Support NeoGAF

[hateradio]

The Deus Ex comparisons are pretty telling, I can't help but think even Invisible War's endings were better, because in both DX 1 and 2 the endings are really brief but they're really evocative, really fitting the different world you end up creating. They ain't no palette swaps of each other.

That's very true. But I think DE:HR took cues from Metal Gear (1 and 2) in that it tried to give some kind of social perspective. The options were also easier to understand and accept.

This was just a very hard-to-watch scene. I felt like someone was holding a gun at me and I had to choose something, anything.

 

[Rokam]

So who thinks Bioware is going to unveil the real ending soon? I doubt they anticipated this level of vitriol.

Honestly I don't think they're going to do anything.

 

[1stStrike]

I replayed the last scene because I picked the synthesis ending, not knowing there were actually the two other options. When I saw the difference was getting cherry instead of mint (excellent description of it, btw), I was so pissed I wasted those 20 mins.

The worst part is that the after credits FMV isn't skippable. So, I skip the credits, go to bypass that so I can watch the 3rd ending and... no dice. I was just like "Really?"

The old man's voice acting was so shitty too, lol. That whole FMV was just really poor and felt tacked on. I'd rather have not seen it.

 

[branny]

This was just a very hard-to-watch scene. I felt like someone was holding a gun at me and I had to choose something, anything.

Yeah, and then pulled the trigger right after you decided.

 

[hao chi]

So if I want to go back and get the perfect ending, do I have to go back to a save before I'm on Earth? Or can I just restart the last mission after getting my EMS high enough?

I'm just wondering because I got my EMS to over 4,000, retried the last mission (after you get KTFO'd by Harbinger), saved Anderson, but Shepard still died. As much fun as it is, I'd rather not have to play a bunch of multi right now if I can avoid it.

 

[PsychoSoldier]

I'm sure the lack of elaboration is one of the many nasty points about the ending, but I don't think that's on the top of the list.

The problem is that the ending just doesn't fit with the world and what weve come to enjoy and appreciate about it. It's almost like it's some awful thread in the OT forum - "If organic life was doomed to be overthrown by its own robots, how would you deal with it?"

It just doesn't fit with Mass Effect

it's all the stuff combined that make it shitty.

It's the Deus Ex Machina

Plus the Deus Ex Machina not making any sense.

Plus the Deus Ex Machina not really giving you any good choices.

Plus your inability to talk back to it.

Plus your inability to change any of the endings based on what you've done.

Plus the lazy, palette-swap FMV's

Plus the nonsensical landing on jungle planet thing that makes no sense.

Plus no real epilogue.

One of those things could have made the ending bad, but all combined it made it pretty awful.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

I'm sure the lack of elaboration is one of the many nasty points about the ending, but I don't think that's on the top of the list.

The problem is that the ending just doesn't fit with the world and what weve come to enjoy and appreciate about it. It's almost like it's some awful thread in the OT forum - "If organic life was doomed to be overthrown by its own robots, how would you deal with it?"

It just doesn't fit with Mass Effect

I highly disagree. The entire series was about organics complete reliance on technology and the ways organics and synthetics dealt with each other.

 

[Hellsing321]

Wow that ending was awful. It was basically the ending to Gurren Lagaan but you can't kick reason to the curb and punch that fucking brat in the face with your omniblade. Its a shame because I thought it was ramping up to something cool near the end of London.

 

[Dresden]

So if I want to go back and get the perfect ending, do I have to go back to a save before I'm on Earth? Or can I just restart the last mission after getting my EMS high enough?

I'm just wondering because I got my EMS to over 4,000, retried the last mission (after you get KTFO'd by Harbinger), saved Anderson, but Shepard still died. As much fun as it is, I'd rather not have to play a bunch of multi right now if I can avoid it.

I think all you get is like a 2-second clip, just find a gif of it.

