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. Xabong
    Mar 20, 2012
    8
    If you are at all invested in the Mass Effect universe, this game will make you cry. The emotional payoff in this game is absolutely huge and Bioware's accomplishment in this area is absolutely unprecedented. Even if it is mostly smoke and mirrors, you really feel at the end that this was YOUR journey and it's hard to imagine it playing it out any other way. I think it speaks to theIf you are at all invested in the Mass Effect universe, this game will make you cry. The emotional payoff in this game is absolutely huge and Bioware's accomplishment in this area is absolutely unprecedented. Even if it is mostly smoke and mirrors, you really feel at the end that this was YOUR journey and it's hard to imagine it playing it out any other way. I think it speaks to the strength of the series that I do not WANT to play through the series a second time making different choices because I feel like it would spoil what I've decided is canon. That said, Bioware botched one major aspect of the game - the UI. This seems minor, but some of the problems make playing the game feel like a chore. They wanted to add more rpg elements, but they did so in such a sloppy way that it makes you really wish they hadn't. Menus are clunky and not user-friendly at all. The game does not even have proper quest tracking which will mean a lot of aimless walking around not knowing where to go or who to talk to. WHY, Bioware? The first two games had great quest tracking. The minor sidequests are also so awkwardly handled that they should have been left out because they really detract from the experience. Also, expect dozens and dozens of instant game over screens trying to outrun ridiculously fast reaper ships on the galaxy map. Yeah, Bioware, REALLY fun. These faults really stand out in what is otherwise a masterpiece and that makes them all the more frustrating because they are things that have worked in previous games. *sigh*… Expand
  2. LadyDumrotten
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    Mass Effect 3 is an epic masterpiece of storytelling in a video game that is crippled by anti-consumer policies and some sloppy corner-cutting in terms of playability. As someone who has been completely invested in this universe, I couldn't be more satisfied with the game's storyline and character development. It is an incredible work of popular fiction, on par with great TV series likeMass Effect 3 is an epic masterpiece of storytelling in a video game that is crippled by anti-consumer policies and some sloppy corner-cutting in terms of playability. As someone who has been completely invested in this universe, I couldn't be more satisfied with the game's storyline and character development. It is an incredible work of popular fiction, on par with great TV series like LOST or Battlestar Galactica and there's absolutely nothing else like it in video games. It's unfortunate then, that anti-consumer policies bog down what is otherwise an exceptional experience. First of all, some of the game's best and most essential single-player content has been put into a 10 dollar day 1 dlc to curb used sales. On top of that, an online pass is required to access the game's micro-transaction based multiplayer... which you need to play in order to get the best endings in the single-player game. You see what I mean by anti-consumer? I feel like this is especially insiduous and unacceptable. The developers have claimed that you don't NEED to play the multiplayer to get the best ending, but I just don't see how it's possible. I wasted hours of my life playing all the horrible fetch quests and running from reapers on the galaxy map just so I could scan a stupid planet (seriously, whoever designed this side-content... ugh) and get a good rating, but by the end it still wasn't enough. To top it off, it is clear that very little time was spent on the game's UI. That said, I still love this game and think it is an absolute must play. Bioware is clearly still an extremely talented developer and the problems in this game are nowhere near as serious as they were in Dragon Age II. I just hope they learn from the negative feedback and stop nickel-and-diming us to death. I doubt it'll happen though.… Expand
  3. rotku
    Mar 18, 2012
    8
    Mass Effect 3 could easily have scored a 10, could have been an absolute epic, a poignant storyline in which it felt that you and all the characters within the game mattered and all played their part in shaping the future of the universe. I even thought that a trilogy of movies was possible, however this game is let down by two things, one minor and one major. The minor is the loadingMass Effect 3 could easily have scored a 10, could have been an absolute epic, a poignant storyline in which it felt that you and all the characters within the game mattered and all played their part in shaping the future of the universe. I even thought that a trilogy of movies was possible, however this game is let down by two things, one minor and one major. The minor is the loading times/screens, too many and too often but I could have lived with this as I was so engrossed in gathering my troops for the final battle for earth. The major problems is the ending. It's all over most boards and discussion groups across the net so I'm not going into it in details suffice to say that I felt robbed after playing through three games and hundreds of hours....this is the best that could be developed......what a cop out!!!… Expand
  4. Ushae
    Mar 18, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've given this a 8 as opposed to a 10 deliberately. Those of you that are giving the game a negative rating are completely blinded by your distaste for the conclusion ( which I also hated!) and greed (yes EA I'm talking about you and your shameless day 1 DLC, bashtards..) and are ignoring the majority of the game. It was an utterly magnificent game that executed the things it attempted to do extremely well, so if you are reading this and undecided in getting the game, yes .. it is worth it, just wait for any possible DLC that may yet redeem the incredibly confusing and lazy ending. There are some things that I did feel were missing from the game that could have been implemented and enhanced the series to the ending it really deserves. A lot of our choices amounted to weak side quests that had 1 outcome only. The romances were somewhat weak, lacked depth that Bioware has lacked since their first game in Baldurs Gate 1 & 2, especially for the ME 2 character romances e.g. Jack/Miranda/Tali Bioware could have done a LOT more here. On that note, Bioware also seems to have done away with character companion questlines completely.. I know my review sounds critical, and to be honest the game DOES deserve critisism for what it didn't do right, that being said the things it does do are done masterfully. My verdict: wait it out, don't buy this just yet if your expecting perfection, but if your looking for great entertainment go for it!… Expand
