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[Enduin]

It would be nice if there was some kind of reward or bonus for exploring every planet. In all of my my games Ive been major OCD and had to make sure I scanned every planet.

 

[Zeliard]

When's the best time to do Overlord in the game, story-wise? I know Shadow Broker is much better to do post-suicide mission.

 

[LumpOfCole]

Overlord is as side-story as can be.

 

[Dany]

When's the best time to do Overlord in the game, story-wise? I know Shadow Broker is much better to do post-suicide mission.

Overlord is self contained, you can do it whenever. IDK if it comes with weapons but I'm sure it comes with research upgrade for biotics.

 

[Nexas]

When's the best time to do Overlord in the game, story-wise? I know Shadow Broker is much better to do post-suicide mission.

I would say pre-Suicide Mission especially if you are playing a paragon.

 

[EatChildren]

Will you see Zaed and Kasumi in ME3, if you played with them in ME2?

No real specific context given, but spoiled just in case;

Spoiler

from what I know, basically every single major character from the past two games shows up in some form, including Zaeed, Kasumi, and the entire ME2 squad cast.

People have already chimed in in detail on Shadow Broker, Arrival, and Kasumi so I will skip repeating that and talk about Overlord. While it is a little long and (presumably) doesn't have much impact on overall story of ME it does tell an excellent tale and makes itself feel like a significant sidequest, almost like one you'd think was built into the game proper, rather than as DLC. Though that fact may offend some in itself.

Yeah, Overlord has a nice little self contained story. It feels like ME2's equivalent of Bring Down the Sky, and in many ways is the direction I wish BioWare took Mass Effect's free roaming uncharted worlds. Scope of the quests themselves may have required scaling back in order to include many of them, but the mini-hubs with multiple missions is something I really liked.

 

[Enduin]

When's the best time to do Overlord in the game, story-wise? I know Shadow Broker is much better to do post-suicide mission.

Bot hare fine to do any time. Theres really nothing better about doing SB after the collectors. In fact it might be better to do it before since you get occasional resources and upgrades from the SB base.

 

[Zeliard]

Cool thx for the responses.

Bot hare fine to do any time. Theres really nothing better about doing SB after the collectors. In fact it might be better to do it before since you get occasional resources and upgrades from the SB base.

I haven't done Shadow Broker yet but some have said it makes more sense dialogue-wise to do it after you beat the game.

Yeah, Overlord has a nice little self contained story. It feels like ME2's equivalent of Bring Down the Sky, and in many ways is the direction I wish BioWare took Mass Effect's free roaming uncharted worlds. Scope of the quests themselves may have required scaling back in order to include many of them, but the mini-hubs with multiple missions is something I really liked.

Neat. Doing an Insanity run right now and I'm gonna do Shadow Broker & Overlord for the first time. Maybe Kasumi as well.

 

[Karak]

No real specific context given, but spoiled just in case;

Spoiler

from what I know, basically every single major character from the past two games shows up in some form, including Zaeed, Kasumi, and the entire ME2 squad cast.

That's what the reviewers are saying. And the first name in your spoiler is my favorite NPC. I am hoping he shows up with more than a high five and then walks off I want to run roughshod on the universe with him again.

 

[CorrisD]

When's the best time to do Overlord in the game, story-wise? I know Shadow Broker is much better to do post-suicide mission.

Is Shadow Broker best done after the suicide mission? is there something extra, I've never noticed anything different.

From my experience Shadow Broker, Kasumi and Overlord can be done whenever with as far as I know no differences before or after, but I prefer to do Arrival after the Suicide mission because story wise it makes more sense and the end bit to me seems better placed after everything else.

 

[Enduin]

I haven't done Shadow Broker yet but some have said it makes more sense dialogue-wise to do it after you beat the game.

Id say the opposite actually. Certain lines change depending on what point youre at with the collectors, but on the whole I would argue to do it before rather than after.

 

[Haemolacria]

I tried to search if this was answered already and came up with no results. Sorry if I failed.

Anyhows, those of you that have already played a few hours: how's the sound design in general? I remember watching some "making of the sounds of ME3"-clip on Youtube and there the sound designer's were raving on, how this game would rock the player's socks sound-wise. However, after playing the first portion of the demo, I was feeling kinda....I don't know, underwhelmed or something. IMHO, the arrival of the Reapers didn't exactly sound as impressive or mind-blowing as I'd expect the start of a galactic war would sound.

 

[Solo]

So you were considering getting the 360 version over the PC version?

Trololollo?

Or crazy?

I'm a completionist, mang. Have ME1 and ME2 on 360. Would have liked to end the series on 360.

 

[spekkeh]

Is Shadow Broker best done after the suicide mission? is there something extra, I've never noticed anything different.

From my experience Shadow Broker, Kasumi and Overlord can be done whenever with as far as I know no differences before or after, but I prefer to do Arrival after the Suicide mission because story wise it makes more sense and the end bit to me seems better placed after everything else.

