[CharmingCharlie]

I guess I still don't really get the complaints about the ending. Did people really want some super funny shiny happy ending instead?

No we wanted an ending that actually made some god damn sense, actually paid attention to the previous two games, didn't shit all over established lore set in the past two games and took into account the actual decisions we made in the 3 games Naturally I can understand how people can see those complaints and conclude we all wanted a fuzzy kissy kissy wonderful shiny happy ending Sorry if that seems a bit harsh but I get sick of this bullshit "happy" crap that people who like the ending trot out all the time.

As for whether the game is worth buying, at a push I would say yes at the right price. If you can pick it up for $20 you will get your money's worth out of it. There are some spectacular moments in it story wise but there are huge glaring faults with the game (which are generally ignored at the moment cos of the shit ending). The game was most definitely rushed out and they should've spent at least another year working on it.

[Complistic]

I'd wait for a price drop. The ending ruined the entire series for me.

[big_z]

well worth playing. the ending is fine unless youre a mouth breather expecting an animal house ending. the game doesnt deserve the hate it's getting, people are being idiots.

that said ive heard that post ending dlc was planned as the last dlc pack before release. it's what most likely got bumped up because of all the bitching. hopefully bioware sticks with what was originally planned for that content.

[Live Free or Die]

The game is good up until the ending. The ending is crap, none of your decisions you made in the previous games and me3 matter.

If you get the game now just play multiplayer until the extended ending comes out or just wait till summer for the extended ending dlc.

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Its an amazing adventure where so many things during the game were done right, even being one of my favourite games.
The ending is the worst ending ever just becuase all the things before were so good.

If you dont mind right now, knowing you have a horrible ending, to have a great time with the rest of the game, get it.

Amd I dont play the multiplayer because the ending has made me not want to touch anything mass effct for some months, and I have a huge backlog, but apart from that, the multiplayer is pretty fantastic.

well worth playing. the ending is fine unless youre a mouth breather expecting an animal house ending. the game doesnt deserve the hate it's getting, people are being idiots. that said ive heard that post ending dlc was planned as the last dlc pack before release. it's what most likely got bumped up because of all the bitching. hopefully bioware sticks with what was originally planned for that content.

So we can insult people now that dont have your same opinion? Right...

[RoboPlato]

It's quite possibly my favorite game ever so, yes, I'd say it's absolutely worth it. Even if you don't like the ending, there's still an amazing 35 hours before that.

[Kinyou]

No we wanted an ending that actually made some god damn sense, actually paid attention to the previous two games, didn't shit all over established lore set in the past two games and took into account the actual decisions we made in the 3 games Naturally I can understand how people can see those complaints and conclude we all wanted a fuzzy kissy kissy wonderful shiny happy ending Sorry if that seems a bit harsh but I get sick of this bullshit "happy" crap that people who like the ending trot out all the time.

Well I'm not just pulling that out of my ass. One of the demands of the inital petition was:

- A heroic ending which provides a better sense of accomplishment

source

And I personally think that that is a pretty stupid complaint.

[coopolon]

I guess I still don't really get the complaints about the ending. Did people really want some super funny shiny happy ending instead? I mean I get the complaints about logical flaws, or how the consequences of decisions are missing but would have some rachni queen showing up during the boss fight really changed anything?

Not at all. I would have loved a sad ending where everyone dies. Shit, I would have enjoyed an ending where Shepard fails and the Reapers wipe everyone out. But what we really wanted was an ending that was in keeping with the principles of the entire game series, provided some kind of conclusion, any kind of conclusion, and - most importantly - made some fucking sense. The current ending is just nonsense gobbelygook.

[GeoramA]

Yes, it's a very fun third-person shooter. The ending was stupid, but I wasn't into the story much anyway, so...

[masterkajo]

It's quite possibly my favorite game ever so, yes, I'd say it's absolutely worth it. Even if you don't like the ending, there's still an amazing 35 hours before that.

