Mass Effect 3

[BreakABone]

The demo goes live on Valentine's Day, but you can gain early access to it right now.

Anyhow, its two parts, one is the opening/tutorial, and the second part is much further into the game to give you a feel for the combat.

Its an interesting approach.

Won't really spoil anything, but it seems to be Mass Effect. Which means the shooting works, but is nothing special, and biotics are a keen part of combat.

One cool feature that they have is they allow you to pick from 3 different playstyles. One that favors combat and makes dialog choices for you. One that focuses on the story, and makes combat easier for you, and one that combines the two for a more traditional ME experience.

So anyone else try it out?

[Jason1]

Is there a PC demo out? I am currently playing the original for the first time for PC, and I plan to play 2 after I finish 1. I cant imagine going back to the console version after playing them on PC.

[Ginkasa]

How do you gain early access...?

Not that it matters, I guess. I won't be playing the demo. I know I'm going to buy the game (pre-ordered!) and I don't want to spoil anything. I'm pretty excited though. I've been replaying ME1 and ME2 to gear up for it.

[Bond]

Not that it matters, I guess. I won't be playing the demo. I know I'm going to buy the game (pre-ordered!) and I don't want to spoil anything. I'm pretty excited though. I've been replaying ME1 and ME2 to gear up for it.
Same. If any game does not need a demo, it's Mass Effect 3.

[Fox 6]

I havent really paid any attention to ME3 on purpose. Tho I know Jessica Chobot (IGN) is in the game. I plaid the last DLC for ME2 tho, to gear myself up for ME3.

[BreakABone]

Same. If any game does not need a demo, it's Mass Effect 3.

I think every game needs a demo.

In addition, this demo will also give folks a chance to try out the online section of the game, which can be a make it or break it for some.

[Fox 6]

How do you gain early access...?

There is a mini-game / kinda lottery thing on Facebook that you can only do every 2 hours. You can win the demo code or The Normandy ship as an avatar item. It seems like its for the 360 only.

[Combine 017]

I want to play the demo just to see what they did with the gameplay. To see what they took out/ put in, and a little swan told me that weapon mods might be back, which I would like to see. Weapons in ME2 were a joke. They held no meaning, they simply just existed. No one talks about ME2 and says "oh man, this one gun I had set guys on fire and froze them". There was a sniper rifle in ME1 that I fitted with the best explosive mod, so I could only shoot it once before it over heated and had to cool down, but it was so powerful and awesome.

[BreakABone]

I want to play the demo just to see what they did with the gameplay. To see what they took out/ put in, and a little swan told me that weapon mods might be back, which I would like to see. Weapons in ME2 were a joke. They held no meaning, they simply just existed. No one talks about ME2 and says "oh man, this one gun I had set guys on fire and froze them". There was a sniper rifle in ME1 that I fitted with the best explosive mod, so I could only shoot it once before it over heated and had to cool down, but it was so powerful and awesome.

Could be diff based on class, but only thing I found in the demo was a mod for your pistol. A better scope or something like that.

[Combine 017]

Could be diff based on class, but only thing I found in the demo was a mod for your pistol. A better scope or something like that.

Well thats not nearly as elaborate. :( Thanks for crushing my hopes and dreams Earl!

[Fox 6]

No codes left.

[Fox 6]

Demo is up today.

[Combine 017]

Nabbed this exclusive end game photo, notice the Quarian helmet. Probably Tali's cause she sucks so much.

http://static.blogo.it/gamesblog/halo_reach_ending.jpg

[Combine 017]

Played the single player demo, was pretty fun and since I have a Kinect I got to try out yelling things at my TV. Now I just need to remember everyones attacks and everything will be all good. :p

And what happened to Admiral Hackett! If he got casually killed off im gonna be pissed.

[Bond]

Nabbed this exclusive end game photo, notice the Quarian helmet. Probably Tali's cause she sucks so much.

http://static.blogo.it/gamesblog/halo_reach_ending.jpg
I thought this was real for a minute.

You are mean.

[BreakABone]

Played the single player demo, was pretty fun and since I have a Kinect I got to try out yelling things at my TV. Now I just need to remember everyones attacks and everything will be all good. :p

And what happened to Admiral Hackett! If he got casually killed off im gonna be pissed.

Have you tried out multi/co-op yet?

[Combine 017]

Ya ive been playing it for the past hour or so. Its just a simple wave based mode but its fun, although some of the objectives that appear every 3 waves or so can be really annoying and unnecessarily hard.

[Jason1]

I just finished the original Mass Effect for PC. A great game absolutley, but what are all these people smoking when they say this is a 30 hour game? Took me 17 hours. Maybe it may push 30 hours if you complete every boring side quest. I did a few side quests, and still managed to be at level 40 by the end of the game. Maybe the PC version plays faster?

[Combine 017]

I just finished the original Mass Effect for PC. A great game absolutley, but what are all these people smoking when they say this is a 30 hour game? Took me 17 hours. Maybe it may push 30 hours if you complete every boring side quest. I did a few side quests, and still managed to be at level 40 by the end of the game. Maybe the PC version plays faster?

There are a few not boring side quests. Im pretty sure I spent more than 30 hours in the game, but thats because I did everything, otherwise no, the main story is not 30 hours long.

[Fox 6]

I Think I did absolutely everything and clocked 50 hours on one. I just started up a new ME2 and the profile I imported had 50 hours on it

[Vampyr]

Played the demo last night.

What a mistake, now I'm dying to have this game.

My ONLY complaint is that the A button does too much crap. It runs, it rolls, it takes cover, it activates things.

[Combine 017]

My ONLY complaint is that the A button does too much crap. It runs, it rolls, it takes cover, it activates things.

Says the guy with a Gears of War avatar in his signature...

[Vampyr]

Says the guy with a Gears of War avatar in his signature...

Well, in gears of war it runs and takes cover, and activates things. (doesn't roll). Also, you so very rarely ever need to activate things that that function doesn't count as much.

In ME have to interact with stuff constantly, which results into a lot of random rolling and taking cover, especially because the game will highlight something you can interact with when you look at it, but you have to look at it the "right" way in order for the option to activate to come up.

[Combine 017]

Well, in gears of war it runs and takes cover, and activates things. (doesn't roll).

"A" button is for roll in Gears too. Its the "X" button that is used for activating things though, so almost the same. :p

[Typhoid]

That's why I don't like computer games, too much left-mouse-button clicking. ;)
I want a mouse that has 14 buttons, each with an individual contextual purpose that hardly arises so I have to fumble from time to time to remember "What the hell was roll/cover/use/interact/buy/sell/swap/reload/shoot" because it's on a button that never gets used.

If only they can transfer the 40+ individual keys onto a controller so that one button is only reserved for one action! Maybe some type of...keyboard controller. :ohreilly:



Anyways, srsly, I gather this game has blown everyone away so far?
I should really speed up and finish ME2.

[Fox 6]

I am really digging everything so far. I was trying not to amp myself up for the game so I wouldn't have to endure the wait, but now I am really excited.

[Ginkasa]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S3Jg4NccKEk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Combine 017]

When watching that video I was expecting a light saber battle to ensue.

Ive been playing ME2 again to get another character file ready for import to ME3, and I keep wondering what kind of ship class the Normandy is. I think its smaller than a frigate, but it might still be classified as one.

[Fox 6]

I'm upgrading my alert level to fully pumped now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BqDe7w0eRsI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Dylflon]

Playing Skyrim is the only thing that has allowed me to ignore my outrageous Mass Effect 3 boner.

[Bond]

I'm upgrading my alert level to fully pumped now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BqDe7w0eRsI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Looks incredibly epic and the graphics appear to be improved over the demo.

"Working" from home on Tuesday is looking more and more appealing ...

[Vampyr]

Looks incredibly epic and the graphics appear to be improved over the demo.

"Working" from home on Tuesday is looking more and more appealing ...

If I had to guess, it's PC footage.

[Bond]

If I had to guess, it's PC footage.
That makes sense.

Did anyone play the PC demo? The graphics on the 360 demo looked worse than ME2, which was a cause for concern.

[Combine 017]

That makes sense.

Did anyone play the PC demo? The graphics on the 360 demo looked worse than ME2, which was a cause for concern.

Maybe they cut back on graphics to make the game bigger, and I would be fine with that.

[Ginkasa]

The demo had some assets cut to reduce the file size. I've played both PC and console and didn't really notice a difference, but I wasn't looking for one.

[Vampyr]

So I know I bitched a ton and said I wasn't going to buy this game because of the DLC issue, but I've been super impressed with how they care catering to female fans with a femshep CG trailer and an alternative femshep game cover you can switch to.

More companies need to do stuff like that, so I want to support it.

Buying a video game should not have so many moral dilemma's associated with it!

[Combine 017]

Apparently the very first part you play when youre on Earth is in Vancouver.
And I forgot Jessica Chobot was in this game so when I ran into her I was all like "oh my god, im so going to tap that."

[Dylflon]

Apparently the very first part you play when youre on Earth is in Vancouver.
And I forgot Jessica Chobot was in this game so when I ran into her I was all like "oh my god, im so going to tap that."

My pre-ordered copy is just fucking sitting at EB.

And I'm not off work for another hour an a half. This is like a situation where a fool gets between a bear and its cub. And work is the fool.

[Typhoid]

More companies need to do stuff like that, so I want to support it.