  5. 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
  6. Nimzabaat
    Mar 7, 2012
    8
    So we have people review bombing and giving the game 0, and I guess counter-bombing and giving it 10. The truth lies somewhere in between. (Though I gotta say the guy who said the game was terrific and he would definitly recommend it yet still gave it a 0... I don't know about that guy.) There have been slight improvements made over ME2. The combat is still a GoW rip-off and nowhere nearSo we have people review bombing and giving the game 0, and I guess counter-bombing and giving it 10. The truth lies somewhere in between. (Though I gotta say the guy who said the game was terrific and he would definitly recommend it yet still gave it a 0... I don't know about that guy.) There have been slight improvements made over ME2. The combat is still a GoW rip-off and nowhere near as unobtrusive and intuitive as it was in the original ME. The character models looks worse than ME2 and the lip-syncing isn't as good. There is some actual loot now for RPG players. Okay honestly I think the only reason ME3 feels like an improvement was because ME2 managed to set the bar so much lower. Anyways it is worth picking up if you feel the need to finish the trilogy. It would also be a great game if it came from a studio with less of a pedigree than Bioware.… Expand
  7. Veay
    Mar 29, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I found Mass Effect 3 a really enjoyable experience. Game expands on most characters in a nice way, it is constructed in a detailed manner, there are almost none continuity issues, combat is well-paced and pretty fun. Sound/music department is great, graphics is ok (nothing special).
    There are many issues though, much more important than the dumb ending. Only one quest hub, few interesting characters (cmon, i had to run with Garrus and Liara all the time, Tali and Ashely late in game, rest was crap), useless quest tracker (!!). They could expand on evading Reapers, managing fuel and scanning planets as well. I didnt like the idea of galaxy readiness either. The game could use some more mature attitude also, it just holds your hand too much imo.
    When it comes to that **** about ending - I dont really understand the whole fuss. It was dumb, I admit, especially the part where whole galaxy is left stranded orbiting around Earth with mass relays destroyed. I hate the star-kid idea as well - cmon, does every major rpg need this kind of closure, when you learn there is some new **** villain you never heard of before? But apart from this I liked Shepard - Illusive confrontation and the whole sacrafice thing that everyone anticipated anyways. It was pretty touching and allows for expanding history in the future - all of us want more ME anyway, right?    … Expand
  8. Jenny33
    Mar 23, 2012
    8
    I loved this game, its really epic and well done except for a few things: I loved how the romances were done, they had been deepened, I romanced Kaidan as a fem shep and it was fantastic, what bothered me though was the fact that liara got more attention and story as always, its like bioware wants her to be the main romance and I am no lesbian so I wont romance her, even though she is notI loved this game, its really epic and well done except for a few things: I loved how the romances were done, they had been deepened, I romanced Kaidan as a fem shep and it was fantastic, what bothered me though was the fact that liara got more attention and story as always, its like bioware wants her to be the main romance and I am no lesbian so I wont romance her, even though she is not supposed to have a gender she does look very much as a woman. Also it didn't matter if you cheated on your li or not as bioware has said which was disappointing as well. And the ending... I am not going to go into it but it was very badly done and none of the choices made through the games mattered. Play the game except the last 10 minutes and you will love it.… Expand
  9. Scottface
    Mar 13, 2012
    8
    Okay, there are lots of malicious user-reviews on here, and although I do NOT condone them, I totally understand where they're coming from. After 3 games of making difficult choices, the end reveals that it was all for nothing. Nothing you did really makes any difference to the final outcome, and a lot is left unexplained. However, I've read user-reviews on here that have said they lovedOkay, there are lots of malicious user-reviews on here, and although I do NOT condone them, I totally understand where they're coming from. After 3 games of making difficult choices, the end reveals that it was all for nothing. Nothing you did really makes any difference to the final outcome, and a lot is left unexplained. However, I've read user-reviews on here that have said they loved the game up until the final few minutes and rated it a 1/10. This is the most peevish example of score-trolling I've seen since the last CoD. The truth is, aside from the story's shortcomings, this is still an excellent game. The shooting mechanics are better than ever and the gameplay excells because of it. The dialogue is excellent and the voice acting is, for the most part, nop-notch. It has its gameplay flaws, too, but they're few and far-between. Having the A button (or X button on PS3) responsible for dash, roll AND a context-sensetive action button is very problematic. It's always been a problem when games like Gears and Uncharted use the same button for dash and roll, but having it as an action-button as well is just too much. Often Shepherd does the wrong thing. Also there are some stupid design choices. Example: towards the end of the game, you have to fight your way out of a hangar. Once you've defeated all enemies, you're prompted to "escape the hangar." Usually in the game, clicking the right analogue stick will display a waypoint showing you where to go. But in this instance, clicking the stick simply reveals the prompt again, "escape the hangar." Now, the hangar is 2 floors, with doors and controll panels on both floors, so you're left to check every single door and console in the entire hangar to try and escape. There's also a sense of urgency at this point in the story, which is severely undermined while you run around the hangar trying to figure out where you're supposed to go. These are fairly minor frustrations and as I said before, they're quite rare. But they do occur, and they make the game feel sloppy when they do. It's also a problem when the rest of the game feels so polished and looks so good, then you run into a stupid design decision like this and it feels 10 times worse in contrast. For most games these would feel like minor flaws but for a game with the budget of Mass Effect, they just feel a little lazy.