The problem I have with that though is as a huge fan of the series that is totally invested in the story, how can I play an awesome game trying to save a universe and all the characters knowing that at the end it all turns to shit? Well I actually don't know what happens yet but I am 99% positive I will feel like the vast majority. I own the CE of the game but haven't started playing it yet due to this. I will wait for the Extended Cut and maybe play it then, but I am not sure yet.

[danwarb]

Definitely. It's a great game. Easily the best in the series.

The ending is the short bit at the end, and as far as video game endings go it wasn't bad. The rest of the game is excellent.

[Impeccable]

If you like playing fantastic games, yes.

[Thunder Monkey]

Ummm... do you like playing Mass Effecty videogames?

Well then Mass Effect 3 is the most Mass Effecty game since Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 1.

[brandonh83]

well worth playing. the ending is fine unless youre a mouth breather expecting an animal house ending. the game doesnt deserve the hate it's getting, people are being idiots.

I'm usually the kind of person to disagree with "haters" and defend things and before I saw the ending, I figured it was just going to be another case of "the internet" hating/overreacting.

Nope.

[big_z]

So we can insult people now that dont have your same opinion? Right...

It's alright not to like the ending but a lot of people are being stupid about it. Just because it doesn't live up to the fan fic in your head doesn't mean you should boycott the game and burn down bioware.


People shouldn't be bitching like they are about the disc ending. They should have saved the bitching for the post ending dlc they originally wanted to sell you.

[Rebel Leader]

NO almost none of your decisions in the previous games affect the game (edit: except one-two excellent missions) the game is generally weaker with weaker writing and almost no sidequests. the ending will make you not being able to enjoy ME1-2 again. edit: if you enjoy Horde mode in Gears of War, buy ME3, it has the best horde mode in business.

---

The game was fantastic... but I would not buy it

[Chairman Yang]

ME3 is the worst game in the series, but it's still worth playing. It's not just the ending that brings it down; the dialogue and characterization are a big step down from ME2, and even worse than ME1's. The only interesting characters are ones that were made interesting because of ME2. The new ones, like James Vega or Chobot, are literally the dullest in the series.

Accept that ME3 is going to be a significant step down from ME2, and you'll get some enjoyment out of it.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

Personally, I would wait it out a little bit longer to see how much more the price will fall. That, and to see what exactly they're going to do about that Extended Cut for the ending. If you're still determined to buy it, just remember this; When you see an elevator of light at the very end of the game, just turn the game off right then and make up your own ending. I'm serious about this.

I'd say that but turn off when you have to go see TIM at his place, then just go to YT watch the cutscene of the fleet heading to earth and you're done.

Ummm... do you like playing Mass Effecty videogames? Well then Mass Effect 3 is the most Mass Effecty game since Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 1.

ME3 is the most GoW of the 3 and by far the least ME of them,
I don't even like 2 but at least it has some nice little stories in it, ME3 is simply shit blowing up.

[Crewnh]

It's alright not to like the ending but a lot of people are being stupid about it. Just because it doesn't live up to the fan fic in your head doesn't mean you should boycott the game and burn down bioware. People shouldn't be bitching like they are about the disc ending. They should have saved the bitching for the post ending dlc they originally wanted to sell you.

What the hell are you even saying

[coopolon]

well worth playing. the ending is fine unless youre a mouth breather expecting an animal house ending. the game doesnt deserve the hate it's getting, people are being idiots.

It's alright not to like the ending but a lot of people are being stupid about it. Just because it doesn't live up to the fan fic in your head doesn't mean you should boycott the game and burn down bioware. People shouldn't be bitching like they are about the disc ending. They should have saved the bitching for the post ending dlc they originally wanted to sell you.

Wow. I think there are actually a ton of well articulated intelligent criticisms of the ending out there that in no way fit the criteria of being mouth breathers, idiots, or asking for animal house endings. I think the majority of the points in the youtube video are good, as well as in the google doc that has been passed around although I find their authors tone objectionable sometimes.

