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. Hybridiction
    May 18, 2012
    9
    This is the score the game actually deserves. Now before you down-vote me, you will find if you average around the fifty + critic scores the game received it would be around the 89-93 area. Take off the moronic user score feature metacritic, it is used as a tool by a bunch of forum trolls and butthurt fanboys who really have no clue how to review a game. Of course this review will beThis is the score the game actually deserves. Now before you down-vote me, you will find if you average around the fifty + critic scores the game received it would be around the 89-93 area. Take off the moronic user score feature metacritic, it is used as a tool by a bunch of forum trolls and butthurt fanboys who really have no clue how to review a game. Of course this review will be down-voted by them, and I'll probably be called a "suck up" to the gaming media, but let's look at the facts first. High expectations almost always lead to disappointment, and those who have insanely high expectations will always be disappointed. This is why when you look at a game objectively, or rather as it is, instead of what you wanted it to be, you would find that it truly is a good game. Whether you disagreed with the ending or had problems because you "Felt" that the choices you made in the previous installments weren't reflected enough, it really doesn't matter. It's no reason to give this game a score below 7, and the fact that this game is rated a 3.9 is really quite pathetic. To even think that this game is only worth a "3.9" you would have to be some grumpy old man living in some old folks home or some kid who stays in his room all day, has no friends and doesn't know how to enjoy quality entertainment. The decisions you made in the previous games do reflect in this one, and yes they matter. Characters that die in ME2 wont be around, characters you saved in ME1 do make an appearance and yes your choices DID have reflect in ME3. Name a game that carries the choices you made from game to game on the same level mass effect has? You cant, there is only stand alone games with choices like the witcher 2, but what game from sequel to sequel to sequel does what the ME series has?. The fact people cry because they feel that their choices never meant anything is LAUGHABLE seeing as how they have nothing to compare it to. Give mass effect some credit, it has done a pretty damned good job. The ending to the series is fine, and honestly it really doesn't matter what bioware did people would have cried and crapped their pants. Everybody has a different idea of how it should have "ended" Bioware cant possibly meet everybody's expectations. The gameplay was much improved from the previous two, they added in some more RPG elements, still not as robust as ME1 but pretty close with the talent choices, weapon mods and tons of armor and loot to find. Mass effect 3 is a good game that sold well and that the majority of people enjoyed playing, don't listen to the vocal minority of idiots on here who probably pirated the game or never even played it at all and are just jumping on the hate bandwagon to hate the game like it's some "fad" to do so or makes them "cool and different" Stfu, sit down and enjoy the game. End of story. and....advice to metacritic......implement a system where people need to enter the serial code of the game they bought in order to actually review it. See how many of these idiots are still around after that......you wont find many… Expand
  2. Hippie2000
    May 18, 2012
    9
    Ending aside, this is a beautiful game, good looking, great voiceacting, great illusion of choice, one of the best gaming worlds ever to be created. I even accept the ending.
  3. GamerPiggy
    May 17, 2012
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is a mixed bag. It combines the more classical RPG elements of ME1 with an improved version of the action from ME2; using powers is exhilarating, especially if you take advantage of your ability to micromanage your team mates. The set pieces are awe inspiring and epic. The writing is hit-and-miss, although it has many more hits than misses. Mostly, everything shines.There are, of course, a few elephants in the room: First of all, the day 1 DLC is exploitative and awful. Bioware took a character that serious fans of the series are going to be very interested in, and they made him unavailable, even though he should be included in the game itself. Not worth the money, and only takes advantage of the lore for a cheap buck.