    In conclusion, this really is a good game bar a few minor flaws, and one major flaw. The major flaw is, of course, the end of the story. A huge majority of the series' fans feel letdown by this abysmal ending, myself included. Usually I wouldn't let a weak story tarnish my opinion of a game too much. But Mass Effect is, and always has been, a story-driven series. The stories in the first 2 games were captivating, here it feels pretty average. Then the ending comes and is far below average. If it weren't for this ending, I'd have given the game at least a 9. If it had a truly great, satisfying ending, I'd probably even have given it a 10, despite its few gameplay flaws. As it stands though, I've had to lower my opinion of this game to an 8. Disapointing.    … Expand
  10. crazydangerous
    Mar 10, 2012
    8
    I thought I was going to hate this game but in all honesty It's a great game, feels pretty much like me2 but with improved combat although the enemies seem less varied, and story wise everything's decent but it seems like party members have a lot less to say. The endings are retarded monkey garbage but hey at least it's closure(still waiting on shenmue 3 sega). I hate EA and I have noI thought I was going to hate this game but in all honesty It's a great game, feels pretty much like me2 but with improved combat although the enemies seem less varied, and story wise everything's decent but it seems like party members have a lot less to say. The endings are retarded monkey garbage but hey at least it's closure(still waiting on shenmue 3 sega). I hate EA and I have no respect for Bioware as it is now but they made a Game that wasn't nightmarishly terrible which I honestly didn't think was possible after playing DA2 and the tortanic beta. Buy it if you feel like you've come to far to stop.… Expand
  11. Sparpnsexyoak
    Apr 18, 2012
    8
    I'll keep it short and sweet on this one promise. I loved Me1, Me2 and Me3. It is quite possibly my favourite set of games ever made, however this being said I will concede that Mass Effect 3 had some flaws. Yes it wasn't perfect and if I'm really honest I was not blown away by the ending. To continue in this honest fashion I was expecting the worse based on internet commentary and had II'll keep it short and sweet on this one promise. I loved Me1, Me2 and Me3. It is quite possibly my favourite set of games ever made, however this being said I will concede that Mass Effect 3 had some flaws. Yes it wasn't perfect and if I'm really honest I was not blown away by the ending. To continue in this honest fashion I was expecting the worse based on internet commentary and had I ignored it I probably would have been a lot happier, but on with the review! Mass Effect 3 has a great story and incredible lore to back it up. The action in number 3 is better than either 1 or 2 and you really get the sense that the galaxy is falling apart around you. The visuals are stunning and go a long way to immersing you in the game, yes sometimes things pop in and out but when your looking up at a huge freaking planet on fire, as you gun down loads of husks standing between you and ultimate victory everything seems perfect! I couldn't live with myself if I gave it a perfect score as that would be silly, I expect flawless for that. This said users who score it a zero seriously needs to grow up a bit and be fair to the game as a whole, no game deserves that and least of all Mass Effect.… Expand
  12. KletassVanDam
    Dec 27, 2012
    8
    I'm giving this an 8 even though I agree with a lot of the negative reviews about the ending and lack of consequences of choice. It is very fun to play, and the action/combat is tight and enjoyable (love the sniper rifle). I wish there were some large variance to the results, inviting multiple playthrus. ME2, to me, is better than ME3, but ME3 is worth at least one complete playthru, andI'm giving this an 8 even though I agree with a lot of the negative reviews about the ending and lack of consequences of choice. It is very fun to play, and the action/combat is tight and enjoyable (love the sniper rifle). I wish there were some large variance to the results, inviting multiple playthrus. ME2, to me, is better than ME3, but ME3 is worth at least one complete playthru, and if you liked ME or ME2, you'll have fun playing ME3, even if you will be left flat or confused with the end. Bring on a new ME series, and have parts of the game locked out based on a choice you make which take you down a certain path. Have character's relationships change irrevocably and have them join or not based on how they feel about you or other characters.… Expand
  13. CalebPeter
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    I really enjoyed this game when i played it. The Story is fantasitc, as with every other Mass Effect, and the gameplay has improved, but not by much. There has been a lot of hype over the ending of the game. The ending really was terrible. When I finished the game, I was horrified. But Bioware not only fixed it up, they fixed it for free, and came out with many other DLC's, for FREE. OtherI really enjoyed this game when i played it. The Story is fantasitc, as with every other Mass Effect, and the gameplay has improved, but not by much. There has been a lot of hype over the ending of the game. The ending really was terrible. When I finished the game, I was horrified. But Bioware not only fixed it up, they fixed it for free, and came out with many other DLC's, for FREE. Other than that, the gameplay is good, the story is excellent, but not as good as Mass Effect 2, which is still my favorite game of all time. Also, Mass Effect manages what most games can't. The game has you really caring about the characters of the game. Especially the second and third game. Overall I give this game a 8, because it is a really well made game, and I can't wait for the movie, and Mass Effect 4.… Expand
  14. H4rb1nger
    Jun 27, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I remember waiting for ME3 last year, getting excited thanks to all the E3 footage, thinking about how good this game will be.Well, was I wrong?Mostly, no.The game is great and above average.But is it better than the previous games?

