said "I love you" to Liara. i take comfort in knowing that Wrex is leader of the Krogans and is having a child. I also am delightfully surprised to see Tali and Garrus and EDI and Joker together. I am happy with MY STORY of Shepard. We were so focused on the destination, we completely forgot about the journey we had taken to get there. I am happy with the Mass Effect series ending, while the final credits rolled in the late hours of the night. The journey felt complete...that is until so DLC comes out and I start all over again. Expand
  62. Mar 25, 2012
    10
    Pay no attention to the negative user reviews. Fans are never pleased. The negative reviews only criticize one to two flaws in the game and render it a 0-2 rating... Just pathetic, how could you call yourselves fans? Why are you mad at Bioware? Is it because of the ending? First of all the ending is the work of the writer, the final 10 minutes is where the poor writing starts, and I admitPay no attention to the negative user reviews. Fans are never pleased. The negative reviews only criticize one to two flaws in the game and render it a 0-2 rating... Just pathetic, how could you call yourselves fans? Why are you mad at Bioware? Is it because of the ending? First of all the ending is the work of the writer, the final 10 minutes is where the poor writing starts, and I admit the ending was a letdown, but I still love BioWare and I still love ME3, so if you should criticize anyone then attack the writer regarding the final 10 minutes. Bioware has forged this magnificent story and lore for us all to enjoy and yet many of you attack them for minor details, I am ashamed to even think they are a part of the fanbase. Many loyal fans and I included still appreciate ME3 and all the story + lore shared by BioWare and I am not going to let some silly ending bring me down, give the scores the game deserves. Expand
  63. Mar 16, 2012
    10
    [SPOILER ALERT]
    Amazingly well written, musically composed and directed, and the gameplay is incredible. It has much more intensity and depth then 90% of hollywood films. To say the ending is a disappointment is idiotic. The ending has given fans a feeling of emptiness. This suggests the ending has tweaked and emotional nerve on gamers, something which a video game rarely does. I myself as
    [SPOILER ALERT]
    Amazingly well written, musically composed and directed, and the gameplay is incredible. It has much more intensity and depth then 90% of hollywood films. To say the ending is a disappointment is idiotic. The ending has given fans a feeling of emptiness. This suggests the ending has tweaked and emotional nerve on gamers, something which a video game rarely does. I myself as a fan will admit I would have preferred to see Shepard return to Earth and his crew mates and witness the emotional encounters between the characters as a result of galactic salvation, however this sort of a hollywood happy ending would not conclude such a groundbreaking trilogy. A trilogy which has asserted the belief that a video game can reach the same emotional depth any hollywood, or independent, film can achieve. I finish this review by stating this was, too, the greatest video game ever made and the greatest video game series ever created.
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  64. Mar 17, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think a lot of people miss the very fact that the amount of typeface that has been spilled on the ending simply proves what an amazing experience ME3 was. Even set against its two unbelievably immersive previous installments, the game is heartwrenching. It's not supposed to be easy: unlike the previous two installments, no matter how "well" you play, beloved companions will die: Mordin, Legion, Thane at the very least. The Ashley/Kaidan choice in ME1 doesn't compare, as you had not built nearly the same kind of relationships with either character at that point, never mind that the two are easily the least compelling ME characters in general.

    Which brings us to the ending: I am not just upset by the ending, I am heartbroken. I desperately want to know what happens next. Will Shepard get up from the rubble? Will she ever see Liara, or Garrus, or Tali, or __ ever again? What about the non-squadmates? I desperately hope the indoctrination hypothesis is correct, and I didn't really wipe out the Geth and Edi in order to end the Reaper threat. And thus, I sincerely hope there will be DLC (and soon!) to help me sleep a little better at night.

