Mass Effect 3
04-03-12 | 08:57 PM
#976
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,487
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Mass Effect 3
The sidequests in ME3 were mostly "go scan a planet and then come back to the Citadel and talk to me again" time-inflaters, with the reward nearly always being more ultimately pointless war assets.
04-03-12 | 11:24 PM
#977
gamer for life
Re: Mass Effect 3
Yes, a lot of those sidequests were there to pad the game length...but I spent a LOT more time scanning planets in 2 than I did going out of my way to do these fetch quests in Mass 3...I spent even more time in Mass 1 landing on the same planet 20 times with only the dirt color being different.
While I agree the ending was trash, and the last level was probably the weakest part of the game outside the N7 missions, the game was still amazing. Level design was the best of all three games. It just felt like more time and effort was put into them than the long tunnels of Mass 1 and the big rooms with cover in Mass 2. The acting and story of many of the missions were also some of the best in all three games.
Unlike 1 and 2 though the game did not build to a big finish. The ending of Mass 1, with what happens in the elevator leading up to the final boss (which I might add was sort of lame) still gives me chills. The build up in Mass 2 with the actual mission itself and the excitement was amazing.
I actually think putting the "lets talk to everyone one last time" in the middle of the last battle in Mass 3 actually hurts the ending. I also found the level design on that last mission to be flat and simple. If anything was rushed it was the final hour of the game, along with the actual ending.
My playtime for Mass 2 was the longest of the three, but only by maybe 5 or 6 hours. Mass 1 was actually the shortest of the games for me.
While I agree the ending was trash, and the last level was probably the weakest part of the game outside the N7 missions, the game was still amazing. Level design was the best of all three games. It just felt like more time and effort was put into them than the long tunnels of Mass 1 and the big rooms with cover in Mass 2. The acting and story of many of the missions were also some of the best in all three games.
Unlike 1 and 2 though the game did not build to a big finish. The ending of Mass 1, with what happens in the elevator leading up to the final boss (which I might add was sort of lame) still gives me chills. The build up in Mass 2 with the actual mission itself and the excitement was amazing.
I actually think putting the "lets talk to everyone one last time" in the middle of the last battle in Mass 3 actually hurts the ending. I also found the level design on that last mission to be flat and simple. If anything was rushed it was the final hour of the game, along with the actual ending.
My playtime for Mass 2 was the longest of the three, but only by maybe 5 or 6 hours. Mass 1 was actually the shortest of the games for me.
04-04-12 | 07:02 AM
#978
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Mass Effect 3
Yeah, London was a total letdown. I expected something far more epic after all the war assets I acquired. The game not only needs a
patch/add-on but also a complete expansion to the finale.
Another issue I have is with how unclear some of Cerberus' actions were.
I agree the level design was the best the series has ever had. However, the actual RPG elements (the improved acting notwithstanding) was some of the weakest. Your dialogue options were few and far between (far too many conversations played out like staright out cutscenes) and even those that you were given had very little impact to the flow of the story.
I had a lot of fun with this game but it's the least satisfying RPG in the series.
Spoiler:
Another issue I have is with how unclear some of Cerberus' actions were.
Spoiler:
I agree the level design was the best the series has ever had. However, the actual RPG elements (the improved acting notwithstanding) was some of the weakest. Your dialogue options were few and far between (far too many conversations played out like staright out cutscenes) and even those that you were given had very little impact to the flow of the story.
I had a lot of fun with this game but it's the least satisfying RPG in the series.
04-05-12 | 08:49 AM
#979
Re: Mass Effect 3
http://www.destructoid.com/mass-effe...c-225268.phtml
BioWare and Electronic Arts have announced that, after weeks of controversy, Mass Effect 3 will be gaining further clarity and context for its ending this summer with "Extended Cut" -- a free piece of downloadable content that will hopefully give players what they asked for.
"Through additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will give fans seeking further clarity to the ending of Mass Effect 3 deeper insights into how their personal journey concludes," said EA. "Coming this summer, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will be available for download on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and PC for no extra charge."
Executive producer Casey Hudson said BioWare has "reprioritized" its post-launch efforts to make this happen. So there you go, the power of protest made a company change course ... and they're not even charging for it, as many dreaded. Looks like the power of protest accomplished something. Whether for good or ill remains to be seen.
But hey, people got what they wanted and those happy with the current ending don't have to download this. So ... is everybody cool now?
"Through additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will give fans seeking further clarity to the ending of Mass Effect 3 deeper insights into how their personal journey concludes," said EA. "Coming this summer, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will be available for download on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and PC for no extra charge."