    No.

    Not even close.The main thing that made ME1 & 2 so great was the storyline, the characters, the lore, the conversations.

    The RPG and combat elements together in ME1 weren't so great and the game ended being quite buggy.But it had something that no other game at the time had.With ME2, this was taken to the next level with even more conversation options and characters.ME2 was a rather personal tale, and while it was incredible, it felt more like a sub story.The amount of depth in the game's characters is something that you don't normally see.While the combat improved in ME2, the RPG elements were dumbed down to the point where it's just barely an RPG, but still being acceptable.

    Now, based on the above, what you would expect from ME3 is more refined, better RPG elements and more focus on the main storyline with the convo options staying mainly the same.

    But no.What we got with ME3 is insane amount of auto dialogue, less conversation options, and an overall more simple plot.Oh, and we also got totally GOW like combat and multiplayer.WHY?

    Now if you actually read this far, you might be wondering what I mean by "more simple plot".While the previous games had many twists and turns to keep the story rolling, the only proper twist in ME3 was SPOILERS the citadel being the catalyst.Now, I do agree with others that the Tuchanka & Rannoch missions were incredible and very well written, the storyline itself is about nothing but gaining alliances while a super plot device being built.

    The other thing I disliked about the story is some of the villians.The illusive man was one of the most interesting characters through ME2, and I could've imagined him being both the villian and the secret ally in ME3.But, instead, he is forced to be a villian, and not just that, but they also made him completely retarded in ME3.Some might argue that he is indoctrinated however, i'm quite sure he isn't right up untill he "injects himself" (seen aboard the Cerb. hq, on the very last video log.)Kai Leng, is just lame.He was a great villian in the books, but here he's just a **** who only survives as long as he does because of plot shields and his precious gunship.

    The combat being upgraded to GOW level was just completely unnessacary.But the worst thing still is what they did to the convo options.Shepard doesn't really feel like your shepard anymore.Or not mostly anyways.

    The other, very big issue with ME3 is the sidequests.The fetch quests are just boring and rather pointless, while the N7 missions are just multiplayer maps with some lore attached to them.They bored me to death, honestly.

    Now that my main issues are out of the way, let's discuss the good things about ME3.
    -Although the combat is very GOW like, it is quite fun, and the more improved RPG elements are just great.
    -Many of the missions are very well put together, infact, I have to say I enjoyed most of them, besides the retarded fetch quests and N7 missions of course.
    -While the convo options are dumbed down, the dialogue itself, is very well written and a real treat to long time fans.The only dialogue I was honestly dissapointed with is the speeches, which are not half as epic as they were in ME2.
    -The multiplayer, while completely unnessacary, is quite enjoyable.For some time, atleast.The unlock system, although critisized by many, is one of the highlights of the MP in my opinion.
    -The (NEW) ending.The ending, at first, before EC, was horrible.No closure, no explanation, just crap.With EC on the other hand, the ending is very well explained and also gives more than enough closure as well as a much better reflection of your choices.
    -The graphics and the scenery is nice.Not the best, and certainly won't impress and PC graphics geeks, it is good.

    Overall, dispite the unforgivable thing they did to the storytelling and converstations, the game still ends up being great.I personally enjoyed it a lot, even like this, although I was left somewhat dissapointed.