[brandonh83]

Just because it doesn't live up to the fan fic in your head doesn't mean you should boycott the game and burn down bioware.

I can honestly say that I had no personal requests or ideas about how the ending should play out and that was one of the most appealing draws for me, personally, about this final installment. And I do generally agree that what most "fans" would come up with would be terrible. People simply wanted something satisfying, memorable. After waiting since 2007 for resolution and getting the "resolution" they got, I would say that the dislike is justified.

However, what's done is done. I agree that there was a lot of overreacting but nothing the fans can do or say will change anything and neither will whatever crap Bioware will tack on to the ending because the problems people have with the ending is the ending, the whole shebang; a combination of what is there plus what isn't there. Adding more isn't really going to help, there's a certain point in the game that they would have to start with and completely scrap it from there and add something totally different.

I agree that people were acting idiotic, but not everyone is a moron for disliking the ending.

[Rebel Leader]

Wow. I think there are actually a ton of well articulated intelligent criticisms of the ending out there that in no way fit the criteria of being mouth breathers, idiots, or asking for animal house endings. I think the majority of the points in the youtube video are good, as well as in the google doc that has been passed around.

I want a RDR style ending.
EDIT: Spoilered because it may have given out a spoiler of ME3 for those who played the game in the spoiler tag...

It made sense.

[big_z]

The only interesting characters are ones that were made interesting because of ME2. The new ones, like James Vega or Chobot, are literally the dullest in the series. Accept that ME3 is going to be a significant step down from ME2, and you'll get some enjoyment out of it.

Me3 is better than the second in a lot of ways, worse in some. The games have always had only a few good characters and a bunch of throw away. Chobot should have never been in the game and vega is a waste of a character slot. IMO vega should have been the dlc character as javek is one of the better characters in the series and there's a ton of information you won't learn without him. It's a must have dlc IMO.

[Rebel Leader]

Me3 is better than the second in a lot of ways, worse in some. The games have always had only a few good characters and a bunch of throw away. Chobot should have never been in the game and vega is a waste of a character slot. IMO vega should have been the dlc character as javek is one of the better characters in the series and there's a ton of information you won't learn without him. It's a must have dlc IMO.

Great information too

[Alrix]

The ending sucks but up until that point it's fantastic. I really really loved it.

[overburning]

Yes.

[danwarb]

If you want to know how the Mass Effect series ends, buy this game. If you don't like the ending or it doesn't appear to make sense that's fine, but there it is. I was baffled by the fuss over the ending after playing it myself.


Game's good.

[An-Det]

It's a fantastic game outside of the last 10 minutes, and has awesome Horde-style multiplayer on top of it. It might be worth waiting for the ending dlc or another $30 at this point, but the game is definitely worth it.

[Thunder Monkey]

ME3 is the most GoW of the 3 and by far the least ME of them, I don't even like 2 but at least it has some nice little stories in it, ME3 is simply shit blowing up.

If I expected competent storytelling I wouldn't buy a Bioware game. Or a Nintendo game. All I expect of either is to create situations in which your particular skillset can be used. Bioware fails worse because they try to weave cutscenes interrupting the game. Usually oddly shot, and paced with two dimensional characters, that aren't helped by limited facial geometry, and serious missteps in the use of body language.

The overarching plot of ME1 worked, ME2 not so much, and from what I've watched of ME3 a metric fuckton of good intentions and utter failure.

But I finally get to stab things with lightswords so I can put up with the bad.

[RoboPlato]

The problem I have with that though is as a huge fan of the series that is totally invested in the story, how can I play an awesome game trying to save a universe and all the characters knowing that at the end it all turns to shit? Well I actually don't know what happens yet but I am 99% positive I will feel like the vast majority. I own the CE of the game but haven't started playing it yet due to this. I will wait for the Extended Cut and maybe play it then, but I am not sure yet.

I actually like the ending. I thought what they were going for was really interesting and reminds me of some of my favorite endings from other series. The execution was poor, no denying that, but the whole journey was absolutely fantastic to getting there. I'm not someone who can have such a great experience ruined by the 10 minutes at the end.

