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. SupR_G
    Mar 14, 2012
    4
    This game starts out well but finishes terribly. I didn't think it was possible for a story to have such powerful momentum and crash miserably into a wall. Aside from that, the game has some serious bug issues. I played ME2 on day 1 and never encountered anything quite as awful as the bugs in this game. On top of that, the side missions are a joke and I think are there just to distract youThis game starts out well but finishes terribly. I didn't think it was possible for a story to have such powerful momentum and crash miserably into a wall. Aside from that, the game has some serious bug issues. I played ME2 on day 1 and never encountered anything quite as awful as the bugs in this game. On top of that, the side missions are a joke and I think are there just to distract you for a few minutes at a time, essentially forcing you to stick to the main story. This wouldn't have been so terrible, if the main story didn't end so terribly and lose all credibility.… Expand
  2. timn17
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    (SPOILERS, MAJOR) Seriously, don't listen to all the whiners. Yes, they made some changes, and yes, it is not Mass Effect 1, but then again, why would you want it to be? Overall, it's an amazing game, and I think the main reason it has such a low user score, especially when compared to the critic score, is that all these cry babies just couldn't stand to see their shep get killed off(SPOILERS, MAJOR) Seriously, don't listen to all the whiners. Yes, they made some changes, and yes, it is not Mass Effect 1, but then again, why would you want it to be? Overall, it's an amazing game, and I think the main reason it has such a low user score, especially when compared to the critic score, is that all these cry babies just couldn't stand to see their shep get killed off (unless you get the "special ending.") It was always supposed to be a trilogy people, and I personally think the ending was amazing. Sacrificing yourself so that the universe can survive in peace? What's more heroic than that? The series was always gonna have a bittersweet ending and if you couldn't see it coming you are a failure. The only problem I have with this game is that it seems like many of your dialogue choices have been removed and turned into cut scenes, likely a result of their attempt to "streamline" the game for the mouth breathers who can't finish a game unless it holds their hand all the way through. and yes, some of the "emotional moments" were hamfisted, but some were extremely well done. Also, to everyone crying foul about how greedy ea and bioware have been with this game, I will concede that the day 1 dlc was obnoxious, and that I too could not figure out how to get my ems above 3500 without multiplayer. Pretty annoying, but at the same time, they had the balls to actually kill off their main character and, unless they plan on a ridiculous retcon, they killed their series (at least with shep as the main character.) If they were that greedy, don't you think we'd have gotten some stupidly unrealistic fairly tale ending that everyone seems to want? I know I didn't review the game, but I figure people reading here aren't looking for reviews, they are looking for complaints, and I wanted to tell you that most everyone is probably just sad about the ending and think that sad ending equals bad game, which it does not. 9 or maybe even 10 out of 10 for me.… Expand
  3. DrKillShot
    Mar 14, 2012
    4
    Just can't recommend the game right now with its current ending. It requires too much investment in the series to get a non-nonsensical ending that defies the series' basic mechanics. If the ending is fixed, then I would recommend the game in an instant, but at the moment it's just not worth the time
  4. GhostKnife72
    Mar 14, 2012
    7
    Overall a very solid game. I have been a fan/player since ME1 and ME2. Played through both at least 5 times. Already on new game + for ME3. Game play is good, not great, but just as good as ME2. Weapons, classes, squad-mates are good. Wish I could have a few more of the old favorites (I won't mention for people who didn't get to certain spots in the game yet). In effect, very closeOverall a very solid game. I have been a fan/player since ME1 and ME2. Played through both at least 5 times. Already on new game + for ME3. Game play is good, not great, but just as good as ME2. Weapons, classes, squad-mates are good. Wish I could have a few more of the old favorites (I won't mention for people who didn't get to certain spots in the game yet). In effect, very close visually to ME2 (bit better IMHO) and same goes for game play. Enemies are challenging and different. There are some surprising outcomes and you don't always get to be the "good guy (Paragon)" if you want to get the best outcome. I'm a little annoyed about the Effect Combat Readiness stuck at 50% without extra play (MP, some iOS game, etc.) I think I did almost everything and the best I could get was around 3800. I also bought the guide too (highly recommend or at least the online IGN or Wiki). Endings I've seen so far are a bit weak for the series. I thought they would put more into it. But I have a feeling this isn't the end of ME (or even Shepard perhaps). Maybe EA pushed BioWare to setup for a fourth in the series. Who knows. Definitely has re-playability, so I recommend a buy vs. rent. Also with a buy you get 2 day gold pass for MP (if you don't have an Xbox live account). First DLC is good too, but really should have been included in the main game.… Expand
