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[Patryn]

I just noticed that the dream sequences feature the same whispering as the scene where Shepard and Anderson are indoctrinated on the Citadel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLwZxUeJzK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECaRof9dsM
I don't believe that this is a coincidence.

It is. Seriously, the Final Hours prove that this indoctrination stuff just happens to be a coincidence and was never the intended ending.

 

[syko de4d]

Pretty much. Especially when you have been paragon all along, the only question that comes to mind is 'Why is my ending fucking Red?' lol, that makes no sense. It only sucks because after all the effort to save the Geth they also have to die for some reason.

it´s red because the reaper wants u to believe this is the bad ending. And "the bad ending" is the only ending with a sign for the survival of Shepard. And he is definitely not woken up on the citadel...

so much questions ...

 

[EmCeeGramr]

the ftc stuff is really really dumb

but at the same time i so want to be a fly on the walls of bioware and ea right now

 

[Sapphire Dreams]

Just finished the game and wow Bioware has rendered everything pointless.

I mean, why couldn't they have an ending that have a fantastic closure with the characters and their struggles ? I mean we could have things like seeing Tali building her new home or Garrus being promoted and cleaning the streets from criminals properly as he always wanted .

But NOOO! We had to turn Shepard into a Mary sue-esque character and be the new savior bullshit.

I used to respect the name Bioware, but I am sorry guys, you're dead to me ever since EA gobbled you up. I am not touching Mass Effect ever again.

 

[teh_pwn]

Oh geez. If this made it to CNN, I can't see how the higher-ups in EA don't get involved.

At this point, the whole thing may be out of Bioware's hands. I can see EA going "You are making a new ending. I don't care about your artistic integrity, this is a disaster. Make it and ship it. NOW."

That's fucking ridiculous. Firstly, because CNN shouldn't be wasting their time on this. Secondly, because it makes EA look really bad and can really put off the casual customer.

CNN usually doesn't talk about important stuff on weekdays. On weekends, half of the time they roll car chases, or random wild animals like bears out in suburbia.

 

[Y2Kev]

I only played it once and did almost everything I could do -- meaning visit the same locations dozens of times for fetch quests. That game really pulls you in for some reason. I guess it's something for loot whores who don't want to play an MMO. :/

I thought the end was worse than ME3's personally.


DA:O most definitely.

The game is so small that you're just CONSTANTLY completing quests and getting rewards. I solved lots of quests accidentally! Couldn't stop playing.

 

[MiamiWesker]

But movie endings do get changed. Not only during development (endings get focus groups to test it and changed based on that), but also afterwards. Think directors cuts, extended versions and such things.

Hell, Sherlock Holmes got killed in a story, which angered people so much that the author had to come back that it.

So is that where we are now, where devs should focus test the ending of the games to make sure its ok? To me it is more important to focus test the actual final level maybe then they would have noticed that there is no final boss! (Yes I know, Marauder Shields.)

 

[Patryn]

CNN usually doesn't talk about important stuff on weekdays. On weekends, half of the time they roll car chases, or random wild animals like bears out in suburbia.

It's still the mainstream press, meaning this nonsense has gone beyond the hardcore gaming community.

So is that where we are now, where devs should focus test the ending of the games to make sure its ok? To me it is more important to focus test the actual final level maybe then they would have noticed that there is no final boss! (Yes I know, Marauder Shields.)

They had one and deliberately removed it because it didn't fit. That's something that didn't bother me in the least.

I mean, honestly that missile part was practically a Zelda boss. If you just had to hit the button one more time it would BE a Zelda boss. Rule of three and all that.

 

[EatChildren]

But movie endings do get changed. Not only during development (endings get focus groups to test it and changed based on that), but also afterwards. Think directors cuts, extended versions and such things.

Yeah. Like the focus groups in America ruining the end of The Descent because they couldn't handle the bleakness.

 

[MiamiWesker]

Just finished the game and wow Bioware has rendered everything pointless.

