Support NeoGAF

[heringer]

So, I have the PC version for a while (no DLC) and I will probably play this soon. I have a few questions before I start, though:

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

2 - At which point in the game I absolutely need to have them installed? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I can start the vanilla game now while I wait a little longer for an eventual price drop on the DLCs.

3 - Are there any mods I should be aware? I've heard there are some good texture mods, any recommendation?

4 - Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

 

[Dennis]

4 - I kind of hate male Shep (how can you not hate him?). Should I go fem shep?

This is my least favorite comment on NeoGAF.

 

[Real Hero]

you are going to want to get the citadel dlc, even if it's 'side stuff' I suppose

 

[Sheriff_Battlesnake]

FemShep is by and large considered the real protagonist. Infinitely better voice acting.

 

[birthday-suit]

This is my least favorite comment on NeoGAF.

You already said what you hate...but you feel the need to ask other peoples opinion.

 

[Courage]

Get Leviathan. I don't think it matters when you play it, as long as it's before the end sequence.

 

[Nugg]

Go Fem Shep, it's the right call

 

[The Artisan]

This is my least favorite comment on NeoGAF.

you've seen it often before?

 

[heringer]

You already said what you hate...but you feel the need to ask other peoples opinion.

That was a bit of a tongue in cheek question.

I genuinely want to know if she's good in ME3, though.

 

[WrenchNinja]

Get Javik and Leviathan. Maybe Citadel too if you want fanservice.

Also make sure you bring Javik with you whenever the game forces you to take Liara with you.

 

[Sheriff_Battlesnake]

You already said what you hate...but you feel the need to ask other peoples opinion.

Maybe he's asking if FemShep is any better. Which yes. Yes she is.

also she's the voice of lots of Princess Peach iterations.

 

[Knurek]

So, I have the PC version for a while (no DLC) and I will probably play this soon. I have a few questions before I start, though:

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

Everything is worthwhile, yes, even Omega.
Citadel, Leviathan and From Ashes are essential though.

 

[Zakalwe]

FemShep is by and large considered the real protagonist. Infinitely better voice acting.

I couldn't disagree more.

She's not bad (until she tries to sound badass), But Meer suits the dialogue better IMO. He's cheesy as hell, but he actually sounds heroic.

 

[papercamm]

4 - I kind of hate male Shep (how can you not hate him?). Should I go fem shep?

He isn't great but if it bothers you then you should definitley go Femshep otherwise you'll be hearing a lot of his voice.

 

[A Dead Diehard]

1. From Ashes is useful to have right away. Leviathan makes excuses for the ending, Citadel's a fun romp. Omega's a waste of time.

2. You're cut off from playing the DLCs once you take the second-to-last mission, (

Spoiler

Cerberus HQ

.

 

[Random17]

I only see three DLCs as mandatory to the central storyline:

1. ME2 Arrival (after Collectors)
2. ME3 Ashes
3. ME3 Leviathan

Take the 4k texture mods with ME3 explorer (or research if you find a better alternative).

And male Shep is best Shep for Paragon.

 

[Ralemont]

Leviathan is the only DLC that by your criteria is essential (also obviously download the free Extended Cut ending), but the From Ashes DLC adds Javik who is one of the best characters in ME3. Leviathan deals heavily with the main story arc, so you definitely need it.

Fem Shep is great; if you aren't digging Sheploo then go for it.

 

[JeffG]

So, I have the PC version for a while (no DLC) and I will probably play this soon. I have a few questions before I start, though:

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

2 - At which point in the game I absolutely need to have them installed? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I can start the vanilla game now while I wait a little longer for an eventual price drop on the DLCs.

3 - Are there any mods I should be aware? I've heard there are some good texture mods, any recommendation?

4 - I kind of hate male Shep (how can you not hate him?). Should I go fem shep?

5 - Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

DLC - leviathan and citadel

MOD - Controller support

Fem Shep is great.