Buying a video game should not have so many moral dilemma's associated with it!

That's the problem I had with books. Too many things were too static. Same with movies, and older Genesis games. I wanted Annie Skywalker, and Earthworm Jane, damnit! Don't even get me started on Vectorwoman. My NHL 12/MLB 12 game would also be better if it included women's hockey, and softball. Equality across the board! Woo! :lol:


And I'm not off work for another hour an a half. This is like a situation where a fool gets between a bear and its cub. And work is the fool.

Have fun only playing the online with Taylor! Ha. Haha. Mwahahaha.
dangit.

[Vampyr]

That's the problem I had with books. Too many things were too static. Same with movies, and older Genesis games. I wanted Annie Skywalker, and Earthworm Jane, damnit! Don't even get me started on Vectorwoman. My NHL 12/MLB 12 game would also be better if it included women's hockey, and softball. Equality across the board! Woo! :lol:


I don't even know what point you're making, but I'm pretty sure it's stupid.

It has nothing to do with equality, it has to do with making games more open to women instead of being a boys only club.

[BreakABone]

I don't even know what point you're making, but I'm pretty sure it's stupid.

It has nothing to do with equality, it has to do with making games more open to women instead of being a boys only club.

Minorities and gays...

Video game is a very inclusion group right now, but yeah BioWare actually does go a long way in fixing that with stuff like this and Dragon Age, but some of the push back from the community is always baffling.

[Bond]

My pre-ordered copy is just fucking sitting at EB.

And I'm not off work for another hour an a half. This is like a situation where a fool gets between a bear and its cub. And work is the fool.
This was me just a few minutes ago.


Also, a big "fuck you" to the dude in front of me in line mocking the Xbox 360 version of ME3.

You looked at least 25, and you were buying ME3, with your mom. Bro.

[Vampyr]

This was me just a few minutes ago.


Also, a big "fuck you" to the dude in front of me in line mocking the Xbox 360 version of ME3.

You looked at least 25, and you were buying ME3, with your mom. Bro.

What version was he getting? o_O

[DarkMaster]

Any word on what version is bestest? Probably PC, but the asinine exclusive of controller support turns me off, plus I can't rent it for PC.

[Bond]

What version was he getting? o_O
Playstation 3, haha. I was thinking he might be an elitist PC gamer, but no, just a Sony fanboy.

[BreakABone]

Playstation 3, haha. I was thinking he might be an elitist PC gamer, but no, just a Sony fanboy.

So you hate him for mocking the 360 version.. but turn around and mock him?

[Bond]

So you hate him for mocking the 360 version.. but turn around and mock him?
My point was I didn't want to listen to his banter and he should just be happy to play a great game -- who cares what console one chooses.

Game is good so far an hour in ... apparently Adam has already beat the game, so watch out for his cruel and harsh spoilers.

[Combine 017]

Game is good so far an hour in ... apparently Adam has already beat the game, so watch out for his cruel and harsh spoilers.

Turns out the Reapers are the good guys trying to stop all the other races from depleting every resource in the galaxy before its too late.

[Vampyr]

So evidently character import is broken right now?

http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/03/07/mass-effect-3-face-importing-bug-fix-incoming-bioware-suggest-alternative-solution/

This is why I don't buy games at launch any more.

I mean, I can understand some bugs being in there, but how is a core feature like that messed up?

Maybe they should have spent that time between manufacturing and release play-testing instead of working on DLC? Then they could have had a patch ready to go at launch that fixed these kinds of issues for their most loyal customers, instead of finding ways to charge them an extra $10.

[Combine 017]

Ya, I had my guy since ME1 that I accidentally made look like Wesley Snipes from demolition man, and there was no way id be able to make him look like that again off memory, so I just decided to go with default Shepard.

Although I dont know if thats all thats wrong with importing characters, cause I beat ME2 about a week ago and started that character on ME3, and apparently Mordin died even though I have no recollection of him dying at all. He just decided to stop living between ME2 and ME3.

[Vampyr]

Ya, I had my guy since ME1 that I accidentally made look like Wesley Snipes from demolition man, and there was no way id be able to make him look like that again off memory, so I just decided to go with default Shepard.

Although I dont know if thats all thats wrong with importing characters, cause I beat ME2 about a week ago and started that character on ME3, and apparently Mordin died even though I have no recollection of him dying at all. He just decided to stop living between ME2 and ME3.

I've heard some rumors that there are problems with ME3 importing your choices, or just deciding to change them or ignore them, but I haven't seen confirmation anywhere yet.

[Typhoid]

I don't even know what point you're making, but I'm pretty sure it's stupid.

I guess if you want to take me seriously, sure. :lol:

I was mostly jokingly focusing on this:

"Buying a video game should not have so many moral dilemma's associated with it!"

To refer to the lack of female characters on a cover of a franchise's games a 'Moral Dilemma' just seems silly to me, so I decided to kill some time on it (while I wait for my tea to steep. Kinda like now.) It's just a cover. To say "More games need to do this", just seems like you should strike up equality on all media platforms. Why should gender-equality in the story, and on the cover stop at games. Take that bitch to movies, and books. "I want Indiana Jane, too. what about those females that want to watch Indiana Jones, but don't like how it's centred on a man." What about all those Women who would have easier connected with the book if Frodo was Frieda.

Just seems silly. :lol:

Was just joshin' anyhow.




Anyways, to you jerks who have it - how is it compared to the other ME games.

[Combine 017]

Anyways, to you jerks who have it - how is it compared to the other ME games.

Glorious.

[Typhoid]

Glorious.

How so.
You need to sell me on this game, Adam.
Your pitch will make or break if I purchase, and enjoy this masterful creation or not.

[Combine 017]

I liked Mass Effect 2, but mainly cause it was more Mass Effect, I didnt find the story of it all that great, but with Mass Effect 3 its really involving and making me feel emotions and stuffs. I begin to care about what im doing rather than play just to see what happens. Makes me think of how I could have handled something differently in previous games, but theres no turning back now. The gameplay is a lot more fluid, and you can actually buy weapons and armor mods at shops, instead of just finding them thrown around levels you can only visit once. There is also the weapon mod system which I think is great, it lets me customize my weapons to suit my style of play and makes them feel more unique, rather than "heres this new gun, i guess I should use it.". Its not an extensive system, but enough to give shooting guys more personality. Powers and biotic abilities can be used in combos now, such as using singularity, then using warp to make it destabilize and explode, or freezing a guy then hitting them with concussive shot that makes them shatter and freeze anything nearby. And getting a headshot with a sniper rifle has never felt so rewarding. Honestly, while playing this, im putting a lot of "me" into the actions I make, which leads to a more satisfying result to me personally, or if I made a bad choice ill feel guilty or uneasy about what I just did, but that it was probably the right choice to do.
And most importantly, out of all the cities anywhere on the planet, they chose our home city to be the setting for the start of the game.
Theres my pitch i guess, now go, go and reap what you deserve!

[Bond]

Is it just me or did the Illusive Man grow a few feet? He looks eight feet tall.

[DarkMaster]

I started playing and imported my ME2 file and forgot that a few peeps died in the last battle, but can't remember who. I wish I had the option to just revive them, I don't want to miss out on anything. Maybe I should start a fresh character instead.

[Vampyr]

So Bioware's number one excuse for the day one DLC was that they created it after development was done.

Turns out this was most likely a lie:

http://crystalprisonzone.blogspot.com/2012/03/bioware-day-one-dlc-developed.html

[Combine 017]

I started playing and imported my ME2 file and forgot that a few peeps died in the last battle, but can't remember who. I wish I had the option to just revive them, I don't want to miss out on anything. Maybe I should start a fresh character instead.

Fresh character doesnt mean everyone will still be alive. Im pretty sure Wrex would be dead if you started a new one, and hes the most important. Also, if you go to the crew deck in the Normandy, right in front of you when you get off the elevator will be a plaque with the names of everyone who died. A lot of mine are random names cause I didnt save the crew in ME2.

So Bioware's number one excuse for the day one DLC was that they created it after development was done.

Turns out this was most likely a lie:

http://crystalprisonzone.blogspot.co...developed.html

Id really like to believe that EA is the one behind this, its seems like something they would do, but Bioware just needs to nut up and admit they fucked up.

[BreakABone]

Seems the facial importer has issues if you're importing a character from ME 1
If its from ME 2 or you tweaked it a bit in ME 2 should be fine

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/9661093

[Fox 6]

Finally got around to playing this. Its pretty epic, but I feel that I am watching a lot more cut scenes where I just watch and not choose any dialogue.

[Vampyr]

Finally got around to playing this. Its pretty epic, but I feel that I am watching a lot more cut scenes where I just watch and not choose any dialogue.

People were originally speculating that choices were limited in just the demo, but it sounds like the entire game is like that.

[Bond]

I thought the limitation to the dialogue trees would be bothersome at first, but I honestly haven't missed having quite so many options. I think the overall immersive gameplay overshadows the limited dialogue trees, and I'm honestly not sure if/how much the game would be better served with more options.

[Typhoid]

I don't like the idea of playing a Mass Effect game and not allowing me to make any choices to affect my mass.


Seriously though, the limited option thing sounds weak. :confused:
What drew me to the game was the ability to alter something nearly every 2nd/3rd line of speech.

