Mass Effect 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3849 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,035 out of 3849
  2. Mixed: 461 out of 3849
  3. Negative: 1,353 out of 3849
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  1. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Mass Effect 3 is one of the best Sci-Fi RPG’s ever made. As good as both games before it. Great atmosphere, Story and Characters.
  2. phoenix_prjct
    Apr 18, 2023
    8
    Final Thoughts:

    Mass Effect 3 eclipses its predecessors with epic story beats that converge the biggest conflicts bubbling throughout the series into emotional rollercoasters. Characters shine with crackling chemistry and random conversations provide smooth development and excellent pacing between big moments. Gameplay is further refined, keeping what works and ironing out the kinks for    Final Thoughts:

    Mass Effect 3 eclipses its predecessors with epic story beats that converge the biggest conflicts bubbling throughout the series into emotional rollercoasters. Characters shine with crackling chemistry and random conversations provide smooth development and excellent pacing between big moments. Gameplay is further refined, keeping what works and ironing out the kinks for an action-focused adventure, an adventure amplified by gorgeous visuals and a tone-setting soundtrack.

    It’s sad, however, that from a beginning that sets a galactic apocalypse with such fantastic force and characters that can more than handle the weight on their backs, the ending feels like a completely different team of writers took control…writers that had absolutely no experience with the series. Rendering every choice the player has made moot and betraying even its core story, Mass Effect 3 ends on a bitter, unsatisfying note to what’s largely been one of the best sci-fi RPGs to hit gaming.

    For the full review and more posts like it, visit my site: https://thephoenixprjct.com    … Expand
  3. Hiccup3319
    Oct 28, 2022
    9
    Great game, loved it and a great ending to a great trilogy of great games, recommend it.
  4. bigchocolate69
    Jun 28, 2022
    4
    Doesn't hold up to the other Mass Effect titles due to the game being far too linear and a terrible ending.
  5. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 29, 2021
    8
    I honestly think this game is actually great, the gameplay mechanics are exceptional, the different types of ammunition and weapons make the gameplay feel fresh and rewarding, without ruining the pacing.

    Story-wise it does have some flaws but for most of the time it's pretty interesting, and it has some fantastic moments. Most characters are likeable and charming. Even though the game    I honestly think this game is actually great, the gameplay mechanics are exceptional, the different types of ammunition and weapons make the gameplay feel fresh and rewarding, without ruining the pacing.

    Story-wise it does have some flaws but for most of the time it's pretty interesting, and it has some fantastic moments.

    Most characters are likeable and charming. Even though the game lacks some RPG elements, like every other Mass Effect game the characters are the highlight of the game.

    And about the infamous ending, it's indeed quite rushed, but it didn't ruin my experience, everything else in this game is very good and that's all that matters.

    Final Rating: "Great" ~ 8/10.    … Expand
  6. BunnyBraixen
    May 22, 2022
    10
    Buen juego, siento que el final esta sobrehateado pero fue un buen viaje jugarlo desde el primero y es una saga que le recomiendo a todos. Es dificil no enamorarse de todos los squadmates y sus personalidades, aparte de que el DLC Citadel agrega un gran final para todos ellos
  7. dan-man
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    Wooo! What a ride, what a ride. Now, this is a game. An absolute fine piece of work. The finest series and science fiction story I have ever experienced, easily. Has its flaws at times, however, but the characters, the music, the simple but satisfying combat, the thought-provoking ending and philosophy of the reapers and cyclical civilisation is incredible. I played this after playing theWooo! What a ride, what a ride. Now, this is a game. An absolute fine piece of work. The finest series and science fiction story I have ever experienced, easily. Has its flaws at times, however, but the characters, the music, the simple but satisfying combat, the thought-provoking ending and philosophy of the reapers and cyclical civilisation is incredible. I played this after playing the nightmare that is Elden Ring, and it really opened my eyes as to how superior story-driven experiences are. This series is probably going to be well remembered for many years to come, just like the legend that is Commander Shepard. I doubt any sci-fi production in movies or games will top this series for maybe even a decade or more! Thanks, Bioware for the memories.… Expand
  8. kyle20ellis
    Mar 10, 2022
    10
    Greetings from Lithuania.

    "Mass Effect 3" (2012) is a superb game for everyone who enjoyed the previous two installments. Maybe it is not as addictive as Mass Effect 2, but it is a superb game in every direction, with amazing story, great game play, great RPG elements ant etc. There are some issues with controls in close combat, but those are mind issues in comparison to a whole view -    Greetings from Lithuania.

    "Mass Effect 3" (2012) is a superb game for everyone who enjoyed the previous two installments. Maybe it is not as addictive as Mass Effect 2, but it is a superb game in every direction, with amazing story, great game play, great RPG elements ant etc. There are some issues with controls in close combat, but those are mind issues in comparison to a whole view - a SCI epic on biggest proportions. I do loved the original ending, never played alternative one.

    Overall, "Mass Effect 3" is a great game and a great conclusion of a saga. There will be a new one, sure, but this installment is the culmination, and it is worth every minute of it.    … Expand
  9. Art2020
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. En epic conclusion to an epic trilogy. Some things were horrible though like when his clone showed up...… Expand
  10. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 9
    Music: 9
    Story: 9
    Total: 9.00
  11. B00tador
    Nov 28, 2021
    8
    Falls short in some regards but still a great game. As part of a trilogy it does enough for me.
  12. StonePwnReviews
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    A well done game up until the final hour of the main story. ME3 had me believing I was playing one of the most dynamic RPG's I've ever touched until none of my actions mattered in the end.
  13. Kostas101
    Nov 3, 2021
    8
    I honestly think this game is actually great, from the fantastic shooting mechanics, to the spectacular cutscenes, and the great characters. The ending is indeed quite rushed but it didn't ruin my experience, everything else in this game is definitely good.
  14. Filmanwalt
    Oct 27, 2021
    10
    The commander's journey ends. Shepard has accompanied me for a long time and again and again. With part 3, the trilogy comes to a worthy end for me!

    story The reaper threat has arrived, after you could still prevent entry in the Arrival DLC in Mass Effect 2, the galaxy-wide threat has now arrived. And this feeling of doom runs through the entire game, it puts you in a position to    The commander's journey ends. Shepard has accompanied me for a long time and again and again. With part 3, the trilogy comes to a worthy end for me!

    story

    The reaper threat has arrived, after you could still prevent entry in the Arrival DLC in Mass Effect 2, the galaxy-wide threat has now arrived. And this feeling of doom runs through the entire game, it puts you in a position to make every possible effort to take down the Reaper.

    This very action-packed and warlike scenario is staged by breathtakingly good missions. It's about the solution of ancient conflicts, the alliance of the individual species ... the creation of a common armed force to prevent the destruction by the Reaper. Bioware has told a very exciting story, which in the end leads to a door 1, 2 or 3 decision, but personally I am compliant with the selectable outcomes. Only the representation, albeit understandable, of the last part of the anti-reaper weapon takes a lot of getting used to (catalyst).

    Once again, very strong dialogues are created that really take your breath away (Tali and Legion, Liara, Javik DLC, etc.). The bond with the characters is only strengthened and you just have the feeling of fighting for something together.

    Gameplay

    The best gameplay in the trilogy. Very strong combo game play, many different skills and occasional skill options. A lot of weapons, mods and upgrades as well as some armor are fun for every tinkerer. It could have been deeper, but that was enough for me. The shooting around of biotic abilities combined with the very well-functioning squad game play is always new fun.

    There are also a lot of missions, although unfortunately a few of the side missions are limited to pure scanning. Here I would have liked more staging. The constant growth of the war assets makes it clear again in which position the galaxy is and must be in order to exist.

    graphic

    Atmospherically, musically, and staged simply breathtakingly. The many cut scenes in the last mission alone still give you massive goosebumps.

    Conclusion

    It is very important to play DLC again. The Citadel DLC in particular is one of the best DLC that has ever existed. But Leviathan is also very instructive. One can only thank Bioware for this trip! 10/10 crew members.    … Expand
  15. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    Did the ending fall flat? Yes. Doesn't mean it was not a great game. Dexter, GoT are a vew examples of horrible endings but overall still great series. This game is still great. Me personally, I don't play multiplayer so I could care less of those issues.
  16. Mastereviewer
    Aug 2, 2021
    10
    Undead saves entire galaxy from an attack of space shrimps, just right after being called crazy for believing on space shrimps
  17. EasyGamerBoi
    Jun 10, 2021
    8
    The ending pissed me off at first, but after all these years I now feel satisfied after finishing the whole trilogy over & over again. It’s the Mass Effect trilogy, so of course it’s still gonna be a great game. The last 20 minutes doesn’t decide the other however many hours before it.
  18. SuperkenGaming
    May 25, 2021
    8
    Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition
    Go google pictures of Mirandas butt
    Mass Effect 3 is the final chapter of Sheards story youre off to end the reapers, this race of beings that threaten the existence of the universe as you know it… I didn’t play the original version, but here in Mass Effect 3 you have the option to play RPG style or action style… as someone that played the last 2 games I    Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition
    Go google pictures of Mirandas butt
    Mass Effect 3 is the final chapter of Sheards story
    youre off to end the reapers, this race of beings that threaten the existence of the universe as you know it…
    I didn’t play the original version, but here in Mass Effect 3 you have the option to play RPG style or action style… as someone that played the last 2 games I love the choice aspect of this series so I chose to mainline the story with the rpg elements here.. choosing my dialog.. unfortunately though the game doesn’t make it hard for you to just b line to the end in about 12 hours.
    Why? Because this just ist the least interesting game in the trilogy.. it just is.. you already know which charcters you like in this universe.. and there aren’t really anymore to fall in love with before the big showfdown.. so I just didn’t care to do the side missions, especially with just how repetitive the main campaign felt.. why would i? I had no insentive to explore and go do more.. that being said mass Efect 3 is decently enjoyable to play through.. You will get more squadmembers as the story goes on, youll be picking out their special abilities, and they do become an important part of your arsenal.. for example Liara was a stple for me to deal with annoying shielded enemies, I loved how on command I could have her just throw any enmy in the eir right in front of me.. so it really is up to you to baance your squad of 3 to your play style.. I do wish however there was more information given to me before a mission s maybe I was more throughful about the 2nd member… if I ever had anyone different it was mostly because the tory forced it on me.. in general mass effect 3 does an awful job at pre gaming… you have to chose your loadout before you go in.. having no idea what youll be dealing with ahead of time.. it makes literally 0 sense for me to not change my loadout based on my current situation on the fly… it ultimately lead to me not relly trying out any guns after I had one I was pretty satisfied…
    If mass Effect 3 werent the bow ontop of a series I had to see the end of after a huge investment into 1 and 2… I probably wouldn’t have been so invested to see it through.. it lies on the shoulders of the success of the perevious games and sadly doesn’t live up to the world building standards they set…
    While I did enjoy going through this campaign and putting an end to this intergalactic war… by itself, mass effect 3 isnt all that great.
    I give Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  19. C_Evans6710
    May 14, 2021
    9
    Honestly up until the last 20 minutes this is obviously the best game in the trilogy. All the relationships you spent hours cultivating make for a lot of emotional moments and honestly if you pick the red ending... it makes the most sense. Yeah it's not great but overall I'm not gonna over penalize this game over the last 20 minutes it goes from an easy 10 to a 9
  20. Dom007
    May 4, 2021
    10
    I'm rating this with all Dlc's included and with all Dlc's it's nothing but an exceptional game. Everything from the story and the scenario, the incredible cast of characters and their motives and its superb stand out moments which very few games can rival. The gameplay is the best in the trilogy and its soundtrack is brilliant. The ending may be a little underwhelming but the extended cutI'm rating this with all Dlc's included and with all Dlc's it's nothing but an exceptional game. Everything from the story and the scenario, the incredible cast of characters and their motives and its superb stand out moments which very few games can rival. The gameplay is the best in the trilogy and its soundtrack is brilliant. The ending may be a little underwhelming but the extended cut improves it massively and stops it from being bad. If anything the extended cut made the ending go from bad to somewhat decent.
    And then you have the DLC's with the citadel Dlc being the standout one and the others all being decent side stories. The citadel DLC was totally amazing and a great send off to the trilogy.