    But all this only proves what ME, and ME3 in particular, achieved. I can't think of another game or series where I could care so deeply about what happened to its characters.
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  65. Mar 17, 2012
    10
    I'm just shocked that players hate the endings so much that they rate this game so low !!! I mean I'm a huge fan of the series, played the first 10 times, the second 22 times, read all the books well you see what I mean. The game is a blast : the cutscenes are way better than in the second lesser bugs, a gameplay that is more playable. Mass Effect 2 without its background and everythingI'm just shocked that players hate the endings so much that they rate this game so low !!! I mean I'm a huge fan of the series, played the first 10 times, the second 22 times, read all the books well you see what I mean. The game is a blast : the cutscenes are way better than in the second lesser bugs, a gameplay that is more playable. Mass Effect 2 without its background and everything would be a pretty **** TPS. Even the questlines are not so great I mean just going to a planet searching for a new squadmate then talk to him and he gives you a quest you do it and once you finished it you realize : well I destroyed the collectors and I fought them 3-4 times even if they are the main enemies ! The mercenaries seem to be the real ennemy in this game ! In the third well it's still not perfect less choices of missions and not many different ennemies, sure it feels it lacks something but I really enjoyed the game it is quite long (on Insanity maybe) 36h to finish everything so I think it is not short for TPS standards, we see old friends, we have a lot of weapons to choose, better armor parts than in the second, we can upgrade weapons without having to search for damn minerals in planet scannings that take hours from you don't get any satisfaction, the storyline is well driven to the end at least we understand what is happening except in the ending. I regret that the game is too action oriented sure but still the game is way better than many of the games we can see released today ! So I'm not getting too much in the details but I want to say that OK the endings are quite disappointing it is not what I expected at all for the ending but you can't think that this game is worse than DNF or less good than Modern Warfare 3 ! I don't want to troll but guys ! Realize what you're saying ! You have the right to be disappointed I totally agree with you guys but don't put a so low rating for this game just because of an ending ! I chose to rate it 10 just because some people think that because of a ending it deserves 1 or 0 ! I would put 8 or 9 I still prefer the second one but the third is a good game not a bad one at all and think that maybe a fourth game will justify the endings. Let's hope it is not a DLC. To conclude this : It is a really good game, worthy of being in the series but with an ending that is not as good than we could expect. Also the dialogues are too simple (two choices most of the time which is not much) and EA did not help to make the game better with **** as Online pass, Day One DLC, future DLC plans. The game could have used 1 more year of development because it ends a trilogy that many loved. So if the game was disappointing to you blame EA first they choose the release date and the time of work put into the game. Expand
  66. Mar 18, 2012
    10
    Considering people reviewing this game have given in my opinion lesser games higher scores is just sour grapes. For me a good game is one where I can't wait to get home to play, where im constantly thinking about what's going to happen next. This game does exactly that!
    Ok day one DLC is cheeky but if you don't want it don't buy it! We are consumers and they have exploited our need for
    Considering people reviewing this game have given in my opinion lesser games higher scores is just sour grapes. For me a good game is one where I can't wait to get home to play, where im constantly thinking about what's going to happen next. This game does exactly that!
    Ok day one DLC is cheeky but if you don't want it don't buy it! We are consumers and they have exploited our need for more, that's business get over it. As for the ending I wouldn't want it to be happy ever after ,the essence of the story is one of sacrifice and despair.
    As I read a few reviews before playing I felt set for disappointment. Don't!
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  67. Mar 18, 2012
    10
    what is there to say after 3 very succesfull games Bioware closes the Mass effect trilogy, i only had 2 irritating points in the game.
    1: that all the alian races you had as shepperd in part 2 are gone...
    2: the multiplayer, i cant tell why but i play mass effect for the story,i think the multiplayer is just a sniffing extra and i hope the creators will know that real mass effect fans
    what is there to say after 3 very succesfull games Bioware closes the Mass effect trilogy, i only had 2 irritating points in the game.
    1: that all the alian races you had as shepperd in part 2 are gone...
    2: the multiplayer, i cant tell why but i play mass effect for the story,i think the multiplayer is just a sniffing extra and i hope the creators will know that real mass effect fans rather buy more missions than multiplayer maps.
    but i dont think i need to be to negative Bioware has closed 1 of my favorite games, and i enjoyed every second of it.
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  68. Mar 18, 2012
    10
    played the game. finished the game. raged at first, like most of the internet. then, i came across the indoctrination/hallucination theory. result: mind. blown.