I heard beforehand there are 3 (or so) ways to play the game, pertaining to cutscenes and stuff. Action, Story and RPG (or something) each of which changes the amount of work you as the game-player put into actually playing the game. I'm not sure if that's just their way of saying "easy, normal, difficult" for this game. I kind of assume so.

Anyways, I finally beat ME2 last night. So I guess I should experience the third one at some point soon.

[BreakABone]

I don't like the idea of playing a Mass Effect game and not allowing me to make any choices to affect my mass.


Seriously though, the limited option thing sounds weak. :confused:
What drew me to the game was the ability to alter something nearly every 2nd/3rd line of speech.

I heard beforehand there are 3 (or so) ways to play the game, pertaining to cutscenes and stuff. Action, Story and RPG (or something) each of which changes the amount of work you as the game-player put into actually playing the game. I'm not sure if that's just their way of saying "easy, normal, difficult" for this game. I kind of assume so.

Anyways, I finally beat ME2 last night. So I guess I should experience the third one at some point soon.
You can play the demo

But it is more or less
Action game
RPG
or Mass Effect

One doesn't allow you to make choices, focusing purely on combat. All the dialog is played out like cutscenes.
RPG is like easy mode, it makes combat a much easier task.
And there's a middle ground

[Typhoid]

Why the funk can't there just be a "You can make all the dialogue options, and combat is the toughest." Why does it have to be one, the other, or a bit of both.

[BreakABone]

Why the funk can't there just be a "You can make all the dialogue options, and combat is the toughest." Why does it have to be one, the other, or a bit of both.

I guess to appeal to another base

Though, and probably does deserve its own topic. The writer for some of BioWare's game, also offered up a suggestion about games allowing the player to skip game play if they wanted to focus solely on story.

Curious what folks here would think

[Angrist]

I'd love to play through the Final Fantasies if I didn't have to do all the repetitive battles. I just don't want to spend the time on that, but I'm interested in the story.

So yeah, I'd like the option.

[Combine 017]

You can play the demo

But it is more or less
Action game
RPG
or Mass Effect

One doesn't allow you to make choices, focusing purely on combat. All the dialog is played out like cutscenes.
RPG is like easy mode, it makes combat a much easier task.
And there's a middle ground

Other way around. RPG is the original style of play, where you have combat (can choose difficulty) and dialog choices.

Why the funk can't there just be a "You can make all the dialogue options, and combat is the toughest." Why does it have to be one, the other, or a bit of both.

There is.
RPG is the original style of play, where you have combat (can choose difficulty) and dialog choices.
So yes, you can choose every dialog option and play on insanity difficulty AT THE SAME TIME.
Why dont you find out what youre bitching about before bitching at it? :p

[Fox 6]

So much stuff to do on the citadel.... too much stuff...

[Professor S]

I'm so pissed my XBox is still broken. No, not pissed. Sad and jealous. Waiting for the PC version. Any ideas when that will come out?

[Typhoid]

So yes, you can choose every dialog option and play on insanity difficulty AT THE SAME TIME.
Why dont you find out what youre bitching about before bitching at it?


When I looked it up, it just said the 3 variants of game mode, and a brief summary. And the way Babsy made it seem like was you either had to sacrifice dialogue for combat, combat for dialogue, or can use a little bit of both. I wasn't aware the "little bit of both" included a "choose your combat difficulty" as well. :lol:

But it's not like I looked very hard. That would have defeated the purpose of conversation. :D

[DarkMaster]

PC version is out I believe, on EA's super crappy Origin service. Diarreha.

[Fox 6]

When I looked it up, it just said the 3 variants of game mode, and a brief summary. And the way Babsy made it seem like was you either had to sacrifice dialogue for combat, combat for dialogue, or can use a little bit of both. I wasn't aware the "little bit of both" included a "choose your combat difficulty" as well. :lol:

But it's not like I looked very hard. That would have defeated the purpose of conversation. :D

Choosing combat difficulty has been an option since ME1

[Vampyr]

PC version came out at the same time the console version did.

Also, it has been proven that the prothean squadmate is in the original game. You can unlock him on the PC version just by changing some variables.

I'm so happy I didn't support this shit.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zRRpGlmtws8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Typhoid]

Also, it has been proven that the prothean squadmate is in the original game. You can unlock him on the PC version just by changing some variables.

That's a pretty offensive cash grab, then.

[BreakABone]

PC version came out at the same time the console version did.

Also, it has been proven that the prothean squadmate is in the original game. You can unlock him on the PC version just by changing some variables.

I'm so happy I didn't support this shit.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zRRpGlmtws8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Well then I feel happier in my decision not to support them with this game.

What is maddening now is how much the gaming media is willing to bend over and take whatever the industry is shuffling as gospel now.

Currently a Vox writer on Twitter

gamers: stop looking at DLC as cut content, and more like deleted scenes. it's a much more apt comparison (usually).

meanwhile, you knew that character wasn't in the 60 dollar version of the game you bought, you whiny fucking babies.

https://twitter.com/#!/aegies

And can see more of his responses on Twitter

[Combine 017]

Just beat it, I guess ill wait a bit before throwing down my opinion on it. :p

[Bond]

Just beat it, I guess ill wait a bit before throwing down my opinion on it. :p
I hate you.

[Bond]

Could we move this ending / spoiler talk to a different thread?

[Combine 017]

Or people could just learn to use the spoiler tags. :p

[Fox 6]

Wow, 3 Mass Effect threads? when did that happen? also it just seems 2 people are just complaining about it a lot without actually playing it. Should just have 1 giant thread for them to post in.

[Bond]

Thanks for splintering the spoiler / ending talk, BaB.

From what I've played so far, ME3 is a bigger and better game than ME2 or ME. It also has the inclusion of a good (certainly not great) multiplayer mode.

The whole ordeal over this DLC character strikes me as rather silly. I didn't buy the DLC and have no intention of doing so. From what I've read, the DLC character is not intricate to the main story at all, certainly not necessary, and I don't feel like I've been screwed over by my purchase (conversely, shouldn't those who buy absolutely shitty games for $60 be in constant rage?).

The bottom line is that ME3 and it's approach to DLC will succeed or fail via the marketplace. Let's see how the sales numbers compare to ME1 and ME2, and then we can have a conversation as to if the "DLC Debacle" had any effect.

[Vampyr]

Thanks for splintering the spoiler / ending talk, BaB.

From what I've played so far, ME3 is a bigger and better game than ME2 or ME. It also has the inclusion of a good (certainly not great) multiplayer mode.

The whole ordeal over this DLC character strikes me as rather silly. I didn't buy the DLC and have no intention of doing so. From what I've read, the DLC character is not intricate to the main story at all, certainly not necessary, and I don't feel like I've been screwed over by my purchase (conversely, shouldn't those who buy absolutely shitty games for $60 be in constant rage?).

The bottom line is that ME3 and it's approach to DLC will succeed or fail via the marketplace. Let's see how the sales numbers compare to ME1 and ME2, and then we can have a conversation as to if the "DLC Debacle" had any effect.

I've heard the exact opposite about the DLC, the people who have played it say they can't imagine the game without that component of the story.

@Fox6: I think I've been pretty careful with my wording and haven't made any assertions about the quality of Mass Effect 3, just been posting links to videos and articles about the subject, and making my own interpretations based on that.

That being said, my wife couldn't hold out any more and bought Mass Effect 3 today. -_- So I guess I'll be playing it, because why not at this point.

[Combine 017]

That being said, my wife couldn't hold out any more and bought Mass Effect 3 today. -_- So I guess I'll be playing it, because why not at this point.

Dont forget to get the DLC...

But no, the DLC is not necessary to the story of ME3, its just there to show some Prothean history and add more Mass Effect lore. I think its mainly for hardcore Mass Effect fans, but its still BS the way they went about dealing with it. Another thing that I dont think has been mentioned at all is that the DLC also comes with a very powerful Prothean assault rifle, if that makes it worth a little more to anyone.

[Fox 6]

Dont forget to get the DLC...

But no, the DLC is not necessary to the story of ME3, its just there to show some Prothean history and add more Mass Effect lore. I think its mainly for hardcore Mass Effect fans, but its still BS the way they went about dealing with it. Another thing that I dont think has been mentioned at all is that the DLC also comes with a very powerful Prothean assault rifle, if that makes it worth a little more to anyone.

AND new costumes for your squad mates

[BreakABone]

Wow, 3 Mass Effect threads? when did that happen? also it just seems 2 people are just complaining about it a lot without actually playing it. Should just have 1 giant thread for them to post in.

To be fair
1 was created before the game came out dealing with a completely different discussion
And the second was something Bond asked for.. so people who wanted to discuss the ending could without spoiling it for the rest

Two very different discussions.

[Combine 017]

AND new costumes for your squad mates

Yes, but thats been mentioned before, the gun had not been.

To be fair
1 was created before the game came out dealing with a completely different discussion
And the second was something Bond asked for.. so people who wanted to discuss the ending could without spoiling it for the rest

Two very different discussions.
And yet I think all of them have mention about the DLC. :p

[BreakABone]

Yes, but thats been mentioned before, the gun had not been.


And yet I think all of them have mention about the DLC. :p

Well.. again

I don't think mentioned the DLC in this thread personally..
And two.. we can't control what people post and where!

[Bond]

Ya, sorry for the confusion ... I was just afraid to keep reading this thread after I saw a few allusions to spoilers. Definitely looking forward to talking about the ending after I beat the game though.