    8.4/10    … Expand
  15. TheTwinTowers
    Mar 10, 2012
    8
    When I first started Mass Effect 2, I was absolutely blown away. I was until the end of the game, and couldn't wait for Mass Effect 3. However, I don't feel as captivated as before. It seems while most of what made Mass Effect 2 so amazing was kept - the most important aspect of what made Mass Effect stand out, was dumbed down. The dialogue choices are almost non existent, and when thereWhen I first started Mass Effect 2, I was absolutely blown away. I was until the end of the game, and couldn't wait for Mass Effect 3. However, I don't feel as captivated as before. It seems while most of what made Mass Effect 2 so amazing was kept - the most important aspect of what made Mass Effect stand out, was dumbed down. The dialogue choices are almost non existent, and when there are choices for you to make - it's more a "do it", or "do not" do it that really stands out. There isn't a whole lot of branching out within discussions to learn more about a situation. There are however, cinematic s galore. There are multiple times where your watching one and a question is asked - and you look down to see the conversation wheel. But it doesn't appear. As far as RP elements, it's pretty much lost all of them. This feels more like a super sci fi version of Gears of War with weapon customization. It's not a bad game by any means. But it lost a lot of what made Mass Effect special, and so captivating.… Expand
  16. isturbo1984
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    I am very disappointed with the gripers of this game. while it does a developing mechanical issues... and the genre isn't as defined as some of the raging fans might want it to be... the game as a whole is outstanding.

    Let's talk about that ending, spoiler free: It wasn't the cliched "happily every after" ending. Get over it. Nor was it the macabre "everybody dies" ending that some people    I am very disappointed with the gripers of this game. while it does a developing mechanical issues... and the genre isn't as defined as some of the raging fans might want it to be... the game as a whole is outstanding.

    Let's talk about that ending, spoiler free: It wasn't the cliched "happily every after" ending. Get over it. Nor was it the macabre "everybody dies" ending that some people were expecting. It was a nested medium of the two, while having conflict resolution.