    Secondly, choices from the first two games hold very little impact. The developers simply didn't live up to their word about the story. Yes, the gameplay is great, but ME1 was great too, and it didn't have nearly as good gameplay. Decisions feel weighty during the first playthrough, but it feels cheap on the second. This is because elements and decisions from previous games appear, but any research reveals that they appear anyway. *SPOILERS* For example, I was very excited to see the rachni queen, but then I learned she appears regardless of my decision from ME1. It was great to catch up with old team members, but I found out they are replaced with a doppleganger if I haven't saved them. Finally, the ending. It sucks. None of it gels with the themes of the first two games. If the game developers wanted to include some moral message about how nothing matters once we die, they were successful. But nothing from the previous two games even hint at that kind of theme, and the ending itself is contradictory to many answers the games provide. Don't bother finishing the game, because the ending isn't worth it. Seriously. Just stop playing before you return to earth, and you'll have a much better experience than most players.

    I was super hyped for this game because I had become such a big fan of the series, but this game made me wish I hadn't wasted my time. I honestly wanted to take back the 150+ hours I spent playing the first two games. I wish I never got so entrenched in the lore of the universe, or the stories of the team members. Don't buy this game. Don't even start playing the series. You'll only set yourself up for disappointment.    … Expand
  4. WiteFalcon
    May 17, 2012
    9
    My favourite gaming franchise, I loved Mass Effects 1-3 so much, that I have 5 characters and have completed minimum of 4 playthroughs through ME1 & 2. Mass Effect 3 is an AWESOME game, no doubt about it. It's setting the standard for story based games and RPGs, now and for the future. Although I didn't mind the ending, I found it cool actually, it could of been WAY more awesome, byMy favourite gaming franchise, I loved Mass Effects 1-3 so much, that I have 5 characters and have completed minimum of 4 playthroughs through ME1 & 2. Mass Effect 3 is an AWESOME game, no doubt about it. It's setting the standard for story based games and RPGs, now and for the future. Although I didn't mind the ending, I found it cool actually, it could of been WAY more awesome, by including prior decisions into the outcome of the ending and leaves things out.

    Pros: - Hooks you in with all elements (Even if your new to the series)
    - Great refined gameplay! (This game is pretty much Gears of War except more sci-fi and with RPG gameplay and story shaping)
    - Shape the story to how you want (This includes a lot of prior decisions made, unlike most games your previous saves matter!)
    - Great sense of characterisation for who you play as! (You really feel as if you are Shepard)


    Cons:
    - New players forced for a few elements of the game to occur (Which they have no choice over as they don't have a previous save file for the game to recognise) (Such as Wrex's death)
    - Crew development was a lot better in Mass Effect 2 (Its less about other people and more about Shepard)
    - Ending is confusing (Many people would agree, but it doesn't ruin the ending, just leaves blanks for you to imagine to fill in)
    - The game doesn't take into account EVERYTHING you've done in previous games, and areas are left unturned, and the ending doesn't take into account prior choices. All in all, an incredible experience that has changed the world of gaming forever and succeeds highly, but could of strived for complete perfection. Hence the 9 instead of perfect 10.    … Expand
  5. enFenix
    May 16, 2012
    8
    Despite having a rough start, with some hiccups along the way, and a troubled finish to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the game.

    Granted, I went into playing this game being aware that there was a very large outcry of complaints regarding the endings available in the game. With that in mind, I was prepped for a very disappointing ending to the title and the series. Regarding the    Despite having a rough start, with some hiccups along the way, and a troubled finish to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the game.

    Granted, I went into playing this game being aware that there was a very large outcry of complaints regarding the endings available in the game. With that in mind, I was prepped for a very disappointing ending to the title and the series. Regarding the endings, I will say this one non-spoiling thing: They're not half as bad as the die-hards are suggesting. The game makes suggestions throughout it's entire story about what would be on the table in the last few moments of the story, so I'm unaware why people were so shocked.

    The diversity of endings, in my opinion, were nothing different from the previous installations. Mass Effect 1 & 2 both had endings which varried SLIGHTLY depending on many of the players decisions throughout the titles, however the major results of each of the original 2 titles endings never changed. The diversity was in supporting details. So my thoughts regarding the backlash of the chosen ending of the game is for people to stop complaining and enjoy the game for what it is.

