[tea_and_crumpets]

95% of the game is fantastic and they are going to fix the ending. Plus the ending may be the greatest ending ever, if you look at it from a different point of view (indoctrination theory!)

Defiantly buy it.

[BattleMonkey]

It's great, just the ending segment sucks. Wait for the release of the ending dlc stuff then play it.

[Massa]

GOTY so far.

[Red Blaster]

I think that's the review they put on the box! How can a game be cynically designed?

When its design is entirely focus-group driven

I've always maintained that the Mass Effects were bad games made extremely well; Mass Effect 3 was just a plain bad game however.

[Heavy]

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.

If possible, could you please add a few more terribles and disgustings and destroyings in there? Not quite at max hyperbolic level yet.

[Deadly Cyclone]

Aside from some here, I say ME3 is the best Mass Effect by far, aside from the ending. All the way up to the last 15-20 minutes of the game is fantastic.

Buy it.

[AB12]

It's alright if you can get it for cheap, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Like others have said, if you enjoy horde mode in Gears, the MP is a lot of fun.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

I think that's the review they put on the box! How can a game be cynically designed?

When the people making think their fans will eat any old shit and so stick them with day one DLC, not to mention grabbing photos off the web for a character who has been part of the games since the beginning and having the final image you show be a redraw of a landscape with the very same human figure used for a grand farther and little girl.

[rozay]

It's an average game with a coat of shiny AAA paint, and if you're invested in the series you probably won't like the conclusion. As others said, there's too much focus on the ending being terrible and the other flaws of the game get sidelined, the most important one being that the best character in the game (with a lot more dialogue than squadmates on the disc) was forcibly ripped out as DLC for $10. In addition, the writing is really lackluster and the whole game feels like Arrival in terms of dialogue and choices, the new characters are terribly developed (Kai Leng is actually the worst thing about this game) and you can really tell they didn't have enough time to follow through with a lot of ideas in the game.

I enjoyed the ride until the last 10 minutes, but I can't find any interest in a second play through despite replaying ME1 and ME2 4+ times each. Buy at $20-30 and you'll probably enjoy it, it's at least worth playing through for the good moments, but I'd wait for the ending DLC to come out first. There are plenty of good games to play in the meantime!

[Hasemo]

I liked it more than ME1/ME2 gameplay-wise and I think that you should buy it if you've played the previous parts. Hated the ending.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

It's an average game, and if you're invested in the series you probably won't like the conclusion. As others said, there's too much focus on the ending being terrible and the other flaws of the game get sidelined, the most important one being that the best character in the game (with a lot more dialogue than squadmates on the disc) was forcibly ripped out as DLC. In addition, the writing is really lackluster and the whole game feels like Arrival in terms of dialogue and choices...

I agree, with all your points, the game needs you to have investment in the series to like it, but objectively it's a slightly above average game worth playing for the few sections where the good writers got to do something interesting.

[inky]

If possible, could you please add a few more terribles and disgustings and destroyings in there? Not quite at max hyperbolic level yet.

Nah, I like it the way I wrote it. Sorry if you were offended by my post, nothing I can do about that.

[SoulClap]

GOTY so far.

Yup. Outside of the ending and the last half of the final mission the game was great. Much more enjoyable for me than ME2.

[fokkusu]

Buy it but let Marauder Shields win.

[Aesius]

Playing through it right now, probably 75% done, and it's just as good as ME1/ME2. I'm sure the ending will piss me off, but I'm just enjoying the ride for now. Side quests do suck quite a bit, and the level of interaction you had with your crew in the previous games is reduced, but the actual gameplay elements are much improved. Shooting/combat actually feels great now (although I'd say importing a level 30 Shepard from ME2 makes it a bit easy).

I got it for $30 from Amazon a few weeks ago and so far it's been worth every penny.

[Cheech]

It's awesome. Haters gonna hate.

[Lothars]

Yes, it's an awesome game and worth playing, Ignore the haters because they were going to hate the game either way.

I would say ME3 is the best of the trilogy even if the ending needs more closure.

[PairOfFilthySocks]

I was going to get ME3, so I decided to get the Lair Of The Shadow Broker DLC for ME2 in preparation. After finishing that, I changed my mind. Bioware, no doubt thanks to EA's slimy input, has decided that their games should focus on testosterone-fuelled 'badassery' with zero restraint or subtly in all aspects, from gameplay to story. The confrontation with the Shadow Broker was the stupidest thing I've played in videogames this year. If Bioware want to make games for 13 year old boys who are immature even for their age, then I really don't want anything to do with their games. Fuck 'em.