 

[Shift Breaker]

So, I have the PC version for a while (no DLC) and I will probably play this soon. I have a few questions before I start, though:

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

2 - At which point in the game I absolutely need to have them installed? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I can start the vanilla game now while I wait a little longer for an eventual price drop on the DLCs.

3 - Are there any mods I should be aware? I've heard there are some good texture mods, any recommendation?

4 - I kind of hate male Shep (how can you not hate him?). Should I go fem shep?

5 - Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

1) The extended cut and the multiplayer expansions (if you're into multiplayer) are necessary and free. From Ashes adds an extra character that really should have been in the game from the start and Leviathan adds a lot of history to the Reapers themselves. Omega is just a lot of shooting and adds nothing else, but Citadel, while irrelevant to the plot is easily the greatest part of the entire trilogy, so I'd recommend it.

2) From Ashes is recommended very early on, but the rest can come whenever.

3) Not sure, not a PC player.

4) Fem shep is very good, but ManShep is the best he's been in the trilogy. It's all up to preference.

 

[Omega]

get off the game once you reach Marauder Shields.

also those DLCs are never going to drop in price on PC.

 

[Slermy]

5 - Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

I'd personally ignore everything that happens until you've left the planet (

Spoiler

Earth

) you start on. I feel the game flows much better without the, admittedly "epic" start of the game, and resolves the "impending doom, but I'm going to take my time" awkwardness.

I'd also argue to stop playing at a certain point at the end (

Spoiler

when you walk into the beam of light

), but I haven't played the revamped ending, so maybe that's improved.

 

[Bessy67]

you've seen it often before?

Pretty sure it was a joke based on the "my favorite store on the citadel" bit.

I recommend leviathan, citadel and from ashes. Omega is decent and gives you some cool biotic powers, but it means nothing to the story.

 

[Alpha Phoenix]

FemShep was a lot more fun to play, IMHO. The voice acting is superb.

For the DLC, just make sure you download Citadel.

 

[Dad]

Citadel is the real ending of the game. Everything after is just a bad fever dream

 

[Mass Effect]

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

Well, if you care about the main story, then Leviathan is a must-have. It actually explains the motives of the Reapers far more than the ending does, as well as their origin.

I'd say Citadel is worth it as well if you care about your squadmates. I'd strongly recommend it.

5 - Anything else I should know?!

I know everyone bitches about the ending, but that's the least of the game's problems.

get off the game once you reach Marauder Shields.

also those DLCs are never going to drop in price on PC.

Sorry, Marauder Shields has been let go. He's been replaced with his cousin, Marauder Health.

Also, true.

 

[Tagyhag]

FemShep is by and large considered the real protagonist. Infinitely better voice acting.

I love femshep but real protag? She's not even acknowledged in all 3 covers you have to use the reverse cover in 3. She'll always be considered #2 due to marketing.

 

[Patryn]

So, I have the PC version for a while (no DLC) and I will probably play this soon. I have a few questions before I start, though:

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

From Ashes is absolutely critical. The squadmate it provides is great and is very important to the lore of the series. I wouldn't go without it.

EDIT: Forgot Leviathan. Also fairly crucial in exploring the history of the Reapers. Definitely pick it up.

Citadel is arguably the best Mass Effect DLC ever produced, and I'd consider it almost better than the game itself. I would highly, highly recommend it.

If you enjoy the combat, there's also Omega. It's pretty good, and has some fun combat scenarios, but if money is real concern or you only want to play one extra, go Citadel.

2 - At which point in the game I absolutely need to have them installed? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I can start the vanilla game now while I wait a little longer for an eventual price drop on the DLCs.

From what I understand, PC Mass Effect DLC (almost) never goes on sale. Expecting one is pretty futile.

In terms of installing, I'd have From Ashes right away. There's some extra dialogue if you wait for certain conditions

Spoiler

the Virmire survivor joining your party

, but you have to balance that against having access to the companion earlier in the game.

Leviathan is probably best played towards the end of the game.