    Outside of the more controversial issue, the story of the game is wonderfully written, and incorporates many facets of the original 2 games, including the decisions made by the player in the original titles.

    The details surrounding the core plot of the game during my play-through vastly differed from that of my friends experience. I was impressed by the games potential for diversity in ancillary details.

    Graphically, to be honest, I feel the engine has hit it's apex and is beginning to age. However, it was still a visually-enjoyable game.

    The game-play experience itself was well fleshed-out, although I feel the second instalment of the series takes the crown in this category. The side-quest of searching through the galaxy for bonus resources/items/etc was very basic and un-interesting. The combat system seemed to be a little flawed this time around, where actions I expected my character would make were not, well, made. The voice-recognition for the Kinect was fun for a bit, but then become an irritation. That is my own personal experience, others may enjoy it greatly.

    Overall, I suggest you be aware that the ending has some controversy around it, and otherwise enjoy this game for everything it offers between the start and the finish.    … Expand
  6. Andulesan
    May 16, 2012
    0
    Take a dump, put it on a plate, gift-rap it, give it to your best friend for an exuberant amount of money and what do you get? Mass Effect 3. Stay away if you want to retain to fond memories you had of the original two games.
  7. Giarc1982
    May 16, 2012
    10
    Excellent game full of depth, faithfully remembers choices made in Mass Effect 1 & 2 making each playthough a new experience. Choices made in this and past games colour the game but make no mistake about it, this is Shepards story, one way or another s/he will stop the Reapers
    Depth is represented more in this game by the way it reflect legacy choices, One example is that one run through    Excellent game full of depth, faithfully remembers choices made in Mass Effect 1 & 2 making each playthough a new experience. Choices made in this and past games colour the game but make no mistake about it, this is Shepards story, one way or another s/he will stop the Reapers
    Depth is represented more in this game by the way it reflect legacy choices, One example is that one run through may be involve Mordin and Wrex yet on a different import Evolutionist Salarian Wiks and Wreave Wrex's half brother.
    Multiplayer is fun addition although it not essential to play it for the single player campain, general wave based attack awarded weapon packs as rewards. As for the ending I think most of the controversy is due to "fans" over reacting to an ending that sets the mass effect universe up for subsequent adventures, how the Extended Cut changes this will be intresting.    … Expand
  8. Nizzy
    May 16, 2012
    7
    If you are looking for a game that gives you a real sense of accomplishment at the end, ME3 is not the game for you. That being said, the rest of the game is top-notch. I would have liked more characters as well, but complaining about wanting more out of your game says a lot about how well what is there really is. Multiplayer gameplay in particular is superb with a simple design thatIf you are looking for a game that gives you a real sense of accomplishment at the end, ME3 is not the game for you. That being said, the rest of the game is top-notch. I would have liked more characters as well, but complaining about wanting more out of your game says a lot about how well what is there really is. Multiplayer gameplay in particular is superb with a simple design that nonetheless manages to remain fresh and different every match. Add to that the sound quality which is phenomenal; monsters sound monstrous, robots and technology sounds are totally immursive, and the voicework is entirely organic with no sense of separate sound stages strung together.