[Fox 6]

Special online multiplayer event!

Free content can be won that was only available in the collectors edition. For 360 and PC only

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/mass-effect-3-n7-challenge/

[Fox 6]

Some fun tense games earlier tonight.

[Vampyr]

Okay, okay. I just saw the picture of Tali without her helmet that is used in the game.

This has been my biggest WTF moment so far. It's just some random stock photo that they spent a few minutes photoshopping. Are you kidding me? Why does she have finger nail polish on?

[Combine 017]

Okay, okay. I just saw the picture of Tali without her helmet that is used in the game.

This has been my biggest WTF moment so far. It's just some random stock photo that they spent a few minutes photoshopping. Are you kidding me? Why does she have finger nail polish on?

Didnt you know? The Quarians are widely known throughout the galaxy for their large variety of nail polishes.
Ya its pretty stupid. On the plus side, they are coming out with a new ending soooo...
Jesus Christ, what a horrible idea.

"Good ending DLC, only $10!"
Looks like you might be right. :p

[Typhoid]

What would you have preferred? Her to have a giant sucker mouth, and beady spider eyes?
They've always alluded to Quarians being very human-like - and in every reflection you can see into their visors they have very human-like features and facial configuration.
Plus you can bang Tali in ME2, and Shep doesn't bang ugly broads with creepy alien features.
Nomatter what they made Tali/Quarians look like, some fans were bound to go "aww, what the fuck. She looks too human/too alien/nothing like I had hoped or expected or wanted."

They could have released a picture of Alf, and someone would be like "Aw, yeah. This universe needs more Wookie-like creatures. I didn't see that coming!" and someone else would say "This was the dumbest thing ever. They put no time into it. Everyone knows satisfaction equates from differences you work on in hours of photoshop and character modelling."

(I actually saw almost that exact comment on some mega-fan forum when I was searching up what Quarians looked like a few weeks ago. :lol: )


Edit:

It seems sort of funny to me that everyone is complaining about the ending of the game. (I literally mean everyone, with all that petitioning shit and whatnot)

It's not your game. Sure, you paid for it and spent your time playing it - but they spent the time making it, it's their creation which they (apparently) had future plans for - which is why they had holes in the ending cutscenes/story. They were leaving themselves openings for future DLC in order to be able to keep the game relevant - according to quotes I've read by the 'creators' of the game.

Complaining about the ending is one thing. Fuck, I've got no problem with that. If it sucks, it sucks. If you don't like it, tough balls for whoever made the game and wrote the story. What I'm hung up on is just all the people demanding a new ending. I hope whoever grades those kids' papers refuse to mark their next essay and publicly calls them out until they re-write the ending of it because the teachers have all decided that kids' story sucks and his writing ability is vastly sub-par.

I say 'kids' because something as immature as asking a storywriter to rewrite a story because it made you unhappy/displeased seems so childish.
"Mommy, why'd Bambi die?"
"I'm not sure, honey. That seemed awfully sad. I'll call up the studio and start a petition to see if we can get them to make a more satisfying ending where everyone lives, and everyones dreams are fulfilled, and they all become millionaires."

Hell, I should petition for a different ending to Red Dead Redemption. I didn't know I as a consumer could (after purchase) tell the creator of the story of the book/game/movie I'm reading/playing/watching that the studio who signed off on the project and saw through every stage of it's development was wrong, and the story too, was in fact wrong. Hell, the main character gets shot and dies before the end of the game. That wasn't fun. I wanted to keep playing as him. And what was with the man in the black suit? Was he the devil? I want answers, damnit. How dare they have creative freedom over their own story, especially if it interferes with my enjoyment.


Remember back in the day when you didn't like a game, and it was simply:
"I don't like the direction they took _______, because I thought it would be so much better when I was imagining the possibilities of the story. I guess I just don't like this game as much anymore, or maybe I just built it up too much in my own mind"
and not:
"I don't like the direction they took ______, because I thought it would be so much better when I was imagining the possibilities of the story. I guess it's time to petition those dicks and make them change the game they spent so much time lovingly creating for my enjoyment so I can then enjoy it how I was imagining rather than move on to something else like an adult would."

"Oh, Schindler's List wasn't that good. Let's tell them to re-write the movie with a happier tone. Maybe a comedy this time. Something I can watch with the kids. It was too dark. Too much sadness. Too many people died."


This will start a dangerous slope of a petition being formed every time there is a large number of like-minded individuals (which there always will be thanks to the internet) who thinks the ________ (plot point) of ________(game) was _________(adjective) and demand a new _______ (plot point) for ______ (game).

[Combine 017]

What would you have preferred? Her to have a giant sucker mouth, and beady spider eyes?
They've always alluded to Quarians being very human-like - and in every reflection you can see into their visors they have very human-like features and facial configuration.
Plus you can bang Tali in ME2, and Shep doesn't bang ugly broads with creepy alien features.
Nomatter what they made Tali/Quarians look like, some fans were bound to go "aww, what the fuck. She looks too human/too alien/nothing like I had hoped or expected or wanted."

No ones complaining about what she looks like, we're complaining about the fact that they found a photo on the internet, photoshopped it, and threw it in the game.

http://media.gamebandits.com/images/2012/03/taligetty.jpg

So, again, why dont you find out what youre bitching at before bitching at about? :p

[Typhoid]

My post (on that topic) was about; How does the way they came to the conclusion of how a character looks in any way change the perception of that character in the Universe it was created for.
Who cares if they fucking formed her face out of a box of Cheerois and it only took 5 seconds to do.
It was more "So what if they spent no time, and it was a quick photoshop. What the hell did you expect, and how does the time spent or the method used change any of it at all - the creators created it they way they did, it is what it is - why does it matter."


Would you prefer if they airbrushed a real model with those same features, then put those little white motion tracker balls on her, got her to move around and took many pictures of her face, then digitally enhanced it so that in the end it looks exactly the same, but they've only spent more time on it? Would that be better, because they simply didn't "Quickly photoshop a picture", but spent weeks and time getting to the same conclusion?


I just find [i]most of the internet complaints to be silly complaints. I honestly don't mean that as a knock on anyone here, or even anyone on any site complaining about the game. I just....find it all to be a very silly list of complaints. Like I said before, complaints with the ending are fine, don't like the story - that's cool by me. That's legitimate. But to complain about the method used to model a fake character on, or complaining enough to actually warrant the company to alter the story they made and actually petitioning on it simply because you didn't like it - silly. Silly silly silly.

And I'm just using this more for my own posting entertainment to post semi-rhetorical posts. I'm more directing my posts at all the google spiders that scan the site than expecting an actual conversation, or reasonable answers to my posts other than "lol, play the game" or "lol, nope" to pop up because they rarely do on the internet these days. I cringe at the thought of the people who can't read more than a paragraph anymore without thinking "Holy fuck this is taking so much time", and will respond in 144 characters or less of butchered English.

[Ginkasa]

I cringe at the thought of the people who can't read more than a paragraph anymore without thinking "Holy fuck this is taking so much time", and will respond in 144 characters or less of butchered English.


I HATE "tl;dr" with a fiery passion of... hate.

[Combine 017]

My post (on that topic) was about; How does the way they came to the conclusion of how a character looks in any way change the perception of that character in the Universe it was created for.
Who cares if they fucking formed her face out of a box of Cheerois and it only took 5 seconds to do.
It was more "So what if they spent no time, and it was a quick photoshop. What the hell did you expect, and how does the time spent or the method used change any of it at all - the creators created it they way they did, it is what it is - why does it matter."
Oh, well the way you said it made it seem like we were complaining about how she looks or that she looks too human, but I think the way she looks is just fine. And they didnt "create" anything. They took something that already existed and added to it slightly.
Would you prefer if they airbrushed a real model with those same features, then put those little white motion tracker balls on her, got her to move around and took many pictures of her face, then digitally enhanced it so that in the end it looks exactly the same, but they've only spent more time on it? Would that be better, because they simply didn't "Quickly photoshop a picture", but spent weeks and time getting to the same conclusion?
Yes, I would have preferred that, although time spent on it is irrelevant. They could have took the picture themselves and been done in a few mins instead of using some stock photo they found. Its just lazy half assed work is all, and my pappy always told me "if youre gonna do something, do it right or dont do it all."
I just find [i]most of the internet complaints to be silly complaints. I honestly don't mean that as a knock on anyone here, or even anyone on any site complaining about the game. I just....find it all to be a very silly list of complaints. Like I said before, complaints with the ending are fine, don't like the story - that's cool by me. That's legitimate. But to complain about the method used to model a fake character on, or complaining enough to actually warrant the company to alter the story they made and actually petitioning on it simply because you didn't like it - silly. Silly silly silly.
Ya, petitioning them to change the ending of the game is silly, but with the way it is now its pretty much a big "fuck you, thanks for your money" kind of thing.
And I'm just using this more for my own posting entertainment to post semi-rhetorical posts. I'm more directing my posts at all the google spiders that scan the site than expecting an actual conversation, or reasonable answers to my posts other than "lol, play the game" or "lol, nope" to pop up because they rarely do on the internet these days. I cringe at the thought of the people who can't read more than a paragraph anymore without thinking "Holy fuck this is taking so much time", and will respond in 144 characters or less.
I considered it. :p

[Typhoid]

And they didnt "create" anything.