[Khold]

I guess I just don't get as passionate about these things as other people. Ending was poor, oh well. Rest of the game was fun to play, once I was done I start up another game. I don't feel cheated or deceived at all.

[Grisby]

Yes. If you're that much of a fan the game is well worth playing. So many great crew moments.

[SmartBase]

No. It's like eating a decent 5 course meal in an upper class restaurant only to have someone serve you a pile of shit for dessert.

/Kojima analogy

[Crewnh]

People keep saying its only the last ten minutes that suck...no, every thing past the point of no return sucks. That is when it turns to shit though its not readily apparent. There are tiny moments here and there that shine but it is all shit and the last ten minutes are the shittiest of all.

Dont expect anything like the suicide mission or the sense of urgency of racing Saren to the conduit and citadel tower.

[LQX]

So very odd...you like something yet seem to be trying in every way to convince yourself you do or would not like that something.

[Jaffaboy]

The game is amazing, but unfortunately tainted by a dogshit ending. Buy it and enjoy it, but don't expect to be satisfied with the end. If you are though, don't look up anything about the ending and stay ignorant, please!

[Baconsammy]

Well worth it. Great game.

[Struct09]

Yes, fantastic game.

[Phat Michael]

Yes. Game is fantastic and the ending is fine, people just like to complain because its Bioware.

The combat system alone has received so many impressive upgrades and is totally worth it. Also, the multiplayer is great fun and really addictive.

There are so many memorable scenes in the game and the ending doesnt ruin anything. it may not be the best ending ever but it shouldnt deter you from playing an awesome game.

[Red Blaster]

No, one of the most cynically designed pieces of garbage I've ever played. The multiplayer is the only decent thing about the game.

[Nirolak]

As of post 141:

Yes: 52
Yes, but wait for new ending: 9
No: 14

Number of posts by person most offended by ending: 13

I would say that's fairly characteristic of the response the game got, at least among the demographic we can see via a forum.

[Heavy]

NO almost none of your decisions in the previous games affect the game (edit: except one-two excellent missions) the game is generally weaker with weaker writing and almost no sidequests. the ending will make you not being able to enjoy ME1-2 again. edit: if you enjoy Horde mode in Gears of War, buy ME3, it has the best horde mode in business.

It's a shame this post was the first reply of the thread.

And to answer the OP, yes it's definitely worth it.

[Derrick01]

It's a shame this post was the first reply of the thread. And to answer the OP, yes it's definitely worth it.

You know what they say here. First post is always right.

[Arjen]

First playtrough until the ending was amazing until the ending.
Multiplayer is really fun.
But because of the ending i have no desire to play trough another Mass Effect game anymore.
And i was on Eatchildren levels of a Mass Effect whore.

[Phat Michael]

As of post 141: Yes: 52 Yes, but wait for new ending: 9 No: 14 Number of posts by person most offended by ending: 13 I would say that's fairly characteristic of the response the game got, at least among the demographic we can see via a forum.

LOL. Also should include how many cupcakes were baked by angriest member.

[Y2Kev]

It's not a very good RPG, but it's a fun shooter even though the pacing feels very weird.

[Phat Michael]

No, one of the most cynically designed pieces of garbage I've ever played.

I think that's the review they put on the box!

How can a game be cynically designed?

[Escape Goat]

Rent it. It gets old after a few playthroughs and you start to REALLY notice how linear it is. Illusion of choice falls away pretty quick.

[Bisnic]

It's definitely worth it, but if i were you i'd play 90% of it, stop when you reach the final mission and wait + hope that the ending DLC will make things less terrible. At least you'll have the multiplayer to keep you busy until then, it's addictive and fun!

[inky]

Rent it if you must. It's not a terrible game overall, but it cuts a lot of corners on favor of stupid shit like Chobot, which to me is one of the most disgusting pieces of content ever devised for a videogame. Oh yes, the ending sucks balls in a fiction-destroying kinda way.