    Is the last 10 minutes bad enough to ruin the rest of the game? Maybe. I don't really have any argument against the opinions of all those who gave it a "0," but for me it remains a solid game I'll probably play again; I just try not to think about the emptiness I know will come when I am done.    … Expand
  9. lilrizky
    May 15, 2012
    10
    Say what you want, but this game is truly a work of art and an experience that has never before seen in gaming. The lore was well implemented, the action was so much better. The only complaint i had that ME2 did better was the actual side-missions and loyalty missions were much more interesting and versatile. Other than that, the game combined the best of its two predecessors and throughSay what you want, but this game is truly a work of art and an experience that has never before seen in gaming. The lore was well implemented, the action was so much better. The only complaint i had that ME2 did better was the actual side-missions and loyalty missions were much more interesting and versatile. Other than that, the game combined the best of its two predecessors and through importing my character from ME1, i have never felt a sense of accomplishment, adventure, pride and triumph. Well done bioware, i would watch this on a big screen over Star Trek and Star Wars any day.… Expand
  10. 1voiceoreason
    May 15, 2012
    8
    Great game and a fine way to end the journey that was the mass effect series. The Inclusion of "horde-mode" multiplayer was great because it only added to the experience and using those cool powers in a multiplayer setting was enjoyable. Of course the big topic was the ending... i didn't love it but i understood the direction and think it was perfectly mediocre. Still a great game thoughGreat game and a fine way to end the journey that was the mass effect series. The Inclusion of "horde-mode" multiplayer was great because it only added to the experience and using those cool powers in a multiplayer setting was enjoyable. Of course the big topic was the ending... i didn't love it but i understood the direction and think it was perfectly mediocre. Still a great game though and look forward to playing more in this universe.… Expand
  11. Chapperz
    May 15, 2012
    0
    Pure garbage, i adored the first game hell i even liked the MAKO the idea of exploring foreign planets in a jumping buggy was an amazing prospect however im going off topic. The series started going downhill with the second game which did improve massively in terms of combat but failed so much on the story front and the grand finale was an utter disappointment full of plot holes crummyPure garbage, i adored the first game hell i even liked the MAKO the idea of exploring foreign planets in a jumping buggy was an amazing prospect however im going off topic. The series started going downhill with the second game which did improve massively in terms of combat but failed so much on the story front and the grand finale was an utter disappointment full of plot holes crummy voice acting and butch women bioware have gone along way downhill since the days of ME1 and the original Dragon age...rip… Expand
  12. Alex200
    May 15, 2012
    10
    I am a fan of Mass Effect since 2007,and i have to say,Mass Effect 3 is not only my favorite of the trilogy,its probably my favorite game of this generation.Great graphics,amazing sound effects and soundtrack,the gameplay is fun and exciting,espetacular story and characters.Don't listen to those haters,Mass Effect 3 is an unforggetable,near perfect experience.One of the very few games thatI am a fan of Mass Effect since 2007,and i have to say,Mass Effect 3 is not only my favorite of the trilogy,its probably my favorite game of this generation.Great graphics,amazing sound effects and soundtrack,the gameplay is fun and exciting,espetacular story and characters.Don't listen to those haters,Mass Effect 3 is an unforggetable,near perfect experience.One of the very few games that i actually cried (that only happen with me on 2 other games,Zelda Ocarina of Time and Metal Gear Solid 4).The multiplayer(which i was against it) is amazingly fun.But the best thing about ME3 is easily its story and characters,and both are one of the best i ever seen in gaming.Its an must buy game and trilogy.… Expand
  13. Valiant4Funk
    May 15, 2012
    9
    If you can get past all the controversy about the ending, it's a really fun game! After two previous games, the developers really got this game right. Not too complex, but plenty of customization and choice. Really fun combat. And a story that is mostly great!
  14. marcusJohnson
    May 15, 2012
    2
    Gay ass game I regret buying it. Will pirate it 30 times to damage EA.

    This is my last EA Game, Battlefield 3 sucked so hard man I can't believe they can get money with this even CoD was better
  15. rutgerjansen
    May 15, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 provides an amazing end to an amazing story.
    The return of many old friends and foes makes this game the most emotionally charged I have ever played.