[Grisby]

GOTY so far.

Yep, for me as well.

Buy it but let Marauder Shields win.

He died for our sins, etc etc.

[rozay]

Ignore the haters because they were going to hate the game either way.

the OP should totally ignore opinions of ME3 by people who felt the same way as him about ME1 and ME2. Sound logic!

Yes there's an overwhelmingly anti-bioware stigma by some on this board, but there are plenty in this thread who weren't "haters" before finishing ME3.

I was going to get ME3, so I decided to get the Lair Of The Shadow Broker DLC for ME2 in preparation. After finishing that, I changed my mind. Bioware, no doubt thanks to EA's slimy input, has decided that their games should focus on testosterone-fuelled 'badassery' with zero restraint or subtly in all aspects, from gameplay to story. The confrontation with the Shadow Broker was the stupidest thing I've played in videogames this year. If Bioware want to make games for 13 year old boys who are immature even for their age, then I really don't want anything to do with their games. Fuck 'em.

would you be surprised if I told you that tons of mass effect fans find that entire DLC to be one of the best missions in the series in terms of story and gameplay?

[Robot Pants]

i'd say yes. sure the ending is so awful, but the rest of the game is amazing

[BigTnaples]

The game is amazing even if you hated the last 5 minutes of it.

But this is the GAF, so you will get a resounding whiny "No" from most.

[Phat Michael]

I was going to get ME3, so I decided to get the Lair Of The Shadow Broker DLC for ME2 in preparation. After finishing that, I changed my mind. Bioware, no doubt thanks to EA's slimy input, has decided that their games should focus on testosterone-fuelled 'badassery' with zero restraint or subtly in all aspects, from gameplay to story. The confrontation with the Shadow Broker was the stupidest thing I've played in videogames this year. If Bioware want to make games for 13 year old boys who are immature even for their age, then I really don't want anything to do with their games. Fuck 'em.

I thought Lair of the shadowbroker was the best DLC. Excellent mission and totally worth it.

I also thought Kasumi was great - that mission in the party was fantastic and really different compared to other missions in the story.

The more i replayed ME2, i really thought the characters in the game were really well developed. Kasumi, Thane and Jack were really great additions.

ME2 was a better game then ME3, but the combat additions in ME3 made the combat sequences flawless. The addition of biotic explosions and the cooldown timers being dependent on weapons as well as the weapon mods were really great additions.

[AppleMIX]

I enjoyed it.

[rozay]

I thought Lair of the shadowbroker was the best DLC. Excellent mission and totally worth it. I also thought Kasumi was great - that mission in the party was fantastic and really different compared to other missions in the story. The more i replayed ME2, i really thought the characters in the game were really well developed. Kasumi, Thane and Jack were really great additions. ME2 was a better game then ME3, but the combat additions in ME3 made the combat sequences flawless. The addition of biotic explosions and the cooldown timers being dependent on weapons as well as the weapon mods were really great additions.

ME2 may have sucked as an RPG but I enjoyed how it expanded the universe. Would be nice if we could mash the best parts of 1, 2, and 3 into an amazing game.

[FutureZombie]

Yes. It's a great game, and I've come to terms with the ending. If you read what the ending was, it's not that bad. It was just delivered poorly. Still, the game is fantastic, has some VERY tough choices, and raises some interesting questions about artificial intelligence. I loved it and I think it's on par with the other two games.

[Gamer @ Heart]

I hate the ending as much as the next guy, but I didnt let that blind me from the excellant game it was in most parts. So yes, its worth a playthrough if you have low expectations for the story.

[Baller, PhD]

I will say that as someone who was planning on playing both ME1 and ME2 this summer (own both, but never started) I've now decided to just skip the series altogether. If the whole point of the series is just ruined at the end then what's the point? These are clearly story-driven games, so if the story eventually falls apart then I'm just not interested.

It's the same situation as Lost. I watched that series religiously until the ending and was completely let down. If someone asked me today if it was worth watching, I'd respond with a resounding NO. The whole point of the series was to get you to this destination... and when the destination turns out to be fucking horrible, then what is the point? That's the vibe I get from Mass Effect.