Executive producer Casey Hudson said BioWare has "reprioritized" its post-launch efforts to make this happen. So there you go, the power of protest made a company change course ... and they're not even charging for it, as many dreaded. Looks like the power of protest accomplished something. Whether for good or ill remains to be seen.
But hey, people got what they wanted and those happy with the current ending don't have to download this. So ... is everybody cool now?
04-05-12 | 08:54 AM
#981
Re: Mass Effect 3
People are going to bitch that they have to replay to get to it. They better just offer a way to watch your ending if you've already completed it once. Mark my words.
04-05-12 | 09:34 AM
#982
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,487
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Mass Effect 3
Why wouldn't everyone just load up their pre-ending save file? The game doesn't automatically overwrite it. If the player deleted or saved over it, that's on them as always.
I already sold the game while it still has some value, but I kept my save files (duh) and might rent it again to see the extended endings. I have a feeling that Youtube will provide everything that's needed, though.
I already sold the game while it still has some value, but I kept my save files (duh) and might rent it again to see the extended endings. I have a feeling that Youtube will provide everything that's needed, though.
04-05-12 | 09:34 AM
#983
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Marion, IA
Re: Mass Effect 3
Have you thought about shooting that in an email to BioWare? I'm pretty sure they're in the business of just doing whatever the public tells them to.
04-05-12 | 09:59 AM
#984
Re: Mass Effect 3
Why wouldn't everyone just load up their pre-ending save file? The game doesn't automatically overwrite it. If the player deleted or saved over it, that's on them as always.
I already sold the game while it still has some value, but I kept my save files (duh) and might rent it again to see the extended endings. I have a feeling that Youtube will provide everything that's needed, though.
I already sold the game while it still has some value, but I kept my save files (duh) and might rent it again to see the extended endings. I have a feeling that Youtube will provide everything that's needed, though.
04-05-12 | 09:59 AM
#985
04-05-12 | 11:12 AM
#986
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: Mass Effect 3
Some clarification from Bioware - take it for what you will, since some people feel Bioware has been lying to them anyway.
http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/m...-extended-cut/
http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/m...-extended-cut/
An official press release went out today announcing how we are re-prioritizing the Mass Effect 3 post release content schedule to provide a more fleshed out experience for our fans. For many of you the “Extended Cut” will help answer some questions and give closure to this chapter of the Mass Effect story. Oh and it’s at no cost to you – the fan.
Here is a mini FAQ to help you understand what the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut is and isn’t:
What can fans expect from the Extended Cut DLC?
For fans who want more closure in Mass Effect 3, the DLC will offer extended scenes that provide additional context and deeper insight to the conclusion of Commander Shepard’s journey.
Are there going to be more/different endings or ending DLCs in the future?
No. BioWare strongly believes in the team’s artistic vision for the end of this arc of the Mass Effect franchise. The extended cut DLC will expand on the existing endings, but no further ending DLC is planned.
What is BioWare adding to the ending with the Extended Cut DLC?
BioWare will expanding on the ending to Mass Effect 3 by creating additional cinematics and epilogue scenes to the existing ending sequences. The goal of these new scenes is to provide additional clarity and closure to Mass Effect 3.
When will the Extended Cut DLC be available?
Currently the Extended Cut DLC is planned for this summer, no specific date has been announced at this point.
Why are you releasing the Extended Cut DLC?
Though we remain committed and are proud of the artistic choices we made in the main game, we are aware that there are some fans who would like more closure to Mass Effect 3. The goal of the DLC is not to provide a new ending to the game, rather to offer fans additional context and answers to the end of Commander Shepard’s story.
So there you have it. Are we proud of the game we made and the team that made it? Hell yes. Are we going to change the ending of the game? No. Do we appreciate the passion and listen to the feedback delivered to us by our fans? Very much so and we are responding.
Summer is coming…
Here is a mini FAQ to help you understand what the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut is and isn’t:
What can fans expect from the Extended Cut DLC?
For fans who want more closure in Mass Effect 3, the DLC will offer extended scenes that provide additional context and deeper insight to the conclusion of Commander Shepard’s journey.
Are there going to be more/different endings or ending DLCs in the future?
No. BioWare strongly believes in the team’s artistic vision for the end of this arc of the Mass Effect franchise. The extended cut DLC will expand on the existing endings, but no further ending DLC is planned.
What is BioWare adding to the ending with the Extended Cut DLC?
BioWare will expanding on the ending to Mass Effect 3 by creating additional cinematics and epilogue scenes to the existing ending sequences. The goal of these new scenes is to provide additional clarity and closure to Mass Effect 3.
When will the Extended Cut DLC be available?
Currently the Extended Cut DLC is planned for this summer, no specific date has been announced at this point.
Why are you releasing the Extended Cut DLC?