    The entire Mass Effect series is the best story telling ever in gaming.
    Mix that with a refreshing sci-fi setting and you have got a winner.
  16. micahbyrd
    May 14, 2012
    10
    All I am going to say is that I have played every minute of available content that BIoware has made for this entire series, like many others. I feel robbed by the ending, true, but more importantly, this is quite simply the most amazing gaming experience I can think of. Period. If people want to hate on the ending that is their choice, but that doesn't change the fact that this game is theAll I am going to say is that I have played every minute of available content that BIoware has made for this entire series, like many others. I feel robbed by the ending, true, but more importantly, this is quite simply the most amazing gaming experience I can think of. Period. If people want to hate on the ending that is their choice, but that doesn't change the fact that this game is the perfect cap to over 100 hours of game play. Simply astounding!… Expand
  17. SCHMOOPITIZE
    May 13, 2012
    9
    This game is ginormous, so rating it poorly based over the last twenty minutes is kind of...pointless. In truth, the beginning of the game is fantastic, straight into the action, the middle classic Mass Effect with a more action-y twist on combat. The game-play is smooth and responsive and so far, it's the only time i ever used my Kinect. I found myself actually BEING commander shepherdThis game is ginormous, so rating it poorly based over the last twenty minutes is kind of...pointless. In truth, the beginning of the game is fantastic, straight into the action, the middle classic Mass Effect with a more action-y twist on combat. The game-play is smooth and responsive and so far, it's the only time i ever used my Kinect. I found myself actually BEING commander shepherd when i talked FOR HIM! The multi-player while unneeded doesn't feel tacked on. Which is a good thing as too many games try that these days. However, i'm worried about a multi-player focused DLC situation. SUMMARY- Story is overall superb, it's beautiful, a multi-player worth talking about and shouting commands to squad mates is insanely fun!… Expand
  18. Exo212
    May 13, 2012
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In all honesty, Mass Effect wasn't exactly the game it could have been. After creating to previous games, Bioware seemed to stop trying with the third. the only reason this isn't a five is that they brought Liara back. She was always a very engaging character with many dimensions, unlike Kaiden who only seemed to be a "canadian man-hunk" and Ash who was more the "Gun-babe". The non-cinematic cut-scenes left much to be desired, with frequent glitches such as my favorite-"the invisible eyelid"... you just can't engage in the emotion of a scene when you can see the entirety of someone's eyeball... In addition, none of the choices made in ME3 seem to make any difference, beyond how many "color-choices" you get at the end. It was gratifying to see how choices in previous games affected ME3, but the perceived *lack* of choice in the third game is infuriating, and the lack of follow-up from your choices beyond the color of a galaxy-wide explosion gains the ire of me and many more fans of the series. Highly disappointing, but I shouldn't have been surprised when I saw Dragon Age 2, but I thought that was a one-time thing... now I'm not so sure.… Expand
  19. Shrykull
    May 13, 2012
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is what happens when a franchise that's going so well goes bad. I loved the first 2 games I really did. I'm not too sure how the managed to make it so bad, first off it's casualised so much that it doesn't seem necessary to even consider thinking tactically, the writing is so dumbed down it feels like a children's book and they constantly refer to the previous games instead of making something original. Your choices don't matter the only ones that do were the ones you made in the previous game. I'm not going to blame the ending for the score i'm giving but slapping the player in the face and introducing a new character at the last second to say "Hey, we built synthetics to kill you because if we didn't you'd build synthetics and they'd kill you" is stupid and to top it off he then says "So nothing you did matters what colour do you like more red, blue or green" They might as well have ripped off my under wear and laughed at me instead of giving me the game as i'm sure that it wouldn't be as bad as this monstrosity.… Expand
  20. Naglfar
    May 13, 2012
    9
    A fantastic conclusion to the best sci fi rpg saga to take place on home consoles. Mass Effect 3's inclusion of all your decisions from the first two games and their DLC is an amazing achievement and adds a deeper affection for you character and his/her surviving allies from it's predecessors. The combat has been improved over Mass Effect 2 to be more responsive and free moving but stillA fantastic conclusion to the best sci fi rpg saga to take place on home consoles. Mass Effect 3's inclusion of all your decisions from the first two games and their DLC is an amazing achievement and adds a deeper affection for you character and his/her surviving allies from it's predecessors. The combat has been improved over Mass Effect 2 to be more responsive and free moving but still includes the weapon and thermal clip progressions made in that title. The graphics have improved again giving the game more feeling from being on an ominous dark space station to a foreign planets landscape it all looks stunning. The multiplayer is also compelling with a Gears Of War style 'Horde' mode in which four players can fight waves of enemies from varying factions Cerberus/Reaper/Geth to level up their favoured character class/race and earn money to buy card packs which unlock random weapons/characters/upgrades in an addictive one more game fashion.
    Once again, an exquisite gaming experience full of emotion and replayability that fans of the series will love.    … Expand
  21. knightzshield
    May 11, 2012
    9
    if you take out the ending, like the last 15mins, then this game would be an absolute 10/10. there are just way to many plotholes at the end of the game. Its like if the writers smoked weed while writing the ending. However, just because an ending SUCKS doesn't mean it deserves a 1/10
  22. jZero
    May 10, 2012
    9
    Mass Effect 3 is a GREAT game with just a few problems.
    THE GOOD: The fighting and action in this game are to me definitely the best in the series. The enemies are harder, smarter and especially near the end of the game overwhelming (in a good way.) I feel the RPG elements are done pretty well with the decisions of the past games actually effect what you can/ can't do in this game.    Mass Effect 3 is a GREAT game with just a few problems.
    THE GOOD: The fighting and action in this game are to me definitely the best in the series. The enemies are harder, smarter and especially near the end of the game overwhelming (in a good way.) I feel the RPG elements are done pretty well with the decisions of the past games actually effect what you can/ can't do in this game. Graphics are great and the sound is very well done.