Well, to be fair taking an existing picture and photoshopping it into something new is "creating something". It's not creating something dynamically new or drastically different - but it's definitely creating something.


Yes, I would have preferred that, although time spent on it is irrelevant. They could have took the picture themselves and been done in a few mins instead of using some stock photo they found. Its just lazy half assed work is all, and my pappy always told me "if youre gonna do something, do it right or dont do it all."


Well, I'll actually address this seriously this time without some dumb joke or tongue-in-cheek post;


But why. Clearly that was the type of face they wanted to go with. The style, I mean. Lines and all that shit - the person/people in charge would have had an idea in mind before and wouldn't have just been 'winging it'. So what's the real difference if they create a face from scratch, or photoshop and edit a stock picture if it will look exactly the same in the end. One of them takes significantly less time.

I just see it as a moot point as to where or how they got the picture. How does it change anything if they took the picture themselves, or if someone says "Hey, I found a stock photo that would work perfectly. I mean, if we were to get a model, we'd get this girl or a girl very similar to her anyways, and probably have her in a similar pose anyhow, so this just saves all of us some time and (probably) money."

Edit: And I get that you're against it on laziness. I can get behind you on it being lazy, because it obviously is. I cant argue that. But I can't get behind you on that lazyness being a reason for any type of complaint or negative feeling on my end. The ends justify the means for me. I was curious to what a Quarian would look like, and I didn't care how they got to the conclusion.

[Combine 017]

Well, I'll actually address this seriously this time without some dumb joke;


But why. Clearly that was the type of face they wanted to go with. The style, I mean. Lines and all that shit. So what's the real difference if they create a face from scratch, or photoshop and edit a stock picture if it will look exactly the same in the end. One of them takes significantly less time.
And you know thats the exact face they wanted to go with how? All I and a lot of other people see it as is lazy design work. For a game with such a huge fan base i'd think they could have put a little more effort into the reveal of one of the main characters hidden faces throughout 3 games. It would be like just using some basic stock photo and making it paler to reveal the master chief. People would be outraged over that, and its kind of the same deal here.
Like, hell Adam, would you rather spend weeks designing a face from scratch - or would you rather just change around the parameters of a real photo in photoshop, and just add the requested features to it.

If I was an artist for a popular game, yes I would spend weeks creating this piece of art that would be viewed by millions of people, unfortunately I suck at art and photoshop so theres not much relevance for me here.
I just see it as a moot point as to where or how they got the picture. How does it change anything if they took the picture themselves, or if someone says "Hey, I found a stock photo that would work perfectly. I mean, if we were to get a model, we'd get this girl or a girl very similar to her anyways, and probably have her in a similar pose anyhow, so this just saves all of us some time, and money."
The main difference I see in it is that if they did the picture themselves, it shows they put the effort into it to show their fans that they are dedicated to the masterpiece they have created, instead of picking a photo seemingly at random and modifying it. Its like if a band came out with a new album, but it was just the same song again but changed differently, like ACDC or Red Hot Chili Peppers. We still like them but kinda feel a bit gipped in the sense that its already been done.


-100% off-topic Ramble alert:


The internet is decimating proper conversation, and it's bugging the shit out of me. Everything now is all about getting your one-liner in, and "fuck the other guy." It's not about the content of your message - and hell - you're probably not reading the other guys' shit anyways - you just want to mock someone over the internet to try and get other assholes to like you! Yeah! Internet popularity! They'll just edit out that part of the post as if it had never been said, and simply focus in on the talking points they want.
Damn internet. I need a joint now. Yes, that's what I need.
The reason for this is you love cocks. Bam!

If you were actually referring to me not quoting/responding to the other half of your first post on this topic its cause it seemed to be going off topic and I didnt feel the need to argue against that.

[Vampyr]

Combine hit it on the head - it's just lazy, especially for something fans of the series had been excited to see since the first game.

There's a lot of laziness in Mass Effect. The fact that they never designed a model for a single female Turian, even though we know there are female Turien soldiers (Garrus tells a story about one). The fact that they also never created a model for a female Solarian.

But choosing to reveal how Tali looks in this way is just beyond lazy.

I mean, people praise Mass Effect for how awesome and in depth the lore and universe is.....we've never seen a female Turien/Solarian!


The internet is decimating proper conversation, and it's bugging the shit out of me. Everything now is all about getting your one-liner in, and "fuck the other guy." It's not about the content of your message - and hell - you're probably not reading the other guys' shit anyways - you just want to mock someone over the internet to try and get other assholes to like you! Yeah! Internet popularity! They'll just edit out that part of the post as if it had never been said, and simply focus in on the talking points they want.
Damn internet. I need a joint now. Yes, that's what I need.

This really doesn't mean much coming from you, lately. Any time a discussion gets serious or someone makes some points that you aren't prepared to handle, you end the argument by saying you were just joshing around and that internet discussions don't mean anything to you other than a way to pass the time while making tea.

It makes me not even want to respond to you at all.

[Bond]

This really doesn't mean much coming from you, lately. Any time a discussion gets serious or someone makes some points that you aren't prepared to handle, you end the argument by saying you were just joshing around and that internet discussions don't mean anything to you other than a way to pass the time while making tea.

It makes me not even want to respond to you at all.
I love you Typh, but this is kind of true.

P.S. I love tea.

[Typhoid]

On topic Off-topic forum heart to heart time:

Oh, I'm totally aware it's true and how the forum perceives me. I'm doing it to myself, after all. I'm usually just 'posting'. Simply responding to the words said rather than those who say them unless I'm referring to someone by name or leaving their quote in the post or something hopefully-obvious.
You've also got to understand that since my back has been fucked over the last 2 years and I can't get out and do anything - this forum is really the only chance I get for daily 'talking to/at other human beings/expressing what's on my mind'. Which is why my posts have been getting longer and longer over the last while to now, and more debate-like and appear to be on every topic.
I don't get real conversation anymore, because I'm always stuck inside left to simply attempt to entertain myself, and post. The world becomes very small when you can't use your lower back properly. So I just tend to post what I'm thinking on whatever because it passes my time, and I have had 24 free hours every day for the last 800-ish days. It just happens that I was a dink when I was a drugged-up teenager, so whenever I say anything now I seem much more confrontational than I'm really intending to be. I'm not intending for anything remotely malicious. If I aim a joke at someone, it's always in 'fun' [from my end]. British-like. You poke fun at the people you're comfortable around, and not the people you're not.


Any time a discussion gets serious or someone makes some points that you aren't prepared to handle, you end the argument by saying you were just joshing around and that internet discussions don't mean anything to you other than a way to pass the time while making tea.

The reason for that is because when I'm just doing it because I see an opening for conversation I don't really give an invested crap in that side, and am simply expressing my current opinion on it. And if it starts getting out of hand, of course I want to diffuse the situation and back down. I'd be crazy not to. If it's something I'm being legitimate about, I'll usually try to explain it out like a normal person. I'm not doing it because I feel defeated, I'm doing it because I really don't care about what I was talking about and for everyone's sake want to end the conversation before it gets farther than it is on the confrontational end. I do that in real life, too. If a joke or ramble-bit I'm doing gets too out-of-hand with someone, I'll apologize and diffuse it immediately. I am a very apologetic person. I apologize to my table when I bump it. I kicked my shoe last night by accident when I was stretching out and as a reflex under my breath I said "Sorry" - I was the only person in the room.

------------------

Back to Adam!

And you know thats the exact face they wanted to go with how

I wasn't referring to the specific picture used, I was referring to the style of Tali. If they didn't model Tali on that photo - it would have been another photo. But the features would be the same, purple, blue lines etc. That's all I meant, the features would be the same, not the physical face or photograph.

Realistically maybe the person in charge wasn't very artistic, and couldn't create a backdrop, and only had schooling in photoshop and didn't really think "Hey, people are going to cram sand up my vag for this one because I'm not spending enough time on it." :p

I also find it silly how people (I don't mean you, or those here. I mean the super internet fanboys) are so legitimately agitated about it. That in itself amuses me.



The reason for this is you love cocks. Bam!
If you were actually referring to me not quoting/responding to the other half of your first post on this topic its cause it seemed to be going off topic and I didnt feel the need to argue against that.

Love is such a strong word. Appreciate, maybe.

That part of my post was actually just a ramble that wasnt tied to anything other than what Ginkasa said to what I had said - which is why I attempted to separate it with some snazzy hyphens to form a line. But after reading it I thought it best not to derail the thread more, and decided to delete it - but I didn't get to it quick enough.


Edit: And yes. Tea is delicious.

[Combine 017]

I wasn't referring to the specific picture used, I was referring to the style of Tali. If they didn't model Tali on that photo - it would have been another photo. But the features would be the same, purple, blue lines etc. That's all I meant, the features would be the same, not the physical face or photograph.
Shes not actually purple, thats just the quality of the photo on the datapad.

Realistically maybe the person in charge wasn't very artistic, and couldn't create a backdrop, and only had schooling in photoshop and didn't really think "Hey, people are going to cram sand up my vag for this one because I'm not spending enough time on it." :p

The they shouldnt have hired him!


Love is such a strong word. Appreciate, maybe.

That part of my post was actually just a ramble that wasnt tied to anything other than what Ginkasa said to what I had said - which is why I attempted to separate it with some snazzy hyphens to form a line. But after reading it I thought it best not to derail the thread more, and decided to delete it - but I didn't get to it quick enough.