I mean, why couldn't they have an ending that have a fantastic closure with the characters and their struggles ? I mean we could have things like seeing Tali building her new home or Garrus being promoted and cleaning the streets from criminals properly as he always wanted .

But NOOO! We had to turn Shepard into a Mary sue-esque character and be the new savior bullshit.

I used to respect the name Bioware, but I am sorry guys, you're dead to me ever since EA gobbled you up. I am not touching Mass Effect ever again.

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip. That said I agree, I totally expected an awesome ending where you go character by character, race by race and see how they turn out. Through that you see how your choices change the galaxy landscape.

I thought Dragon Age Origins did it best, that was a fantastic way to end the game.

 

[Hasphat'sAnts]

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip. That said I agree, I totally expected an awesome ending where you go character by character, race by race and see how they turn out. Through that you see how your choices change the galaxy landscape.

I thought Dragon Age Origins did it best, that was a fantastic way to end the game.

Yup. Talking to everyone in your party then riding off into the sunset with Leliana was great.

 

[EmCeeGramr]

Yeah. Like the focus groups in America ruining the end of The Descent because they couldn't handle the bleakness.

"Wait, Will Smith is the bad guy and the monsters are the good guys? That doesn't make any sense."

 

[Ivory Samoan]

lol there is always one dude who comes into the thread every few thousand posts and says "yu doods r being childish, I don't get it, the ending is juss fine " . These are the same guys who probably enjoy Beet and mayonnaise sandwiches.

Hahaha.. HEY, wait a minute.. I like beet and mayo sarnies.. FUCK.

 

[HarryHengst]

Yeah. Like the focus groups in America ruining the end of The Descent because they couldn't handle the bleakness.

Im not claiming its always for the best, but saying that changing the ending is a horrible thing and artistic integrity and all is just silly. Its a commercial product, meant to earn money. If changing the ending is whats needed to make consumers happy, a company should do that.

 

[Rapstah]

Yeah. Like the focus groups in America ruining the end of The Descent because they couldn't handle the bleakness.

Or like Mac Walters ruining the end of ME3 because he wanted something emotional like the first Matrix.

 

[Dacon]

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip. That said I agree, I totally expected an awesome ending where you go character by character, race by race and see how they turn out. Through that you see how your choices change the galaxy landscape.

It isn't some small clip, it's a long slog through nonsensical dialogue where the most interaction you have is dragging shepard's beaten and broken body across a long chamber after Star Child fills your head with nonsense.

 

[MiamiWesker]

It's still the mainstream press, meaning this nonsense has gone beyond the hardcore gaming community.



They had one and deliberately removed it because it didn't fit. That's something that didn't bother me in the least.

I mean, honestly that missile part was practically a Zelda boss. If you just had to hit the button one more time it would BE a Zelda boss. Rule of three and all that.

They removed the final boss?! I guess I am different from most people but to me playing the game is the most important part of playing video games. I much rather have a fulfilling game ending than the movie clip at the end. And while I loved most of Earth, it sort of just ended without that big moment.

The missle part was no Zelda boss. Zelda bosses aren't enemy gauntlets. That was simply a timer with a ton of bad dudes coming at you and you had to survive.

 

[Turfster]

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip.

I think more people have a problem with space ghost kid taking everything that happened before in all the games, hell, the entire universe, and flushing it because "oh look, we're so metaphysical!!!!1111"

 

[hateradio]

So is that where we are now, where devs should focus test the ending of the games to make sure its ok? To me it is more important to focus test the actual final level maybe then they would have noticed that there is no final boss! (Yes I know, Marauder Shields.)

They intentionally left out the boss. Too video gamey.

The game is so small that you're just CONSTANTLY completing quests and getting rewards. I solved lots of quests accidentally! Couldn't stop playing.

It would be a fetch quester's dream game if it weren't so bad.