    THE BAD: There were some polish issues in this game: a broken turret (wouldn't die) made me replay a level, there was a galaxy that blinked even though there was nothing to do, and other similar issues. I felt that some of the characters were just kind of thrown in just because they were in the previous games with no real story or purpose. The ending.. while not as bad as people make it to be, could've been much better. My biggest problem with the ending is that for a game with so much choice and different paths/ results the endings were all the same, literally they just changed the color of the explosion. And you are left hanging as to the aftermath for the Normandy, other galaxies, etc.

    That said this game is MUCH BETTER than people give it credit, people are way too harsh. I really enjoyed it and thought it was close to perfect. The ending wasn't terrible and hopefully the DLC flushes out the aftermath.    … Expand
  23. R3DRocket
    May 10, 2012
    10
    Amazing game!!! People giving this game are such trolls. They probably enjoyed the game all the way up to the end, when they started to cry. So what the ending isn't the best send off? The gameplay was the best in the series and the multiplayer is great fun with friends. People giving this a bad review need to have a better reason then hating the story, because gameplay wise it is probablyAmazing game!!! People giving this game are such trolls. They probably enjoyed the game all the way up to the end, when they started to cry. So what the ending isn't the best send off? The gameplay was the best in the series and the multiplayer is great fun with friends. People giving this a bad review need to have a better reason then hating the story, because gameplay wise it is probably one of the best of this generation. And personally I like the story and ending, I was just bummed out that all the endings were the same.… Expand
  24. Mark_Walrusburg
    May 9, 2012
    1
    I cannot believe this is what happened to the series. I made three different Shepard's, plugged in hours crafting each one for a specific play through. I held off on playing the game until I was done with this semester of classes because I wanted to seriously throw myself in. I've been dreading it because of what I've been hearing about the fiasco of an ending. Well I finally sat down andI cannot believe this is what happened to the series. I made three different Shepard's, plugged in hours crafting each one for a specific play through. I held off on playing the game until I was done with this semester of classes because I wanted to seriously throw myself in. I've been dreading it because of what I've been hearing about the fiasco of an ending. Well I finally sat down and played it, DAY 1 DLC included on my purchase because EA believes unfinished games being released are a great way to introduce content. Well never again.