  5. Firebreak
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    I normally don't write reviews but I feel this game had been greatly mistreated by the public. I thought the game and story were so good that going into the final mission I felt a little tense. I personally like the ending it was as Epic as the rest of the series, I mean sure it was not happy but I actually really loved that part of it. I really just don't think that people are givingI normally don't write reviews but I feel this game had been greatly mistreated by the public. I thought the game and story were so good that going into the final mission I felt a little tense. I personally like the ending it was as Epic as the rest of the series, I mean sure it was not happy but I actually really loved that part of it. I really just don't think that people are giving it a fair score and I would recommend it to everyone.… Expand
  6. Haon
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    First off, find this guy's review. orctowngrot ------ I don't have to write everything I would like, but he does a nice job at saying what I feel. Okay, I haven't reached the end, so I can't comment on that. But what I can say is that even if I didn't make it to the end, I could stop now and walk away smiling. Mass Effect 3 is a great GAME. It's not the best piece of literature outFirst off, find this guy's review. orctowngrot ------ I don't have to write everything I would like, but he does a nice job at saying what I feel. Okay, I haven't reached the end, so I can't comment on that. But what I can say is that even if I didn't make it to the end, I could stop now and walk away smiling. Mass Effect 3 is a great GAME. It's not the best piece of literature out there, it's not the perfect game by any means, and I'm fully expecting the ending to be a little lame. Because you know what? Compared to the meat of each of the first two, their endings weren't exactly spectacular. Mass Effect 3 in no way deserves a 0, or a 1, or even a 5. The gameplay is great, the emotion is great, the storytelling is great, the... You get the idea. If you liked the first two, play this game. If the ending winds up being off, who cares? You'll still have a great 50+ hours of fun before then. (Note: I actually wouldn't recommend this to someone who hasn't played the first two. There is a lot of backplot that wouldn't be nearly fullfilling [read: not at all] if you are coming in cold turkey.) 9 b/c I can't give is 9.5, and there are definite flaws and bugs. P.S. I don't know what people are on when they are saying their previous choices don't matter. Even if they "don't" matter, there is certainly a great illusion that they do. I'll take the awesome smoke and mirrors that you very much.… Expand
  7. Sharkey87
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SPOILER WARNING - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNING

    This is partly a review and partly a rant on what I see as fans strong-arming the creative process. First off what did I think of Mass Effect 3? Well considering I booked a week off work to play it and did nothing but play it for that week, that should tell you I bloody loved every minute of it, EVEN THE ENDING and I'll get onto why later. As an ending to a trilogy that I have been completely invested in since 2008 when I got to play the first game properly on my first Xbox 360 (I did play it on my mates console when if first came out, that is when he wasn't playing it and that wasn't much of the time!) I thought it was excellent. The story was backed up by superbly written and acted characters (although Jessica Chobot was a little distracting) and I got the feeling that everything I had done up to this point had an impact. An example; during my first playthrough of Mass Effect 2, I managed to accomplish the suicide mission without any of my team dieing. Seeing them again in Mass Effect 3 felt like seeing old friends and when they kicked the bucket, I genuinely felt emotion. All the main characters in the Mass Effect trilogy have a real character arc, especially those from Mass Effect 1. I wouldn't have thought during my first encounter with Urdnot Wrex that over the course of the trilogy he would be where he was by the third game. Thats the level of character depth Bioware have achieved, whilst excellent story and characters are a staple of Bioware games the culmination of the Mass Effect trilogy is the apex of their long history of creating virtual worlds. Gameplay and grapics wise its on par with Mass Effect 2, which is no bad thing as that game played well also. Now on to the rant about the community feedback regarding the ending, all I can say to all the internet trolls and 'dissapointed' fans out there is grow up!! Look we are all entitled to our opinion, but to say you hated a game because you hated the ending is immature. I'd hate to be a developer at Bioware, having achieved this incredible milestone in the medium of interactive storytelling and to have wake up to this unessecary vitriol over the