    The trilogy as a whole is probably my favourite video game of all time. With all 3 games it remains one of the best gaming experiences I've ever experienced and I've played through it at least 3 times with an incoming 4th with the legendary edition coming out.    … Expand
  21. Goronox
    Dec 24, 2020
    9
    While not the endings are not that great, i personally loved this game, the Gameplay and story are huge improvements from Mass Effect 2 which itself was a masterpiece.
  22. RodrigoroRex
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    "Mass Effect 3": Amazing game, it provides an amazing experience for the player. 7 out of 7. Played it on Xbox 360.
  23. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    8
    OVERALL - 80%

    Gameplay - 9/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 7/10
    Game Length - 8/10
    Characters - 8/10
    Level/Area Design - 9/10
    Atmosphere - 8/10
    Sound Effects - 8/10
    Soundtrack - 6/10
    Replay Value - 6/10

    Regardless of this games' downfalls explained multiple times in other User scores, I had a fun time playing this. Less clunky than previous instalments and crisp graphics.
  24. ConnKon
    Oct 9, 2020
    10
    Combat is easily the best of the 3. Played with extended cut ending, sure, wasn't the best ending in the world, but it was fine. Story throughout the game was top notch.
  25. MatthewDavisMed
    Jul 10, 2020
    9
    While yes, The ending truly hurts the games use of replayability, everything else I thought was truly excellent. From it's combat, to it's characters, and some scenes that truly tug at the heart strings. It might not be a flawless conclusion, I still think it's a fantastic installment.
  26. Hitjhon
    Jul 1, 2020
    8
    Now that I've seen all the controversy around the world with TLOU 2 I thought maybe I will review a game that I played a long time ago and was kind of divisive. The only issue with this game if my memory doesn't fail was the ending that's it. Unlike the other game. Well so I will say this: The trilogy as a whole is one of the best in gaming history yeah the ending could have been betterNow that I've seen all the controversy around the world with TLOU 2 I thought maybe I will review a game that I played a long time ago and was kind of divisive. The only issue with this game if my memory doesn't fail was the ending that's it. Unlike the other game. Well so I will say this: The trilogy as a whole is one of the best in gaming history yeah the ending could have been better and give better choices to the characters at the end but the game still was good and I think Bioware after this game started to walk his decline road and became the company we all know now. Yeah I played DA Inquisition it's not that great and then Andromeda and finally Anthem… Expand
  27. PunishedGamer
    Jun 27, 2020
    5
    A linear experience with a garbage ending. I had high hopes after 2 but this game made me lose trust in game devs.
  28. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    Really loved this game. Story goes in interesting directions to say the least but the core gameplay and character interactions still stand as the strongest in video games.
  29. eva3si0n
    May 27, 2020
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is the best part of the series, and even the ending of the trilogy cannot prevent it. First of all, I don 't understand how the ending of the trilogy can ruin the impression of a series of games that take from 120 to 150 hours in total. Second, the main plot at Mass Effect 3 turned out to be as good as in the first part. In 3 part we solve the most important problems of theMass Effect 3 is the best part of the series, and even the ending of the trilogy cannot prevent it. First of all, I don 't understand how the ending of the trilogy can ruin the impression of a series of games that take from 120 to 150 hours in total. Second, the main plot at Mass Effect 3 turned out to be as good as in the first part. In 3 part we solve the most important problems of the universe, finish the stories of all important characters. We get answers to almost all questions (except dark energy, which was forgotten at all. Although there were a bunch of references to her in Mass Effect 2). I can even say that I liked the ending of Mass Effect 3. The final with Extended Cut isn 't that bad. Yes in 2012, not many would agree. Apparently, emotions took over. Mass Effect 3 is the best space opera in the gaming industry, the crown of BioWare creation. And just another example of video games being art, too.… Expand
  30. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    10
    Played on XBOX 360.
    Gameplay: AWESOME.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: AWESOME.
    Music/Sound: AWESOME.
    Dialogue/Voice Acting: GREAT.
  31. Capulingo
    Apr 3, 2020
    0
    absolutely **** game had to reload hours of progress for a mission I don't want to
  32. drlowdon
    Mar 25, 2020
    8
    Continuing from the events of the previous game Mass Effect 3 opens with the Reapers attacking Earth and, having narrowly escaped with his life, Commander Shepard yet again finds himself as humanity's last hope for survival.

    Series veterans will be instantly familiar with the games concept in which a series of core and side missions can be accessed from the Normandy's galaxy map. This    Continuing from the events of the previous game Mass Effect 3 opens with the Reapers attacking Earth and, having narrowly escaped with his life, Commander Shepard yet again finds himself as humanity's last hope for survival.

    Series veterans will be instantly familiar with the games concept in which a series of core and side missions can be accessed from the Normandy's galaxy map. This time around however it is not just a case of recruiting allies to your cause. Depending on how each mission is handled vital resources, such as fleets of warships, can be gained to aid in the final battle against the Reapers. As has always been the case many of these missions allows for a great deal of freedom with a number of, sometimes very difficult, choices being afforded to the player. The series strong combat remains virtually unchanged from the series second entry and still plays like a simplified version of Gears of War. Responding to audience criticisms a number of features have been tweaked however. While the popular Mako may not make a return the weapon and armour customisation has returned and the dull planet scanning all but removed. For the first time in the Mass Effect series multiplayer has also been included. To be honest it offers only a minor diversion from the main campaign with only one mode (imagine Horde mode from Gears of War or Halo) and six small maps to play in co-op with up to three other players. Since the playing multiplayer aids in preparing for the Reaper assault in the main game however it is worth investing some time in.

    And so to the much criticised ending to the game. In my personal opinion some of this criticism is justified as it certainly leaves several plot holes and very much jars with the philosophy of Mass Effect. A few fans have certainly gone overboard however as when you consider the huge influence you are able to wield throughout the game the disappointing final ten minutes in no way spoils the 20+ hours that come before or the epic series as a whole.    … Expand
  33. Luccio26
    Feb 3, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Story 1.5/3
    The final installment in the trilogy you are once again presented with a ludicrous task of stopping the reapers after losing your foothold on earth. There are plenty of meaningful decisions to make and the progression of the story is fluid and keeps you coming back mission after to mission. Checking your readiness as you rally various allies to your side. The inclusion of side missions that bring back old characters like Jack and Mordin were both thrilling and also tear jerking as this truly did become real as your progressed, this is the last game in the trilogy. Where the game falls down is its final hours of the campaign. It feels as though you fight so hard to get your character, your squad and the world you have built for the epic saga at its climax; to choose between the blue, red or green pill. Although the DLC gave you some extra bits to do here and there and some more meaningful dialogue you are still presented with a very anti-climatcitc ending compared to the previous 2 games. Especially as this is the grand finale to one of the best video game triologies ever made.
    Gameplay 2.5/3
    The clunkiness and the cover system which I felt made certain classes more overpowered in the previous games, were refined greatly in ME3. Whether you played an Infiltrator (sniper & tech class) or a biotic (spellcaster equivilent) or a guns blazing, there was plenty of meaningful progression and building your team around how you played never felt better in the series. I felt the crafting system could have used a little more work as a lot of the weapons you found in quests or bought from vendors were better than anything you could make. The moding system was ok, but felt redundant after you had achieved a certain level. The reaper system when entering a galaxy made space exploration tedious at times when just wanting to get to and from a quest objective to hand in. The talent progression allows you to explore a variety of builds so there is something for any kind of player
    Visuals/Art Design 2/2
    Once again the art team did a phenomenal job in creating various enemy types, great character and alien models, back drops, landscapes and cityscapes. Hard to fault them on anything here.
    Sound/Music 2/2
    Another tick to everyone involved here. Great voice acting, fantastic ambient sounds, eerie music that perfectly depicts the spooky space vibes. The weapons and biotic moves sound great as well. Once again doesn't break immersion by making you think that the sound design is its own character.

    My final score is an 8/10. The game is not terrible. It doesn't deserve the sub 5 scores it gets on metacritic. Nor is it a 10/10 game. It is a must play experience if you have played the other two as although it may miss out on the epic ending. It does close a lot of story arks to characters that you have met in the other games.    … Expand
  34. gentlebenno
    Jul 25, 2019
    7
    Even years later folks agonize over this game and rightly so. When you take ME2 and combine it with ME3 you get perhaps the greatest gaming experience of all time. UNTIL, you get to the last 15 minutes of ME3. I can’t comprehend how the same team that made these great games decided that this was the way to end it, nodded to each other, and said it was good to go. It still baffles me.Even years later folks agonize over this game and rightly so. When you take ME2 and combine it with ME3 you get perhaps the greatest gaming experience of all time. UNTIL, you get to the last 15 minutes of ME3. I can’t comprehend how the same team that made these great games decided that this was the way to end it, nodded to each other, and said it was good to go. It still baffles me. It’s probably not the worst video game ending of all time; but it’s certainly the worst video game ending of all time for a game that was actually good. Nobody who loves these games, this lore, this universe of gaming will ever get over it. When I did my last replay I stopped before the final mission, I refused to play the ending. But still, this is an incredible game, you just have to ignore the last 15 minutes and pretend something else happened inside your brain. EA daggered BioWare and ME:A was a mediocre, soulless slog, but really it’s the ending of ME3 that ended it for us all.… Expand
  35. aidanpscott
    Feb 14, 2019
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To this day, I believe that Mass Effect 3 could have been, and SHOULD have been, one of the greatest games of all time. Instead, what we got was, not only a disappointing sequel, but one of the most disappointing games of all time.

    Let's get the big issue out of the way: the endings. They sucked when they launched and yes, they sucked after the DLC. But everything that can be said about these endings has been said many times over and I don't want to beat a dead horse. Still, if you want to know exactly why, I did a review of the old and new endings in my review of the extended cut DLC on this site as well.

    The reason I don't want to focus on the endings is because, while they are objectively the worst aspect of the game, they are by no means the only bad thing about this game and most people seem to skim over many of the major flaws the game has largely because of how utterly awful the endings were.

    Let's start with the good:

    The multiplayer. While not traditional PvP like most people wanted and were expecting, the wave based multiplayer is a TON of fun and allows you to experiment with different races and class setups you wouldn't get in the campaign. While the single player campaign is severely flawed, there are a ton of really excellent character moments with your squad mates. The Citadel DLC is excellent as well.

    The bad:

    The game was severely rushed (only had 2 years to develop the game) and many of its key staff, including legendary writer Drew Karypshan (lead writer of KotOR) left after Mass Effect 2. Of the 10 writers of Mass Effect 3, only 2 worked on the previous 2 titles and one of them (Mac Walters) is not a particularly good writer. Keep that in mind.

    The single player campaign, while it has some good moments, is filled with plot holes that completely break the world and lore. The dialogue is significantly worse in this game. Not only is most of the dialogue chosen for you without a dialogue wheel, but the neutral option is completely removed from the game and much of the dialogue doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The characters are constantly reference passed events from the previous two games as though you are completely new to the franchise and it is really off-putting.