    I have been following Bioware since knights of the old republic and I've enjoyed nearly every game (Dragon Age 2 excluded) flaws and all. Mass Effect 3 however, has somehow managed to instill a serious and incredibly ANNOYING sense of betrayal. How can a game company betray me? I'm not asking as though, "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS ME BIOWARE??" It's more, "No no this makes no sense, you are not an individual capable of actually betraying me Bioware, you are a game company. The concept is ridiculous." But even so! It's as if an old friend suddenly spit in my face and left smiling after I handed him seventy dollars. It's that feeling that has me just so disgusted that I would even feel like that over a video game. I was genuinely invested in this series and now I'm left just mulling over from time to time how horrible it was at the end.

    My choices didn't matter, my time put into the series had no real effect on the outcome. Killing or saving the Rachni Queen has no real impact. Uniting the Geth and the Quarian's has no real impact. The replay value of this game in my opinion is non-existent. My three Shepards have no genuine purpose other than to succumb to the will of a genocidal star child that shows up at the last ten minutes of the game. Why are there such massive plot holes in this final installment? If the Mass Relays exploding don't wipe out billions of lives and strand countless more can't the writers see how sloppy their work is? I've never made a review before, and this is my first time posting on metacritic. This final game to a wonderful series has left me with a bitter taste and a hole in my wallet. My opinion may not matter EA, but my loyalty and money once so freely given to Bioware will be taken elsewhere. I strongly suggest others do the same.    … Expand
  25. MikeE50
    May 8, 2012
    10
    I must be strange because I enjoyed all 3 Mass Effect games nearly equally. If you like 1 and 2 you should like 3 as well. What's good about it? The writing, the characters, the universe, the graphics, the music & sound, the action, etc. It's not perfect, but no game is perfect.

    For the uninformed reader, the reason there are so many highly negative user reviews is because many people    I must be strange because I enjoyed all 3 Mass Effect games nearly equally. If you like 1 and 2 you should like 3 as well. What's good about it? The writing, the characters, the universe, the graphics, the music & sound, the action, etc. It's not perfect, but no game is perfect.

    For the uninformed reader, the reason there are so many highly negative user reviews is because many people do not like the ending (no spoilers in my review). I enjoyed the ending spoiler-free and then read why people were upset and I can see their point. I can imagine other possible endings that would be equally good, but I like the official ending too. Taken as a whole, the game, if the Action-RPG genre and sci-fi setting interests you, is a 10/10.    … Expand
  26. Benti86
    May 8, 2012
    7
    I used to praise this game, but I never commented after I beat it I was that upset. I won't give this game a bad review because of all the things the only thing that really irks me is the ending controversy and some of the multiplayer.... other than that gameplay is mostly fine, but honestly the amount of plot holes is ridiculous and the negligence of the lore is sickening. I won'tI used to praise this game, but I never commented after I beat it I was that upset. I won't give this game a bad review because of all the things the only thing that really irks me is the ending controversy and some of the multiplayer.... other than that gameplay is mostly fine, but honestly the amount of plot holes is ridiculous and the negligence of the lore is sickening. I won't mention these things as most people already know about these issues and I don't want to spoil. I have every DLC for every Mass Effect and the conclusions literally just tossed it all out of the window...as for multiplayer, it isn't bad, but it isn't good either. Lack of different modes coupled with a small selection of maps with few enemy variations is just too repetitive. Bioware also hasn't helped by openly criticizing the fans for caring and one said that the fans "aren't producers!" This is true, but following the atrocious ending (in my opinion) Bioware should've looked more closely at it, from a fan's point of view. How can you miss your own lore!? The free multiplayer release didn't really help and the extended ending won't fix what most of the fans have problems with, nor will these free DLCs lighten my mood for paying 10$ for a half hour mission. I am sorry, but that is where I stand...… Expand
  27. LordKinoda
    May 7, 2012
    7
    Mass Effect 3 is still a great game, however, it falls short in the end. There are some great additions, and just a little too many subtractions. I love the way the guns sound and 'hit' in this game, that was a great little mod. They got rid of 'heavy' weapons except in certain plot points, also nice. You can actually carry all weapons, and not just a select few according to your class,Mass Effect 3 is still a great game, however, it falls short in the end. There are some great additions, and just a little too many subtractions. I love the way the guns sound and 'hit' in this game, that was a great little mod. They got rid of 'heavy' weapons except in certain plot points, also nice. You can actually carry all weapons, and not just a select few according to your class, nice. Biotic powers are great as well, love the new sounds and moves. Sprinting is essentially unlimited, which is more realistic, especially for a cybernetically altered soldier like Shepard. They slimmed down the 'scanning for resources' minigame, definitely better. Did away with the silly hacking minigames and just showing the omni-tool animation, this is cool too. So all said and done the gameplay is improved on almost all levels. Love that they brought Ashley/Kaiden back. Sucked not to have a romance option in Mass Effect 2. However their interactions with Shepard could of been a little more. More is always better when it comes to character development, especially when it comes to romances in a world where you're all set to be the savior of the galaxy. Shepard needs something 'real' to fight for. They do have Shepard say this, just wanted more interaction is all.

