Mass Effect 3

[Flux]

Might pick this up, I thought we'd have 1 or 2 downstairs but we don't and my friend has been going on about this new one.

[Silverblade]

Spoiler:

The more I hear about this game, the less I want to buy or even pirate this game.

[Satsuki]

Spoiler:

The more I hear about this game, the less I want to buy or even pirate this game.

Spoiler:

To be fair, from what everyone is saying, the game itself really is awesome, it's just the endings that are downright terrible and fucked up. The general story and gameplay is top-notch as ever. I've been watching a few vids, and that seems to be the case.

Just don't play the ending.

[Gekko135]

The game has been good to me so far. When i'm finished, i'll probably join your ranks... but at the moment, it's a blast and really some amazing moments. And the multiplayer is addictive as fuck for those with a taste for it.

[Johnnay]

I finished playing a few days ago, and honestly, I liked the ending just fine. Didn't even realize there was any talk going on about it until after I had finished and a friend asked me "did you like the ending?" and then proceeded to tell me a bunch of people hadn't after I had told them that I did.

On the whole, really loved the game and I can't wait until I replay it and ME1/2 so I can try out a few different choices.

[Zack]

Personally, I think that's also part of the problem. So far(aside from a few people), I've only heard people say the endings are fine or crap. I haven't really heard any big group of people who absolutely loved the ending.

[Johnnay]

I didn't mean anything like that when I said it was "fine", it's just easier to describe it like that since I've already said I loved the game. The ending is part of that as well. So I don't understand the dislike myself, and I don't really plan on trying to, since it won't change my experience with the game.

After finishing my playthrough, I didn't get up and watched the credits in full, enjoyed listening to the music... and I was satisfied.

[DarthAsthma]

Don't worry people no spoilers ahead.

On one side I don't really care anymore, if that's what bioware want it's okay, I just think it's poor business and artistic direction for extremely valid reason. And this will definitely affect my buying behavior for their games. What I don't agree on is a big part of the media defending them saying it's art we should let them be and shut up and they shouldn't consider to change it.

And a lot of times hey don't even played the games end and are just commenting from the outside which these gaming sites really shouldn't do. I mean one might think that they should be payed for being informed but those things but whatever entirely different argument... It's just so sad hearing developers talk at a bafta panels and siding with such a poor argument.

Problem 1: They all seem to think that this would set a bad precedent, that's just something I don't agree on.
At the very end of the day it should be the studio that decides what they do and not public perception.
They listening to their fans is considering this one instance and other studios shouldn't feel obligated to do the same.
No if they are forced by their publisher, that is bs I agree.

Problem 2: You don't deliver a "bad" ending and defend it as art, that's just the kind of pretentious that the video game industry doesn't need.
I also don't agree with this whole sentiment if we want to regard video games as art we have to treat them like other artforms.
That is BS too, videogames are their own artform and god forbid they are treated as such.
There are also precedents in other media that changed stuff for the better.
There should not be a war between both sides but a discussion about both sides trying to understand the repercussions of each
solution. And yes if publisher change their contracts to enslave developers to do certain content due consumer demand that is bad
I understand that. But it's also bad if the only reasonable stance we should take is shutting up and voting with our wallets, this
is not beneficial to both sides, it leaves developers scratching their had because nobody complains and us disappointed in an industry that
should bring joy.

Problem 3: People that are fine with/love the ending (pls johnnay don't feel like it's subtly directed on you it's really to be meant taken general, I've been lurking on different sites and discussion platforms for a few day). I've yet to read a good argument for why. The main thing I get is people love the idea of the endings, now that's something I can understand and I also can get behind. What I can't get behind is the atrocious execution. When I played through the endings I was just confused as helll.
I mean sure I could have adopted a just enjoy it and don't be so overly critical (like when I played FFXIII, but that's a stance I
don't pick often and I pick conciously (I still can objectively recognize that FFXIII was a bad FF game).

The other vibe I get from those people is exactly that the lack of critic and reflection put into the endings.
That said, it doesn't mean that I hate those people or think their stupid because everyone enjoy games differently.
But I think they should understand after reflecting on it and reading this myriads of critics on it where the rest is coming from
and refrain from encouraging leaving the ending as it is. Because really at the end of the day I've seen nobody reasonable want to take away from they only add to the endings, this should benefit all by raising replay value immensely.

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

Now in retrospect some might giggle at my notion at the beginning for not caring and then giving this long rant.
I want to clarify that a bit, it's just how I feel when I reflect about the issue. But I just don't feel like it's worth anymore to be riled up about the whole issue big part being how media reported about it and that is just somewhat sad.

End note I'm also little shocked at big sites like ign, now people like to lash about that but mostly for really dumb reasons.
I don't read reviews to help my buying decision because that's is just poor knowledge of what a review is. I agree that the industry lacks a hub for reviews that at least try to be objective written by people with the appropriate attitude and considering for who they write these reviews but venting at sites like these because they write their reviews in a certain way is just poor behavior.

But the way ign handled these news was just rude, I know they're not journalists but I really felt like as such a big site they should have been trying to represent both sides because both sides have valid arguments.
I also have the feeling that no editor at ign thinks about how they represent their site. Even if that was an opinion piece the way perception works is just different.

phew sorry for the wall of text...

[Cyber-Robin]

Maybe some people just enjoyed it because they enjoyed it? To be honest I don't know much about the game (still waiting on the ME 1 port to PS3) but my brother simply said the ending was bad for him because it was so hyped up for the last game and that he put the game series itself on a pedestal that probably woulda been hard to live up to.