Citadel is best played right before you do the final mission.

Omega can kind of go anywhere towards the back half of the game, honestly.

3 - Are there any mods I should be aware? I've heard there are some good texture mods, any recommendation?

Unsure, sorry.

4 - I kind of hate male Shep (how can you not hate him?). Should I go fem shep?

FemShep is always the correct answer.

5 - Anything else I should know?

It sounds like you're not importing? That's probably a mistake. A lot of value in ME3 is seeing how your choices and actions had some impact.

In addition, you cannot achieve the optimal solution for at least one scenario without importing (and that's assuming you did the right thing in the import).

I only see three DLCs as mandatory to the central storyline:

1. ME2 Arrival (after Collectors)
2. ME3 Ashes
3. ME3 Leviathan

Take the 4k texture mods with ME3 explorer (or research if you find a better alternative).

And male Shep is best Shep for Paragon.

You forgot Lair of the Shadow Broker, which is also very important to the story. If you haven't played it, Liara's situation in ME3 is a little confusing.

 

[bluesun.exe]

1.I would get leviathan and the extended cut if you only want dlc to patch up the main story. 2. I don't think the dlc gone down in price so keep that in mind. Leviathan opens up in the middle of the game the extended cut at the end.

 

[Ralemont]

Don't wait for DLC sales on Origin. You'll be waiting forever. Just bite the bullet and trust me, almost all ME3's DLC is worth the price.

 

[heringer]

I guess there isn't something close to a consensus on the essential DLC, then? Some people say Citadel, others Leviathan, others include From Ashes...

What about texture mod? Is there any I should be aware of?

 

[heringer]

It sounds like you're not importing? That's probably a mistake. A lot of value in ME3 is seeing how your choices and actions had some impact.

In addition, you cannot achieve the optimal solution for at least one scenario without importing (and that's assuming you did the right thing in the import).

It's not really a mistake, just impossible. I've played the first two on a 360 which I don't have anymore.

 

[Ralemont]

I guess there isn't something close to a consensus on the essential DLC, then? Some people say Citadel, others Leviathan, others include From Ashes...

By your criteria, Leviathan and Extended Cut are the only essential DLC.

The Citadel is basically a grand hilarious meta DLC that serves as a love letter to fans and a goodbye to all the characters. So in that sense it's "essential" as the closing page of the series, but it doesn't have anything to do with ME3's main arc or the ending.

Javik adds context to the Reaper war and the Protheans, so he serves the overall trilogy plot, but he's irrelevant to the ending and most of the critical path. He's good to have on one planet for added exposition, though.

Hope that clears it up.

 

[Omega]

I guess there isn't something close to a consensus on the essential DLC, then? Some people say Citadel, others Leviathan, others include From Ashes...

What about texture mod? Is there any I should be aware of?

Leviathan is their poor attempt to retcon their shit ending.

From Ashesis important because it's clearly part of the game, but they removed it for DLC/Collector Edition.

As for texture mods, kind of a chore to setup but http://forum.bioware.com/topic/272815-me3-mod-highres-textures-next-gen-illumination-3d-fix/

 

[Shift Breaker]

I guess there isn't something close to a consensus on the essential DLC, then? Some people say Citadel, others Leviathan, others include From Ashes...

It depends on preference, really. If you're just after plot essentials then Leviathan is a big part of the Reapers backstory in one decently sized expansion and From Ashes adds bits here and there to the main game itself, plus the character has his say in the DLC as well. Citadel adds nothing to the overall story, but is just really, really good. Fanservice galore.

 

[heringer]

My problem with Citadel is that it's been so long that I've played the first two games, and my memory is so bad that I fear most of the fan service and inside jokes will just go over my head.

I do remember killing Kaidan, though!

(is that his name?)

 

[Ralemont]

Just hold off on Citadel for now. If you finish the game and you really feel the need for more time with the characters, then you'll know you need Citadel.