    Now for the bad. It feels like a lot of the dialog choices were taken away. Way too many instances where there is only 'good' and 'evil' selections. That 'neutral' option is needed sometimes because it just fits better. Rarely any 'paragon' or 'renegade' choices (the blue and red text ones) to use in the dialog as well. The graphics still suck in a lot of places though. Don't know why they couldn't of fixed this somehow. The textures are blurry and lackluster for almost all 'clothing' in the game. The armors are mostly great, but anybody who isn't wearing any has a skewed look to them.

    Day 1 DLC, honestly I could care less. I bought the collector's edition so it came with the game. I paid more money yes, but so what ? I like this game and didn't mind shelling out for it. The story is still great, though like many others I'm not in love with the ending either. I won't sit here and say they should come out with DLC to 'fix' it. It's not so terrible that it ruins the entire game. However I will say that the game would of received a rating of 9 from me had it ended somewhere closer to what I would of liked to see happen. Sorry.

    All in all, still a great game, but arguably so.    … Expand
  28. ste88883
    May 7, 2012
    7
    The cinematic experience of this game is one of the best and most absorbing in any game I have played. The technical accomplishment of this game is limited compared to the sequels and the production was clearly a sequel rather than a progression. The ending was powerful though I can understand how many conisder it a cop-out. This excellent series deserved more because of the high standardThe cinematic experience of this game is one of the best and most absorbing in any game I have played. The technical accomplishment of this game is limited compared to the sequels and the production was clearly a sequel rather than a progression. The ending was powerful though I can understand how many conisder it a cop-out. This excellent series deserved more because of the high standard it set itself.… Expand
  29. InfamousJedi
    May 7, 2012
    10
    (possible spoilers)
    Hate that is directed towards this game is only due to fans getting an ending they were not expecting. The ending does not and should not take away the fact that Mass Effect 3 is a fun and engaging game that has lovable characters and a deep, rich world. Would I have liked the ME series to end a bit different? absolutely, but the fact is how the game ends leaves    (possible spoilers)
    Hate that is directed towards this game is only due to fans getting an ending they were not expecting. The ending does not and should not take away the fact that Mass Effect 3 is a fun and engaging game that has lovable characters and a deep, rich world. Would I have liked the ME series to end a bit different? absolutely, but the fact is how the game ends leaves plenty of room for interpretation(which is a trend that we gamers are the cause of). Hopefully the coming extended cut DLC will bring more closure to fans that wanted to see the effects that their Shepard had on the Galaxy. Fans should note this was Shep's story if he were to die that should be it for the story.    … Expand
  30. Naapuri
    May 6, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An awesome game! The strange "flaws" in the ending must mean there is more to this story coming on. It is a shame that the choices you made during the trilogy didnt count in the ending but whatever, i loved the feeling of making choices. After all this was one of the best gaming experiences i have had… 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.
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  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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