 

[Pollux]

I heard a theory that they didn't release the final ending and aren't going to talk about it until the game has been released in all regions. So hopefully we hear something by the end of the week. I doubt it though.

 

[Metroidvania]

So who thinks Bioware is going to unveil the real ending soon? I doubt they anticipated this level of vitriol.

It'll definitely be interesting to see how they respond, as is the fact that they haven't. The game isn't out in Japan until Wednesday, so that might have something to do with their silence.

Don't want to "spoil the ending" until everyone has had a chance to play through it.

Spoiler

I have no idea of how big ME actually is over there.

Edit: There's also the theory above me.

 

[hao chi]

I think all you get is like a 2-second clip, just find a gif of it.

I've already seen it on Youtube, but for some reason I want to get that ending for myself. Probably out of hope there's going to be an ending DLC that takes place after Shepard "destroys" the Reapers and wakes up from the hallucination.

 

[1stStrike]

So if I want to go back and get the perfect ending, do I have to go back to a save before I'm on Earth? Or can I just restart the last mission after getting my EMS high enough?

I'm just wondering because I got my EMS to over 4,000, retried the last mission (after you get KTFO'd by Harbinger), saved Anderson, but Shepard still died. As much fun as it is, I'd rather not have to play a bunch of multi right now if I can avoid it.

Regardless of how high your EMS is, Shepard dies in 2 out of the 3 endings. And then you're greeted to some crappy FMV after the credits in some unknown time where some random old dude is talking to some random kid about how vast the galaxy is and shit before cutting out to tell more stories about Shepard.

That's it.

Spare yourself the torment and just move on, or youtube it.

 

[hao chi]

Regardless of how high your EMS is, Shepard dies in 2 out of the 3 endings. And then you're greeted to some crappy FMV after the credits in some unknown time where some random old dude is talking to some random kid about how vast the galaxy is and shit before cutting out to tell more stories about Shepard.

That's it.

I know that. I just want to know if I need to replay the my last save available that's about to assault the Cerberus base to get that ending.

Not asking what the ending is.

 

[hateradio]

I heard a theory that they didn't release the final ending and aren't going to talk about it until the game has been released in all regions. So hopefully we hear something by the end of the week. I doubt it though.

How's that a theory? Sounds more like a rumor.

I know that. I just want to know if I need to replay the my last save available that's about to assault the Cerberus base to get that ending.

Not asking what the ending is.

You need to raise your EMS before you enter Cerberus.

 

[LordCanti]

The worst part is that the after credits FMV isn't skippable. So, I skip the credits, go to bypass that so I can watch the 3rd ending and... no dice. I was just like "Really?"

The old man's voice acting was so shitty too, lol. That whole FMV was just really poor and felt tacked on. I'd rather have not seen it.

"That Old Man" is apparently astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

I also thought he sounded like a child molester.

 

[GorillaJu]

I highly disagree. The entire series was about organics complete reliance on technology and the ways organics and synthetics dealt with each other.

No that was just one of the many thematic elements at play. It was absolutely not ever the main theme. That element even had its own mini ending when you solve the Quarian Geth conflict.

 

[squidyj]

I heard a theory that they didn't release the final ending and aren't going to talk about it until the game has been released in all regions. So hopefully we hear something by the end of the week. I doubt it though.

That's the cryptic tweet theory right?

How's that a theory? Sounds more like a rumor.


You need to raise your EMS before you enter Cerberus.

Also consider a condom

 

[ElectricBlue187]

Regardless of how high your EMS is, Shepard dies in 2 out of the 3 endings. And then you're greeted to some crappy FMV after the credits in some unknown time where some random old dude is talking to some random kid about how vast the galaxy is and shit before cutting out to tell more stories about Shepard.

That's it.

Spare yourself the torment and just move on, or youtube it.

The old man and the little kid was to show you (at least on the paragon ending) that life without the relays had gone back to square one and the galaxy was once again immense and unknowable for him

 

[branny]

It's the Deus Ex Machina

It really can't be understated how bad this is considering it was a Deus Ex Machina that spawned from a Deus Ex Machina already (the Crucible).