    Most of the decisions you made in passed games DO NOT MATTER AT ALL and/or are completely thrown out the window as though they do not exist. Some examples: The Rachni Queen decision from Mass Effect 1, you have the chose to either kill her or free her. If you free her, she gets captured by the reapers and is enslaved, forced to give birth to rachni that the reapers turn into husks and force to fight in their armies. Actually, that sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Well, here's why that's not the case. Let's say you killed her instead, well it doesn't matter because another queen is captured by the reapers to do the same deed. No matter what you did in ME1, the outcome is the same. Your decision did not matter. Other examples include what you did with Maelon's data, what you chose to do with the geth heretics, etc.

    Mass Effect is a game about choice. Aside from the fact that most of your choices did not matter, you are limited in your choices in this game and, in some cases, don't have any choice at all. Mordin, Thane, and Legion all die in this game and while they are good deaths, they are unavoidable. Going back to Mass Effect 2, ME2 is a game where you build a squad and your decisions can either save them or kill them. There is a best-case scenario (everyone lives) and a worse case scenario (everyone, including Shepard, dies). In this game, their is no best case scenario, not truly, and it's a damn shame.

    Cerberus is the villain and, somehow, the Illusive Man is indoctrinated and has been since before Mass Effect 2. This makes no sense as he helped you literally destroy the collector base and ruin the reapers plans. Kai Leng is a deus ex villain with no personality and is only there to provide an artificial challenge for you. Whenever you lose to Kai Leng, bad choices aren't the reason, and good choices don't prevent it. For half the game, you aren't even fighting reapers, you're fighting Cerberus. Why?!

    The game is also tonally inconsistent as it wants to portray the reapers as this invincible, overwhelming doom that can't be defeated by conventional means, but is constantly switching to we can beat the reapers if we work together.

    Many of the games romances are underwhelming or insulting. If you romanced Jacob in ME2, he cheats on you with someone else, which goes against who he is as a character completely (Jacob is honest). Tali's face is revealed as a STOCK PHOTO and not through gameplay. Thane dies, etc.

    I would say more, but this review is limited to 5000 characters only. I'll finish with this: Is Mass Effect 3 an enjoyable game? Yes, absolutely. There's fun to be had. Is Mass Effect 3 a good game? Not even close. Is Mass Effect 3 a bad game? Close enough.    … Expand
  36. RafaelBarrera
    Nov 19, 2018
    8
    Mass Effect 3 is a villyfied game just because of one thing: its ending. I think it is a bit unfair to the game, the ending can't destroy the whole game experience even tho it was the close up to the whole saga ( which is why it is so hatred ). If we don't take into account the ending, this game is an improvement of what we saw in Mass Effect 2: combat system, space mining, graphics,Mass Effect 3 is a villyfied game just because of one thing: its ending. I think it is a bit unfair to the game, the ending can't destroy the whole game experience even tho it was the close up to the whole saga ( which is why it is so hatred ). If we don't take into account the ending, this game is an improvement of what we saw in Mass Effect 2: combat system, space mining, graphics, variety in weapons, etc... The game could perfectly be a 10/10 , but as I said: the ending is horrible. It's just so mad but at the same time appreciable because of the risk the developers took ( it went wrong, obviously ), maybe it was an original idea, maybe they didn't know how to finish the saga, anyway, it's a really good game with non deserved ending.
    It still is a ''must game'' for me.    … Expand
  37. Andremax
    Nov 10, 2018
    8
    Mass Effect 3 shows itself a game with less careful than its both predecessors, whether for being a mere recicled most of Mass Effect 2's style. for having notable falling of frames on multicolored and multieffected moments, for having even more bugs, mixed with game's epilogue that doesn't gives same power of choice as on previously games. But for keeping immersive, holding, funny, withMass Effect 3 shows itself a game with less careful than its both predecessors, whether for being a mere recicled most of Mass Effect 2's style. for having notable falling of frames on multicolored and multieffected moments, for having even more bugs, mixed with game's epilogue that doesn't gives same power of choice as on previously games. But for keeping immersive, holding, funny, with the best saga's playability and with most of the story still good, makes which game doesn't need being perfect at all but satisfying or at minimum understandeable to ending the trilogy, and ME 3 does it.… Expand
  38. crusher351
    Sep 4, 2018
    8
    To start off, I'm going to mention something that has been said a hundred times before; the ending was weak. For all of the effort and time that I (and many others) have put into this trilogy, the ending should and could have been 100% better. However, during my current play through of the game and its DLC's, I realized something; despite having a mediocre ending, this is one of theTo start off, I'm going to mention something that has been said a hundred times before; the ending was weak. For all of the effort and time that I (and many others) have put into this trilogy, the ending should and could have been 100% better. However, during my current play through of the game and its DLC's, I realized something; despite having a mediocre ending, this is one of the greatest experiences in gaming. I have to say that this game had a lot of good improvements over the last two. The ability to have a serious melee attack was nice as was the ability to jump over gaps. The amount of weapons to choose from was also a nice bonus, and the customization of said weapons just added to it. The combat is improved slightly over the last game, and feels smoother and faster. The characters are back and look better than ever. Honestly, this game still holds on a graphics front today. One of the features from the last game that I'm glad they got rid of is the scanning of planets for resources. Yes, you still have to scan, but you don't have to go to each planet one at a time. Instead you scan while flying the Normandy, and if something comes up, then you go to the planet and scan it. This, despite the ending, is one of the greatest stories of all time, and just proves how good Bioware used to be.… Expand
  39. Twigball
    Jul 1, 2018
    10
    Like most people I thought this game was just brilliant apart from the terrible ending from which we deserved better after playing all 3 games. But It still deserves a 10 because of the sheer scale and the amount of enjoyable hours I've sunk playing it.
  40. SGOrion
    Mar 23, 2018
    9
    I just finished playing all of the Mass Effect games. The first time, I let the council die, destroyed the collector base, romanced Tali, miss all of ME3 DLC, and chose the synthesis ending. This time I saved the council, kept the collector base, romanced Ashley, and chose the destroy ending. I actually don't dislike the ending as much as a lot of these reviews do. I understand why peopleI just finished playing all of the Mass Effect games. The first time, I let the council die, destroyed the collector base, romanced Tali, miss all of ME3 DLC, and chose the synthesis ending. This time I saved the council, kept the collector base, romanced Ashley, and chose the destroy ending. I actually don't dislike the ending as much as a lot of these reviews do. I understand why people did not like the way it ended with three choices, but it actually makes more sense than they think. One thing life has taught us, is that you can make all the right choices, and still not have control of a certain situation. The reviews here make the mistake of assuming humanity should have 100% control over their fate because they made the right choices. While the choices they made did have consequences, such as being able to save both the geth and quarians, cure the genophage, etc, we must realize that we were never in complete control over the fate galaxy. Meeting the construct, TIM, it is he that has complete control. He is the catalyst, he has made sure the cycle has continued for millions of years, and only through his decision can it be broken. A threat that is as powerful and ever lasting as this one, is not going to be ended without some hard choices. I thought it was extremely fitting that the cycle was ended through the one who started it. The choices we made allowed us to get this far, and we must choose between the three ways that TIM believes will end the cycle. I found the emotional pieces very moving, and I thought they did a great job of wrapping up the personal endings for each character. The only thing I wish, is that after you get the ending that Shepard is alive, that there is more than just him breathing within the rubble. Mass Effect still remains my favorite games series of all time up to this point.… Expand
  41. lioblanco
    Jan 25, 2018
    8
    No es el mejor juego de la saga, lo veo como un Mass effect 2/b pero aun así cerraron la trilogía como yo lo hubiera terminado.. no estoy de acuerdo con que los 3 finales sean iguales no tiene sentido... pero no puedo dejar escapar lo épico que fue jugarlo. Vale la pena jugarlo y Re jugarlo!!!! Sigo Esperando Mas DLC's.
  42. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 6
    Oynanış = 8
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 7
    Keyif = 7
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 7
  43. WhiskeyStories
    Dec 3, 2017
    6
    /sigh/ Move along, there's no charm or sci-fi here. While Mass Effect 3 is an undeniably fun game it's not a worthy conclusion at all. The fact that the clunky but sincere sci-fi of the original is unashamedly traded in for a full-blown action game is not what breaks the game. As I said the gameplay is fun, but the story... the story is just dogsh#t. I'm sorry, but it's true. I still enjoy/sigh/ Move along, there's no charm or sci-fi here. While Mass Effect 3 is an undeniably fun game it's not a worthy conclusion at all. The fact that the clunky but sincere sci-fi of the original is unashamedly traded in for a full-blown action game is not what breaks the game. As I said the gameplay is fun, but the story... the story is just dogsh#t. I'm sorry, but it's true. I still enjoy the first 2/3rds of the game to a certain extent, but by the finale Mass Effect 3 completely crashes and burns and its clear that the writers had no idea what they were doing.… Expand
  44. MarsCorialanus
    Oct 27, 2017
    0
    For me this game was a major betrayal. I loved Mass effect 1, even its issues had a certain charm to them. Mass effect 2 was more polished and created a much larger universe to be in. Both had amazing characters, cool ideas, and had me thinking ME would be the next Star Trek type of scifi. The world felt like somewhere you could really hang out. And it had challenging ideas about humanityFor me this game was a major betrayal. I loved Mass effect 1, even its issues had a certain charm to them. Mass effect 2 was more polished and created a much larger universe to be in. Both had amazing characters, cool ideas, and had me thinking ME would be the next Star Trek type of scifi. The world felt like somewhere you could really hang out. And it had challenging ideas about humanity and diversity and extremism.
    Mass Effect 3 was awful... it was dumbed down, the story felt U.S Ra Ra, and overall it spat in the face of its previous fans by giving them a really terrible pay off. What should have been an epic climax was instead a wet fart. Its not just the ending that sucked by the way, the whole campaign was poorly constructed. It felt like a whole other series. It was more like Gears of War than the Mass Effect RPG I had come to love. I like to pretend that there never was a third game so that it doesn't taint the other two.    … Expand
  45. Termin8ter
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    While Mass Effect 3 is a mostly well done game, and completes the long running trilogy in a mostly satisfying fashion, the nagging fact is that the absolutely terrible ending completely ruins the entire Mass Effect Trilogy in it's entirety, which is very sad, because this franchise deserves to be remembered, but this absolutely horrendous ending nearly, just nearly altered that. Aside fromWhile Mass Effect 3 is a mostly well done game, and completes the long running trilogy in a mostly satisfying fashion, the nagging fact is that the absolutely terrible ending completely ruins the entire Mass Effect Trilogy in it's entirety, which is very sad, because this franchise deserves to be remembered, but this absolutely horrendous ending nearly, just nearly altered that. Aside from that though, ME3 is a good enough game worth a playthrough.… Expand
  46. Polymuter
    Dec 3, 2016
    2
    I'm not sure how Mass Effect 3 received as much acclaim as it did. It looked liked this game was created by a bunch of Gears of War developers working a second job. The writing was even worse.
  47. UncoloredPage
    Apr 20, 2016
    7
    7/10 too much space and bad ending, nevermind the 50+ hours it took to get to it. THOSE 10 minutes ruined gaming for me! Also I'm a little salty because Metacritic censored me on my ME2 review! Censor this, metacritic! (_)_)::::::::::::::::::::::::D
  48. Not_Casual
    Feb 4, 2016
    0
    A royal turd encrusted with old age in the hot sun would provide more entertainment than this abysmal, untested insult to the name mass effect. Having played one and two, this one is utterly unplayable due to bugs, horrific map design, and an ignorant philosophy toward difficulty.
  49. banda89
    Jun 28, 2015
    9
    I will admit it, I was one of the people that didnt like the ending of ME3. But still I didnt make a great deal about ir, obviously I wished for a Fairy Tale ending where everyone is alive and all its happy, but it didnt, oh well.
    Minor and sutile improvements, Horde like Multiplayer, intense campaign, everytihng its there. Just hoping ME: Andromeda will be awesome
  50. ireviewthings1
    Jun 4, 2015
    3
    First they have the audacity to lock a living Prothean (a ancient superior race gone extinct that is absolutely vital core of the story line of the trilogy) behind day one / preorder DLC.
    Then.... wow EA you are the worst, the have the guts to lock the CONTEXTUALIZATION OF WHERE THE REAPERS ARE FROM AND WHY THE REAPERS ARE ACTUALLY DOING WHAT THEY ARE DOING behind a DLC paywall as well.    First they have the audacity to lock a living Prothean (a ancient superior race gone extinct that is absolutely vital core of the story line of the trilogy) behind day one / preorder DLC.
    Then.... wow EA you are the worst, the have the guts to lock the CONTEXTUALIZATION OF WHERE THE REAPERS ARE FROM AND WHY THE REAPERS ARE ACTUALLY DOING WHAT THEY ARE DOING behind a DLC paywall as well. This is utterly inexcusable. Three full price games and you still put the answer to maybe the most vital questions of the whole saga into DLC. Shame on you EA and shame on you Bioware for selling your soul.
    And yes... the end still makes no sense.