    It might help if some of the casual gamers who bought this game just because of the advertising and high school chatter would actually go back and play the first two. Find some middle-ground. This game shouldn't be in the red, lol. Be ashamed.    … Expand
  17. BlakCoffeeBlues
    Mar 6, 2012
    8
    The only reason there isn't more 10 out of 10 reviews right now is because people who are actually enjoying it are playing it right now. Trolls come in herds and think its fun to review negatively. If any game had only remote instances taken from ME1 & 2 it would never have at minimum a score of a 0 however this game far surpasses that in every aspect so I don't get it. MORE MASS EFFECTThe only reason there isn't more 10 out of 10 reviews right now is because people who are actually enjoying it are playing it right now. Trolls come in herds and think its fun to review negatively. If any game had only remote instances taken from ME1 & 2 it would never have at minimum a score of a 0 however this game far surpasses that in every aspect so I don't get it. MORE MASS EFFECT DOES NOT AND WILL NEVER constitute a score of 0 in my eyes. There was definitely a ton of work that went into this game and should be reviewed on the content it presents. Great game, if you are swayed by the trolls you would only be doing yourself a disservice.… Expand
  18. TheSoloSlayer
    Mar 6, 2012
    8
    I dislike that they are trying to market this game off to casual gamers. As a trilogy I would rather have had them do what they did with this game to the previous two. Aside from that, the game isn't all bad. Although the game still feels much simpler than the first, the shooter element has gotten a vast improvement. The multiplayer is great, addictive and avoidable if you do not haveI dislike that they are trying to market this game off to casual gamers. As a trilogy I would rather have had them do what they did with this game to the previous two. Aside from that, the game isn't all bad. Although the game still feels much simpler than the first, the shooter element has gotten a vast improvement. The multiplayer is great, addictive and avoidable if you do not have means to play it online. All in all the game is great for mass effect fans. If you have yet to play the first and second ME I suggest you do before playing this, it will greatly improve what would otherwise be a very confusing story.… Expand
  19. Ashleydenee
    Mar 9, 2012
    8
    The Mass Effect series had been my favorite video games, bar none. As someone playing it from the beginning, I was an avid supporter and introduced the game to numerous friends and family but the ending has ruined the game for me. Taking my time, I picked every perfect choice and at the end I was left with 3 endings all of which made the character I had developed worthless. Was I able toThe Mass Effect series had been my favorite video games, bar none. As someone playing it from the beginning, I was an avid supporter and introduced the game to numerous friends and family but the ending has ruined the game for me. Taking my time, I picked every perfect choice and at the end I was left with 3 endings all of which made the character I had developed worthless. Was I able to save the galaxy? Yes. However, it was at the cost of a character and relationships which I had become deeply entwined in for the previous 4 years. Though the content pre-ending was good, the terrible ending which Bioware forced on the players makes me wish I had never played the game to begin with. Perhaps it's silly to care so much but I played an enriched game which allowed the players to really learn to love characters who, at the end of my game, were dead, stranded, or abandoned. Thanks for nothing Bioware...… Expand
  20. Allthegoodones
    Apr 1, 2012
    8
    So I had been following all the hype around this game prior to its release and had bought into it all because, and I'm certain even the disappointed will agree, this was by far the most engaging video game ever made. Even ME 3 was an amazing experience, the whole quarian vs geth storyline and the conclusion of it was easily the most powerful sub plot in a game i've ever experienced. TheSo I had been following all the hype around this game prior to its release and had bought into it all because, and I'm certain even the disappointed will agree, this was by far the most engaging video game ever made. Even ME 3 was an amazing experience, the whole quarian vs geth storyline and the conclusion of it was easily the most powerful sub plot in a game i've ever experienced. The ending though... what a grumble inducing affair it was! It was clearly rushed... even if this had been a single game that ending would not have sufficed. Bur for a trilogy, its down right criminal to end with a five minute cut scene. There had to have been a fully playable epilogue chapter. Shepard's death in itself wasn't the disappointment it was more the callousness with which this legend we had been building for years was abandoned is what broke all the hearts. Shepard dying is a fitting option for sure, adding invaluably to the replayability of the whole series. But bioware seriously needed to take a leaf from the RDR book wherein the protag dies in the penultimate chapter allowing for closure for the ones left behind. Ofcourse for those players who managed to make the decision throughout the series to keep Shepard alive in the end would be awarded with shepard as the Protag of the final/epilogue chapter as well. Alas, Bioware has dropped the ball on that opportunity and even if they come out with a DLC fixing this problem it will not hold the same value or meaning.
    Having said that, the game itself is remarkable and kudos to Bioware for undertaking this mystifying journey and bringing us along for the ride. In all honesty the plotline of the ME series has never been as strong as the subplots and relationships and feeling of camaraderie that the game was able to bring to players and as far as those attributes are concerned, let me just say that even though i sided with the geth initially, the very next day, after a sleepless night haunted by visions of Tali's heartbreaking death, i simply had to go back and kill the geth of instead. And its not just Tali... Garruss, and Liara... Mordin and Wrex... Ashley and Miranda and joker and Kelly and even EDI... these were more than just team mates, they were real friends who my shepard cared about and who cared about him. No one has ever been able to do that before, it is a feeling exclusive to the ME series and a feeling that i will crave to feel again until someone take the ME formula and improves on it to deliver a the masterpiece this game was until they botched up the climax. All in all, it was one hell of an experience and it would have been all that much better had Bioware given the time and effort to the ending that this game deserved. Even so i'm grateful for the effort they did put in. Now they need to work on a new ME series, one set in the aftermath of this one. They need to do it soon and they need to do it right.    … Expand
  21. BizzleTheDon
    Mar 12, 2012
    8