    i call this a win.
  69. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    Now then. I shall start off by saying that 10/10 is not actually my score for this game, however I do believe it deserves more than it's current score (4.9 at this time), so I have given it 10 to help even these user scores out. My score would actually be around a 6, maybe a 7. So what shall I start with? "Don't get me wrong I'm a a fan of the series..."? "I loved the first two but..."?Now then. I shall start off by saying that 10/10 is not actually my score for this game, however I do believe it deserves more than it's current score (4.9 at this time), so I have given it 10 to help even these user scores out. My score would actually be around a 6, maybe a 7. So what shall I start with? "Don't get me wrong I'm a a fan of the series..."? "I loved the first two but..."? "It's (something obscenely negative)"? I could but I would be lying.
    I am a newcomer to this series starting at three. Some would say I'm an fool, however the reason is because I have never paid attention to the series so far, but have finally been attracted to the scenario. Sci-fi, aliens, space travel... marvelous (and frightening) stuff, all in a game. There have, of course, been many games featuring these assets, but Mass Effect 3 makes it all the more tangible. Especially for one with a lack of imagination such as myself. The galaxy map is an especially beautiful aspect of the game to look at, (look at the pretty colours!). Therefore to me, this setting is very compelling, because ultimately it is where I believe humanity would like to be going next. That is just my view but i feel that it is correct, it is certainly where I want to be.
    Now the game itself. It is actually a very simple game, which could work in its favour or it is boring. On the other kidney though, all games can be made simplistic if you try, but I won't. What I will say is this: linearity is quite prevalent. If you are comfortable with games though then this isn't too much of a problem. However for someone who hasn't been with the series it is pretty limited in it's replay value. The graphics look like a game and I'm fine with that, even if their movements are quite robotic. The characters are very appealing, we have aliens not just humans, so they should be. Garrus has been my favourite since I did a bit of background reading before getting this game, such is the charm of this universe. The one thing that has irked and irritated is the galaxy at war feature, which for me (online code and all) consistently says: "system offline". Wildly vexing for my inner achievement trawler. Thus I'm not sure if it makes the end of the game any easier. Since I'm here the contentious issue of the ending... My view is that it was odd. That's it. I didn't hate it, for me it was just odd. (No spoilers here though).
    The multiplayer was very disappointing. I played the demo with the multiplayer and what happened apparently is that I had played (impending random percentage) 70% of the actual multiplayer. On the demo there were two maps and you were fighting Cerberus on bronze, silver or gold difficulty. In the full game, there are perhaps 6 levels with Reapers and Geth joining the fray. It will be very appealing to GOW Horde fans and all alike. Instead for myself, who views the variety of Timesplitters 2 multiplayer modes as more engrossing than the Horde and unlocking aspects this was a great disappointment. Nevertheless, functionally, the multiplayer is just fine, (aside my Galaxy at War being constantly inactive).

    There we have it, my semi-indifferent thoughts on this game. As mentioned in my intro, my real score is 7/10, but 10/10 to help in levelling off the unfairly assigned 0/10 reviews.

    Thank you for reading,

    Bill Jaguar
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  70. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    After completing Mass Effect 1 and 2 multiple times in preparation for the epic conclusion, I was extremely pleased with how everything all turned out. The changes made from ME2 to ME3 were welcome ones. No more hacking or bypassing mini-games, or terribly long loading screens. Some of the RPG aspects from ME1 returned and made the game more customizable and personable. The MultiplayerAfter completing Mass Effect 1 and 2 multiple times in preparation for the epic conclusion, I was extremely pleased with how everything all turned out. The changes made from ME2 to ME3 were welcome ones. No more hacking or bypassing mini-games, or terribly long loading screens. Some of the RPG aspects from ME1 returned and made the game more customizable and personable. The Multiplayer component surprised me when I first played it and I was immediately hooked. The leveling and upgrade systems are well constructed and easy to get a grasp of. There were multiple events in the story that were so beautifully constructed and well orchestrated that I just had to sit back in my chair and revel in all of its glory. I have never felt so connected to a story and characters in a game. Many complain about the ending. These opinions are simply based on ignorance and a "I didn't get the exact ending I wanted so I'm going to complain" response. Did I get exactly what I wanted? No, I didn't. Was I still able to appreciate the overall ending while seeing the beauty of it and accept it for what it was? Yes! Expand
  71. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 took me through the most emotionally packed ride in my life. From the opening on Earth to the very end, it held my attention and awarded me with some the best scenes I have ever experienced. The game-play felt much tighter than Mass Effect 2 and supremely better than Mass Effect 1. It feels like Bioware took the best aspects of both games to produce one super poweredMass Effect 3 took me through the most emotionally packed ride in my life. From the opening on Earth to the very end, it held my attention and awarded me with some the best scenes I have ever experienced. The game-play felt much tighter than Mass Effect 2 and supremely better than Mass Effect 1. It feels like Bioware took the best aspects of both games to produce one super powered behemoth. Plus, the added a multiplayer which is oddly addictive and fun (especially with the inclusion of other species to choose from). The only real gripe I have for the game is the one new character who feels too much like The Situation. Otherwise the games greatest achievement is the vast amounts of great characters. For those who gripe about the last 6minutes, I will quote a wise song, "At the end of it all, gamers play what we play, not for game over, but what we take away". Trust me, you will take away a lot. Expand
  72. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    a wonderful ending to an amazing trilogy. I will personally count Mass effect 3 as one of my favorite games because it both ends the trilogy I love and gives the developers a place to start the next part from.
  73. Mar 29, 2012
    10
    I loved this game, every minute of it (YES EVEN THE END). The game definitely doesn't deserve the harsh reviews these users have given it. Many top game reviewers have given it a high score, and so unless you think EA has paid all of them off and yet no one has managed to expose this, I think it's safe to assume this game is damn good.