    I love the Mass Effect Trilogy. It is the best stuff Bioware has created in the last 13 years. The Universe and Lore is so good, they could really establish it for a long time and make it a real sci-fi classic. Mass Effect 3 is a very good game on it's own. A RPG actually true to the term role playing game mixed with cover based shooting. Hard to rate this game on it's own without considering how the parts integrate from one to the next. If you have not played the parts before 3 then don't bother.    … Expand
  51. DarkStarFactory
    May 23, 2015
    9
    Intricate honourable and epic experiences awaits you in the most fluid and aggressive gameplay-design of the series to date. Inhumanly emotional and immersive. The third title stands unrivaled in design as well as popularity in the Action RPG genre.
  52. Epik_Ninnja
    May 22, 2015
    9
    The culmination of the incredible sci-fi epic, Mass Effect 3 takes place a year or so after the second game. The Reapers have arrived and it’s your job to unite the military forces of the galaxy to fight them (and to help save Earth). The fate of entire species depend upon the decisions you make. Combat has been refined again to include heavy melees, combat rolls, etc. and the powerThe culmination of the incredible sci-fi epic, Mass Effect 3 takes place a year or so after the second game. The Reapers have arrived and it’s your job to unite the military forces of the galaxy to fight them (and to help save Earth). The fate of entire species depend upon the decisions you make. Combat has been refined again to include heavy melees, combat rolls, etc. and the power upgrading system is better than ever. This is also the first Mass Effect to include any multiplayer mode. Sure, the ending was a letdown but that doesn’t ruin the whole game by any means. You can appreciate this game for its customization options and combat without playing 1 and 2, but in the scheme of the trilogy, as the epic finale to this large-scale interactive story that shows you how important characters throughout the series end up, which can vary drastically depending on your actions, it becomes something truly great. I'll admit the ending was pretty lackluster, the multiplayer pales in comparison to the single player, and there are less decisions in the dialogue this time around. These flaws do not warrant all of the low-scoring reviews. I honeslty enjoyed this game more than the second game (but just barely). I'd say it's a 9.3 (whereas 2 would be a 9.2, in my opinion). Upon playing it in 2013, it was my favorite game and still might be.… Expand
  53. Zlatan
    Apr 18, 2015
    9
    Great game and experience. Some glitches here and there but nothing to ruin the game. It's fun to play and great story and game play nothing more to say. Just play it.
  54. Tomn8er
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    People who give this game a low score must be impossible to please because this is one of the best games ever made. The story, the characters, the gameplay, the graphics, the soundtrack, the replayability, this game has it all. If you liked ME2 you should love this game. It takes everything that was good about that and builds on it. The story really raises the stakes. Instead of assemblingPeople who give this game a low score must be impossible to please because this is one of the best games ever made. The story, the characters, the gameplay, the graphics, the soundtrack, the replayability, this game has it all. If you liked ME2 you should love this game. It takes everything that was good about that and builds on it. The story really raises the stakes. Instead of assembling a small crew to take out a Collector base, you're assembling entire species to take on the Reapers at large. The combat has been improved and is easily the best in the series. Gone are the tedious planet scanning from ME2 and Mako-roving from ME1. The presentation, which was already stellar in ME2, is even more impressive here, with incredible cutscenes and artistic environmental backdrops that will make you say just stare and say wow as you take in the scenery. It even adds multiplayer in the form of one of the best cooperative horde modes I've ever played. Amazingly, it even stacks up well against designated FPS games like Halo Reach's firefight mode.

    The one thing people seem to gripe about endlessly is the ending. Having come late to the party and hearing about the general backlash, I was bracing myself for the worst... and it never came. The ending might leave you scratching your head a bit and wanting more, but it's hardly the series-ruining catastrophe many people make it out to be. The worst I can say about it is that it does feel a little rushed, it lacks some closure and perhaps there weren't enough choices. So while it is slightly unsatisfying, it hardly ruins an otherwise near-perfect game. Even the DLC in this game is well worth the money IMO. If I was to rate all the Mass Effect games overall I'd give the first an 8, the second a 9 and this one a 10. I would place the Mass Effect firmly in the top series of the past console generation along with the Elder Scrolls, Halo, and Arkham games. This is must-buy material for any fan of SF, shooters, or RPGs.    … Expand
  55. conker1
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It may not be better than Mass Effect 2 but the third is just as good. Except for the STAR CHILD comes out of nowhere and just tells you that he created the reapers and gives you three choices or three endings. If you happen to be Renegade then the control ending and the synthesis ending sucks your blood. Very awful endings but at least the DESTROY ENDING but it doesn't explain what happen to the other races. Until they finally released the EXTENDED CUT that makes the destroy ending better. But I don't see all the consequences I made in the original Mass Effect since I am a renegade. Is bad but at least if you are paragon, you can see that Shepard is alive but almost dead and it gives me hope for Mass Effect 4 without THE SHEPARD.… Expand
  56. Mediawatcher
    Jan 26, 2015
    10
    Mass effect 3 is a masterpiece and it is one of my all time favorites. It has a fantasticly written story and amazing new characters as well as giving the old ones some depth. It is an achievement all on its own and it gets a 10 out of 10 from me. Even with its **** ending and extremely confusing plot holes(which was fixed a year later), it still amazed me on every aspect.
  57. TheWaffle
    Jan 1, 2015
    10
    There are few words for what Mass Effect means to gamers and video games in general. Basically, it's incredible. Flawless gameplay, a galaxy-spanning storyline, gripping characters, and a game that leaves you wishing that it would never end. Whether you're blasting your way through alien hordes to rescue old friends or watching helplessly as you tell a character that her husband diedThere are few words for what Mass Effect means to gamers and video games in general. Basically, it's incredible. Flawless gameplay, a galaxy-spanning storyline, gripping characters, and a game that leaves you wishing that it would never end. Whether you're blasting your way through alien hordes to rescue old friends or watching helplessly as you tell a character that her husband died fighting the reapers, it's impossible to escape the brutality of this universe falling apart before your very eyes. I've beaten ME3 six times, and there's barely any crack in my enjoyment on successive playthroughs. Call me a fanboy, but I loved this game and the trilogy. The idea that the users gave ME3, ~6/10 is laughable. ME3 is one of the best games ever made.… Expand
  58. witness1791
    Dec 22, 2014
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ME2 is a great game. ME3 is an appalling disappointment.
    Cut scenes are excessive in number and in length.
    One (in Tuchanka tower) seemed to last about 20 minutes.
    I didn't time it, and I wouldn't want to repeat it to do so.
    Battles are long and monotonous.
    EA should either fire their B-team or should make up their minds whether they wish to sell video games or 3rd-rate boring sci-fi movies.    … Expand
  59. GrumpySteve
    Dec 15, 2014
    5
    This is easily the poorest offering Bioware has given us in many a year, and by far the worst of the Mass Effect trilogy. The original, ME1, was one of my all-time favorite CRPGs. I didn't like a lot of the changes they made to ME2 so much, because they made it more like a FPS and less like a CRPG, but I was able to tolerate the changes because the story was still pretty good. MassThis is easily the poorest offering Bioware has given us in many a year, and by far the worst of the Mass Effect trilogy. The original, ME1, was one of my all-time favorite CRPGs. I didn't like a lot of the changes they made to ME2 so much, because they made it more like a FPS and less like a CRPG, but I was able to tolerate the changes because the story was still pretty good. Mass Effect 3 unfortunately retains and even furthers the FPS feel of the game, eroding what little RPG element is left, and doesn't even make up for this with story this time -- the story is terrible.

    Probably the #1 issue I have with ME3 is that, far more than the others, it felt like a game on rails. There were very few options, very few choices, and almost no cases where the "choices" they gave you felt like they made any difference. Gone are any real stories relating to your crew-mates. There are none of those. It seems totally random which past crew mates Bioware gives you back again and which ones refuse to re-join you. There are hardly any conversations on the ship with your crew-mates any more, and no chance to do things like learn about them or earn any loyalty. The crew stories are basically gone, and replaced by nothing -- there are no other story elements in their stead.

    Another problem, at least on the Xbox, is the menu system, which is absolutely horrid. For some unfathomable reason, Bioware combined the Journal and the Codex, which is absolutely infuriating - it glows with "new entries" even when they are only just codex entries and not new quests. The side and main quests share the same menu now, which makes for an almighty mess, and there is no "completed" mission menu so by the end of the game you have this list that is like 80 items tall, and the UI always puts you in the middle of it, buried in the "completed" missions, forcing you to scroll up 20 or 3 items to get to the active quests. And then there is the issue that they tell you what planet something is on but NOT the system or the cluster, and they don't mark most quests on the galaxy map, so you have to randomly hop around from sector to sector trying to find quest locations. This is really stupid, as the girl assisting you even says she has marked stuff on your galaxy map (but she just hasn't). This feels like Bioware were just being jerks trying to make my life harder than it needed to be.

    Finally, I will rant a little bit about the ending. If you've heard anything about it, you've probably heard the rumor that the ending is horrible. All I can say about this is - the haters are UNDER-selling it. The ending is absolutely terrible. I'm not sure who at Bioware thought they should end their epic trilogy with a Morton's Fork type of dilemma, but I found it very forced and very unsatisfying. Also, the explanation for "everything that has been happening in galactic history" was really, REALLY lame.