[DarthAsthma]

Maybe some people just enjoyed it because they enjoyed it? To be honest I don't know much about the game (still waiting on the ME 1 port to PS3) but my brother simply said the ending was bad for him because it was so hyped up for the last game and that he put the game series itself on a pedestal that probably woulda been hard to live up to.

Yeah I don't have a problem with that but it just seems weird from my pov. If it comes to fiction I can easily point out why I liked certain parts of it or not I just can't get in the mindset of consuming fiction without reflecting upon it (which just seems the common mindset of people who liked/we're fine with the ending) just gives me an impression of not really appreciating it that much.
It's like gulping down a really good meal in 1-3 minutes.

But oh well maybe it's also weird for them looking at someone who overanalyses every form of recreational fiction wondering how one could still enjoy it after picking it apart.

[tarrin4ever]

If Bioware wrote the Lord of the Rings. spoilers

Spoiler:

[Sakonosolo]

(still waiting on the ME 1 port to PS3)

That's not going to happen. Microsoft owns publishing rights so it's going to stay 360/PC exclusive.

[Satsuki]

Welp, Bioware has responded. (spoilers!):

Spoiler:

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/122/1221273p1.html

So yeah, they say we'll get "new endings." That the dev teams are working on a number of "game content initiatives that will help answer the questions, providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey". They also say that they won't respond to destructive commentary. But what counts as destructive commentary, apart from idiots who actually threaten people or ubiquitous "Bioware sucks" comments?

The most interesting quote though, to me, is: "This is in addition to our existing plan to continue providing new Mass Effect content and new full games, so rest assured that your journey in the Mass Effect universe can, and will, continue."

New games, eh? Then you'd better provide an ending where the Mass Relays can be saved AND the Reapers destroyed. They say we'll hear more in April. But I'm not getting enthused yet.

Actually, I think Forbes here puts it best:http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain...nding-sort-of/

UGH.

[tarrin4ever]

Knowing them, it'd be easier for them to put in dlc that happends before the end of the game.

Return to Omega

Revenge of the Thorian.

[Zack]

Spoiler:

Don't expect any ending changers. Most likely, they'll just try to clarify more why Joker's fleeing at the end, and other small stuff like that rather than doing any big changes unless they already had plans to do so like with the indoctrination theory.

[Satsuki]

Hahahaha! Yahtzee's review is here!
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/vide...-Mass-Effect-3

Spoiler:

Don't expect any ending changers. Most likely, they'll just try to clarify more why Joker's fleeing at the end, and other small stuff like that rather than doing any big changes unless they already had plans to do so like with the indoctrination theory.

Spoiler:

*sigh* Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too.

Seriously though, would it be so hard to attach a "refuse" option and let your gathered army fight it out in order to try to achieve a happy ending?

[tarrin4ever]

Yet even more of AngryJoe's thoughts on the Mass Effect 3 ending. Get out your tinfoil hats peeps.

Spoiler:

You know what, I buy it.

At first I was pretty much sold on the idea of Bioware giving us a shitty ending. It's not unheard of, they've underperformed before. But this would satisfy me.

And here's the best part. Even if this wasn't Bioware's intentions, they have a clear shot with this. The conspiracy theorists have done the work for them, they've paved the way for this to happen. They are in perfect position to deliver a mindfuck of unprecedented proportions on the fanbase. If they want to save their series' legacy, they should act on this.

They mustn't retcon the endings. they must make the old endings part of the true ending. And they shall be legend.

[SympathyX]

(still waiting on the ME 1 port to PS3)

Hahaha. You'll be waiting a good long while then.

Still, what a fucking terrible end to the game. I'll admit, other than the abysmal opening hour it was pretty good. Way better than 2 played but still not bad. That ending made it totally not worth it. 120 hours of gameplay, 4 books and several different comic series all down the shitter. Brilliant.

[Satsuki]

Bwahahaha.

Spoiler:

And this is technically a product of all the ME3 uproar, but just to be nice I'll put it under tags in case you really don't want to be spoiled:

Spoiler:

In addition to the whole "Retake Mass Effect" movement (of which I endorse), there is now a website called "Hold the Line." Which isn't just about getting the ME3 endings changed, it's a website started in order to connect developers and players more and to: "take a different, more professional approach to resolving problems between a game developer and the people who support them with their patronage."

Very interesting. Check it out: http://www.holdtheline.co/

[Green_vs_Red]

Spoiler:

New games, eh? Then you'd better provide an ending where the Mass Relays can be saved AND the Reapers destroyed. They say we'll hear more in April. But I'm not getting enthused yet.

I'm pretty sure they won't retcon the ending since that'd be a bit much just to sate certain parts of the fandom.

Spoiler:

I could see them possibly jumping the story ahead (for future games) to where space travel has evolved to enough of a point where the Mass Relays themselves aren't needed to go everywhere instantaneously or rebuild them but not change it where they're not destroyed at all since that kind of goes against the theme of making hard decisions which the game constantly goes on about.

Spoiler:

*sigh* Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too.

Seriously though, would it be so hard to attach a "refuse" option and let your gathered army fight it out in order to try to achieve a happy ending?

Spoiler:

Considering that Reapers can shrug off damage like Hulk Hogan,have numbers that are almost incalculable,and don't seem to run out of fuel or energy....yeah. The game also has an in-game article that mentions that having a protracted fight with the Reapers due to the current state of the economy would not be beneficial to the Allied forces so there's that too.

Finished the game the other day

Spoiler:

And the ending was nowhere near as bad as people have been going on about, I've seen worse endings and while it doesn't explain a number of things. It's not the big FU to fans that people have been making it out to be. But I'm guessing Bioware left some of those things unexplained to allow them to add onto it game mid-game or post game DLC.