 

[hao chi]

How's that a theory? Sounds more like a rumor.


You need to raise your EMS before you enter Cerberus.

Thanks. I'll probably bump the difficulty down to normal to speed things up.

 

[Replicant]

Why are some of the endings, like the red one, have two different versions? In one, the scene ends before you see who opens the Normandy door (and you don't see Shepard's possible sign of life). In another, you get to see the Normandy crew getting out and Shepard is shown to be possibly alive. What made them different?

Like this one (DESTROY/RED, Crew got out, Shepard alive):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdWqlsQjWo

 

[PsychoSoldier]

I highly disagree. The entire series was about organics complete reliance on technology and the ways organics and synthetics dealt with each other.

But it makes it strange to say that synthetics are destined to kill all organics without the cycle when you literally just forged a truce between a synthetic and organic race that were at war with each other.

It doesn't disprove that it would never happen, but you'd think it'd have some bearing on the end given how it fits thematically.

 

[hateradio]

The old man and the little kid was to show you (at least on the paragon ending) that life without the relays had gone back to square one and the galaxy was once again immense and unknowable for him

Which ending are you calling the paragon ending? I think it appears if you have enough EMS.

Why are some of the endings, like the red one, have two different versions? In one, the scene ends before you see who opens the Normandy door (and you don't see Shepard's possible sign of life). In another, you get to see the Normandy crew getting out and Shepard is shown to be possibly alive. What made them different?

Like this one (DESTROY/RED, Crew got out, Shepard alive):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdWqlsQjWo

Isn't it all based on EMS, too?

 

[Apophenia Overload]

I highly disagree. The entire series was about organics complete reliance on technology and the ways organics and synthetics dealt with each other.

Not really, it's not a Deus Ex "we're heading for the inevitable Singularity" universe or a Star Wars "we don't know what transhumanism is but our entire society is dependent upon sentient robot labor" universes. If anything Mass Effect reinforces that it's a Star Trek type space opera setting by banning scary A.I. and there's no genetic engineering that causes people to question what it means to be human instead of having cool space adventures. Organics vs. synthetics was almost entirely restricted to the quarian/geth conflict, plus the Council's robophobia.

 

[1stStrike]

"That Old Man" is apparently astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

I also thought he sounded like a child molester.

The "my sweet" did it for me. I actually started shaking my head and laughed at how bad that whole scene played out.

I get what they were going for, but it was poorly executed.

I'd have taken the crew of the Normandy playing volley ball, or Garrus chilling on the beach with Tali in her homeworld or something. Any ridiculous ending I can think of is better than what we got.

 

[Parham]

Why are some of the endings, like the red one, have two different versions? In one, the scene ends before you see who opens the Normandy door (and you don't see Shepard's possible sign of life). In another, you get to see the Normandy crew getting out and Shepard is shown to be possibly alive. What made them different?

Like this one (DESTROY/RED, Crew got out, Shepard alive):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdWqlsQjWo

You need an EMS higher than 4000 (or 5000, if Anderson is killed by The Illusive Man).

 

[Raxus]

Can Anderson even survive? I persuaded the IM to kill himself and Anderson still died from the gunshot.

For god sakes I was given TWO paragon options before hand and I couldn't save him. Lame.

 

[Alchemy]

Organics should make a race of super organics to kill all organics once they become too organic because they keep killing organics as a means to save organics.

 

[CSX]

Can Anderson even survive? I persuaded the IM to kill himself and Anderson still died from the gunshot.

For god sakes I was given TWO paragon options before hand and I couldn't save him. Lame.

He dies no matter what.

 

[sleeprockss]

But it makes it strange to say that synthetics are destined to kill all organics without the cycle when you literally just forged a truce between a synthetic and organic race that were at war with each other.