Maybe if you romanced Liara in part 1. Seems a natural fit to delay going back to her until after I boink Miranda.

 

[EatChildren]

I haven't done Shadow Broker yet but some have said it makes more sense dialogue-wise to do it after you beat the game.

It works either way, but it was primarily written as post game content, so it makes more sense to play it as it was originally intended.

Neat. Doing an Insanity run right now and I'm gonna do Shadow Broker & Overlord for the first time. Maybe Kasumi as well.

When I say mini-hub I don't mean like Illium, the Citadel, or anything like that. No side quests of note either. Just a little area to explore and drive around, as well as the quest missions completable in the order of your choice. Like Bring Down the Sky. I like it.

That's what the reviewers are saying. And the first name in your spoiler is my favorite NPC. I am hoping he shows up with more than a high five and then walks off I want to run roughshod on the universe with him again.

That does seem to be one of the more unanimous positive notes of the game, based on what we've heard so far. The impression I've gotten, from who I've spoken to, what I've seen and read, that in terms of cleaning up thread ties and giving closure to characters, ME3 basically covers everything.

This is one of the reasons I dislike renegade Shepard, mind you. It's fun to see alternatives and it will be interesting to see how ME3 plays out, but I'm a "content first" kind of person, and killing off the ME2 squad, or the Rachni queen, in my head just says "they wont appear in the next games", and that means less to see and do. Even when it's shitty emails and brief, two line cameos in ME2, I'd rather have it than not have it at all.

 

[Prologue]

I finished shadow broker and was watching some alternate scenes on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY855a7g4YQ&feature=related

My shep actually romanced her in ME1. Why didn't I get that lol.

 

[Dany]

I finished shadow broker and was watching some alternate scenes on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY855a7g4YQ&feature=related

My shep actually romanced her in ME1. Why didn't I get that lol.

IS your shep currently with anyone? Liara would ask you about it...

 

[derFeef]

No real specific context given, but spoiled just in case;

Spoiler

from what I know, basically every single major character from the past two games shows up in some form, including Zaeed, Kasumi, and the entire ME2 squad cast.

Yeah, Overlord has a nice little self contained story. It feels like ME2's equivalent of Bring Down the Sky, and in many ways is the direction I wish BioWare took Mass Effect's free roaming uncharted worlds. Scope of the quests themselves may have required scaling back in order to include many of them, but the mini-hubs with multiple missions is something I really liked.

Aww yeah.
And yes, Overlord is great, was surprised how good it was after many said it's bad. The gameplay might be a little boring, but the drive-around makes up for it. Plus the story is really well done for a side quest, and the ending is creepy.

 

[Diablohead]

Aww yeah.
And yes, Overlord is great, was surprised how good it was after many said it's bad. The gameplay might be a little boring, but the drive-around makes up for it. Plus the story is really well done for a side quest, and the ending is creepy.

I loved the overlord dlc, really good stuff and felt like it's own complete chapter in the universe.

 

[Prologue]

IS your shep currently with anyone? Liara would ask you about it...

Actually watching it over again, I didn't pick the "hug" option. That sucks >.>

 

[Shepard]

Aww yeah.
And yes, Overlord is great, was surprised how good it was after many said it's bad. The gameplay might be a little boring, but the drive-around makes up for it. Plus the story is really well done for a side quest, and the ending is creepy.

And don't forget that it has one of the best tracks in the game.

 

[derFeef]

I loved the overlord dlc, really good stuff and felt like it's own complete chapter in the universe.

Yep, ranks up very high in my favourite Mass Effect moments.

And don't forget that it has one of the best tracks in the game.

That too.

 

[Solo]

I actually agree with a bit of this. But the "clean up" that they did removed a massive amount of the roleplaying itself. They basically did what you said. Removed many choices and made the ones you do make happen sparingly even on RPG mode... I guess you could say this feels like ME2 RPG lite lite lite

Oh lawd :_(

 

[Mifune]

Oh lawd :_(

That's the perspective of someone 5-6 hours into the game. There are plenty of more positive impressions from those who have played longer.

 

[RoboPlato]

Two quick, non spoiler question about the full game. Are the running animations improved from the demo and are conversation interrupts back?

 

[Grisby]

And don't forget that it has one of the best tracks in the game.

Gets me hyped every time. One of the best combat tracks in a game.

 

[MasterShotgun]

Two quick, non spoiler question about the full game. Are the running animations improved from the demo and are conversation interrupts back?

1) No. I watched a few seconds of a stream last night (intro section), and it looked exactly the same to me.
2) Yes.

 

[Lifejumper]

Another great track from Overlord:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyftUIjnUZw&feature=related

 

[Mifune]

So I guess what I'm learning from this conversation here is that I should skip Arrival and not look back.

 

[Kung Fu Grip]

Also found this wallpaper while listening to tracks on youtube this morning. Figured I would share.
Wallpaper

Nice! Looks nice on my PS3. Anymore like that?

I assume tali's face is a spoiler? I playing ME2 but i haven't seen it before.