ending of a game. My opinion on the ending; I honestly preferred it to a happy ever after everyone lives forgettable ending that we've seen time and again. Good Science Fiction creates fantastical worlds and concepts, great science fiction does these things but also challenges us to think. The ending of Mass Effect 3 in my playthrough had me thinking about the futility and insignifcance of our existence, the cyclical nature of history and other challenging concepts. Mass Effect 1 introduced us to this incredible vision of the future, Mass Effect 2 fleshed out that universe and Mass Effect 3 relates it to reality. Just because Mass Effect 3 doesn't end with the fist pumping bravado that characterizes a game like Call of Duty doesn't make it a bad game. I've heard of a campaign to force Bioware to change the ending of Mass Effect 3, entitled 'take back Mass Effect'. This attempt to strong arm the developer saddens me. It shows a community wholely ungrateful and immature to the point where they consider the intellectual property theirs. Mass Effect was Bioware's creation so what obligation do they have to satisfy a groups notions of what a 'good ending' is. With this response to the games ending, all I have to say is I can only see a bunch of children throwing the toys out of the pram. Right thats my two cents, now I'm going to play through all three games back to back. I'll close this article by saying thank you Bioware, thank you.    … Expand
  8. Xhala
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This franchise has been the most rewarding series of games that I have ever played, and this game was no different. The game is visually beautiful, brilliantly voice acted, has exciting combat and a stellar musical score that incorporates elements of the previous two games. I can't help but feel that all of the negative reviews posted here are nothing but a gross overreaction toThis franchise has been the most rewarding series of games that I have ever played, and this game was no different. The game is visually beautiful, brilliantly voice acted, has exciting combat and a stellar musical score that incorporates elements of the previous two games. I can't help but feel that all of the negative reviews posted here are nothing but a gross overreaction to dissatisfaction with the ending. How you feel about the very end of the game is up to you, but all of the people giving this game a review score of 0 or 1 either are simply venting their frustration with the final moments of the game. To do so is to ignore the previous 40+ hours of brilliance.… Expand
  9. belamoor
    Mar 14, 2012
    1
    It is the most beautifully crafted sci fi game i've ever played in my life, story/gameplay/graphics all came together in one unforgettable experience ... right until last 10 min.
  10. Kokkeli
    Mar 14, 2012
    7
    Like many of the people here, I've been a fan of the series since day one. I fell in love with the awesome storyline, the vast amount of decisions and the immense depth in the characters. When I heard that you can import your character to Mass Effect 2 and 3 I nearly climaxed.

    But about the third installment, I loved nearly the entirety of it. I don't find the "3 shots to a weak spot to    Like many of the people here, I've been a fan of the series since day one. I fell in love with the awesome storyline, the vast amount of decisions and the immense depth in the characters. When I heard that you can import your character to Mass Effect 2 and 3 I nearly climaxed.

    But about the third installment, I loved nearly the entirety of it. I don't find the "3 shots to a weak spot to kill a reaper" thingy at all distubing. The codex (read it, 0 voters?) said that there are different classes of reapers, and the one on Rannoch was obviously a lesser one. I don't get all this "dead squad members coming back to life" - hassle. In my first game (I was young and foolish) Wrex died, and remained dead in the third. Clearly some players experience bugs, corrupted savegames or just a deep hatred for everything EA that they have to complain about everything.

    The reason I give this game a 7, and not the 9 it would deserve is for the ending. Seriously, Bioware?
    I loved the feeling of the whole galaxy having one common enemy, and everything in me longed for the moment we blow the reapers sky high, only to learn that in the end the reapers weren't necessarily evil.
    Why, oh why Bioware did you have to confuse the player at the very last moments?

    The ending was a steaming pile of excrement. Not at all "a worthy conclusion to Shepard's tale" as some claim. A cheap Deus Ex ripoff, without any information on what happened to the crew you spent HOURS AND HOURS to get to know.

    Oh btw, the whole thing with the multiplayer required to get the perfect ending?? What went wrong with you, Bioware...    … Expand
  11. icebear8
    Mar 14, 2012
    0
    ME1 is alot better, got to the ending and my jaw just drop..... plus day one DLC should of been added in game, if your new to ME just play the 1st and 2nd game
  12. scorpolion
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    Let me speak from my heart,
    Thi is a beautifull game with a beautifull scenary, i like all parts of this game. This is the model of sci-fi grand opera
    Thanks, with respect.