Edit: And yes. Tea is delicious.

Ok, thought you might been all like, "awww what a dick, he completely ignored half of my post". But if its just you rambling then its all good.
And yes, tea is delicious.

[Typhoid]

Ok, thought you might been all like, "awww what a dick, he completely ignored half of my post". But if its just you rambling then its all good.

No - you don't get it.
I dont really think that people are dicks if they ignore part of a post. I don't honestly expect everyone on the internet to respond back to every single line of question posed by everyone else. :lol:
That paragraph wasn't serious, just pointless rambling. That's why I deleted it. I was trying to avoid this. :p


The they shouldnt have hired him!


See. That. That I agree with.

Edit: It's not really like I was (trying to) disagree with anything. Since it seems so silly to me I was trying to pry into why "They didnt spend a lot of time on this photograph of this character" is such a big deal considering the character would have looked relatively the same because I doubt when they make the characters they just do it on the fly. They probably agree on the features beforehand, and then go and make it.



Editedit:
There's a lot of laziness in Mass Effect. The fact that they never designed a model for a single female Turian, even though we know there are female Turien soldiers (Garrus tells a story about one). The fact that they also never created a model for a female Solarian.

I agree. But is that the case because of legitimate laziness or because they just wanted to leave in some mystery? Because I'm sure if you had hordes of people clamoring for some pictures of female Turians/Solarians some would get photoshopped up right quick. Maybe that's entirely not the case and it's pure laziness. I wouldn't doubt that at all. Maybe there are hordes of people clamoring for female Turians and Solarians. I wouldn't doubt that, either.

[Vampyr]

Coffee is better than tea.

I think this conversation has revealed to me what I dislike most about Mass Effect. I should note that I haven't played ME 3 yet, but when I do I'm sure I'll enjoy it a lot.

My biggest gripe is that they had an opportunity to create the greatest game and game series of this generation, and they squandered it. What we're left with is still really good, but when I look at all the potential it had I can't help but be more critical of it than I would of any other game.

Mass Effect 1 started off extremely strong. It was the first game I had played in a long time that really sucked me in. I'd be thinking about it while in class, just waiting to get back home to re-enter the world. It did have some problems though. The Mako had horrendous controls, the inventory system was bad.

ME 2 rolls around and they have a chance to fix that stuff. But for some reason they completely remove the mako instead of fixing the controls and replace it with a boring as hell scan system. Instead of fixing the inventory they remove it and pretty much remove the gear aspect of RPG's, which is my favorite part.

So ME3 they have a chance to do everything right. Instead it's pretty obvious that the game is rushed out. Mass Effect is such an important series to the entire video game culture, and they rushed it out. It deserved so much better. Just from the outside looking in I can see areas where they cobbled together pieces from the previous two games to make some half-hearted attempt at a new system. The way space travel and reaper encounters work, the way side quests are picked up, the way the ending is handled. They invested in multiplayer when they should have invested in the single player.

Is it still a great, fun game? I'm sure it is. It looks good, I'm excited to play it.

But it won't be remembered as the greatest game of this generation, and the tragedy is that it could have been.

[Combine 017]

Edit: It's not really like I was (trying to) disagree with anything. Since it seems so silly to me I was trying to pry into why "They didnt spend a lot of time on this photograph of this character" is such a big deal considering the character would have looked relatively the same because I doubt when they make the characters they just do it on the fly. They probably agree on the features beforehand, and then go and make it.
I see where youre coming from. Complaining about it seems trivial, but im arguing as a fan, and as a fan I expected better.
Coffee is better than tea.
No!
My biggest gripe is that they had an opportunity to create the greatest game and game series of this generation, and they squandered it.
Also no, Mass Effect is good, but I like Halos story and universe soooo much more.

[BreakABone]

Coffee is better than tea.

I think this conversation has revealed to me what I dislike most about Mass Effect. I should note that I haven't played ME 3 yet, but when I do I'm sure I'll enjoy it a lot.

My biggest gripe is that they had an opportunity to create the greatest game and game series of this generation, and they squandered it. What we're left with is still really good, but when I look at all the potential it had I can't help but be more critical of it than I would of any other game.

Mass Effect 1 started off extremely strong. It was the first game I had played in a long time that really sucked me in. I'd be thinking about it while in class, just waiting to get back home to re-enter the world. It did have some problems though. The Mako had horrendous controls, the inventory system was bad.

ME 2 rolls around and they have a chance to fix that stuff. But for some reason they completely remove the mako instead of fixing the controls and replace it with a boring as hell scan system. Instead of fixing the inventory they remove it and pretty much remove the gear aspect of RPG's, which is my favorite part.

So ME3 they have a chance to do everything right. Instead it's pretty obvious that the game is rushed out. Mass Effect is such an important series to the entire video game culture, and they rushed it out. It deserved so much better. Just from the outside looking in I can see areas where they cobbled together pieces from the previous two games to make some half-hearted attempt at a new system. The way space travel and reaper encounters work, the way side quests are picked up, the way the ending is handled. They invested in multiplayer when they should have invested in the single player.

Is it still a great, fun game? I'm sure it is. It looks good, I'm excited to play it.

But it won't be remembered as the greatest game of this generation, and the tragedy is that it could have been.

Probably its own thread.. but I'm curious as to what you think is the greatest game of this generation?

[Vampyr]

Probably its own thread.. but I'm curious as to what you think is the greatest game of this generation?

Not sure off the top of my head - I could probably think for a while and come up with my personal favorite, but nothing comes to mind immediately.

I mean that Mass Effect 3 could have been as culturally significant to video games as Ocarina of Time was during that generation. Something universally praised by critics and users alike as a masterpiece representative of what games an art form mean.

But it isn't that. It's just another good game. I don't know if this generation has a game like that.

[Professor S]

Not sure off the top of my head - I could probably think for a while and come up with my personal favorite, but nothing comes to mind immediately.

I mean that Mass Effect 3 could have been as culturally significant to video games as Ocarina of Time was during that generation. Something universally praised by critics and users alike as a masterpiece representative of what games an art form mean.

But it isn't that. It's just another good game. I don't know if this generation has a game like that.

IMO, Bioshock. It turned the structure and implausible linear nature video games into the main plot device of the game. Makes you wonder why you accept the lack of real choice in the entire medium. Perhaps it's not popular enough for Ocarina of Time status, but artistically it fits the bill.

[Typhoid]

Dylan lent me the game, so I'll just post my feelings on wherever I am in it and what's going on, something to do. I'll post some of the decisions I make, maybe other people can riff off it with theirs, get some thread activity going.


The opening scene felt to me like it was meant for a movie, as opposed to part of a game, there's nothing wrong with that - just sayin'. Everyone just seemed to be talking more intensely, enunciating the important parts with deepening bellows, very theatrically spoken. I don't even like that over-the-top-stuff in gimmicky action movies. :lol:


So far it seems like a typical 3rd movie/game. The cast from the first game is (so far) re-introduced for the most part with some uplifting musical score behind them, everything has a more epic, darker, grittier, war-like feel to it (as it should) and just feels like it has nothing to do with conversation, but will be ___+ hours (I don't really want to know how long the game takes, I prefer not knowing) of combat, again - nothing wrong with that.


While I feel like every single decision I make on where to go and when to go there in this game has a negative effect on the rest of the game - I feel like I have vastly less actual choice, and I'm just watching things occur. I don't feel like I am affecting any mass. I feel like I have the illusion of choice, just like when I played MGS4 I had the illusion that it was really a video game and not a movie simply because I would occasionally have to tap X.


It feels like I'll never get time/to feel okay with doing side missions - but I suppose that is 100% the point, Galaxy at war and all - trying to make you feel horrible about taking your time for trivial shit when people everywhere are being decimated. Everything is an ultimatum, or seems to be. Simply by doing one quest before another, you can doom people to die.
That's some Alpha Protocol shit which I don't mind. It makes you think realistically, about 'Fuck, what's the best outcome' and not 'Fuck, I want to get 100% game completion on all of these sidequests in one playthrough" - because that possibility is almost entirely removed (if not entirely)

I like the fact EDI has a body. When I was saying all that AI-as-life-shit in the other thread I had no idea that happened. Immediate New favourite sidekick, she is by far the most interesting.

I rarely expel sound from my face when seeing something alone in a room while playing a video game, but when Joker said "Hey, I know I used to rag on Garrus for being all angry, but I'm glad he's back. There's a whole lot of crap out there that needs a bullet between the eyes. Plus, we might need something calibrated." I giggled like a little Asian schoolgirl.

I spent a lot of time late last night smoking a joint or two and just reading what I had so far of the journals/codex and re-immersing myself in the Universe. Soooo gooood. Time to go waste my today.

[Combine 017]

I don't feel like I am affecting any mass.

Thats ok, it was never about affecting mass, its effecting mass thats important.

[Fox 6]

The only mission I know of that is time sensative is the Grissom Academy mission. If you're too late they all get ubducted and then ......... well ....... I wont ruin anything.

Also there is another multiplayer event this weekend. It involves porting over your level 20 multiplayer characters to the single player campaign, where they become war assets. if the community does 150,000 characters everyone will get a victory pack regardless if they participate or not. If you personally port over 2 characters you get a commendation pack. They didnt say what would be in them, but last time it was a rare N7 weapon that was only available in the single player if you pre-ordered that game.