    Screw the trolls, come see me.
  74. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    The only thing I am going to say is the people hating on this game need to get over themselves. It was a joy to play the whole way through and I am going to go through the 1st and 2nd game again to see how much different my story will ultimately be. I have watched my room mate play, I have watched my friends play and their story is not the same as mine. The decisions you made in the firstThe only thing I am going to say is the people hating on this game need to get over themselves. It was a joy to play the whole way through and I am going to go through the 1st and 2nd game again to see how much different my story will ultimately be. I have watched my room mate play, I have watched my friends play and their story is not the same as mine. The decisions you made in the first two games do have an impact on the final playthrough. Like I said, the only negative about this game is all of these trollers hating on it because it ends...even though they have been foreshadowing this for 5 years. Great game, play it all the way through and just know that the ones hating have gotten laid more times in these three titles then they have in their entire lives. I would be pissed about that too. Expand
  75. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this game. For me the best part of the game was the care with which it dealt with the characters that you have grown to love over the course of the 3 games. Each character mission was great (some better than others), but it was the moment at the end where you had a chance to say goodbye to each that really shined. To me this was the true ending. Regarding the "actual" end that has been creating all of the hubbub, I personally that it was solid and interesting. The fact that despite all of your choices (paragon/renegade), which are deeply felt throughout the story, ultimately lead to the same final choice is an interesting take on the concept of destiny/fate. Furthermore, while the three results of the final choice were aesthetically similar (modified color palates), they were dramatically disparate in substance and result in wildly different universes. Expand
  76. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    I really enjoyed the game. The gripes about the ending have been blown way out of proportion. Throughout the entire single player campaign we get closure and resolution for many of the character/story arcs. The ending is a great hardcore sci-fi resolution. This trilogy will be remembered as one of the greats.
  77. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    With a powerful plot, advanced combat, and smarter enemies, this game really presents itself as it should be- a fantastic ending to a chilling, unrivalled series. The character development, which quite possibly the most important quality the series held for me, is even deeper than the previous games. The soundtrack is a beautiful condiment to the the countless heartstopping momentsWith a powerful plot, advanced combat, and smarter enemies, this game really presents itself as it should be- a fantastic ending to a chilling, unrivalled series. The character development, which quite possibly the most important quality the series held for me, is even deeper than the previous games. The soundtrack is a beautiful condiment to the the countless heartstopping moments encountered throughout the game. The journey was, throughout the trilogy of Mass Effect, truly memorable- watching the effects of your decisions, building friendships, sacrificing for 'the greater good', and living with your mistakes. I have come to admire BioWare's ability to make a gamer love a character, only to lose them. There are, however, imperfections with Mass Effect 3, much like any other game. Many of these problems had little affect on me. The most important problem I had in the game was with the ending. What I, as well as many other ME vets, was expecting was a beautiful ending that would have me thinking for hours, about my decisions, and what I could have done to change the end. Nothing of the sort occurred. It wasn't a great ending. It wasn't terrible, but after that ending, one should not be thinking 'Whatever, now what?' It was inconclusive, felt rushed, and lacked consistency with previous games and media concerning the series, as well as with what BioWare said themselves. The endings were all very alike, which I found disappointing. However, it took away nothing from the game for me.

    I strongly recommend buying this game, even if you are scared of disappointment from the ending. I will continue to play BioWare games and believe they will learn from this mistake.
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  78. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    One of the better games I have played this generation. If you liked the style and gameplay of Mass Effect 2 you will enjoy this game.