 

[FrontalMonk]

It's not really a mistake, just impossible. I've played the first two on a 360 which I don't have anymore.

If you remember what you did in each game, I recommend going here and getting a save you can import.

 

[Zaheer]

At least have Citadel. It'd be good if you had a ME2 save file with Lair of the Shadow Broker completed, too.

 

[heringer]

If you remember what you did in each game, I recommend going here and getting a save you can import.

Hey, that's pretty cool! I think I remember some key stuff. Not much, but better than nothing. Thanks!

 

[heringer]

As for texture mods, kind of a chore to setup but http://forum.bioware.com/topic/272815-me3-mod-highres-textures-next-gen-illumination-3d-fix/

That looks pretty amazing, but according to the post the game takes 9 minutes to load with the mods installed? Yikes!

 

[Levito]

Get Citadel, trust me.

 

[EpicBox]

1 - Which are the essential DLC? Keep in mind I'm only interested in stuff that fixes the problems people had with the ending and the main story. If it's only side stuff with no relevance to the main arc, I'm probably not going to get it even if it's well done.

The Extended Cut. You seriously don't want to finish the game without this. The original ending is terrible and the stuff that got changed in this DLC serves as an admission of that.

The Leviathan DLC has some interesting stuff about the origins of the Reapers and the reason behind what they're doing.

Also get From Ashes, because that adds a new team member who contributes a lot to the story.

2 - At which point in the game I absolutely need to have them installed? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I can start the vanilla game now while I wait a little longer for an eventual price drop on the DLCs.

You can save them for later on. But you will need to play them before the Cerberus Base mission - and have the Extended Cut installed before that point as well.

3 - Are there any mods I should be aware? I've heard there are some good texture mods, any recommendation?

This thread has everything you need. It majorly improves the look of the game because the vanilla graphics are actually pretty bad.

4 - Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

Don't get too passionate about your war assets. Most of them make no difference aside from a score that will lock away certain options at the end if you don't get enough.

The game feels smaller if you don't import an ME2 save. Lots of characters will make appearances during missions if you bring them in. Thane has an especially awesome moment. And there's lots of payoff in the Citadel DLC for that.

 

[Cyber Caesar]

Multiplayer is better than average and well worth your time.

 

[mrjohill]

Definitely get the citadel dlc

 

[The Lamonster]

FemShep is by and large considered the real protagonist. Infinitely better voice acting.

.

 

[heringer]

Another question! Can I change class if I get a save with choices from ME1 and 2?

Also, is Javik more awesome than Garrus and Thane? Because if he isn't there isn't a slot for him in my team!

 

[Jarlaxle]

Citadel is absolutely required in my opinion. Keep a save before the end for it though. Just don't play it until you've finished everything else. IMO the citadel DLC felt like the perfect ending and was probably the most fun I had with any part in the whole trilogy. It was a great way to say goodbye to all the characters I loved.

 

[Ralemont]

Another question! Can I change class if I get a save with choices from ME1 and 2?

Also, is Javik more awesome than Garrus and Thane? Because if he isn't there isn't a slot for him in my team!

1. Yes you can change class with an import
2. Thane isn't playable in 3. But no, Garrus still > Javik.

But seriously this dude

is a huge badass.

 

[K' Dash]

There is Male Shep?!

 

[Iksenpets]

From Ashes and Leviathan are both kind of necessary for the lore aspects. Citadel isn't entirely necessary, but really adds to the sense of closure for the game. Omega isn't really necessary unless you really care about the Aria character and want to see her story wrapped up.

DLC will probably never go down in price, so you'd end up waiting a long time.

FemShep is generally considered preferable.

Another question! Can I change class if I get a save with choices from ME1 and 2?

Also, is Javik more awesome than Garrus and Thane? Because if he isn't there isn't a slot for him in my team!

Yeah, you can change class. And no, Javik isn't cooler than those guys, but Thane is not a party member in 3, only an NPC. And even if you never play Javik, you'll want him for the story elements he adds.