Also its only available to PC and 360 owners. The Bioware blog said they are negotiating with Sony to extend these weekends to the PS3 tho.

Only problem is I dont know how to port over these characters.... and are they gone for good?

[Bond]

Only problem is I dont know how to port over these characters.... and are they gone for good?
You just promote the level 20 characters. I believe it is the "X" or "Y" button, bro.

[Fox 6]

You just promote the level 20 characters. I believe it is the "X" or "Y" button, bro.

Easy peesy lemon squeezy. I already do have some level 20 characters. After some research I have found out that they do get reset to level 1 however. 150,000 total seems like a low number for the whole community to promote though...

[Combine 017]

The only mission I know of that is time sensative is the Grissom Academy mission. If you're too late they all get ubducted and then ......... well ....... I wont ruin anything.
I think he meant more in the sense that while youre doing these side missions, Earth is being more and more devastated, which I felt too. Like, this Volus is all like "hey, can you go to this planet and retrieve and ancient artifact so I can make some money while the rest of the galaxy is being destroyed." and im all wtf bro? But a lot of the side missions and planet scanning add to your fleet or the crucible, so doing them does help in the end.
Easy peesy lemon squeezy. I already do have some level 20 characters. After some research I have found out that they do get reset to level 1 however. 150,000 total seems like a low number for the whole community to promote though...
Ill be contributing 6 characters to that, so prepare to do a lot of bronze missions. :P

[Fox 6]

I think he meant more in the sense that while youre doing these side missions, Earth is being more and more devastated, which I felt too. Like, this Volus is all like "hey, can you go to this planet and retrieve and ancient artifact so I can make some money while the rest of the galaxy is being destroyed." and im all wtf bro? But a lot of the side missions and planet scanning add to your fleet or the crucible, so doing them does help in the end.

Ill be contributing 6 characters to that, so prepare to do a lot of bronze missions. :P

But in the end that Volus gives you something that helps with your war assets, so you are helping in the grand sense.

[Typhoid]

I think he meant more in the sense that while youre doing these side missions, Earth is being more and more devastated, which I felt too.


Yeah, this.
"Hey, I know your planet is burning and is the main cause for attack, and the Salarians sent you here in order to get the Turians to convince the Krogan to buy something from the Volus to send to the Quarians in order to fight the Geth - who you failed to stop from strapping harnesses on the Hanar and riding them like elephants - so you can inevitably get all of us to help you with your initial problem - but uhh, I need some power cells from the Citadel, can you get them for me?"

It just feels like after he dies his memoir should be titled:
Commander Shepard The Human: The only sentient being in the Universe capable of running errands, taking initiative, and helping others.


Thats ok, it was never about affecting mass, its effecting mass thats important.

Hurp-a-durr, that's the point in a play on words.

Effect: something that is produced by an agency or cause; result;

Affect: to act on; produce an effect or change in

I would be the affector of the Mass. What comes after I Affect Mass would be the Mass Effect, yet I feel like I am affecting nothing and that the effect is all that mat-wait a minute.


Also:

So after reading some stuff about people's Indoctrination theory, I've been paying attention for shit that's suspicious. So far this is all I've got.

-At the beginning there's the invisible child in the vent that tells Shepard he has no hope and can't save them who gets into the shuttle that explodes - that could very well be The Reapers trying to mentally break Shepard down so he doesn't have the will to try and stop them, and feels that organic life alone is inferior.

*shrugs and walks away*

[Combine 017]

K, might just be me but, when Shepard is leaving Earth for the first time looking at the child, why does the Normandy just sort of chill there for a while? Its like "Shepard, we gotta leave, NOW! No hang on, I want to watch what happens to this kid. Just gimme like, 2 mins tops." Its cock balls retarded. Sure Clint Mansell makes some epic music for the scene, but when doesnt he? I just think its a stupid moment and was way too long.

[Swan]

You guys here about that new Mass Effect tv show they are making?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qOqHUa2LfNY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Combine 017]

Pure awesomes.

[Typhoid]

So when I woke up today I felt a little disheartened because I wasn't feeling as if I was really making any choices - like my decisions weren't altering anything at all - as if the path the storytellers are telling is planned to be basically the same regardless of what you do within this game.
The main thing that made me think this way was when the Salarian chick told me to lie about curing the Genophage, or she wouldn't send her scientists/fleets to the Crucible - so I said "Fuck you, hobag" and cured the Genophage anyways - watched Mordin sing and explode, completed another mission only to hear Hackett say "The Salarians are scared. The Dalatrass has sent her scientists and fleets to the Crucible." So I had an immediate "huh...alright then, good thing I decided to cure that Genophage, because the outcome was ultimately the same, very sneaky Bioware."

But then when I was in the shower I reasoned with myself that this game isn't about making choices. It's not about "How will what I say/do now, change my game later?" - but it's about watching my last 2 games of choices unfold in front of me. I definitely feel like I am watching more video, and choosing less dialogue options compared with the other games- I'm okay with that, I'm being entertained, plus all of the battles are pretty tough and intense.
In one sense I feel so angry that I don't feel as if I have control in this game as I did with the others - but I feel so good inside with watching the closure of the story I've been helping create unfold. I feel bummed that choices I have made in the last game led to people from previous games dying in this game - but it doesn't bug me because it's because of me that those things happened, and I know if I want to experience it differently, I can just play all 3 games again - and essentially watch an entirely different story unfold through 3 games, only to wind up ending essentially the same every time. Makes ya think. :lol:

[Vampyr]

Finally started playing this yesterday after finishing all the DLC in ME2 as well as exploring 100% of the planets to find all the hidden side stuff.

So I went into ME3 at level 30 with a perfect paragon run, having romanced Liara in the first game and no one in the second game.

I'm actually really enjoying the game so far. The parts that they do well they really do well.

I like it better than ME2 already. ME2 never really stuck with me because the story (or lack thereof) - you spent 90% of the game recruiting people, which made it feel like nothing of import was happening. Also, the weapon system was way too streamlined.

The story so far in this one is awesome. It feels really epic, and I feel like my missions carry a lot of gravitas.

I bought the From Ashes DLC, and I can now say that I don't believe for a second that Javik wasn't meant to be part of the game from the start. I really feel like if you play the game without him you are missing out, and it saddens me that they chose to cut such an important character from the final game.

The combat still has issues, but it's at least better than ME2.

The whole scan system is pretty bad. It's not as boring as the scan system of ME2, but it feels pretty contrived and obvious that they were short on time so they built some weird system on top of the ME2 one. The reapers coming after you is also kinda silly, since you can just exit, reenter, and immediately enter the orbit of something to grab what you need.

I think it would have been awesome to cut the scan system entirely and have a set of hammerhead missions to retrieve things replace it. I know that would have taken more time and been expensive to do, but would have made the game so much better.

I think the dialog between characters is my favorite thing so far. Love all the ambient conversations that happen between characters even while you're on the Normandy.

[Fox 6]

http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/02/operation-raptor-update/

At least they are offering a decent multiplayer experience. Well, for PC and 360 anyways...

[Combine 017]

Operation Beachhead is scheduled to deploy next weekend, April 6th- 8th and will require expert trained soldiers to complete.
Maybe I shouldnt have reset all of my classes back to level 1.

[Typhoid]

At least they are offering a decent multiplayer experience. Well, for PC and 360 anyways...

1 decent online experience is hardly worth my 10 bucks. :lol:

-------
Current thoughts while playing game update:

I met the Prothean AI who explained the cycles and everything, and I found that rather interesting. It was a solid explanation, and I was into it. I like the fact that the cycle has constantly continued and each time The Crucible gets added to by the populace attempting to survive only to fail.


The more I play this game, the more I want to play this game. That's all that I am finding out. I just keep thinking "Holy fuck, I want to go back and play the other games, play them with a different mindset so I can experience the series completely differently."

I'm not a fan of googling for the "other options" stuff - I don't google the alternate paths and the "what ifs", I find that would take away from the replay-ability of the series. I don't know why you'd want to play it one way, then just look up everything you missed rather than playing it out again. That is the strength of this series, in my eyes.

I still do feel like I am choosing less dialogue/renegade/paragon actions in this game, and just watching what they wanted Shepard to be like rather than what I want him to be like. I'm not complaining - I'm okay with that - it's just different when in all other Mass Effects you were choosing nearly every conversation, and here it seems to be less than half of all important conversations actually need real choice - and the rest of the options are all just sort of for your own enjoyment.


Edit: The one question I do have, is what's the deal with the Prothean DLC. In the past I've read people (on other sites) saying things like "The game is clearly meant to have him" and things like that - but with playing the game with no Prothean on my team - I can't imagine how that would logically fit into it. Let me guess, he was trapped in some type of containment field/statue until the Reapers come back so some hero can free him and he can help stop the cycle because he is the Catalyst.

I like not having the Prothean. There is a feeling of helplessness to it. A feeling of "What theeee fuck do we do, how do we get a fucking leg up in this."
Suddenly having one Prothean exist in this Universe when it's most likely needed most seems like goofy fantasy happenstance. "Oh, you know that race of people that was turned into Collectors, and hasn't existed in forever? Turns out one exists in it's original form and we just so happen to have come across it now, which is very lucky, because it will probably vastly help us out in this situation. How has nobody come across this Prothean for thousands of years. Praise Space-jesus."