    The story is fantastic and the combat is better than average. It will not take the place of Gears of War, but compated to Mass Effect 1 it has come along ways.
  79. CjN
    Mar 20, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is the best game in the trilogy; the combat has been improved since the last game. Itâ
  80. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    This is the best game I've ever played. I love the game 100% beginning-to-end, top-to-bottom. BioWare created a masterpiece. The ending requires your thought, attention, and patience, but it is worth it and very rewarding. It's a shame that so many fans who disliked the ending and have acted so immaturely.
  81. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    People take the ending of this game far too seriously and don't judge it based on its own merits- They expect a flash-bang ending, boom, shoot the bad guys and go home just like the first two. They don't want to think. They don't want to get philosophy in their explosions. They take this stuff far, far too seriously.
  82. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    I think Hee-Haw said it best, "Gloom, despair and agony on me." Mass Effect 3 doesn't offer much in the way of happiness, and I walked away from this game feeling sick to my stomach. The Mass Effect trilogy took me on an incredible journey, and left me reeling in pain. In case you missed it, these are all good things.
  83. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok Mass Effect one of the best game franchises of all time delivered another outstanding game. Minus the less than stellar ending that we all wanted it, the game was fantastic. The action set pieces had me jumping out of my seat. (i.e. the part on Rannoch when you go head to head with a reaper) The story was always engaging and I never skipped a conversation. The multiplayer is fun for what it is but Mass Effect is all about single player. There were a few bugs like pauses between talking with people and enemies stuck in the ground. The overall experience is great and i hope this gets several GOTY awards. Expand
  84. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    In my opinion the negative feedback from user's for this game is unfair. ME1 was excellent apart from the bugs, and I would rate it 9/10. ME2 Felt dumbed down and I missed the mako and the customisation despite loving the more active paragon/renegade elements. I have really enjoyed ME3. Had more than a few goosebumps moments and felt connected with the returning characters. James didntIn my opinion the negative feedback from user's for this game is unfair. ME1 was excellent apart from the bugs, and I would rate it 9/10. ME2 Felt dumbed down and I missed the mako and the customisation despite loving the more active paragon/renegade elements. I have really enjoyed ME3. Had more than a few goosebumps moments and felt connected with the returning characters. James didnt seem to get fleshed out at all (dlc ?)
    Given the massive odds against shepherd I had no grip with the ending. My feedback on the game I played is it didnt seem obvious to me the multiplayer was tied to galactic readiness (sure I am not the only person who missed that ?) Still miss the customisation and stats !! and The last battle should have been more epic. Only take two members to finish saving the galaxy ? No way ! And why couldnt that final push have been the team meets up, and fights an epic battle to the transport beam ? I think that was a missed opportunity. The stores also need to realise when I have a level 4 upgrade and stop selling me junk. But I honestly feel this is a great game. And I love the multiplayer (although Expensive Bioware points for packs - is I have to say a total afront when I've paid the full 35 pounds for a PC game - Thats aimed at EA ) IMHO Awesome game. Given 10 because people are being harsh giving it 0. And if the fan vids about indoctrination turn out to be true, then that is an incredible twist and precedent. Regardless - great game.
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  85. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    Great game. Stunning story line and incredible graphics. The best of the mass effect series, this game is a must buy! The multiplayer is also great, but the tie to the campaign can be a pain for those without xbox live. Overall great game, competitor for game of the year 2012!
  86. Mar 22, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Blockbuster games" today tend to fall in line with one another leading to an inevitable outcome through predictable methods. Sometimes though, like a rock band at the peak of it's popularity, a game throws a curve ball and challenges the mainstay formula that the system has adopted. The Mass Effect franchise since it's inception has been the poster child for what a game can achieve as an art form: Rich storytelling, vivid environments, atmospheric music, and a gripping examination of the human condition. More than anything else Mass Effect has effected every player, every spectator by giving them the notion of choice; right and wrong...good and evil. With Mass Effect 3 Bioware took this idea and turned it on it's axis. The ending that has cause such an uproar since release is in all respects warranted because everyone knows what it means, but everyone is too upset to admit it. It is the reality that choice is irrelevant. Good and evil is a fallacy. Hope is useless. No matter what decisions are made, no one person can prevent the inevitable. For touching an emotional and philosophical nerve in me that few novels, or movies have, I take my hat off to the creators and writers of the Mass Effect universe. It could not have ended in a more fitting way. Expand
  87. Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Perfect! I love the game and Mass Effect 1 and 2, it's one of the best games ever vor me!
    Bioware-games are huge and great an Mass Effect 3 is the best of them :-)
  88. Mar 23, 2012
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed the complete trilogy. There has been no game series that has gotten into my head more. As a 40+ year-old married dad, I almost felt guilty with my obsession with this. I played each game multiple times with many of the possible paths that were available. Amazing.

    As far as the ending. Honestly there was much to be desired. In retrospect, absolute closure would have
    I thoroughly enjoyed the complete trilogy. There has been no game series that has gotten into my head more. As a 40+ year-old married dad, I almost felt guilty with my obsession with this. I played each game multiple times with many of the possible paths that were available. Amazing.