Or like Mac Walters ruining the end of ME3 because he wanted something emotional like the first Matrix.

He clearly forgot which was the first.

 

[MiamiWesker]

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip. That said I agree, I totally expected an awesome ending where you go character by character, race by race and see how they turn out. Through that you see how your choices change the galaxy landscape.
/QUOTE]

It isn't some small clip, it's a long slog through nonsensical dialogue where the most interaction you have is dragging shepard's beaten and broken body across a long chamber after Star Child fills your head with nonsense.

I didn't mind that, I liked the idea of the ending, I just didn't like that there was no post story, it just stops.

 

[Patryn]

They removed the final boss?! I guess I am different from most people but to me playing the game is the most important part of playing video games. I much rather have a fulfilling game ending than the movie clip at the end. And while I loved most of Earth, it sort of just ended without that big moment.

The missle part was no Zelda boss. Zelda bosses aren't enemy gauntlets. That was simply a timer with a ton of bad dudes coming at you and you had to survive.

Yeah, the IM was going to hulk out. There's some concept art in the book that comes with the CE.

And you can kind of say the IM is still the last boss, and you use gameplay to defeat him, it's just that they use the conversation system instead of the gunplay.

 

[MiamiWesker]

They intentionally left out the boss. Too video gamey.

But I am playing a video game! This is what upsets me about western devs.

Yeah, the IM was going to hulk out. There's some concept art in the book that comes with the CE.

Oh crap I forgot I had that book.

 

[Dresden]

The thing about the starkid is that just his presence alone is enough to disrupt the end. You had the climax (the confrontation with TIM, which I thought was fitting for the series), you had the denouement (the chat with Anderson), and then . . . you have another climax. For some reason. Which you don't care about. Which interrupts the pacing, the flow of the narrative. It's the equivalent of kicking someone down just as they reach the finish line so they can move the finish line fifty meters further up. Your bullshit detectors should've been ringing as soon as Shepard got lifted up in Reaper heaven.

 

[Dacon]

I just don't see the point in even handing control over to the player for it.

it's like that terrible microwave scene in MGS4 where the sole purpose of having control is to emphasize the character's turmoil and pain for the sake of drama.

It doesn't resonate with me at all.

 

[tino]

I would imagine the charity aspect would be the focus. I mean the rage is quite epic, but not really nation news worthy.

And to reiterate a point I made earlier, if Bioware doesn't a least match (or preferably double) the donations after they do nothing, I will be extra pissed.

Know what, if EA actually match the donation then I would be OK if they don't fix the ending.

I would be happy with an ending I edit myself, which is the ultimate self make video game story. I will fill the missing scenes with drawing and I will be happy with the closure.

 

[bigace33]

Hahaha.. HEY, wait a minute.. I like beet and mayo sarnies.. FUCK.

My condolences to anyone who loves beets. lol

 

[Duki]

the sad thing is is that i expected the ending with the kid to be a fade type thing from da where the game is just bullshitting you intentionally

and then youd have the real ending

but then the game actually ended there

 

[Jibbajabbawockky]

Yup. Talking to everyone in your party then riding off into the sunset with Leliana was great.

And hell, after Origins was finished there were people on BioWare's forums who complained that their Wardens who romanced Morrigan didn't get any closure. Which is basically true among all the possible love interests. And sure enough, they had Witch Hunt as a DLC which gave those Wardens some measure of closure in riding off into the sunset with Morrigan.

 

[inky]

They intentionally left out the boss. Too video gamey.

Funny that a too video gamey ending for Mass Effect 1 worked perfectly fine. There were even some echoes of this in 3, but I guess they didn't want to repeat it.

That said, the last thing on my mind was that there was no Boss battle, I genuinely think the game doesn't need it and well thought out conversation-based ending would have been OK.

 

[Sapphire Dreams]

I loved the games so the ending doesn't anger me that much, whatever its a small clip. That said I agree, I totally expected an awesome ending where you go character by character, race by race and see how they turn out. Through that you see how your choices change the galaxy landscape.