  13. Khan
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    Mass Effect 3 takes the relationships and choices you've made through the series and wraps them up in an emotional and awesome experience. I wanted to hate this game, just like most of the people here, but it just did such a fantastic job of making me feel real emotions for the choices I made and the characters I've grown to love since the series birth. The story arcs within the game areMass Effect 3 takes the relationships and choices you've made through the series and wraps them up in an emotional and awesome experience. I wanted to hate this game, just like most of the people here, but it just did such a fantastic job of making me feel real emotions for the choices I made and the characters I've grown to love since the series birth. The story arcs within the game are fantastic on their own.

    As someone who hates the second game, I can say without hesitation that Mass Effect 3 makes a great close to the series, even if only for the emotional reunions and choices. If your a fan of the series, and have grown to care for its cast of characters at all, this game will invoke emotions that few others can.    … Expand
  14. raven191
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game right now is one of my favorite games behind Half-Life 2. Those two games are the only ones to ever evoke an emotional response from me. I'll admit it, manly tears were shed but it really takes a lot to get that kind of emotion out of me from a video game. There is a lot of grief over the ending, but it was actually my favorite part of the series because of the closure that it brought with it.

    The tear jerker for me was near the end you and Liara share that special moment where time stands still. That part made me bawl like a baby.    … Expand
  15. CorwinHavens
    Mar 14, 2012
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The fans deserved a real ending. We paid over $200 over the life of the series. We all invested time and money into what was a collective narrative that we all cared about. The only thing we wanted was a real conclusion. An epilogue. That's why we bought it. Endings matter. They help give meaning to all the choices made, or the choices we didn't make.

    More than that. I feel we all were lied to. In the build-up, we were promised a complex ending which was largely dependent on the choices we made. But that didn't happen. We got an A, B, or C selection. We were told the Citidel would be larger than before. Both lies. And now, Bioware is ignoring the complaints.

    Here's the ending I would have liked to see (I can't remember where this came from, so I cannot take credit for it):

    The ending that I wanted...the ending we all deserved. The ending should have been simple. The Crucible is just a monstrous laser beam that tears Reapers into little bits, and then we have Shepard wake up on the Normandy, Lord of the Rings style. And then the epilogue plays. To celebrate the victory, the biggest party in Galactic history is thrown on the Citadel. Everyone gets filthy drunk and dances the night away. EDI and Joker try to have sex, which ends with a shattered pelvis. Grunt does some hilarious stuff, Jack gets in a catfight with Miranda (jello optional), Garrus and Shepard go swimming in the giant lake, Wrex tries to join them and almost drowns (in a funny way) and finally catches that fish, someone pours a Gatorade bucket (Mass Effect equivalent) on Hackett's head, who flips out at first but ends up having fun, and other general hijinx ensue. And then afterwards there's a bunch of shots of the different species rebuilding their homeworlds. Shots of the Quarian and Geth getting along, the leftover Reaper corpses towed into space and blown into bits, red tape being cut, etc. Happy happy happy. And then there's a love interest ending. For example, Ashley and Shepard are shown with her family on Earth, maybe starting a new life together in the military. Or whoever the love interest was...just show them together.... And then, the final shot is of the Statue of Shepard that gets erected in the Citadel, and it fades to credits. And there are no child gods, I don't feel like I should have to explain why. I don't think this is too much to ask for, you know? An actual ending.....    … Expand
  16. vanash84
    Mar 14, 2012
    10
    Of all the games I have played, individual or continual, Mass Effect tops them all. And though know there is plenty of criticism with Mass Effect 3, I found none to speak of myself. Although the previous lead writer departed, the story (to me) remained in tact. It may have left most wondering in the end what happened. But I was content. BioWare gave me exactly what I wanted. An endOf all the games I have played, individual or continual, Mass Effect tops them all. And though know there is plenty of criticism with Mass Effect 3, I found none to speak of myself. Although the previous lead writer departed, the story (to me) remained in tact. It may have left most wondering in the end what happened. But I was content. BioWare gave me exactly what I wanted. An end to an amazing trilogy. I started 2 years after the release of Mass Effect [1]. But I continued my journey throughout. Laughed, fought, sat on the edge of my seat in wonder. Mass Effect 2, I saw my decisions (most of them, anyway) carry over. Felt like I was part of something big. Then, Mass Effect 3. The laughter and joy continued. As did the hurt, the worry. Even the sadness appeared. Can honestly say I have never cried during anything. Movies, TV. Nothing. The Mass Effect Trilogy became personal to me in the sense that these are all my decisions spanning 3 whole games. And to see it come to an end, felt good. I hope BioWare keeps the franchise as a whole going into the next-gen consoles. There's so much more that can be done.… Expand
  17. Chronus719
    Mar 13, 2012
    7
    Great until you reach the end. No real closure to the series, nor is there the emotional gravity that is present throughout the rest of them game. The game is absolutely incredible on every other front, but the ending breaks the experience for this one. Sad to say that what should (and could) have been the gem of the series turned into its downfall.