    As far as the ending. Honestly there was much to be desired. In retrospect, absolute closure would have been worse. Because of the current ending possibilities, the Mass Effect universe is still vital. There is much to talk about, much to think about.

    No matter how many negative scores or reviews that are given on this site, there is this simple truth. This game got under the skin of thousands of people. Not just time and money invested could explain the reaction to the endings. People became Shepard and really connected with the characters and the story. This alone is reason enough for me to give this game a perfect 10.

    I will now sit in the darkness and dream of what happened to my three loves, Miranda, Liara and (sigh) Tali. I hope you are all well.
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  89. Mar 23, 2012
    10
    Please, please don't let the nerd rage influence you. Mass Effect 3 is a 9 or 10 hands down. The ending was a little disappointing, but that certainly doesn't ruin the game at all. Plus Bioware caved to the entitlement issues of its fans and is making a new ending. This game is great all around and wraps up the story wonderfully.
  90. Mar 26, 2012
    10
    I don't understand all the negative reviews on this site, mostly based around the day one DLC. If you don't want it, don't buy it. The industry is using day 1 DLC as an extra way of making some revenue, and if that is what has to be done to stop price increases on games, then fine. I did download the DLC as I am such a big ME fan that I will bite the hand off the developers like a hungryI don't understand all the negative reviews on this site, mostly based around the day one DLC. If you don't want it, don't buy it. The industry is using day 1 DLC as an extra way of making some revenue, and if that is what has to be done to stop price increases on games, then fine. I did download the DLC as I am such a big ME fan that I will bite the hand off the developers like a hungry lion for anything ME related. Admittedly the mission that comes with the pack is short, but the cutscenes included with it are amazing and give some real insight into the last days of the protheans in their war against the reapers. Plus Jarik seems to be a really interesting character with a kickass particle rifle which shepard can also use. My only advice with this weapon is not to let it run out of energy (make sure you take your finger off the trigger before that so it recharges).

    I am something like 7 hours into the single player and have put 2-3 hours into the multiplayer which I have also found to be great fun.

    Unfortunately due to losing my saves a while ago I am not in a position to play through all 3 games with the same character yet so I have had to import my ME2 soldier for my first ME3 playthrough but that's ok as all it means is I get to spend more time playing one of my favourite game series of all time! Not a loss in my book.