I thought Dragon Age Origins did it best, that was a fantastic way to end the game.

That was a time when Bioware was alive and kicking

 

[MiamiWesker]

I just don't see the point in even handing control over to the player for it.

it's like that terrible microwave scene in MGS4 where the sole purpose of having control is to emphasize the character's turmoil and pain for the sake of drama.

It doesn't resonate with me at all.

One of the greatest video game moments ever. To each his own I guess.

 

[EatChildren]

Or like Mac Walters ruining the end of ME3 because he wanted something emotional like the first Matrix.

And Brave New World!

Im not claiming its always for the best, but saying that changing the ending is a horrible thing and artistic integrity and all is just silly. Its a commercial product, meant to earn money. If changing the ending is whats needed to make consumers happy, a company should do that.

Yeah, I know. I just don't trust focus tests. To be fair though, I cant imagine a focus group of Mass Effect fans approving of the ending. But a focus group of new players with no investment in the series, like EA intended? Well...

"Wait, Will Smith is the bad guy and the monsters are the good guys? That doesn't make any sense."

At least there was a butterfly prophecy.

Oh wait no that was awful.

 

[Salih]

but at the same time i so want to be a fly on the walls of bioware and ea right now

because they are so full of shit so you have unlimited food?

 

[EmCeeGramr]

so in conclusion: i told y'all

 

[hateradio]

it's like that terrible microwave scene in MGS4 where the sole purpose of having control is to emphasize the character's turmoil and pain for the sake of drama.

I thought the microwave scene was good, and that the game should have ended there with Snake's death. But it went on and on and on.

The thing about the starkid is that just his presence alone is enough to disrupt the end. You had the climax (the confrontation with TIM, which I thought was fitting for the series), you had the denouement (the chat with Anderson), and then . . . you have another climax. For some reason. Which you don't care about. Which interrupts the pacing, the flow of the narrative. It's the equivalent of kicking someone down just as they reach the finish line. Your bullshit detectors should've been ringing as soon as Shepard got lifted up in Reaper heaven.

Hrm, maybe we can call it an anticlimax.

an·ti·cli·max
noun

• an event, conclusion, statement, etc., that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected.
• a descent in power, quality, dignity, etc.; a disappointing, weak, or inglorious conclusion: After serving as President, he may find life in retirement an anticlimax.
• a noticeable or ludicrous descent from lofty ideas or expressions to banalities or commonplace remarks: We were amused by the anticlimax of the company's motto: “For God, for country, and for Acme Gasworks.”

Sounds about right to me.

so in conclusion: i told y'all

What did you told us?

 

[Enduin]

Yeah, the IM was going to hulk out. There's some concept art in the book that comes with the CE.

I'm kinda glad that didn't happen. While I wish they did more with him, and had a deeper more intricate convo, I would rather they did something more non traditional and unique than just going all super reaper husk on us like most games.

A game doesn't always need a final boss but it does need a strong sense of accomplishment to end the game and ME3 did not have that, though it was close before the whole catalyst shit came in.

 

[pakkit]

I just noticed that the dream sequences feature the same whispering as the scene where Shepard and Anderson are indoctrinated on the Citadel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLwZxUeJzK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECaRof9dsM
I don't believe that this is a coincidence.

The whispers of the dead are Shepard's unique weakness that the Reaper's have tapped into (perhaps through this illusion of a child...). He has lead many to battle, and he's lost many throughout his adventures. In 3, it finally starts weighing down on him, and that's why I think the more directed approach makes sense.

The change in direction isn't what disappoints me about ME3, instead the fact that Bioware seemed so keen on guaranteeing that they weren't going to head towards a fatalistic ending beforehand before giving the fans just that. Removed from the media circus (LOTS OF SPECULATION), I like the ending. Ironically, given how quickly some want to run away from the ending, I think it's one that becomes more interesting the more times you see it.