It doesn't disprove that it would never happen, but you'd think it'd have some bearing on the end given how it fits thematically.

You forged a temporary truce between the Geth and the Quarians. Who's to say that someone else won't create more synthetics someday?

 

[matt05891]

I think Bioware said it's more of a reference to Alan Shepard, first man on the moon.

Shepard was the first American to make a sub-orbital flight; aka first American in space.

Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon.

 

[Jintor]

Why are some of the endings, like the red one, have two different versions? In one, the scene ends before you see who opens the Normandy door (and you don't see Shepard's possible sign of life). In another, you get to see the Normandy crew getting out and Shepard is shown to be possibly alive. What made them different?

Like this one (DESTROY/RED, Crew got out, Shepard alive):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdWqlsQjWo

Effective Military Strenght for some fucking reason

 

[ElectricBlue187]

No that was just one of the many thematic elements at play. It was absolutely not ever the main theme. That element even had its own mini ending when you solve the Quarian Geth conflict.

That was just one of the many examples of synthetics and organics interacting (seriously almost every mission was about AI or VI or dealt with this theme of organics using technology they didn't fully understand the repercussions of) and based on your decisions it can play out in different ways. Shepard had to choose whether coexistence was possible or not or if the two had to join together for all to survive, same as with the ending.

 

[The Technomancer]

You forged a temporary truce between the Geth and the Quarians. Who's to say that someone else won't create more synthetics someday?

That makes sense in a realistic universe but its a concession I'd be willing to make for one driven by narrative.

 

[LightofRohan]

So what if Joe Bro McDouche plays this in between madden and Call of Duty. It's his first Mass Effect games, but he thought it looks like COD so he wants to try it out. He completely sucks, gets 0 side quests done; kills the geth, screws the krogan and salarians, loses all support. What is the ending like for him?

If it is the same as mine, Bioware dies.

Also, Bioware stated there would be a special thing if your Shepard died in ME2, is that true? Any video?

 

[Jintor]

What the hell does synthetics and organics merge actually mean anyway? everyone becomes cyborgs? How the fuck does a space laser energy wave do that, scientifically speaking? At least all the biotic/mass effect-based stuff makes physical sense, excluding the eezo magic catalyst. Urgh.

 

[Dresden]

What the hell does synthetics and organics merge actually mean anyway? everyone becomes cyborgs? How the fuck does a space laser energy wave do that, scientifically speaking? At least all the biotic/mass effect-based stuff makes physical sense, excluding the eezo magic catalyst. Urgh.

MAGIC

 

[Minion101]

So what if Joe Bro McDouche plays this in between madden and Call of Duty. It's his first Mass Effect games, but he thought it looks like COD so he wants to try it out. He completely sucks, gets 0 side quests done; kills the geth, screws the krogan and salarians, loses all support. What is the ending like for him?

If it is the same as mine, Bioware dies.

Also, Bioware stated there would be a special thing if your Shepard died in ME2, is that true? Any video?

He will only get to choose red space magic.

 

[AB12]

Just finished the game, how do I get my readiness higher, its still 50%?

 

[Metroidvania]

Just finished the game, how do I get my readiness higher, its still 50%?

The 50% is a "readiness' level that gets boosted by leveling a character in multiplayer.

Also, Bioware stated there would be a special thing if your Shepard died in ME2, is that true? Any video?

Believe that was only true when it was possible to import a dead shepard save into ME3. Now that it's not, the idea was scrapped.

 

[Rodney McKay]

ME4 would be a perfect chance for this. Start out on a planet full of various aliens, you pick one of the races to play as. Then go exploring the galaxy without relays.

Mass Effect: Origins. ;_;


It's so strange that a company that still makes games I enjoy can disappoint me so much.

I loved KOTOR: One of my first ever Western RPGs.

I loved Mass Effect: They created a great new Sci-fi universe and the gameplay was exactly what I wanted to see in an RPG (Action gameplay with RPG elements).