    In the end, it felt like Bioware had a bunch of different ideas, wasn't sure which one would work, half-implemented all of them, and then slapped it together into a package and called it "done." There was too much mindless combat, and not enough interesting conversation options in this game. It's a poor successor to the first two MEs and does not deserve to share their name. The only good thing I can say is that the voice acting is still pretty good, and the basic way combat worked was enjoyable (although HIGHLY repetitive). The game is playable, but only as a shooter. Not for the story or RPG elements. Those things, which are normally Bioware strengths, were the major weaknesses of this game.    … Expand
  60. Rycr
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    A good game with a disappointing ending. To be honest, I never really believed the hype about how every choice throughout the series would have a huge effect on the end result of the game, so in the end I wasn't really disappointed. I do think the gameplay is a nice balance of the better combat mechanics of ME2 with the customization options of ME1, though.
  61. Marsonra
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    Mass Effect 3. This is a game that I have heard non-stop controversy over. Most people say that this game has one of the worst endings to a video game ever. Some say that it is so bad, that it ruined the entire series. I don't believe this is true however. I played the first two Mass Effect games before I played this one, and I thought they were both absolutely fantastic games.Mass Effect 3. This is a game that I have heard non-stop controversy over. Most people say that this game has one of the worst endings to a video game ever. Some say that it is so bad, that it ruined the entire series. I don't believe this is true however. I played the first two Mass Effect games before I played this one, and I thought they were both absolutely fantastic games. Nothing will ever change my opinion on both of those games, not even if the series completely jumps the shark. As for this game, many of you are probably wondering my opinion on it. So, is this the fantastic conclusion to Commander Shepard's story we were all hoping for, or is the ending enough to ruin the entire series? Let's find out. The gameplay of this game is very much like the other two Mass Effect games that came before it. It is an action RPG that has third-person shooter elements. This game is every bit as fun as Mass Effect 1 and 2 before it. It also adds a few improvements this time around. For instance, the omni-tool can now be used as a blade for close range combat. While you probably won't find much use for it, seeing as how most enemies must be engaged from mid to long range, it can be useful for occasional stealth attacks and one-hit-kills. Also, the game's combat is now more of a mixture between Mass Effect 1 and Mass Effect 2. It definitely takes more elements from the latter rather than the former, but grenades are now back instead of grenade launchers. Medi-gel also now works in a similar way as it did in Mass Effect 1. It is now used to restore your health as well as your squad-mates'. The game is also pretty fun outside of combat. Outside of combat, you have to talk to people and aliens in order to go on more quests in the game. The dialogue wheel from the first two Mass Effects returns here, and it is every bit as good as it was in the first two games. The only real problem I have with this game's gameplay is that there are occasional bugs and glitches that I feel like they should have fixed before release. Some of the bugs are game-breaking, but they don't occur often enough to make them feel like a big problem. Despite occasional bugs, the gameplay is still every bit as good as it was in Mass Effect 1 and 2. If you enjoyed both of the previous two games for their tight gameplay, you'll feel right at home with this game. Anyone who didn't enjoy the gameplay will likely have to look elsewhere, as the gameplay hasn't evolved too much over Mass Effect 2, despite having a couple of additions to it. As for the graphics, this is one thing that this game definitely does better over both of its predecessors. The graphics now look sharper and more realistic than they ever did in the first two Mass Effect games. Everything in this game is very beautiful to look at, and worth experiencing for this reason alone. While it is not a huge improvement over Mass Effect 2, it is definitely an improvement. As for the story, this is the part that everyone seems to hate, all because of how it ends. I'm not going to spoil the ending here, however, I will say this: the ending really is not enough to ruin the entire game, or any of the other games in the franchise before it. Yes, the ending of this game could have been better, but hey, let's be honest, it also could have been a lot worse. The story of this game is still fantastic, despite having a not so great ending. The story continues on after the events of Mass Effect 2, showing that the Reapers have now invaded the Milky Way, and their first target is Earth. You will spend the rest of the game as Commander Shepard, getting together a squad, along with the entire galaxy to fight the Reaper threat. Many plot points from Mass Effect 2 reach their conclusion in this game. Also, Mass Effect 3 has the same good and evil decisions to make as in the first two games. Since this story is every bit as good as its predecessors, the ending aside, I don't think it's fair for people to hate this game simply because the ending was terrible. Overall, I love this game. Hate me all you want, but I think this game is the second best Mass Effect game. Mass Effect 2 is still better than this, but Mass Effect 3 is still better than Mass Effect 1. The ending to this game is really the only downside to it.
    Gameplay: 10/10
    Graphics: 10/10
    Story: 9/10
    Overall: 10/10    … Expand
  62. HPSPhoenix
    Aug 20, 2014
    10
    The best game in the best franchise that has ever been, and likely will ever be. Although a lot of people seem to dislike the ending(s), with the Extended Cut they're fixed. They weren't as bad as you've been led to believe, anyway. This game has better combat, more great moments, better squadmates, (maybe) better DLC and, most importantly, the best story.
    That's not to say it's without    The best game in the best franchise that has ever been, and likely will ever be. Although a lot of people seem to dislike the ending(s), with the Extended Cut they're fixed. They weren't as bad as you've been led to believe, anyway. This game has better combat, more great moments, better squadmates, (maybe) better DLC and, most importantly, the best story.
    That's not to say it's without its flaws - what isn't? There are a LOT more automated conversations in this game, as in, there are more conversations in which you can't make choices. However, the choices you do make in this game are probably the most morally challenging and best in the entire game. If I were to count down the trilogy's greatest moments, most would be from Mass Effect 3.
    I would advise buying all of the DLC. It may be pricey, but it's completely worth the money. From Ashes is probably the best, though.    … Expand
  63. Saqwana
    Jul 23, 2014
    8
    i really like the game though i recognize its faults. my main complaint would the lack of different body types for Sheppard and the hands looking far older then they should with these characters. i also thin the should have been at least 12 companions in the game it would have added more variation. the lack of a solid sentinel can be an issue for some builds. the ending isn't great but ii really like the game though i recognize its faults. my main complaint would the lack of different body types for Sheppard and the hands looking far older then they should with these characters. i also thin the should have been at least 12 companions in the game it would have added more variation. the lack of a solid sentinel can be an issue for some builds. the ending isn't great but i was fine with it before the extended cut. i think the extended cut adds more context to the ending which is nice. so overall it was a good solid game but not a great one.… Expand
  64. DragonEffect4
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    No point of a long review, just play the whole trilogy and you'll love it. The ending isn't as bad as they say it is (watch the indoctrination theory after finishing).
  65. HaloFever
    Jul 16, 2014
    10
    The "Mass Effect" series is the greatest trilogy of games in history, and the best games ever for the Xbox 360. The last entry, "Mass Effect 3", is the best of the three and a must play. Keep in mind that a majority of negative reviews are tied to the games ending, which only disappoints with respect to the series as a whole.

    "Mass Effect 3" shines in its convergence of story with    The "Mass Effect" series is the greatest trilogy of games in history, and the best games ever for the Xbox 360. The last entry, "Mass Effect 3", is the best of the three and a must play. Keep in mind that a majority of negative reviews are tied to the games ending, which only disappoints with respect to the series as a whole.

    "Mass Effect 3" shines in its convergence of story with gameplay. Some of the sequences are a little too "Call of Duty", with the cover mechanic too often negated by the liberal use of grenades on the enemy side. The shooting gameplay feels lazily developed and rather trite except the hero side has liberal use of technological powers, including the ability to use element zero to make black holes. The nicely balanced gameplay of shooting and power use makes for a fresh and exciting tactical shooter.

    The second pillar of the gameplay is the conversation. This is the players real chance to alter the storyline. Imagine how much more fun you could have in "Call of Duty" if you could talk the characters into avoiding the next explosion that blurs your vision and rings your ears. The character loyalty missions are back from "Mass Effect 2", but here they are bigger and necessary to win the war. "Mass Effect 2" was fun, and self parodying, but "Mass Effect 3" is the grown up version, where Shepard doesn't go on missions just to get laid.    … Expand
  66. AliasAndrew
    Jul 11, 2014
    10
    If you haven't played this already stop reading and do so. NOW! Ignore the **** that gave it a 'zero'. The ending may not be what was promised but is generally satisfying and the journey to get there is epic. Do yourself a favor and conclude the best trilogy in video games. NOW!!!!
  67. tmims44
    Jul 6, 2014
    10
    People complain about this game far too much, since they updated the ending this game has become a full fledged conclusion to the trilogy instead of the retarded third child it once was. the game play from 2 to 3 was much improved and the online multi-player was non-stop fun (provided you will need to have at least 1-2 friends in your life to enjoy it) Best game of the series by far. IfPeople complain about this game far too much, since they updated the ending this game has become a full fledged conclusion to the trilogy instead of the retarded third child it once was. the game play from 2 to 3 was much improved and the online multi-player was non-stop fun (provided you will need to have at least 1-2 friends in your life to enjoy it) Best game of the series by far. If you don't believe go drive in a goddamn Mako for a few hours then return.

    Don't believe the Haters!    … Expand
  68. SipauFade
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    All aspects of the game are improvements from the previous 2 games. Combat is as rewarding as some of the other traditional shooters. The stories strength lies in it's subtlety, which allows the gamer to truly personalize the game. I felt the ending to be inspiring because it was open ended enough to allow me to fill in the blanks and place my own personal motivations and beliefs into theAll aspects of the game are improvements from the previous 2 games. Combat is as rewarding as some of the other traditional shooters. The stories strength lies in it's subtlety, which allows the gamer to truly personalize the game. I felt the ending to be inspiring because it was open ended enough to allow me to fill in the blanks and place my own personal motivations and beliefs into the story. It is sad the game caught such a bad rap for the ending. It actually effected my perception of the game when i initially played it. Now that I've come back to playing it, I appreciate it more for what it is. An amazing achievement in storytelling, game play and taking chances with an audience even if they aren't ready to be challenged.… Expand
  69. Deusex
    Jun 14, 2014
    9
    One of the best series I've played, and its Epic last game. (of the trilogy)
    basically for this review im gonna add the things it does well and the things it does bad. if you want anything about gameplay, check out my Mass Effect 2 review.
    Pros: - Amazing Backgrounds during battle. - Reapers feel real, and a like a real threat - more customization - great last two missions - a bit    One of the best series I've played, and its Epic last game. (of the trilogy)
    basically for this review im gonna add the things it does well and the things it does bad. if you want anything about gameplay, check out my Mass Effect 2 review.

    Pros:
    - Amazing Backgrounds during battle.
    - Reapers feel real, and a like a real threat
    - more customization
    - great last two missions
    - a bit inspirational.

    Cons:
    - That Ending lol.
    - Too much like 2 in terms of gameplay.
    - Some returning characters, you cant interact with them as much as you wish. Why cant i convince Miranda to join my crew again? etc.    … Expand
  70. Togepix
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    It's sad how people can give this game SUCH negative ratings. I mean, if you truly are a Mass Effect fan you can't do anything but love this game, even though the ending wasn't as expected. It looks great, the story is so tense all the time, but at the same time you can chillout. It still felt like I made strong bonds with characters, like in Mass Effect 2, which is always a plus for me.It's sad how people can give this game SUCH negative ratings. I mean, if you truly are a Mass Effect fan you can't do anything but love this game, even though the ending wasn't as expected. It looks great, the story is so tense all the time, but at the same time you can chillout. It still felt like I made strong bonds with characters, like in Mass Effect 2, which is always a plus for me.

    This is still a 10 for me, cause everything was still so well done. Cried my eyes out several times. Get real, people.    … Expand
  71. Gamer84
    May 27, 2014
    4
    This game RUINED 3 games, time invested into the choices of my characters, my xbox 360 and entire videogame console experience. I will for now stick to playing MMO's.
  72. PossM
    May 6, 2014
    10
    I think it is selfish to give the game a 3 or 4 because some people thought the ending was not satisfying. The rest of the game was fantastic, and everything was improved upon from ME2. Better combat and better story. I loved the ending by the way, it wraps up the trilogy well, and I was satisfied with it. I see all of these people saying they were fans of the trilogy, but gave it a 2 forI think it is selfish to give the game a 3 or 4 because some people thought the ending was not satisfying. The rest of the game was fantastic, and everything was improved upon from ME2. Better combat and better story. I loved the ending by the way, it wraps up the trilogy well, and I was satisfied with it. I see all of these people saying they were fans of the trilogy, but gave it a 2 for the ending. The ending was maybe 2% of the entire game, the other 98% was the same Mass Effect we all know and love. Perfect end Bioware, I am thankful to have spent my time upon the Normandy.… Expand
  73. Jenkins
    May 3, 2014
    8
    An improvement from Mass Effect 2 in many ways. However I can't help shake the feeling that many of the plot-points should have been over and done with by this point; the result is a story which is inherently better than Mass Effect 2, yet feels bloated having little room to breathe. Regardless this is as epic as games can get and -- despite an ending which could have been handled a littleAn improvement from Mass Effect 2 in many ways. However I can't help shake the feeling that many of the plot-points should have been over and done with by this point; the result is a story which is inherently better than Mass Effect 2, yet feels bloated having little room to breathe. Regardless this is as epic as games can get and -- despite an ending which could have been handled a little better -- it really isn't too difficult to see why this trilogy defined a gaming generation.… Expand
  74. AJ_antipop
    Apr 15, 2014
    8
    Is the ending disappointing? Yes, very much so. Does that alone make this game awful as a whole? Absolutely not. The characters are all still just as likeable, the dialogue is top-notch, the graphics are both gorgeous and fitting, and the majority of the plot is incredibly intense and riveting, not to mention the gameplay (mainly gunfights) remaining fun, accessible, and dare-I-say,Is the ending disappointing? Yes, very much so. Does that alone make this game awful as a whole? Absolutely not. The characters are all still just as likeable, the dialogue is top-notch, the graphics are both gorgeous and fitting, and the majority of the plot is incredibly intense and riveting, not to mention the gameplay (mainly gunfights) remaining fun, accessible, and dare-I-say, perhaps even a bit more challenging than before, with the inclusion of many new difficult and powerful enemies.