The idea that Shepard could undergo indoctrination and (if you get the best case scenario) come out alive on the otherside is amazing. Space Jesus, indeed.

And yes, the PTSD side story in the Hospital was my favorite of the "eaves-dropping" stories.

 

[Patryn]

so in conclusion: i told y'all

Eh. I think I like most of the game a lot more than you. I thought it was really good until those last 10 minutes.

Of course, it couldn't live up to the game I wanted it to be when I imagined ME3 after beating ME1, but ME2 flushed all those dreams down the toilet.

 

[Zeliard]

Liara's character model looks damn good in this game. I like this pic:

Don't mention anything about her, uh, somewhat angular face in the above pic. She gets testy.

Say what you want about Bioware, and I'm plenty cynical about them in general, but they have some very talented artists working on the Mass Effect series.

Kai Leng looked pretty awesome too:

But he killed Thane so fuck him.

 

[Bowdz]

If it happens, it's not going to be free. I hope people don't buy it.

Don't worry I won't.

Spoiler

I'll pay whatever it takes.

 

[Hasphat'sAnts]

Every time I see Kai Leng I think about LumpOfCole's comic. And that takes all dramatic tension out of the scene.

"Word, Illusive Brah."

 

[Rimfya]

Kei Lang was a weird character. Thought that shouldve been a cybernetically improved Miranda gone mad.

 

[Robot Pants]

Someone posted this a few pages back I just got done reading it. Fuck me if I'll remember where his post was to quote it, so I'll just repost it:

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/10022779/1

It's very good.

 

[Duki]

kai leng sucks dick and is a blight on this game

fuck him and all the other book and comic charatcers no one gives a shit about

although i did love how racist his design was

i mean you see he is asian so he has to be a ninja

and his eye mask thing obviously needs to have asian slit eyes on it

because how would he see otherwise?

 

[Patryn]

Does Kai Leng do anything right? Pretty much his only moment is tapping that sword to make you fall in the rubble, and that's nothing.

Otherwise if he didn't have his stupid helicopter, he would have gotten his ass handed to him on Thessia.

Garrus has it right when he says "Typical Cerberus. Brings a sword to a gun fight."

 

[EmCeeGramr]

kai leng is such a joke of a human being in every aspect

 

[ape2man]

I just noticed that the dream sequences feature the same whispering as the scene where Shepard and Anderson are indoctrinated on the Citadel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLwZxUeJzK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECaRof9dsM
I don't believe that this is a coincidence.

could be re use of assets? But also could be the best "we planned this all along defence"

 

[Dacon]

I thought the microwave scene was good

Ehhh, I didn't really enjoy button mashing for ten minutes while everyone gnashed their teeth and wailed in misery to sad music in the cutscenes interspersed in the scene.

It was just trying really hard to force drama it just made it all the more difficult to swallow on top of the abysmal gaming element it was pushing.

Also, wth was up with the illusive man at the end anyway? Why did he suddenly have power to control Shepard and Anderson's bodies? I thought the only way the reapers could control a being's body was through indoctrination, so how was the IM doing this?

 

[rvy]

Kai Leng reminds me of what Raiden's retarded cyborg brother would be like.

 

[Ivory Samoan]

Oh geez. If this made it to CNN, I can't see how the higher-ups in EA don't get involved.

At this point, the whole thing may be out of Bioware's hands. I can see EA going "You are making a new ending. I don't care about your artistic integrity, this is a disaster. Make it and ship it. NOW."

That's fucking ridiculous. Firstly, because CNN shouldn't be wasting their time on this. Secondly, because it makes EA look really bad and can really put off the casual customer.

Why is it ridiculous?

I've seen a lot of news stories that are far less interesting/important than this go to air...

Also, IMO, the indoctrination will deliver.. and a continuation of the endgame will be shipped, or at least revealed post haste. Those kept saves were prompted for a reason no?