[Rahxephon91]

I really don't care for ME that much. The main storyline is pretty bad in my opinion, with the side stuff being far better storywise. The problem here with three being that a lot of the story is about the main Reapper plot which I find to be pretty meh. The upside though is it has a lot of character moments, as a lot of the missions deals with an old character. Since some of these characters like Garuss and Wrex are awesome it kind of evens out.

Is ME3 worth buying? I don't see why not. The gameplay is solid. Really, the shooting is great and the game actually has good enemy variety. So it should be pretty fun to play. Though it's a shame that a lot of the side missions are basically Horde mode. Kind of feels cheap. It also sucks that really the safe place is only the Citadel and the levels feel somehow less explorable then even ME2. It is disappointing that really you will never explore some of the more interesting places, because you are on a linear trek during their Apocalypse. So really as far as levels go, Bioware never improved what they were doing in ME1. But whatever honestly. They look cool and you will have fun shooting.

As far as story is concerned, you will have some really cool moments with your new and old party members. While I think it sucks that characters don't have as much conversations like they did in past games, they still have some cool end of the trilogy moments. And I guess if you care about the story, maybe you will like them. Other then that the story is kind of dumb and has gone batshit for the most part, but I stopped caring about it midway through ME1.

People complain about the ending. It sucks, but most games have bad endings. It really did not ruin the ME series for me. It was just bad, but I mean you still had the good moments leading up to the end, which are worth far more. So yeah ME3 is worth playing.

[BeEatNU]

I loved 99.5% of ME3
Still one of the best games I've enjoyed in a loooong time. Despite the ending aspect, MP and overall experience was good. I Say go for it.

[Shahadan]

I disliked ME3 long before I got to the ending. If you just care about combat, yes it is a good game.
If you want good story, writing, characters, level design, then it is not.

Almost everything was UGHHH worthy. Except the mission on Tuchanka.

Btw OP, my absolute favorite is ME2. Meaning ME3 is all the contrary.

[Clint Beastwood]

You people really think that "Extended Cut" is going to fix the ending? "Were it so easy..."

Arbiter quote?

But this guy nailed it. The game is shit, the ending is worse. The extended cut isn't going to change anything and this game is not worth playing.

First playthrough you think it's good because of all the set pieces, but once you look back at everything you realize you take away three or four good set pieces and the game is one of the most underdeveloped, rushed games that has piss poor writing that contradicts the entire universe.

It also treats you like you're an idiot. You get to this mission on Tuchanka and you come across a "Ravager" which is a Reaper modified Rachni. THEY LOOK NOTHING ALIKE. Yet however when you come up to it Shepard & Co. are like "hey what is this, oh its a Rachni. But wait, I helped the Rachni queen why would she do this?"

Then when you actually meet the Rachni Queen, Shepard is all "wtf bro I saved you and now you're helping the Reapers?"

Completely treating you like a fucking idiot considering that happens towards the middle of the game, after you've come into contact with Marauders, Turian-modified Reapers and Brutes, which are a combination of Krogan and Turian. You already know Reapers genetically modify captured races into weapons.

[MechaX]

It's awesome. Haters gonna hate.

Man, posters still like to do this shit instead of actually adding to the discussion?

[pmj]

The improved combat and a few of the main missions makes it worth it, despite much of the rest of the game being bad.

But if you've waited this long, you might just as well wait for more price drops and ending DLC.

[DUFFMCWALIN]

I got it for 30. Worth it then since I have to see the series all the way through, no matter how bad it is.

[MillionVolts]

Hell yeah. To miss out on all the hours of fun you'll have with it because of what some people on the internet say about the ending would just be sad, especially if you liked the first two. But I guess you could wait until the extended cut comes out if you're that worried by it.

[Crewnh]

Man, posters still like to do this shit instead of actually adding to the discussion?

Spoiler thread posts arent any better. Its easier to put blinders on than actually discuss.

[PairOfFilthySocks]

would you be surprised if I told you that tons of mass effect fans find that entire DLC to be one of the best missions in the series in terms of story and gameplay?

No. No I would not. I avoid the Bioware forums for a reason.

The 'romance' dialogue made me want to shove the TV remote up my ass, just so I could find myself in a less cringe-inducing sensual situation. Judging by the ME3 demo, it seems they kept the pubescent writing intern on full-time.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

Man, posters still like to do this shit instead of actually adding to the discussion?

Anyone who uses 'Haters gonna hate' instantly goes down in my estimation.