    Overall, this is still an excellent game, but the ending (even with the free DLC) does hinder it a bit. I can certainly see why people were so mind-numbingly upset before the DLC came out, as the original ending has an extreme lack of details. I'd still recommend it to fans and anyone who likes RPG's and/or shooters, but BE SURE to download the DLC Ending, as I feel that's part of the reason I wasn't as furious as many others.    … Expand
  75. Khaosom
    Apr 8, 2014
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm not going to be like alot of people and sugar coat anything. I rated this game fairly low compared to the first two in the series for multiple reasons which will be described here. The game plays just like Mass Effect 2 with an upgraded melee system which isn't a bad thing. Second thing, which is why I didn't rate the game entirely horrid, is the level system changes. Instead of straight skills you no have more choices in how your skills level, if they inflict higher damage or last longer or even have a larger radius. Now on to the part I'm sure most have heard by now but if like me was still hopeful was wrong. Apparently there are multiple endings to the game, but from what I've seen NOTHING you've done in the game or previous others makes a difference, aside from finishing the crucible. At the end of the game no matter how big of a galactic fleet you've acquired, who you have on your side, the side quests you've finished, who lived in part 1 and 2, you're put with 2 choices(from what I've heard pre update was 3) the choices are destroy ALL mechancal life including yourself, or kill yourself and take control of the reapers. Yes in the previous two games the choices are kind of an illusion, that don't have a direct impact, but in this game the choices have no impact. I don't mind them killing off you're character, ending the series, just so they can't pull a Halo, but it would have been nice to have a game where you can win with a third choice of killing the reapers using your own fleet, since apparently all the reapers moved to earth. The second choice for the ending of taking over the reapers is a mind rape to me because apparently you become the Catalyst which was you're objective to find the entire game, and in doing so remain sentient on The Citadel, yet no one can speak to you or know you're there after that. The issue here is that the original Catalyst, the creator of the reapers, is speaking to you, giving you your two choices. So it telling me that I become it yet can't communicate like it does was a huge let down. Aside from this there are several other major things that could have been an ending to the game that would have worked, part 2 and 3 never happened I'll list them here... The first is part 2 and 3 never happened, at the end of part 3 you awaken after being saved from dying in space from the Collector attack on the normandy in part 2. Second is similar but instead of part 2 also being a dream only part 3 is and you awake in a reaper controlled facility and part 3 is an attempt to Indoctrinate Shephard. Third is this game is a dream that you're having while the Alliance tries to figure out how Cerebus rebuilt you in part two.

    All this being said, Bioware really dropped the ball with this game, which honestly seems to have become a forte of the company with their games, see Dragon Age origins, and dragon age 2.    … Expand
  76. S0me_Guy
    Apr 7, 2014
    10
    GOOD: Great story(obviously, it's BioWare); Awesome and funny characters and the game did a great job of making me care about them; Fixed the terrible ending and 2 things you'll notice after seeing the new ending: first, most of the choices you made in the past games and this game actually matter and second, it shows how BioWare cares about their fans by making a new ending that the fansGOOD: Great story(obviously, it's BioWare); Awesome and funny characters and the game did a great job of making me care about them; Fixed the terrible ending and 2 things you'll notice after seeing the new ending: first, most of the choices you made in the past games and this game actually matter and second, it shows how BioWare cares about their fans by making a new ending that the fans deserved; All of the notable characters in the past games at least make a cameo; improved and faster combat system; No more class restrictions on weapons; New romance options; New and better weapons; New weapon customization; Added new powers to use and all are good; New Gears Of War type of melee animations; New stuff to buy at shops; New and improved leveling system(like a combination of the leveling systems of the first 2 games); Your ship is larger; Reapers have been added to the galaxy map; Throughout the game, you'll gain war assets which will help the final mission; Awesome boss battle with a Reaper on Rannoch; 35-40 hours campaign; Tons of replay ability with multiple classes and being good or bad(just like the past 2 games); Surprisingly fun multiplayer with playing as different races and teamwork is important(level capped at 20); Free multiplayer DLCs with new races, upgrades, weapons, enemies, and maps

    BAD: The original ending got me pissed off(thankfully they changed it); The Prothean was on a day one DLC(bullcrap because that is one of the most important characters of the entire series); There is no final boss battle; No space combat(even though there are cutscenes of your ship in the middle of huge space battles); Can't use the Hammerhead vehicle which was the best in the series; Character customization is still not that good

    FINAL VERDICT: This game is amazing with a ton of improvements, it does have problems but the game itself is great. I was going to give this game a 9/10, but BioWare actually care about their fans to make a new ending which is why it will end up as a 10/10. If you are an action game fan or an RPG fan, you must own this game forever. In my opinion, it is the best game of 2012!    … Expand
  77. ProximateXbox
    Mar 13, 2014
    10
    I absolutely love this game. it is completely story driven with great character development and epic gameplay. It is also the only game I think I have ever released emotional feelings about as the story and the dire situations kept me engaged at all times. I honestly believe this is the best game I have ever played. as It was more compelling and engaging than any other game I had everI absolutely love this game. it is completely story driven with great character development and epic gameplay. It is also the only game I think I have ever released emotional feelings about as the story and the dire situations kept me engaged at all times. I honestly believe this is the best game I have ever played. as It was more compelling and engaging than any other game I had ever played. I recommend this for any sci-fi fan. but to actually get the absolute true experience they must play the first 2 games. and perhaps they will get the same feeling I had when I completed this one. The people at bioware know what they are doing and I'm extremely excited for Mass effect 4.… Expand
  78. DragonBall
    Mar 13, 2014
    9
    I won't go into detail, but I have to say this: the ending of Mass Effect 3 is easily the lowest point in the trilogy. The Extended Cut DLC makes it better (I recommend you download and install that before playing), but even then it's still a low point. Other than that, it stands up to the high bar that the previous two games set. However, just like with Mass Effect 2, I recommend that youI won't go into detail, but I have to say this: the ending of Mass Effect 3 is easily the lowest point in the trilogy. The Extended Cut DLC makes it better (I recommend you download and install that before playing), but even then it's still a low point. Other than that, it stands up to the high bar that the previous two games set. However, just like with Mass Effect 2, I recommend that you play through ME1, transfer your save to ME2, then transfer your ME2 save to ME3. It just makes the game that little bit better. The Mass Effect trilogy is an absolute must play.… Expand
  79. lumzi23
    Mar 3, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all, let me say that Mass Effect fans are among the worst in gaming. Not all, but the sheer number of entitled malcontents that are part of the fan base is surprising.

    Anyway, the is probably my favourite game in what any honest ME fan would admit is a flawed series. ME1 had flaws. ME2 had flaws. And yes, ME3 has flaws as well.

    Still though, with its flaws (the main one being its ending), it is in my opinion the best in the series. It surpasses the previous games in combat (mostly), it has the best level design and AI is unsurpassed by any in the series. Visually, it is the best as well. Art wise, it is ahead of ME1 and completely spanks ME2. Technically, it stomps the first game and beats the second (though not in all areas).

    The story was mostly glorious before the last few minutes. I agree that one or two scenes were a bit manipulative but generally when the game made me feel, it did so skilfully. And feel I did. I won't go into details but the experience was epic.

    One of the statements that baffles me the most is how people can claim the game was rushed and not do so for the incredibly rough first game. Mass Effect 2 was probably most consistent game in the series in terms of levels of polish (though not perfect) but Mass Effect 3 is not far behind. I mean, Shepard's last adventure is a gloriously confident affair. Beautiful designs everywhere from the levels to the characters to the weapons and armour. It is freaking gorgeous. The cinematic storytelling is incredible: a landmark for the series and Bioware. The character performances, while lacking some of the subtlety of those in ME1, is better overall. The characters themselves, while not as detailed as the cast of the first game, make up for it in sheer likeability/charisma (except for Kaiden who is still sucky).

    It has some flaws.

    Those meaningless little planet scanning missions are kind of tedious. Fewer missions that were more substantial would have been better that the deluge of crap we got around the middle of the game.

    The whole EMS thing was not fully realized. I like the idea of a war room scenario where you monitor various assets but it was badly implemented. The tie in to the ending choices was unnecessary.

    While I will say that the levels are the best in the series, some of the missions aren't fun (or at least aren't fun to replay). It might be a level design thing partly but mostly I think that scenario's for some of these missions while sensible might be best summarized. This is not nearly as bad as the loathing I feel for any mission level in ME1 outside of the Citadel but it could be better. ME2's missions are generally fun to play and replay (though some might rightly call the levels Gear of Wars-ey).

    And now the big one. The ending. Ah. The moments leading up to it were great. From the assault on London, to the final goodbyes, to the excellent confrontation with the Illusive Man on the ruined Citadel. It was all fantastic. By the time I hear Hackett's voice, tinged with uncertainty regarding the Crucible's explicable inertness I am already so wrapped in the game, that all claims about the games awful ending seem rather unlikely.

    Unlikely, but true. The ending sucks. I can't really remember much of the conversation that takes place but it was definitely a downer and on some level I recognize that it has done some damage to the universe. Not because of inconsistencies with the rest of the series (those mostly only affect the released games) but because of how it cast it's shadow on the future games games due to the dramatic changes it makes to the universe. They could be good changes but they need to be treated skilfully and with imagination (especially in the case of the 'synthesis' option). In any case, it is going to be a different Mass Effect from the one we know (potential very much so depending which choices become canon). Like if Star Trek effectively became BSG or some other similarly excessive change.

    Outside of the massively disappointing ending and those other minor quibbles the game is a class act and the best in the series, as far as I am concerned.    … Expand
  80. dogboat333
    Jan 15, 2014
    9
    Look, the main reason people hate this game is because of the ending, and... yeah, it sucks. I can sum it up without even spoiling it: red, blue, or green. Then there was the Day 1 DLC with Javik, the complete failure to get Talimancers like me to shut up with Tali's lazily photoshopped face, and the watering down of the third to make it a 3rd person futuristic Call of Duty game.

    But...    Look, the main reason people hate this game is because of the ending, and... yeah, it sucks. I can sum it up without even spoiling it: red, blue, or green. Then there was the Day 1 DLC with Javik, the complete failure to get Talimancers like me to shut up with Tali's lazily photoshopped face, and the watering down of the third to make it a 3rd person futuristic Call of Duty game.