    Honestly, Bioware cut corners on this game, and what could have been a hit with both critics (who are clearly paid for by major developers) AND fans, turned into a minor black eye on what is otherwise an excellent trilogy. This IS a good game, but it is flawed when it didn't have to be. A few more months and Bioware could've spent the time developing three alternate endings, as opposedHonestly, Bioware cut corners on this game, and what could have been a hit with both critics (who are clearly paid for by major developers) AND fans, turned into a minor black eye on what is otherwise an excellent trilogy. This IS a good game, but it is flawed when it didn't have to be. A few more months and Bioware could've spent the time developing three alternate endings, as opposed to copy and pasted versions of the same ending that completely eradicated any feeling of your decisions up to that point feeling like they mattered worth nothing. In addition to that, they also could have formulated answers for the clear plot holes in the game. (SPOILER ALERT!!: Who is the being on the Citadel who created the Reapers? What made them come to that decision? Why would the Normandy be in FTL Travel when clearly, they were orbiting Earth assisting the crew?) They also could have worked out to numerous kinks in the cover system, such as popping out of cover when you change weapons, or not returning to cover when popping out to fire.) Other issues include glitches that freeze your game or cause characters to disappear during talking scenes. I believe there was definitely a money grab mentality here. I point to a multiplayer that has very little depth in light of other XBL Shooters, but is a necessity to play if you want your galactic fleet to be at full strength. By forcing that on players, it assures that those who bought the game used will have to buy a pass to play the online Multi. Also, the entire "From Ashes" DLC could have been integrated into the game itself. In the end, there are many flaws with this game. However, none of them stop the game from being fantastic up until the ending. And if it helps: If you haven't played this game to the end? Take my advice: ONLY CHOOSE ONE ENDING AND DO NOT PLAY THE OTHERS. It will ruin it the experience.… Expand
  22. thezeppo1138
    Apr 19, 2012
    8
    Despite a few flaws, such as the codex not updating and and some graphical glitches, Mass Effect 3 is an awesome game. Very intense and highly emotional. I have even been playing the multiplayer a lot more than I thought. As for the ending, the the only thing that really bothered me about it was some continuity issues and such that made it feel lazily put together. That is a littleDespite a few flaws, such as the codex not updating and and some graphical glitches, Mass Effect 3 is an awesome game. Very intense and highly emotional. I have even been playing the multiplayer a lot more than I thought. As for the ending, the the only thing that really bothered me about it was some continuity issues and such that made it feel lazily put together. That is a little disappointing because the rest of the games writing is so on point and some of the best you will see in the genre. They are working on fixing it though. But overall a great experience and amazing conclusion to the trilogy. Highly recommended.… Expand
  23. nguthomas
    Mar 29, 2012
    8
    Don't get me wrong. The game is as good as its predecessor...except that the endings are awful and most of them are the same. Will Indoctrination DLC get a better ending or not? We're going to find out.
  24. sias
    Mar 25, 2012
    8
    A decent yet highly flawed finale to a great trilogy, that feels really quite dated. GOOD: Fantastic presentation and production values gives the game a fantastically epic feel at times (Palaven level in particular); Fun and varied combat that improves upon both ME1 and 2 by presenting the player with a greater diversity of enemies that require radically different techniques to beat;A decent yet highly flawed finale to a great trilogy, that feels really quite dated. GOOD: Fantastic presentation and production values gives the game a fantastically epic feel at times (Palaven level in particular); Fun and varied combat that improves upon both ME1 and 2 by presenting the player with a greater diversity of enemies that require radically different techniques to beat; Generally stunning graphics and crisp, clean textures; Most character interactions are superb with a mostly decent script; Around 90% of the story is brilliantly told and exciting to participate in; Voice acting is top-notch and fleshes out the characters well; Much improved powers progression over ME2 with a slight decrease in overall linearity; Weapon mods are a welcome return as are the armour upgrades from ME2; Seeing the conclusions of many of your choices in previous games play out is generally pretty well done; Multiplayer is very good and offers a wealth of customisation and character progression; Space Hamster, Auto-Fish feeder and Blasto! BAD: Journal is terribly designed and does not update when new items for a quest are found, so quest progression can be confusing; When opening quest log it does not default to top of screen so you have to scroll through all the quests you've completed whenever you open it which is irritating and totally unnecessary; Graphical pop-in during many different parts of the game creates an unfinished look in an other wise highly polished game; Characters vanish during cutscenes and necks twist in weird laughably bad directions to compensate for bad character placement during some cutscenes; Human faces look awful at times compared to other Alien races and detract somewhat from the emotion of many cutscenes; During cutscenes graphical bugs occur wherein pistols are holstered on back or are invisible where Bioware always expected players to apparently be using an assault rifle; Shepard has an awful script which is positively cringe worthy in most instances and again detracts from the quality of cutscenes; Story has many exhaustingly contrived instances, such as the sudden emergence of a weapon that can destroy all the Reapers highlighting some terrible writing in parts; The Ending is horridly put together and highlights Bioware's inability to conclude compelling stories (Space Jesus? Why? Deus Ex Machina anyone?); Many quest bugs which require reloading from previous saves to proceed; The one-button-for-every-action is at it's worse now that Bioware have introduced rolling to the combat - having the same button for running, going into cover, interacting with an item, rolling and reviving team mates reeks of bad game design and causes far too many frustrating moments (See Vanquish for how to do this correctly); In multiplayer there are many gameplay bugs such as falling through floor, enemies becoming invisible/invincible, not being able to forward roll and use heavy attack for minutes at a time and being stuck on the spot forcing you to quit out of the game; The galaxy map is now at its most redundant with sections cut off until you reach "that part of the game" meaning actual exploration in Mass Effect 3 is incredibly linear; Scanning for War assets is dull and requires almost no input from the player; Side-quests are incredibly shallow and mostly require you to scan a planet to find some lost religious texts for a species and then find the numbered NPC on a map of the citadel to complete it (bearing in mind the journal never updates, so you only know if a mission is complete if a new numbered NPC appears on the map); Other side-quest follow a sloppy pattern of coincidently bumping into old team mates from ME2 under increasingly dull and contrived circumstances; Zero customisation of your teammate armour; Weapon mods are uninteresting and are mostly just scopes and bigger clips; Character progression is still immensely shallow, especially for your teammates; All aspects of character progression are combat based and there are no class specific skills to give you an advantage in any moments out of combat so your class has zero identity outside a combat situation; No mini-games for hacking doors now, just stand and watch Shepard wave his omni-tool around for a good 20 seconds (fun?...no); Reaper awareness meter on galaxy map is badly implemented and just becomes a nuisance instead of creating a feeling of actual panic; War Assest acquisition is wholly artifical and is quite simply a bar to raise so you get more of a choice of the same badly written and horribly presented ending. Overall Mass Effect 3 is a fun game to play, but it's shallow, buggy, has some terrible scripting blunders and horrid design choices that really tarnish what could have been a superb game and a definite contender for my GOTY.… Expand