There is a massive way of anti-critical thought (mostly when the out come is on the negative side), I have no idea when that all started.

[Monocle]

Yes, Mass Effect 3 is absolutely worth buying. It has some of the best gameplay and dialogue in the whole series, and plenty of the secondary plot threads are wrapped up in a satisfying manner, including the Krogan and the Genophage, the Quarians and the Geth, all the Cerberus business, and whatever drama each of your surviving ME2 crew members brought with them.

I didn't even understand why the endings were so bad until angry fans explained it to me on Youtube. And I'm still kind of OK with the blue/left ending.

To conclude: I bought ME3 for $30 when it was an Amazon Gold Box Special and I realize in retrospect that I would have been equally happy with the game if I'd paid full price. It's good, play it. EDI will make you laugh.

[fernoca]

Well, the whole point of buying games is to play them; so yeah there's some point into buying Mass Effect 3. :p

If you liked ME2, you'll like ME3. Ending "problems" aside is still a damn great game. So buy it, form your own opinion and have fun. If it disappoints you anyway, well that's also part of the fun of it and at least you gave it a try instead of not playing it and basing your opinion...on others' opinion.

If you're a fan of the lore and world as you said then give it a chance. If you're afraid of losing your money or not getting your money's worth..well, rent it first or buy it used or wait for a sale. The game has been at $30 already.

[MrMephistoX]

Absolutely provided you buy the From Ashes DLC or the collectors edition: it adds more context and ties into ME1 so nicely that I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the first game as much without it. The only thing that bothered me about the game (ending notwithstanding) was Ashley: I miss the Xenophobia!

[Monocle]

Absolutely provided you buy the From Ashes DLC or the collectors edition: it adds more context and ties into ME1 so nicely that I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the first game as much without it. The only thing that bothered me about the game (ending notwithstanding) was Ashley: I miss the Xenophobia!

Well bugger. I just beat the entire game without that DLC. Is it worth buying before I start my second run?

[MrMephistoX]

Well bugger. I just beat the entire game without that DLC. Is it worth buying before I start my second run?

I'd say so depending on how into the lore you are. The mission itself is pretty neat story wise but the color commentary and dialogue the Prothean adds between missions really makes it.

[K.Sabot]

The game itself was a snorefest of chest high wall shooting segments, there were noticeably less choices and dialogue in this than in the previous 2, and the writing itself is terrible and kitschy.

If you really want some closure, go ahead, but you won't find any.

[Monocle]

I'd say so depending on how into the lore you are. The mission itself is pretty neat story wise but the color commentary and dialogue the Prothean adds between missions really makes it.

Yeah, that sounds like something I'd rather not have missed. I'll spring for it. Thanks.

The game itself was a snorefest of chest high wall shooting segments, there were noticeably less choices and dialogue in this than in the previous 2, and the writing itself is terrible and kitschy. If you really want some closure, go ahead, but you won't find any.

How often did you talk to your squadmates around the ship? I did a full run through the Normandy after every mission, and I can tell you that a lot of your space pals' dialogue is gold.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

The game itself was a snorefest of chest high wall shooting segments, there were noticeably less choices and dialogue in this than in the previous 2, and the writing itself is terrible and kitschy. If you really want some closure, go ahead, but you won't find any.

I remember after the intro to the Asari level I had to pause the game and question myself if I could be bothered to continue, having the invasion at the begging of the game left the writers little room to do anything but warzones and I got fucking sick of them all.

[Zyzyxxz]

If you like the storyline of the series you owe it to yourself to finish it. The ending may be shitty but at least the journey to complete it is satisfactory.

[clashfan]

You can get it for discount now. Buy it. Read reviews from people you respect because those came out before all this internet uproar. You will get a more subjective view of the game. Most think it's a good game. Is it great? Probably not but don't let the internet hive mind ruin your own enjoyment...

[MrMephistoX]

Yeah, that sounds like something I'd rather not have missed. I'll spring for it. Thanks. How often did you talk to your squadmates around the ship? I did a full run through the Normandy after every mission, and I can tell you that a lot of your space pals' dialogue is gold.

No problem and you are right on the money with the in between mission dialogue. With the exception of Ashley I thought it was easily on par to better than ME1 in some cases whereas the dialogue in ME2 seemed too canned and context sensitive: Jacob had nothing new to say after his loyalty mission for example, same thing with Garus and a few others.