    But... I still loved this game. So much awesome... even if the action is overdone, it's still awesome. Game Play; fantastic. Soundtrack; fantastic. Characters; fantastic. Story; fantastic... until those last ten minutes, of course. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this is fantastic.    … Expand
  81. Seamus100
    Jan 3, 2014
    7
    Overall I enjoyed this game and the prior series. I've played it multiple times as a new game and importing a previously played character from ME1, ME2, and ME3, and as a male and female, and that had full Paragon and Renegade so I got my moneys worth out of it.
    What I found disappointing is that not all of the choices I made in ME1 and ME2 affected my ME3 character. For example: I know    Overall I enjoyed this game and the prior series. I've played it multiple times as a new game and importing a previously played character from ME1, ME2, and ME3, and as a male and female, and that had full Paragon and Renegade so I got my moneys worth out of it.
    What I found disappointing is that not all of the choices I made in ME1 and ME2 affected my ME3 character. For example: I know I destroyed the Collector base, but in my imported game it said I saved it, and the illusive man even mentions it in conversation that I saved it, but I know I destroyed it.
    I also didn't like they way they changed the look of Ashley! She looks like Miranda.
    I didn't have a problem with the graphics or sound. I think they were good. I don't recall if there was music, but if so I usually turn off the music in my games so I can't comment on it.
    I bought and downloaded the weapons packages only to find out that in some of the missions you get better ones, like rescuing the student on the space station (where Jack is teaching, if you saved Jack) so that DLC was a waste of money.
    The searching for minerals was rather tedious, but better then ME1's way of collecting them.
    And the other DLC missions should have been part of the game or at least free to download/add on.
    I'm really torn between giving this game a 7 or 8. I'd like to give the game a 7.5. Maybe I'm cheap, but I'm going to give a 7 just because the DLC weapons, additional uniform, and mission should have been part of the game or available for download.    … Expand
  82. Matty888
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    This is an amazing game. The immersive single-player actually includes characters you feel something for, and the choices you make impact the game heavily. The best thing id say about this game is the customization of powers and weapons. The ending is good, the only problem with it is its 3 different endings that actually end up with all the same outcome. The game might as well have saidThis is an amazing game. The immersive single-player actually includes characters you feel something for, and the choices you make impact the game heavily. The best thing id say about this game is the customization of powers and weapons. The ending is good, the only problem with it is its 3 different endings that actually end up with all the same outcome. The game might as well have said "what colour would you like the destruction of the universe to be?" After 3 great games, it ends with shephard dying for his galaxy, even though he didnt really need to die? Oh well, lets see what mass effect 4 has in store for us.… Expand
  83. Whitewarrior115
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    Mass Effect 3 has one of the best written stories i have seen in a game. It is an epic and interesting story throughout and has very good dialog. The game play is good and it keeps things interesting. You can level up different powers depending on which one you like best. All in all, it is one of the best games i have played and probably THE best.
  84. PicklesOfWar
    Dec 17, 2013
    7
    MASS EFFECT 3 is an excellent game with a top notch story, gameplay and the presentation is phenomenal. Bioware couldn't have ended the Sheppard trilogy any better. Throughout its 12 hour campaign i never got bored and just wanted more, the game is vast and you will have a lot of locations and planets to visit before the finale on earth and the ending is spectacular but not to everyone'sMASS EFFECT 3 is an excellent game with a top notch story, gameplay and the presentation is phenomenal. Bioware couldn't have ended the Sheppard trilogy any better. Throughout its 12 hour campaign i never got bored and just wanted more, the game is vast and you will have a lot of locations and planets to visit before the finale on earth and the ending is spectacular but not to everyone's tastes, which i understand. Its a (A,B,C) ending with very little differences but it was well written, even with the extended cut version there were still plot holes which need explaining big time… Expand
  85. huss2215
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    Graphics: The graphics are starting to look a little out dated but there are moments where they look amazing. Mostly when there’s blue lighting. 9.0.
    Sound: Professional Bioware voice acting as you know it, themes were great. 10.
    Gameplay: The gameplay feels a little more casual than usual, although it is very similar to Mass Effect 2 (at least for my character). RPG elements are    Graphics: The graphics are starting to look a little out dated but there are moments where they look amazing. Mostly when there’s blue lighting. 9.0.
    Sound: Professional Bioware voice acting as you know it, themes were great. 10.
    Gameplay: The gameplay feels a little more casual than usual, although it is very similar to Mass Effect 2 (at least for my character). RPG elements are similar, but the game doesn’t need any tweaks, it seems just fine. The problem with the gameplay is that it gets way to repetitive, and I went ahead and did every mission available. It feels like a chore at times, and some moments that are meant to be scripted events, look only decent. In my opinion they should have left the scripted events to the professionals at Naughty Dog, but there are still okay moments, but nothing that will drop you out of your seat. Mass Effect 2 was better in almost every way. The way the game builds relationships is a lot more strict than in the previous game. Still with some of those cons, Mass Effect 3’s gameplay is still a must play, especially those like myself who transferred their saves since the first title. 8.5.
    Story: The story was a pretty good story, and near the ending it did get ridiculous but it was still okay. I didn’t really understand all the outrage just because of the ending, it was still a proper way to end a trilogy assuming that was Biowares goal. 8.0.
    Lasting Appeal: The game is still worth the buy, I clocked almost 30hours, doing everything. 10.
    Overall Score: 9.1 out of 10.    … Expand
  86. KotorFan3231
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    This is definitely one of the best games i have ever played, and personally one of my favorites of all time. The story and characters are above average in fact they are the best i have ever seen in any game to date. There is so much emotion in the dialogue, the action is intense, well presented, and cinematic. The choices your character makes are more impact full. There is one instance inThis is definitely one of the best games i have ever played, and personally one of my favorites of all time. The story and characters are above average in fact they are the best i have ever seen in any game to date. There is so much emotion in the dialogue, the action is intense, well presented, and cinematic. The choices your character makes are more impact full. There is one instance in the game i won't spoil for anyone but it involves the Geth, and Tali, and one of the choices made me feel so much emotion i almost cried. Fortunately i ran into very little glitches. My personal favorite character from this game other than commander Shepard is The Illusive Man voice by Martin Sheen, he is well voiced, and character is well written. Now the only other problem with the game that i found was there were less companions, but each were interesting so that didn't bother me that much. For the people who say the ending ruined the game it didn't yes the original ending did not solve much it was just inconclusive but did not ruin the whole game. The ending did not interfere with my experience because overall the writing was extremely strong. There is a massive amount of content in this game. It took me Thirty plus hours. Overall i give this game a Ten, and it does not mean that the game is perfect it just means the pros far outweigh the cons.… Expand
  87. Masters_Che
    Oct 9, 2013
    9
    Mass Effect 3 is the epic conclusion of one of the most ambitious, memorable, amazing stories in modern media. The lore is rich, but relatable and accessible. In this, the 3rd installment of the trilogy, Commander Shepard (the protagonist) is tasked with confronting a massive threat to the galaxy while being tasked with forging tenuous alliances with other races that aren't on the bestMass Effect 3 is the epic conclusion of one of the most ambitious, memorable, amazing stories in modern media. The lore is rich, but relatable and accessible. In this, the 3rd installment of the trilogy, Commander Shepard (the protagonist) is tasked with confronting a massive threat to the galaxy while being tasked with forging tenuous alliances with other races that aren't on the best terms with each other.

    Compared to earlier Mass Effect games, the combat has been refined. The controls feel responsive and crisp. I no longer felt as though Shepard was dragging a piano behind him as in previous games. You're also able to roll, which makes a huge difference in this game given the faster paced combat and more intelligent AI (e.g. they will flank you and bust you out of cover). In addition, power combos have been enhanced. To me, it's one of the things I love most about the game play. You have the ability to inflict more damage by hitting an enemy with a particular power (e.g. telekinetic/mystic, tech-based and grenadier for the uninitiated) and then following up with another special power that creates an effect that adds more damage and potentially causes collateral damage to nearby enemies.

    In addition, I really enjoyed seeing how the story arch does take into consideration your choices from the previous installments. While some of these past choices only affect minor aesthetic aspects of the experience (e.g. you see some generic character in a particular role than a character from Mass Effect "one"), others have implications that extend to the epilogue (e.g. the fate of a particular race). Be warned, if you've grown to care about any character from these games, then you will cry. Often. Most of these tears can be attributed to direct shots to your heart via non-exploitative nostalgia and very touching/tender moments.

    The music score in this game is epic. Clint Mansell (frmly Pop Will Eat Itself, Trent Reznor buddy, Grammy nominated composer of the score from "Black Swan") lends his talents and provides some of the most heart swelling pieces I've ever heard. Not to mention the amazing talents of Sam Hulick. I cannot tell you the number of times I've listened to the main soundtrack....

    As for the technical aspects: Great graphics and sound. Yes, there are the occasional texture pop-in issues (which can be minimized by installing the game) and the odd glitches that range from peculiar to downright unnerving. There's one glitch that I consistently encounter in the game with every play thru that played a role in me scoring the game a 9 versus 10. It's not game breaking, but more immersion breaking. It doesn't last long, but it will haunt your dreams...

    Overall, the critical/story advancing missions where fun and fast paced; however, I wish there were more opportunities to explore as opposed to being compelled to push forward. While in retrospect, I've regarded the Mako-based missions from the first game to be a bit tedious; having played through it again I have to admit that I kind of miss them and the sense of scale that being able to explore a sandbox brought to the experience. However, one has to weigh that against the overall sense of urgency that the game creates, both inherent to the plot and with nice little music tricks (e.g., more frantic movements in the music which gets your heart racing).

    Side quests for the most part, are relegated to "Fly here, scan this planet, collect item, bring back to someone in the Citadel". This was a truly missed opportunity to have more fleshed out missions and combat. Also, War Assets, gained by completing missions and helping other races' militaries/leadership, are a pretty neat way of ensuring people complete as many side quests as possible to get the "best ending"; the threshold for getting the "best ending" is easily attained. This is especially true if you play the fantastic, though simplistic multiplayer, and if you play any of the DLC.