  18. TJ295
    Mar 13, 2012
    2
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H_A7SeawU4

    No, the ending is so not perfect at all. For those who say it is perfect, you are clearly biased and didn't even finish the game yet.
  19. Thuggster
    Mar 13, 2012
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Game was everything I had hoped... Until the end. No way would Shepard have accepted The Catalyst's beliefs, not when Shepard has experienced first hand organics and synthetics coexisting and working together. I was sad and disappointed at the end of this game. As a film ending it would be bitter sweet and might be acceptable. With a game I think companies DO have to pander more to the consumers, because we are far more invested in the characters than we would be in film or print, this is OUR commander Shepard and he/she deserved better!… Expand
  20. 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
  21. Nikola8
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    I was a fan of the first game, I fell in love with the second game, and was hoping not to be let down in the third game. Not only wasn't I let down, I found one of the most satisfactory concluding acts to a video game trilogy that I've ever seen. I have played through the first two games (full playthroughs) about a dozen times. I have read every bit of lore (all the books and all theI was a fan of the first game, I fell in love with the second game, and was hoping not to be let down in the third game. Not only wasn't I let down, I found one of the most satisfactory concluding acts to a video game trilogy that I've ever seen. I have played through the first two games (full playthroughs) about a dozen times. I have read every bit of lore (all the books and all the comic books). Bioware has said that, if you take a ME1/ME2 character import file, you are literally importing over a thousand choice variables into the game. Therefore, from the very beginning, you have a unique experience that is tailored to you. The graphics and gameplay are the best of the series. There is a little bit of choppy-ness in some of the cut scenes, but this is forgivable due to the excellent presentation otherwise. The game's story does seem to rely a lot on prior knowledge- Bioware has said that those who start playing ME3 without an import file will have those "prior knowledge" references removed, but I haven't completed a playthrough without an imported character, so I can't personally verify that. There is a lot of controversy with the ending. I will not have spoilers of what happens, but I will say that the ending is left wide open; the game instead ties up a lot of the game's loose ends throughout rather than right at the finale. I personally found the ending to be quite satisfactory- you basically take what you want from it, everything isn't happily spelled out for you. Overall, this game shines on so many levels. It took me about 30 hrs to finish a very completionist playthrough of the game. Therefore, whatever your feelings of the final 10 minutes are, they don't overshadow the other 29 hours and 50 minutes of undisputed brilliance. If you play this game with an open mind and take the time to engage yourself with the characters throughout, you will find that the ending is quite satisfactory. The ending doesn't lend closure, but there is plenty of time throughout the game to get that closure before the ending.… Expand
  22. salartarium
    Mar 13, 2012
    0
    Seriously disappointed in the end to an otherwise great series. Bought $5 and $10 dlc for all the games, and spent countless hours trying to get perfect play throughs on ME1 and ME2 only to find out that my reward was almost useless war assets. Was seriously disappointed how however you played you still got pretty much the same ending video that yet was promised that the story would branchSeriously disappointed in the end to an otherwise great series. Bought $5 and $10 dlc for all the games, and spent countless hours trying to get perfect play throughs on ME1 and ME2 only to find out that my reward was almost useless war assets. Was seriously disappointed how however you played you still got pretty much the same ending video that yet was promised that the story would branch into unexpected ways. Even more disappointed that to get the "perfect ending"( doesn't really make sense why they would say that their ending is the "perfect" one) one had to participate in multiplayer in a game that is supposed to be a story driven rpg. In summation Mass Effect 3 was not worth the $80 i spent and the 6 month delay.… Expand
  23. echoshard
    Mar 13, 2012
    2
    The last 15 minutes negates the previous +90 hours worth of gameplay. It's worse than a mediocre game, it invalidates all of the franchise. Proceed with caution.