I'm sure they explain it out, and I'm sure they probably put some effort into try explaining why there is a Prothean there - but that doesn't lower the goofy fantasy happenstance level that it would bring me. It's like in every action movie when the hero suddenly finds the killer weapon at the exact moment he needs it. Some people think "Oh, fuck yeah - use it. USE IT", others think "What a fucking shitty cop-out. Bad writing."

But on that thought I struggle with myself and the thought of "well sure, let's bring this to realism. There is a chance that if this was real, some happenstance hero would find some killer-weapon (living or dead) at the perfect moment."

But then I also think it's a little different when that killer weapon is entirely optional.

Double edit: What bugs me is that my military readiness bar is maxed out, I've 100% completed all systems I can search - yet my military readiness is only ever at 50% and never any higher, and I'm assuming either that bumps up at a specific point in the game - or when I pay the 10 dollars to play online - which I assume is what the deal is, which I think would be a joke.


The ever-feared Triple Edit:

Okay - maybe I only have this question because I haven't beaten the game yet so I just haven't gotten to a specific point, or I'm thinking far too stoned about a simple thing-

But...ME 2 was about the Reapers harvesting humans to make a giant Reaper, right? No other race was being effected, yeah? The Reapers only had it out for the humans. Giant human Reaper. No Giant Asari Reaper. No giant Solarian Reaper. No Giant Krogan Reaper. No missing Turian colonies. No Turian Reapers. No Hanar Reapers.

Why is ME3 about the destruction of the entire galaxy suddenly - Are the Reapers coming to make giant Reapers of every race now? They suddenly thought "holy shit, we had it wrong with only going after the humans last time, we missed out on like 9 other intelligent species, here."
Or maybe the Reapers are just embarrassed that a Human was able to destroy a giant Human Reaper, so they need to come in and rage-flip the board so no race can make fun of them for failing at their task. Like if an ant blows up some masterful living-art-piece made out of ants that I've been crafting for months - I'd want to kick the shit out of all the ants in my yard most likely. I'd have it out for ants. I'd probably stomp on some beetles if I saw them too, I suppose. I guess if I could also turn some of those ants against themselves and side with me I'd probably try and do that, too. That would make it easier to step on them, if they're all bunched up fighting themselves. The only thing I'd be afraid of are wasps. Those motherfuckers sting.

[Fox 6]

1 decent online experience is hardly worth my 10 bucks. :lol:

Well thats good becuase being a PS3 owner, you dont get to participate in the events anyways :) and isnt Multiplayer free on the Play Station? or are they charging $10 to play the co-op for ME3?

The Prothean was in a statis pod, but if you recall from ME1 when you get to Ilos you find a whole load of stasis pods, so they are not exactly pulling this out of left field. The prothean characters actually does very little in the way of helping advance the crucible. He poses very little knowledge of the weapon. Having him there is more of a way to showcase what had happened in the previous cycle and show what the prothean culture was like. They were basically space Romans. They were more powerful and advanced than the other races and subjecated them into their empire, sometimes by force. They waged war on against the Reapers for more than 100 years. He says he was born while they were already at war and all he knows is conflict with them.

If you listen to the Codex entry about the Reapers it will explain how they only focus on one main race to harvest and convert into a dreadnaught Reaper. The rest are usually harvested into destroyers / whatever else. Maybe it is as simple as humans kicked their ass, so lets get revenge? Who cares, they are apparantly on an entirely different plane of thought than us mortals anyways, and they've been wiping out all organic life for thousands of years. Who are you to question their methods?

[Bond]

The Prothean was in a statis pod, but if you recall from ME1 when you get to Ilos you find a whole load of stasis pods, so they are not exactly pulling this out of left field. The prothean characters actually does very little in the way of helping advance the crucible. He poses very little knowledge of the weapon. Having him there is more of a way to showcase what had happened in the previous cycle and show what the prothean culture was like. They were basically space Romans. They were more powerful and advanced than the other races and subjecated them into their empire, sometimes by force. They waged war on against the Reapers for more than 100 years. He says he was born while they were already at war and all he knows is conflict with them.

If you listen to the Codex entry about the Reapers it will explain how they only focus on one main race to harvest and convert into a dreadnaught Reaper. The rest are usually harvested into destroyers / whatever else. Maybe it is as simple as humans kicked their ass, so lets get revenge? Who cares, they are apparantly on an entirely different plane of thought than us mortals anyways, and they've been wiping out all organic life for thousands of years. Who are you to question their methods?
You are officially our resident Mass Effect historian.

[Combine 017]

Well thats good becuase being a PS3 owner, you dont get to participate in the events anyways :) and isnt Multiplayer free on the Play Station? or are they charging $10 to play the co-op for ME3?

I think it would cost him money cause hes borrowing it from Dylan, and im assuming Dylan already used his code to activate online playability so he would have to drop $10 to be able to play online. Remember, its an EA game. All of their games require a code to play online.

[Fox 6]

Well then if you're playing it for free anyways, you can't bitch too much. Classless move by EA tho.

[Typhoid]

Well then if you're playing it for free anyways, you can't bitch too much. Classless move by EA tho.

Yeah, that's why I wasn't really bitching, more of just a "I think it's sort of lame that without paying that 10 bucks [considering I am borrowing it] to play online, it legitimately hinders my single-player experience." Not drastically or anything. :lol:


And like I said, I'm sure they explained the Prothean thing well. I didn't mean to imply they were just Lost-ing this series along. I had faith they knew what they were doing with ME essentially from the beginning. I was just questioning the stock of what people were saying with "I cant imagine the game without this character", because now having played through it, I can't imagine this game with a random Prothean.


Maybe it is as simple as humans kicked their ass, so lets get revenge? Who cares.

Oh - not me. I was more just joking, I wasn't knocking the game or anything. I think the story of this game is one of the most epic ever created. When I was playing this game towards the end I couldn't help but reflect on my choices from previous games leading up to the end of this game.

ending post to follow.

[Combine 017]

ending post to follow.

Better put it in the ending thread!

[Combine 017]

For those that played online last weekend expecting Commendation packs.
We granted the Victory and Commendations Packs from
Operation Raptor last night but this morning it was identified that many
people were using an exploit to get multiple packs. In order to stop
the problem we had to suspend the granting of packs immediately. We are
currently working on a fix for this issue. We will restart the granting
of packs once this issue has been fixed.

[Fox 6]

I want my elephant!.. I mean commendation pack!

[Fox 6]

http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/operation-beachhead/

Looks like its just 25% Xp bonus this weekend, but there is mention of Krogans, Batarians, and asari justicars, which is interesting because its been specultaed that they will release playable characters of these races for co-op.

[Bond]

For those that played online last weekend expecting Commendation packs.
Well, at least they didn't fuck up the ending of the game or anything.


Oh wait ...

[Ginkasa]

So, they've released a patch that, among a few other things, is meant to correct that "face import" bug that caused many players (including myself) to play with a Shepard that received some very have cosmetic surgery while under trial for the destruction of a batarian colony.

Anyway, it apparently doesn't work very well. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/11098124/1)

[Bond]

Anyway, it apparently doesn't work very well. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/11098124/1)
Time for another Better Business Bureau complaint, amiright?

[Vampyr]

Maybe.

I think the deal with the BBB complaints is that it forces (literally) the company to respond to the person filing it. It creates some accountability.

[BreakABone]

Time for another Better Business Bureau complaint, amiright?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/04/11/the-better-business-bureau-weighs-in-on-mass-effects-false-advertising/
Seems like the BBB weighed in on the first complaint.

[Fox 6]

New characters, maps and weapons are out.

[Vampyr]

I enjoy the multiplayer, even though it's based on Mass Effect's clumsy controls.

What really gets me though is the booster pack system for acquiring stuff. It's extremely frustrating to get the same things repeatedly or to not get a gun you want to use.

If I spend a few hours getting enough credits to buy something, I should just be able to buy what I want.

[Combine 017]

What really gets me though is the booster pack system for acquiring stuff. It's extremely frustrating to get the same things repeatedly or to not get a gun you want to use.

If I spend a few hours getting enough credits to buy something, I should just be able to buy what I want.

Ya, a lot of people are complaining about that. I dont need another freaking smg mod, i dont use the damn things. :p
It would be nice if they put a store where you could buy what you want, or even an option to trade equipment with other players.

[Vampyr]

Ya, a lot of people are complaining about that. I dont need another freaking smg mod, i dont use the damn things. :p
It would be nice if they put a store where you could buy what you want, or even an option to trade equipment with other players.

Trading would be cool, and maybe more pack options. Like, a shotgun pack to guarantee you get something shotgun related.

I see the people I'm playing with using level 6 assault rifles and crap...I'm still using a level 1 avenger. I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

I keep saving up and buying the highest level spectre pack - should I not be doing that?

[Combine 017]

Trading would be cool, and maybe more pack options. Like, a shotgun pack to guarantee you get something shotgun related.

I see the people I'm playing with using level 6 assault rifles and crap...I'm still using a level 1 avenger. I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

I keep saving up and buying the highest level spectre pack - should I not be doing that?

Ya, youre not going to find an avenger in a Spectre pack. A recruit pack will probably have it.

[Fox 6]

Veteran packs or recruit packs usually have more mods. The higher cost packs usually have rare weapons and or characters.