I loved Dragon Age Origins: Wasn't thrilled with the LOTR's type universe they created, but it had enough unique stuff and the game was challenging and refreshingly old school (for me at least)

I enjoyed Mass Effect 2, but it had some big disappointments: I liked the gameplay improvements and the way it focused the story on your crew, but it's overall story was paper thin. (Find out what collectors are up to/Stop them)

I loved Dragon Age Awakenings: Wow, a 15-20 hours long expansion pack released in 2010? Good for you Bioware. I know Dragon Age had a ton of tiny DLC missions, but I loved Awakenings. If they had but a little extra content into this expansion you could have called it Dragon Age 2 and I would be completely satisfied.

I HATED Dragon Age 2: Wow Bioware, the hell were you thinking?

I enjoyed Mass Effect 3, but that ending is just shockingly, poorly done: Weird pacing; Great start on earth, then it slows way down during the boring Turian missions, but once you hit the Krogan missions it was pretty great from there. The combat is a lot of fun. I love the grenades and some of the weapons are a lot of fun (sticky grenade pistol and grenade launching assault rifle *drool*). I enjoyed gathering all the military resources because it really felt like you were doing something important by forming all these alliances. But in the end you don't get to see any of the fruits of your labor. I picked my choice (green magic), died (I guess?), and now everyone has green circuit boards on their skin and I guess I'm suppose to feel happy about that because some ghost kid told me it would save the galaxy for some reason.

I just don't know how they could think that was a good way to finish the trilogy. Is it just a case of them getting too big? Is it the George Lucas effect where nobody has the guts to be critical to the big dogs at Bioware?

I doubt they'll learn from this since all they have to do is look at Metacritic and their sales data to convince themselves that they're right and everyone else is wrong. :\

 

[littleworm]

Just finished the game, how do I get my readiness higher, its still 50%?

Multiplayer

 

[hateradio]

What the hell does synthetics and organics merge actually mean anyway? everyone becomes cyborgs? How the fuck does a space laser energy wave do that, scientifically speaking? At least all the biotic/mass effect-based stuff makes physical sense, excluding the eezo magic catalyst. Urgh.

Or why didn't the Reapers do this first instead of choosing to harvest and create more Reapers?

 

[Parham]

Just finished the game, how do I get my readiness higher, its still 50%?

You can increase the readiness by playing a couple of multiplayer matches or collecting intel in the iOS game.

 

[Hellsing321]

Or why didn't the Reapers do this first instead of choosing to harvest and create more Reapers?

Because they aren't space jesus. Or something.

 

[Dresden]

It clearly makes more sense to wage centuries-long wars to exterminate all advanced life every 50k years while storing their genes in some Reaper vault.

 

[LightofRohan]

What the hell does synthetics and organics merge actually mean anyway? everyone becomes cyborgs? How the fuck does a space laser energy wave do that, scientifically speaking? At least all the biotic/mass effect-based stuff makes physical sense, excluding the eezo magic catalyst. Urgh.

ITZ SCIENZE STFU!

Oh yea. I forgot to say! I blew Kai Lengs head off with my shotgun. And the game bugged out and it wouldnt end for a few minutes. I've never shouted, "HOLY FUCK" at a game before. I just blew Kai Lengs head off... what an epic way to end that. But then the cutscene played out normally.

He will only get to choose red space magic.

Are you fucking serious? LMAO BIOWARE!

 

[ElectricBlue187]

Or why didn't the Reapers do this first instead of choosing to harvest and create more Reapers?

The real question i had is why the reapers didnt just turn off the teleporter thing in London? I mean that's a instawin for the reapers right?

 

[Pollux]

I actually like the "Mass Effect: Origins" idea that someone was talking about earlier. All races on the same planet pick which one you want to play as, etc. Then go off on the adventure. I kinda like it.

But then again, as someone else said. Mass Effect is just the prequel to Dragon Age...