  25. Jbrizzy
    Mar 17, 2012
    8
    First off the Game is Amazing, when you play through the game you will love almost every aspect of it. BUT then you get to the last ten minutes, and everything is thrown into the trash. It really pains me to admit it because i love this trilogy so much, but Bioware couldid a hell of a lot better with the ending. Its like they worked so hard on the game that when they got to the ending theyFirst off the Game is Amazing, when you play through the game you will love almost every aspect of it. BUT then you get to the last ten minutes, and everything is thrown into the trash. It really pains me to admit it because i love this trilogy so much, but Bioware couldid a hell of a lot better with the ending. Its like they worked so hard on the game that when they got to the ending they just halfassed it, Otherwise if it werent for the ending this game woulda been the perfect 10/10 it shoulda been but fanboy or not i cant rate this game any higher. Like i said the game is Brilliant but once you beat it, you wont want to pick it up and play it again(atleast thats how I felt) And the collectors Edition just feels like a lie that i slightly regret purchasing, buts thats just me, otherwise all gripes aside, this game is EXCELLENT. So idl where the future of the franchise is going, but if they can have a HALO4, im pretty sure there will be a ME4 in the future.… Expand
  26. Fatspud
    Mar 22, 2012
    8
    All im going to talk about is the really pointless and aggravating multiplayer, because everything else possible has been said. why force me to play the multiplayer to get the best ending? in the end it seemed to make no difference, but still, the reason i play single player games is because i dislike other people, because they tend to be idiots. the multiplayer is also repetitive to suchAll im going to talk about is the really pointless and aggravating multiplayer, because everything else possible has been said. why force me to play the multiplayer to get the best ending? in the end it seemed to make no difference, but still, the reason i play single player games is because i dislike other people, because they tend to be idiots. the multiplayer is also repetitive to such a painful extent it hurts- playing it was like a chore. But hey, turns out it makes no difference, so i'll never have to play it again. yay.… Expand
  27. Sasori261
    Mar 12, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game was absolutely great until the ending. It was a terrible ending to end an amazing series, but that doesn't mean the game deserves a bad rating. Although I agree about the day 1 DLC, they don't force you to buy it! I also disliked how none of my decisions made any difference in the end, sure the geth are now extinct, and if I had chosen to, so would the rachni, but it never really mattered for the ending. They only supplied more resources for building the Crucible. So anyone that complains that the game is crap, try and make a game that's better than it, and you'll probably be shot down, just like your trying to do to Bioware and Mass Effect 3. So the game is pretty good until the ending, so don't let all the negative reviews stop you from buying the game.… Expand
  28. bubblegumNtaffy
    Mar 9, 2012
    8
    It was a fully engaging game. I actually felt stressed out when Shepard would be stressed out. The only thing stopping me from giving this game a better rating was the untied strings at the end. The writing at the end also seemed a bit rushed. More thought and time could have provided a more concise and well thought ending. Instead you get an unsatisfying ending with barely anyIt was a fully engaging game. I actually felt stressed out when Shepard would be stressed out. The only thing stopping me from giving this game a better rating was the untied strings at the end. The writing at the end also seemed a bit rushed. More thought and time could have provided a more concise and well thought ending. Instead you get an unsatisfying ending with barely any explanation. Even the choices at the end are poorly thought out. The game had quite enjoyable combat, and I hated ME2's combat. This game was very similar to ME2 in that you have to find help throughout the whole game. However, the story feels like it progresses forward in this game, as opposed to ME2. Also i thought this "galaxy readiness" thing was going to be awesome. Thinking you'd be able to maneuver troops around and actually fight the reapers using strategy and having to sacrifice certain areas while keeping others alive.... but no. You have to download DLC and i refuse to so I don't even know what it does. This game had the potential to rock everything I loved about videogames but you could still feel a rushed element present. I really did like this game and its a good finish, kind of akin to the ending to Battlestar Galactica or Lost. It's a good buy and an indication that Bioware hasn't (entirely) sold out to EA...yet.… Expand
  29. TheVindelator
    Mar 14, 2012
    8
    Overall, I'm pretty happy with Mass Effect 3. The story isn't as deep as the other installments but there's still some really great dramatic moments. Multiplayer is also pretty fun but a secondary part of the game.
  30. BlazinBlaise
    Mar 15, 2012
    8
    I have been a fan of the series from the start, and running through the previous two games at least three times in for all of the achievements really allowed me to develope a relationship with many of the characters throughout the series. It is for this reason that I am fully able to appreciate the third game in the series. Many reviewers are correct when they say that this game is tooI have been a fan of the series from the start, and running through the previous two games at least three times in for all of the achievements really allowed me to develope a relationship with many of the characters throughout the series. It is for this reason that I am fully able to appreciate the third game in the series. Many reviewers are correct when they say that this game is too busy tying up loose ends instead of introducing its own. This is due to the fact that this is meant to be the last game in the series, and does not seem to be a game that you can play without experiencing the other two. there's just too much backstory and lore to do that. I admire the third-person shooting in the game, as well as the introduction to customizable weapons. There are a few hiccups while trying to get on and move from cover to cover, but the small mistakes are easily overlooked due to the impressive story-telling, amazing environments, and even the ever-present background music. I found myself smiling at jokes among the characters, and feeling somewhat depressed when things didn't turn out the way that I wanted them too. In order to fully experience the game, the first two games are essential, but the final chapter to the trilogy is definitely worth the time and money.… 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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