    While speaking in superlatives about this franchise has become esoteric controversy w/in the more ardent rank and file within the Mass Effect fanbase, ironically, these words are the best way I can express my opinion of this game and the franchise overall. Despite some of its short comings, I was more than satisfied with the experience, from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you have the Extended Cut downloaded. It makes a huge difference in the ending of the game so I would say it is essential.and it's free. Furthermore, though not essential, I recommend that "From Ashes", "Leviathan" and "The Citadel" DLCs be purchased. These are fantastic pieces of add-on content for those who can't get enough of the lore and character interactions. Omega is an ok piece of DLC, but it feels more like an option than any other DLC in the franchise.    … Expand
  88. DeathtoSpongify
    Sep 20, 2013
    10
    This game is the best possible way the Mass Effect Trilogy could have ended. Although the characters and story are so nuanced that it takes a player with a real attention to detail to get the full experience, this game has very few shortcomings. At the outset, ME3 impresses with solid mechanics, great visuals, and carefully executed dialogue. This really is the best combination of shooterThis game is the best possible way the Mass Effect Trilogy could have ended. Although the characters and story are so nuanced that it takes a player with a real attention to detail to get the full experience, this game has very few shortcomings. At the outset, ME3 impresses with solid mechanics, great visuals, and carefully executed dialogue. This really is the best combination of shooter and RPG that I have ever seen. The game takes great care to make your character feel like yours, moreso even than games like Skyrim or Oblivion. When played to the extent to which it was intended, Mass Effect 3 offers deep sentimental attachments to a multitude of characters, as well as a story that, although slightly predictable, is so involved that it is rendered unforgettable.… Expand
  89. iloveFFC
    Sep 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Yes the endings were dissapointing, but they came out with a DLC for it. The Reapers are extremely intimidating and cool. Their sheer power makes you realize just how much the galaxy depends on every choice you make. Its the best game in the series, dont let a lackluster ending discorage you. Alot of people expected more for an ending to such an epic series like this, but no game is perfect, just because the ending was bad doesn't mean the whole game is horrible. Anyway, the graphics are great, but the facial motions are very off at times. It has much more humor thanks to EDI and Joker cooperating and joking among eachother and everyone else. To enjoy the game to it's fullest, play the first 2 then play this one, an imported save will greatly increase your enjoment of this wonderful game. The characters are still amazing and we even get some new characters to bond with. This game is just, wow! Just dont play it on Soldier mode, its horrid.… Expand
  90. Fenchurch1
    Aug 30, 2013
    9
    All the stops have been pulled out to make this the best Mass Effect yet with improved graphics and visuals making the cut scenes all the more enjoyable. Added depth in weapon customisation, improved audio and more information than you can ever need or want to read. A wealth of back-story and information on races and planets is also available for anyone who likes that kind of thing. TheAll the stops have been pulled out to make this the best Mass Effect yet with improved graphics and visuals making the cut scenes all the more enjoyable. Added depth in weapon customisation, improved audio and more information than you can ever need or want to read. A wealth of back-story and information on races and planets is also available for anyone who likes that kind of thing. The voice acting and scriptwriting is great, as has become standard for Mass Effect and the AI has been improved to make combat more intense and challenging than ever.… Expand
  91. Spidercolt
    Aug 27, 2013
    2
    A huge disappointment. The game was clearly put together in a rush and EA made it blatantly obvious, if you have been following the Mass Effect series since the first game then you will know that it is a very well written space drama that got you immersed within the first hour of playing the first 2 games yet whilst playing Mass Effect 3 the immersion was destroyed on numerous occasions byA huge disappointment. The game was clearly put together in a rush and EA made it blatantly obvious, if you have been following the Mass Effect series since the first game then you will know that it is a very well written space drama that got you immersed within the first hour of playing the first 2 games yet whilst playing Mass Effect 3 the immersion was destroyed on numerous occasions by various mistakes e.g. sprites that have been placed that have no reason for being there and on one occasion a sprite that just walked around in circles.

    I wouldn't suggest this game to anyone as I know it is a poorly made third-person and its bad enough to make fans of the previous games cry.    … Expand
  92. ClassyDromedary
    Aug 19, 2013
    10
    Mass Effect is to games as "The Godfather" is to movies, it will be one of the few to be remembered by future generations.

    I could ramble on about the great graphics, intuitive game-play, and fun multi-player, but I will not, as that would distract you from the greatest draw of the game. It is a literary masterpiece, an epic of our times. Full of rich characters, grave loss, and hope.    Mass Effect is to games as "The Godfather" is to movies, it will be one of the few to be remembered by future generations.

    I could ramble on about the great graphics, intuitive game-play, and fun multi-player, but I will not, as that would distract you from the greatest draw of the game. It is a literary masterpiece, an epic of our times. Full of rich characters, grave loss, and hope. (Think Braveheart)
    . Many people dislike the ending to the story, much as many despise the classics of literature. I think the main cause of this is that the ending fills you with grief, something very few games can do. The fact that it causes you a negative emotion in the first place shows that there is literary power here.

    This is not game of the year people, this is the ending to the series of the decade. It's been a hell of a ride.    … Expand
  93. miramax123
    Aug 17, 2013
    7
    At first, I gave this game a 9 for the fact that the music wasn't as rushed as ME2 majority of sounndtracks, for their aesthetically-compensating atmosphere, the moderate depth in characters' feelings about the Reaper War and the improved gameplay movement, flow, speed and resolution, although the power recharge system is still there which was kind of a bummer since ME2 you can'tAt first, I gave this game a 9 for the fact that the music wasn't as rushed as ME2 majority of sounndtracks, for their aesthetically-compensating atmosphere, the moderate depth in characters' feelings about the Reaper War and the improved gameplay movement, flow, speed and resolution, although the power recharge system is still there which was kind of a bummer since ME2 you can't constantly use powers without having them all charging just to use one power. And the soundtracks were absoulute emotional originality! However, despite thinking and thinking more about how MUCH potential this game seriously had, I realized that the EA gaining full control of the franchise after ME2 was just middle finger to veteran fans and a cynical step TOO FAR! The flaws are established; The villains weren't at their most authentic evil, like Kai Leng, who I thought was a superficial rather than a dangerous assassins, Harbinger not getting enough establishment at all, Sovereign was by far the most terrifying verbally and villanous character in the trilogy from ME1, no planetary exploration and instead like ME2, you get an even worse and less captivating side missions just to prolong the original game time, storyline was the main crap that was a bloody punch to the face by Bioware to all of us ME fans, the vaguely rushed, inexplicable and confusing endings were just a mockery to the entire trilogy!! Bioware needs to get their magic back that once manifested in ME and ME... ME3 just had NO diversity in missions, not enough ndifferent enemies, and the most ridiculous of them all, is on the Insanity mode, you instantly get cheap deaths by three randomly stupid husks and a ridiculously annoying Marauder shooting at you while your Shepard is annoyingly shaking from the targetting system, preventing you to kill that last idiot! Bioware just shoved their heads down with EA, not enough impact from decision making from the previous ME and ME2 decisions, although the Javik and Citadel party DLC's were fun, this was just overall bullcrap to me. Satisfactory for gameplay, but replay value for story and real gameplay is no worth whatsoever. BIOWARE MAKE MASS EFFECT 4 COUNT whatever you tend to call the next game!… Expand
  94. tech953
    Aug 2, 2013
    10
    I can't believe how stupid 90% of the reviewers on this game are being. This game, no this series, is the pinnacle of video games inception into mature, well thought out story telling and emotionally jarring character building. The tension and the moral choices, combined with the stellar voice cast and excellent writing, help center the finale of this game series with a bang, creatingI can't believe how stupid 90% of the reviewers on this game are being. This game, no this series, is the pinnacle of video games inception into mature, well thought out story telling and emotionally jarring character building. The tension and the moral choices, combined with the stellar voice cast and excellent writing, help center the finale of this game series with a bang, creating some of the hardest decisions that I have ever made in any video game. I literally cried when both Garrus and Tali, who I had gotten very attached to, died in that final rush, an result to the well put together characters, and the bonds that you gain with them. The ending, while similar either way, ties the series up beautifully, and on top of that, possibly TOPS the last two. When I say that, I am mostly referring to the lack of customization that you are all complaining about in the ending from the vast amount of choices you made. To be totally honest, you never really saw the results of your choices in the previous games, until you played the next one. In the first game, you didn't see the results of saving the council really take effect until you met them in the next game. So stop complaining, and enjoy the end to one of the best RPGs that I have ever had the pleasure of playing.… Expand
  95. locsphere
    Aug 1, 2013
    0
    The ending was terrible. Even more frustrating was the companies response and lack of care. I could go on and on about the lackluster ending and the fact that even with the Extended Cut it doesn't do your character justice. He has defied the odds only to die. Another Trinity type character. They kill Shepard off, bring him back, just to kill him off again.

    BioWare says they're    The ending was terrible. Even more frustrating was the companies response and lack of care. I could go on and on about the lackluster ending and the fact that even with the Extended Cut it doesn't do your character justice. He has defied the odds only to die. Another Trinity type character. They kill Shepard off, bring him back, just to kill him off again.

    BioWare says they're listening... As long as its what they want to hear.    … Expand
  96. greatbernard
    Jul 31, 2013
    7
    Mass Effect 3 refines the combat and action of the previous games and presents a conclusion to the story with plenty of memorable moments and tough decisions. However, the pacing dulls a bit, the game becomes repetitive and predictable and the ending, while good in concept, was poorly executed. Not the best in the series, but in the end, a decent game nonetheless if you can overlook the flaws.
  97. throwaway15
    Jul 26, 2013
    0
    Casey Hudson ruined Mass Effect. The ending is terrible, but the combat mechanics are simply awful. Tapping a button to get into and out of cover is buggy and more often than not doesn't do what you need it to. The third person camera does a terrible job of maintaining a clear view and often clips into the wall. Mass effect 3 is a perfect example of how EA ruins games. It is no wonder theCasey Hudson ruined Mass Effect. The ending is terrible, but the combat mechanics are simply awful. Tapping a button to get into and out of cover is buggy and more often than not doesn't do what you need it to. The third person camera does a terrible job of maintaining a clear view and often clips into the wall. Mass effect 3 is a perfect example of how EA ruins games. It is no wonder the founders of BioWare quit during the resulting Mass Effect 3 outrage from the players. It is silly really a game marketed as allowing you to tell your own story was ruined because an egotistical (seriously, go look at his web page), childish Casey Hudson wanted to end the story his way denying players what they loved about the game. Like a petulant child, Casey Hudson locked out the other writers to make his own ending and as an EA employee put it, "it shows". Couldn't agree more. Way to alienate a core fan base, tarnish what was a successful IP, and further prove to players why EA cannot be trusted. Even the extended DLC content doesn't fix the plot holes in the ending. It is simply a few more lame slides, that don't really improve anything.… Expand
  98. Jerik02
    Jul 26, 2013
    0
    Casey Hudson ruined Mass Effect. The ending is terrible, but the combat mechanics are simply awful. Tapping a button to get into and out of cover is buggy and more often than not doesn't do what you need it to. The third person camera does a terrible job of maintaining a clear view and often clips into the wall. Mass effect 3 is a perfect example of how EA ruins games. It is no wonder theCasey Hudson ruined Mass Effect. The ending is terrible, but the combat mechanics are simply awful. Tapping a button to get into and out of cover is buggy and more often than not doesn't do what you need it to. The third person camera does a terrible job of maintaining a clear view and often clips into the wall. Mass effect 3 is a perfect example of how EA ruins games. It is no wonder the founders of BioWare quit during the resulting Mass Effect 3 outrage from the players. It is silly really a game marketed as allowing you to tell your own story was ruined because an egotistical (seriously, go look at his web page), childish Casey Hudson wanted to end the story his way denying players what they loved about the game. Like a petulant child, Casey Hudson locked out the other writers to make his own ending and as an EA employee put it, "it shows". Couldn't agree more. Way to alienate a core fan base, tarnish what was a successful IP, and further prove to players why EA cannot be trusted. Even the extended DLC content doesn't fix the plot holes in the ending. It is simply a few more lame slides, that don't really improve anything.… Expand
  99. doggystyle123
    Jul 24, 2013
    0
    game never buy it is very gay hfejrbv,mjwnvkci8nrwnjekyvtc hunjekmvfygbnhujkml,fvgybjunh'lvfyghuioklhuyijoklp6rftghuyijko6tyhu7koipl;[6tgy789ui0o-pf6gtyhujiokplhuyijokl
  100. Darklink
    Jul 22, 2013
    10
    First of all I've never actually played the game. BUT! Since its release I've had so much fun reading the reviews I honestly believes it DESERVES a 10/10 score. Every time I feel down or bored I come on Metacritic and feel alive again! I think Bioware never realised it but they invented the Mass Comedy genre in a night. Some of the reviews here are pure gold. Seek for the "fistula" one,First of all I've never actually played the game. BUT! Since its release I've had so much fun reading the reviews I honestly believes it DESERVES a 10/10 score. Every time I feel down or bored I come on Metacritic and feel alive again! I think Bioware never realised it but they invented the Mass Comedy genre in a night. Some of the reviews here are pure gold. Seek for the "fistula" one, it's left-hemospheric exo-plasmatic. To all the reviewers here, a HUGE thank you! You made this game awesome! :D… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
14
#14 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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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. Gamer.nl
    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.
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  2. Polygon
    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.
    Read full review
  3. GameFocus
    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.
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