    This review is based on where I am in the game right now so I can't comment on the endings yet. I am interested to see if is bad as everyone is making out though. Even if it is, I have faith that bioware will not disappoint again with their solution.
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  91. Mar 25, 2012
    10
    This game is amazing. I mean, the ending is a bit disappointing (Didn't they say there would be NO long lost "Reaper off button"?) but everything else is perfect. Great graphics, sound, and game play.
  92. Mar 25, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For all the haters out there...GET OVER IT! Its a video game its not real life. Boo Hoo they didn't end the game the way YOU wanted. Grow up people if you dont like the way it ended thats just too damn bad. I happened to enjoy the ending. If you didnt understand what was happening at the end...I feel sorry for your ignorance. Since ME1 Shepard has been fighting indoctrination. By ME3 his indoctrination is nearly complete. Its little things that happen during ME3 that show you his indoctrination...like...the little boy who nobody else sees, i mean he was struggling to get on the shuttle and not one soldier helps him on. Do you know why??? Its because he's not real he's a hallucination brought on by Harbinger to try and crush Shepards will to fight. What about during the end when the laser hits Shepard and Harbinger leaves the beam. Why do the other soldiers retreat if Harbinger has left? or why when its asked if anyone made it to the beam do you hear that no one makes it? Or the fact that Anderson beats you to the Citadel control room even though he's clearly not ahead of you? How about how the Destruction choice (paragon) and Control choice (renegade) are represented by the opposite colors on the pathways? They're switched because the Reapers want you to "control" them not destroy them because control shows that you've become fully indoctrinated. The Mass Relays are still there...the Geth are still alive...VI's,AI's, all synthetic life is still alive. Expand
  93. Mar 26, 2012
    10
    This is the best game to date. From the beginning until the end it surprises you. I played 1 and 2, but nr 3 is just awesome. The graphics is excellent. The story is simply out of this world. A completely new and fresh story. I get so bored with the standard endings of other games. This one will never ever be forgotten.
  94. Mar 26, 2012
    10
    Sometimes I hate the goddamn internet. Every piece of **** is enabled to share pure **** which can be seen on this case. All those bad ratings dont rate the game itself, but the ending. Thats a difference. In their disappointment, the forget about hundreds hours of fun with the Mass-Effect game, and break one of the best Next-Gen series down to about 10 minutes. Thats hilarious. MassSometimes I hate the goddamn internet. Every piece of **** is enabled to share pure **** which can be seen on this case. All those bad ratings dont rate the game itself, but the ending. Thats a difference. In their disappointment, the forget about hundreds hours of fun with the Mass-Effect game, and break one of the best Next-Gen series down to about 10 minutes. Thats hilarious. Mass Effect 3 plays mostly like 2, but feels more like 1, due to the focus on the Citadel. To me, its the best part of the ME universe, no matter how it ends. You shouldnt give a f*ckin **** about these kiddies outwhere, ****storming everyone and everything like theyd be goddamn nazis. This is an amazing game, with a disappointing ending. No more no less. 10/10. Expand
  95. Mar 26, 2012
    10
    This game was amazing and don't let anyone talk you out of playing it because they hate EA. Honestly it's amazingly good. The entire game is filled with endings to all the major plot points maintained throughout the story. Big emotional events with sacrifice being a key theme happen regularly. There is literally an ending for every plot point in the series. So the complaint of the actualThis game was amazing and don't let anyone talk you out of playing it because they hate EA. Honestly it's amazingly good. The entire game is filled with endings to all the major plot points maintained throughout the story. Big emotional events with sacrifice being a key theme happen regularly. There is literally an ending for every plot point in the series. So the complaint of the actual ending being bad, is based on people not realizing that fact. Those same people complaining about the lack of ending are the type of people who rush through the game and skip dialogue. You know who I'm talking about, we all know them. TL:DR; Just play it, ignore these people pretending it's the worst thing ever. Expand
  96. Mar 26, 2012
    10
    People seem to be mad because the ending isn't "what they expected" and while BioWare could've done a better ending, instead of everyone getting the same 3 possible endings, you can't deny the game itself is beautiful and perfectly crafted, the gameplay is flawless and the multiplayer was a surprisingly pleasant addition.
    The story is perfectly made, however, BioWare was unable to put all
    People seem to be mad because the ending isn't "what they expected" and while BioWare could've done a better ending, instead of everyone getting the same 3 possible endings, you can't deny the game itself is beautiful and perfectly crafted, the gameplay is flawless and the multiplayer was a surprisingly pleasant addition.
    The story is perfectly made, however, BioWare was unable to put all the pieces back together in the ending, which is slightly disappointing.
    But people are being way too harsh with the game, a bad ending doesn't make a good game the worst game ever. People are overreacting.
    And while it is obvious that EA took out the Prothean and made it DLC to make money, I actually found myself preferring Javik over all the in-game characters, a bit overpriced.
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  97. Mar 27, 2012
    10
    10/10 for ME3, not played 1 or 2, but I am buying them tomorrow! Admittedly I had played upuntil where you have to defuse the bomb in the first game, but couldn't get the hang of it, now I got into the third game, like I said I'm buying 1 and 2
  98. Mar 27, 2012
    10