  24. Havok1496
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    Mass Effect 3 is an amazing game if you were interested in the first or the second games or even if you have never played mass effect it is definitely worth buying this game. As for the people who say your choices don't matter they do, bioware has merely made the choices harder, and the consequences as well. Where as in the first two games deaths were minor, based on yours actionsMass Effect 3 is an amazing game if you were interested in the first or the second games or even if you have never played mass effect it is definitely worth buying this game. As for the people who say your choices don't matter they do, bioware has merely made the choices harder, and the consequences as well. Where as in the first two games deaths were minor, based on yours actions companions may die however, i feel that while it is at times shocking after you let it settle in it is something to be appreciated. As for those who say the graphics are terrible that is a lie, the game looks amazing probably better than most games that are out on the xbox360, the gameplay is solid i would say that the shooting mechanics have improved, and that from the occasional cover problem combat is very easy to get into but if you play the game on the harder difficulties such as insane the game is a challenge. For those who complain about the dlc or the ending judge the entire game not just one part, if you feel bioware has wronged you. Now some of you may disagree with my rating but i will say this there is no way mass effect 3 deserves anything less than a 8. In all i recommend mass effect 3 for anybody, it is a great game, the endings for some may be not what they expected but it is an amazing game full of incredible moments that should not be missed.… Expand
  25. Ticklefist
    Mar 13, 2012
    6
    Great and amazing game until the last 10 minutes. This isn't fan rage. It's simply a warning. You won't understand what everyone was complaining about until it's too late. The real tragedy is that Mass Effect 1 and 2 get caught in the blast wave and become worse games in the process.
  26. ArcticZombie
    Mar 13, 2012
    0
    I thought ME1 it was a brilliant start to a great new franchise with loads of potential. ME2 was watered down to the point where I barely wanted to play it. I hoped it was just the sophomore slump so I slogged my way through it. But ME3 I just cannot play. It runs rough around the edges and is really just an even more watered down version of the game I was hoping for overall. ThinkI thought ME1 it was a brilliant start to a great new franchise with loads of potential. ME2 was watered down to the point where I barely wanted to play it. I hoped it was just the sophomore slump so I slogged my way through it. But ME3 I just cannot play. It runs rough around the edges and is really just an even more watered down version of the game I was hoping for overall. Think back to ME1 everybody...now think about your experience with ME3. Ya, it's not good for ME3. IDK what else to say that hasn't been said, and I can't think of anyone I'd recommend this game to.… Expand
  27. Tyrannis1964
    Mar 13, 2012
    5
    I loved every mass effect game up to this one I enjoyed this ones gameplay and combat but the story writing and endings hurt. such a great series has ended in literal sadness for a series I really and truly loved.
  28. FineapplePucker
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    Do not listen to the people who gave this game a low score. They are bashing it because of 1. the Day one dlc, which is only ONE mission, a squadmate, and extra squad outfits; 2. Because they do not understand the ending; or 3. haven't played the game and are acting like they have because they just hate the series. This is easily a top contender for this years GOTY and it is only March.Do not listen to the people who gave this game a low score. They are bashing it because of 1. the Day one dlc, which is only ONE mission, a squadmate, and extra squad outfits; 2. Because they do not understand the ending; or 3. haven't played the game and are acting like they have because they just hate the series. This is easily a top contender for this years GOTY and it is only March. The game is excellent in every aspect. The gameplay, story, everything! The gameplay is so smooth and the multiplayer is a giant step in the right direction and will increase the replay value so much. The story is extremely well written and to all those who don't understand the ending, Look it up or something. The graphics have improved too. The game also goes back to more RPG-like roots which make it even better. ME2 was great, ME3 is excellent. The game does have a few glitches like character imports or cutscenes, but are easily overlooked and nowhere near as bad as certain RPGs that came out last year cough*cough*Sky cough*cough*rim cough*cough* The glitches are so minuscule that they won't even make me lower the game a score. This game is so close to perfection, it is ridiculous. If you are a fan of the series, this is a must buy, if not, now's the time to start. And to those who are just saying this game sucked because you, "have to pay for dlc, waaaah," or "I hate the ending" or "Mass effect sucks even though I haven't played it," Grow up. I do admit the dlc is a little dumb but it is only one mission. To those who didn't like the ending really need to look it up or something because the ending is absolute GENIUS just like the rest of the game. If you compare the Critics to the users, there is obviously many biased opinions in the user reviews.… Expand
  29. WinterShrinkage