Though we remain committed and are proud of the artistic choices we made in the main game, we are aware that there are some fans who would like more closure to Mass Effect 3. The goal of the DLC is not to provide a new ending to the game, rather to offer fans additional context and answers to the end of Commander Shepard’s story.
So there you have it. Are we proud of the game we made and the team that made it? Hell yes. Are we going to change the ending of the game? No. Do we appreciate the passion and listen to the feedback delivered to us by our fans? Very much so and we are responding.
Summer is coming…
04-05-12 | 12:30 PM
#987
DVD Talk Reviewer
Re: Mass Effect 3
Exciting move from BioWare/EA and very wise of them not to charge for it, though I'm really hoping, for their sake, that "free" doesn't eventually translate to "free* = built into the purchase of upcoming DLC". I'm optimistic about their wishes to satisfy a loyal fanbase, so I'm thinking that won't be the case.
I'm stoked to see what exactly the additions/extensions will accomplish, and whether they'll add credence to the theory going around (a well-executed, compelling summary video here, which mostly falls in-line with how I interpreted the ending) and/or slather some much-needed material into the narrative's cracks to make certain things make lucid sense. As someone who's currently open-minded, patient, and honestly appreciates the direction they were going with the conclusion, but ultimately feels it was a roughspun attempt at something intriguing and emotionally gripping, I'll remain a (moderately) satisfied Mass Effect fan who will welcome the story-fleshing. Summer's a long wait, though, and that won't help the sour taste in many of the fans' mouths.
-----
If you haven't restarted the game (and I suspect many of the unsatisfied folks who angrily mic-dropped after the end probably haven't), you could opt for the "Restart Mission" file that's still available, which ...
If it's a beefier extension that fleshes things out after and before that, then yeah, they'll have to fight through the last mission again to get the full sprawl of added content.
I'm stoked to see what exactly the additions/extensions will accomplish, and whether they'll add credence to the theory going around (a well-executed, compelling summary video here, which mostly falls in-line with how I interpreted the ending) and/or slather some much-needed material into the narrative's cracks to make certain things make lucid sense. As someone who's currently open-minded, patient, and honestly appreciates the direction they were going with the conclusion, but ultimately feels it was a roughspun attempt at something intriguing and emotionally gripping, I'll remain a (moderately) satisfied Mass Effect fan who will welcome the story-fleshing. Summer's a long wait, though, and that won't help the sour taste in many of the fans' mouths.
-----
Spoiler:
If it's a beefier extension that fleshes things out after and before that, then yeah, they'll have to fight through the last mission again to get the full sprawl of added content.
04-05-12 | 12:35 PM
#989
Re: Mass Effect 3
Pretty sure the game deletes that once you shut down. I did go back last week to get the "Master & Commander" achievement and the closest option I had to that was "Resume". I do remember "Restart Mission" after the first time I saw the ending.
04-05-12 | 12:47 PM
#990
DVD Talk God
Re: Mass Effect 3
nice that they acknowledge that this is the end of the arc for these mass effect games, all but confirming more of them in the future. 
04-05-12 | 12:48 PM
#991
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Mass Effect 3
I can't speak for consoles but on PC, you can load up that restart option indefinitely. Even after loading up a previous quick save.
04-05-12 | 12:50 PM
#992
DVD Talk Reviewer
Re: Mass Effect 3
Spoiler:
04-05-12 | 12:52 PM
#993
Re: Mass Effect 3
Weird. I'll have to look into that if I didn't fuck it up myself by "Resume"ing. If that's true then they won't need to do what I suggested, but gamers will still bitch, that's a universal truth 
04-05-12 | 01:34 PM
#994
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Mass Effect 3
I'm looking forward to all the fans ranting about BioWare not using the Indoctrination Theory. 
04-05-12 | 01:36 PM
#995
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Marion, IA
04-05-12 | 01:40 PM
#996
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Mass Effect 3
^ Exactly.
04-05-12 | 02:35 PM
#997
DVD Talk Legend
04-05-12 | 02:36 PM
#998
DVD Talk Legend
04-05-12 | 04:48 PM
#999
gamer for life
Re: Mass Effect 3
I am going to bitch...cause that is what I like to do...
So they are going to release a couple of minutes of video that sums up a bit of what happened at the end of the game for free. Something that you can watch on youtube just fine. Of course this "free" dlc requires that you keep your disc and not sell it to amazon and gamestop. Well played EA....well played...
So they are going to release a couple of minutes of video that sums up a bit of what happened at the end of the game for free. Something that you can watch on youtube just fine. Of course this "free" dlc requires that you keep your disc and not sell it to amazon and gamestop. Well played EA....well played...