    I purposely stayed from reading any reviews, listening to any gaming podcasts, going on any gaming websites, basically tuned myself completely out from all media involved in gaming form the first day ME3 came out on March 6th, until the day I finished on march 13th. My initial feeling of the game I just played and finished, was simply WOW! And there were plenty of those moments throughoutI purposely stayed from reading any reviews, listening to any gaming podcasts, going on any gaming websites, basically tuned myself completely out from all media involved in gaming form the first day ME3 came out on March 6th, until the day I finished on march 13th. My initial feeling of the game I just played and finished, was simply WOW! And there were plenty of those moments throughout as well. This is on a short list of games that put me on such a ride, emotionally. There is so much heart in this game, the character development is off the charts. The story was grim and the desperation was evident. As the story went on I really began to get a sense of how this would end up. Little did I know that, the result of my initial playthrough would result in one of the worst, of the possible endings, and I still accepted it, and liked it. Shepherd and these other noble heroes sacrificing themselves for the future, is nothing short of spot on. Almost immediately after finishing the game, I went to Metacritic because I wanted to see other people's reactions to the game, and what the "pros" in the industry had to say as well. Then I saw it and I was beside myself!!!! Terrible user scores and as I dug deeper into the why, I was appalled! I thought maybe, I had searched the wrong game as all I saw was a cry baby effect! Look the ending may have left something to be desired, but I will ALWAYS side with the right of the creative forces behind the art, to do what they want with THEIR art, and not with those that stomp their feet and hold their breath like loud obnoxious spoiled children. IMO, this is the epitome of all that is wrong with our society and unfortunately is becoming more and more prevalent in it. This sense of entitlement, and utter outrage when things don't go as we see that they should. Everyone has the right to make their voices heard, and they should, but there is a proper way to do it. And I really thought this community of gamers, was above the idiotic 99% mentality, when it comes to making our voices heard. Everyone of those that, IMO, went too far......hey go out and make your own game. You can make it ANY way YOU want! Just like those at Bioware can make their game anyway THEY want. Have we all really forgotten to put ourselves in other peoples shoes, for even a second and rationalize things, in the hopes of making sense of something we don't agree with? Or are we barreling down a moral slope where we just stomp our fists in anger and he who yells the loudest wins? Also, really!?!?! Zero scores form users??? Wow, I mean c'mon, even if the assertion that the ending was horrible, the other 30+ hours were amazing, or at least somewhere in the middle.
    Lastly, I just have to say that I've seen all the arguments why the ending was "horrible" and have to say I can only give credence to one and that is that it was too ambiguous. There wasn't the necessary closure and I'll get to that in a second. Thinking back on things that happened in the first two games, things the story told us, the ending makes PERFECT sense, and is one of the most well put together stories ever (in any medium). They were telling us all along how it was going to play out and it did. The clues were there all along, we just had to pay attention to them and be able to bring the memories of them back when we needed them, maybe that's why it was so confusing because it didn't (outright) spell everything out for us, but kept the heart of the game in tact right up to the final decision, in that it was always about making the best decision based on the knowledge we had about the situation and living with the consequences, or just making the decision based on what we just "wanted to do", point is it was up to the player, the information was put in front of us and it was up to us to decide 1) how to play the game, 2) how much to prepare for the final battle and 3) the final decision (along with the romances, relationship stuff as well.) But to all those that said it made no sense, it did (at least to me) and I'm good with that! I really feel sorry for you all that it upset you so much but that's life (it is) and should be dealt with accordingly. I know this series (which I hold as one of the greatest ever) took a LOT of all of us, time wise, emotionally, economically........but at the end of the day it's still just a game and Bioware doesn't OWE us anything. They, like us, can CHOOSE, to make the game how they feel it best, and we can choose to support their future projects how we feel is most appropriate. But yeah, I would have liked to see more of what happened to all those characters I came to love so much, but that's not 100% necessary either. We'll either find out (one way or the other) or I have a very good imagination and am able to think it through logically enough that I'd bet I'd be pretty close to being right! Thanks Bioware, for a GREAT game and series. It really was a wonderful ride!
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  99. Mar 28, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is the best game ive ever played. it has a great story, good graphics and a excellent soundtrack. i was a little disappointed with the ending but other than that the game was amazingly good
    10/10
  100. Mar 29, 2012
    10
    This game had some of the most Epic moments that I have ever experienced as a gamer. Yes, the ending was lacking and I hope that they come through and give us a more "Fallout" style denouement for all the races, characters, etc, but that aside, the game, writing, acting, gameplay, story arc, were all amazing. I'm replaying it right now and it's awesome AGAIN. It makes me sad that so manyThis game had some of the most Epic moments that I have ever experienced as a gamer. Yes, the ending was lacking and I hope that they come through and give us a more "Fallout" style denouement for all the races, characters, etc, but that aside, the game, writing, acting, gameplay, story arc, were all amazing. I'm replaying it right now and it's awesome AGAIN. It makes me sad that so many people are panning this game for it's last 5 minutes. It's patently unfair and childish. I've been playing since the first one, and this one was by far the one that I have the fewest complaints about (mining anyone? I'm looking at you ME2). This is a fantastic game that needs it's ending fleshed out. Loved it! Expand
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 74
  3. Negative: 0 out of 74
  1. May 12, 2012
    95
    Mass Effect 3 is an emotional rollercoaster ride with lots of tension and moving moments. The threat of the Reapers make every decision a hard one and your relationship with other characters will be tested. This, in combination with tight gameplay, makes this the complete experience.
  2. Apr 26, 2012
    100
    As a bombastic action-RPG with no previous context, Mass Effect 3 is a dark, engaging game with great combat, a well-written story, and all the epic space-opera you could want. But for those who have played through Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, it's something much more.
  3. Apr 18, 2012
    96
    The storytelling itself, the more refined combat, the voicework, the visuals, et all, stand as a fine example of some of the best this industry has to offer, and with my minor complaints aside, there's no doubt that Mass Effect 3 will be deservedly at the top of everyone's list come this year's award season.