 

[RoboPlato]

1) No. I watched a few seconds of a stream last night (intro section), and it looked exactly the same to me.
2) Yes.

Cool. I didn't actually play the SP in the demo but I was hoping femshep would run better since I saw that infamous clip. Glad interrupts are back though, I thought those were a great addition in 2.

 

[Dany]

Virmire Battle Song is the best song in the entire series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15E45Slj4mU

followed by Ilos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHkBFymRiOs&feature=related

 

[rozay]

Virmire Battle Song is the best song in the entire series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15E45Slj4mU

this was one of my favorites.

 

[Reluctant-Hero]

What the heck?! Was just checking my BSN registered game content and it says that I already have access to the ME3 online pass on 360!

Uh... thanks?

 

[EmCeeGramr]

Virmire Battle Song is the best song in the entire series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15E45Slj4mU

followed by Ilos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHkBFymRiOs&feature=related

*nods sagely at undeniable truth post*

 

[Snuggles]

I'm a completionist, mang. Have ME1 and ME2 on 360. Would have liked to end the series on 360.

Transfer that save, bro. You will be shunned by the PC Community if you go with the 360 version.

This song is amazing - Breeding Ground : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1nSbnPLvPA&feature=channel_video_title

 

[Solo]

Virmire Battle Song is the best song in the entire series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15E45Slj4mU

Correct. Too bad it never made the soundtrack.

 

[Karak]

That's the perspective of someone 5-6 hours into the game. There are plenty of more positive impressions from those who have played longer.

And plenty of negative ones as well. Lets all be civil and understand that opinions will vary drastically as with any game. Moreso here due to the love many of us have for this game.

 

[Karak]

Two quick, non spoiler question about the full game. Are the running animations improved from the demo and are conversation interrupts back?

Running doesn't seem that much improved but better than #2 I didn't play a massive amount of the demo. And you can interrupt during conversations if you mean just by pressing a key or button and choosing your next subject.

 

[derFeef]

So I guess what I'm learning from this conversation here is that I should skip Arrival and not look back.

Here is what I think.

Shadow Broker: Really well done DLC with a lot of backstory and a great payoff.
Overlord: Unique story that's not just another sidequest, makes you think after you played it. "Hub world" is fun. Gameplay a little boring due to enemy tpes.
Kasumi: A new character is always good, but it lacks payoff even if the mission is quite unique.
Arrival: Last 15 minutes are kinda neat, that's it.

Spoiler

That said, you might want to play Arrival because of a character and an "event" that will tie into ME3.

edit: sorry, I guess?

 

[CorrisD]

Maybe if you romanced Liara in part 1. Seems a natural fit to delay going back to her until after I boink Miranda.

Heh, I've only romanced Liara on one of playthroughs with my FemShep paragon and I didn't romance anyone else.
My Renegade Shepards however have been Kaiden > Garrus and Ash > Miranda, renegades got to play the field right? lol.

 

[rozay]

And plenty of negative ones as well. Lets all be civil and understand that opinions will drastically vary as with any game. Moreso here due to the love many of us have for this game.

but your honest and truthful opinions about the game you're actually playing (unlike the rest of us) are just wrong

 

[rozay]

Here is what I think.

Shadow Broker: Really well done DLC with a lot of backstory and a great payoff.
Overlord: Unique story that's not just another sidequest, makes you think after you played it. "Hub world" is fun. Gameplay a little boring due to enemy tpes.
Kasumi: A new character is always good, but it lacks payoff even if the mission is quite unique.
Arrival: Last 15 minutes are kinda neat, that's it.

Spoiler

That said, you might want to play Arrival because of a character and an "event" that will tie into ME3.

come on man, do you see the no spoilers part of the thread title? you could've just mentioned there's a tie in rather than the first detail you listed.

 

[CrazyDude]

I do have to say that I liked that one song in Arrival that plays when you just wake up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaq6EQ7RKmo&feature=related

The part that start 1:23 to 2:00

I remember liking that.

 

[derFeef]

come on man, do you see the no spoilers part of the thread title?

What ME2 DLC is a spoiler? AH well, I will edit.

 

[Mifune]

And plenty of negative ones as well. Lets all be civil and understand that opinions will vary drastically as with any game. Moreso here due to the love many of us have for this game.

I was attempting to lend some perspective, not outright discard your opinion.

 

[AlStrong]

ME2 didn't import any minerals you picked up in ME1.

No, but that's because mineral scans were converted directly into credits/XP in ME1. If you maxed out your credits in ME1 (whatever the Rich Achievement required), you received 100K cR in ME2 at the start of the game.

 

[Karak]

I was attempting to lend some perspective.

Apologies then. I took it incorrectly.

 

[EatChildren]

I didn't realise the ME2 Cerberus Network info thingo had begun updating with new news :/

 

[abundant]

What the heck?! Was just checking my BSN registered game content and it says that I already have access to the ME3 online pass on 360!

Uh... thanks?

I just checked and I have one as well.