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    As a fan of the series, this game has exceeded expectations for a final series. This space opera has finally come to the conclusion that I saw it deserved. Though there are some problems with the game, they are minor and shouldn't impede upon game play at all. From a reviewing standpoint, this game is near the pinnacle of success. Graphics - This game is gorgeous. The scale of the game,As a fan of the series, this game has exceeded expectations for a final series. This space opera has finally come to the conclusion that I saw it deserved. Though there are some problems with the game, they are minor and shouldn't impede upon game play at all. From a reviewing standpoint, this game is near the pinnacle of success. Graphics - This game is gorgeous. The scale of the game, the shading, the expansive backdrops of the environments; all of it is beautiful. The only problem I saw during my 30 or so hour first play through was that some of the lip syncing and looking close enough at some areas, the geometry seems to show. Gameplay - The third person shooter and the role playing have finally meet and had their love child. I will not understand some of my friends saying that the "rpgness" of the game is actually lacking when it has always been there. It is a role playing game in which you are immersed as the Commander Sheperd. The gunplay is still spot on. The unnecessary amount of weapons in the first one and the lack of weapons in the 2nd one have finally mixed into a rich amount of weapons that can change the way you play to your liking. Story - The prologue of the game, for me at least, seemed to drag on a bit longer than it should have. The game goes for around two hours before we are allowed to explore the expansive galaxy. The story picks up in Act 2 which is where the majority of game play is. Now the Mass Effect series has been able to have always an engaging Act 3 but this one truly is spectacular. It feels as if you are fighting a losing and desperate struggle between the Reapers and the rest of the galaxy. I shall say it here, I enjoyed this game thoroughly for all the cameos of characters and such from my paragon play through. Im hoping the Renegade playthrough plays completely differently because of my decisions from mass effect 2, mainly the ending...hint hint. This game delivers what was expected. From a game developing standpoint, it has very few glitches and problems and is very cleanly "cut." My only concern with this game is that it doesnt feel like a third game in the Mass Effect series. It feels like a sequel to the 2nd game. This would be fine because it feels as if it is a design that the developers had thought out. The max level in the first one was 60 if I recall correctly and the max level in the 2nd one was 30; if you import your character from Mass Effect 2, you can potentially start at level 30/60. This seems like reasonable progression but it feels as if the game could potentially have been a Mass Effect 2.5; withholding the story. My final verdict for this game is that as a solo effort it is very well done, but as a ending to a trilogy, it feels incomplete. Though what I say is contradictory, I can't see a better final game to the trilogy, I'm "bummed" it didn't end better for the series. I can't believe this series is over though. Must be nice... 8.75/10… Expand
  30. Glogglies
    Mar 13, 2012
    8
    It's a polarizing finale to what some gamers consider one of the best franchises in videogaming. For me, Mass Effect 3 was a fantastic journey, well told, nicely fleshed out, and incredibly beautiful (at times); but the main issue in this game comes with it's final scenes, and that's where the replayability of the game can really be weakened. This game has some gripping scenes, some willIt's a polarizing finale to what some gamers consider one of the best franchises in videogaming. For me, Mass Effect 3 was a fantastic journey, well told, nicely fleshed out, and incredibly beautiful (at times); but the main issue in this game comes with it's final scenes, and that's where the replayability of the game can really be weakened. This game has some gripping scenes, some will even have you in tears if you're one for sappy scenes. There are a number of moments that really heavily on your knowledge of previous games, in order to pull at your heart strings, but I think any gamer coming into this will appreciate the way a lot of the scenes are choreographed and written. Another noteworthy point is the voice acting, which is very well done (aside from the protagonist, unusually).
    Biowares signature morality and choice system returns here, but it feels really old and outdated. Heres the gist of it, pick the top choice you're being the nice guy, pick the bottom choice you're being the bad guy. There's little room to really give the player real choice, it all really boils down to if you want to be bad or good. I was impressed with the graphics here, but the CGI cutscenes seemed a notch down in graphical quality than the actual gameplay, which was incredibly distracting. And the character animations, face models, character pop ins etc will be immediately noticeable to anyone playing the game. It's pretty bad. But somehow, despite my gripes, I had a hell of a ride with this game. The final hours of the game are incredibly suspenseful, and there are moments where this game is down right brilliant. Steer clear of the multiplayer in this one, forgive the sometimes laughable animations, and try to hold of on beating the game for as long as possible. This one's not devoid of flaws, but any player who wants to call it a disaster is just kidding themselves.    … 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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