![This is a good article. Click here for more information.](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/94/Symbol_support_vote.svg/19px-Symbol_support_vote.svg.png)
Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect 3 | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Developer(s) | BioWare |
Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
Director(s) | Casey Hudson |
Producer(s) | Jesse Houston |
Designer(s) | Preston Watamaniuk |
Programmer(s) | David Falkner |
Artist(s) | Derek Watts |
Writer(s) | Mac Walters |
Composer(s) |
|
Series | Mass Effect |
Engine | Unreal Engine 3 |
Platform(s) |
|
Release | |
Genre(s) | Action role-playing, third-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. The third major entry in the Mass Effect series and the final installment of the original trilogy, it was released in March 2012 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. A Wii U version of the game, entitled Mass Effect 3: Special Edition, was later released in November 2012. The game is set within the Milky Way galaxy in 2186, where a galactic civilization is invaded by a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships known as Reapers. It concludes the story of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who is tasked with forging alliances between species for the war.
Similar to Mass Effect 2, the player can import a completed saved game into Mass Effect 3 that influences the plot by taking previous decisions into account. In general, Mass Effect 3 revolves around increasing military strength by completing missions and gathering resources. As BioWare designed the game to be accessible to both old and new players, many of the series' traditional gameplay elements remain, such as cover-based third-person shooting, but new aspects are introduced as well, such as a multiplayer component. The game's score was written by a variety of composers, who aimed for a balance between the orchestral sound of Mass Effect 2 and the synthesizer-driven sound of the original Mass Effect. Mass Effect 3 also supports a variety of downloadable content packs, ranging from minor in-game items to more significant plot-related missions. Notable packs include From Ashes, Leviathan, Omega, and Citadel.
Mass Effect 3 received critical acclaim for its art direction, characters, emotional depth, improved combat, soundtrack, and voice acting. However, its ending was poorly received by fans, who felt that it did not meet expectations. In response to the controversy, BioWare released the Extended Cut pack, which expands upon the original ending. The game received several year-end awards, including Best RPG at the Spike Video Game Awards and Game of the Year from Game Informer. A standalone sequel, Mass Effect: Andromeda, was released in March 2017, and a remaster of the trilogy, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, was released in May 2021. Another Mass Effect game is also in early stages of development.
Gameplay[]
Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing game in which the player takes control of Commander Shepard from a third-person perspective.[1] Shepard's gender, appearance, military background, combat training, and first name are determined by the player before the game begins.[1] If the player has a completed saved game from Mass Effect 2, the character from that game can be imported.[2] By importing an old character, decisions from prior Mass Effect titles are carried over, which impacts the plot of Mass Effect 3.[2] Similar to previous installments in the series, the player is able to choose from six different character classes that each have their own unique set of skills.[3] For example, the Infiltrator class is proficient in stealth and sniping abilities whereas biotics-inclined classes possess psychokinetic powers.[3] By completing assignments and quests, the player is rewarded with experience points.[1] Once enough points are earned, Shepard levels up, which allows for the unlocking or upgrading of skills along a tree.[4]
Mass Effect 3 has three pre-set campaign modes: Action, Story, and RPG.[5] In Action Mode, conversations have automatic replies and normal combat difficulty; in Story Mode, conversations have manual replies and minimal combat difficulty; and in RPG Mode, conversations have manual replies and normal combat difficulty.[5] The game contains various role-playing elements,[6] such as the ability to augment guns with different ammo types, barrels, modifications, and scopes to improve their effectiveness in combat. If the player has Kinect, customization choices can be made verbally instead of selected using a controller.[7] Upon beating the game, a New Game+ is unlocked, which allows the player to restart with certain bonuses, such as the ability to further upgrade weapons.[1]
The primary mode of transportation in Mass Effect 3 is a star ship called Normandy SR-2.[8] From the inside of the ship, players can use a galaxy map to choose a destination point, scan planets for resources, or start missions.[9] To aid the player in managing tasks, the game automatically logs available missions in a journal; however, unlike previous titles in the series, the journal does not distinguish between main quests and side quests.[10] In general, Mass Effect 3 revolves around increasing "Effective Military Strength" (EMS) to prepare for its final mission.[11] EMS is calculated by multiplying "Total Military Strength" (TMS) and "Readiness Rating" (RR).[12] TMS is increased by acquiring "War Assets", which include accomplishments from all three Mass Effect games, whereas RR is increased by playing the multiplayer mode.[13]
Dialogue and morality[]
Unless it is set to Action Mode, the player interacts with non-player characters in Mass Effect 3 by using a radial command menu where dialog options depend on wheel direction.[5] Most conversations are advanced by choosing either a Paragon (diplomatic) or Renegade (intimidating) option, which appear to the top and bottom right of the wheel, respectively.[1] By conversing with squadmates aboard the Normandy, Commander Shepard can develop friendships or, in some cases, romantic relationships with them over time.[14] Same-sex relationships for both female and male Shepards are available.[15] If Shepard was imported from Mass Effect 2 and achieved a love interest in each of the prior Mass Effect games, then both characters vie for Shepard's attention in Mass Effect 3.[16] During some conversations, the player is prompted with a context-sensitive interrupt option that offers a temporary alternative to what is available on the dialog wheel.[1]
On several occasions, the player must make decisions that impact the game's narrative.[17] For example, one mission asks the player to side with one of two species, which can lead to one of them being eradicated.[18] Over the course of Mass Effect 3, dialog and narrative decisions result in "Reputation Points", which are added together and unlock further decision-making and dialog options as they accumulate.[17] The conclusion of the game is influenced by accomplishments earned and decisions made throughout the series.[11]
Combat[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2a/Mass_Effect_3_Combat.jpg/250px-Mass_Effect_3_Combat.jpg)
Combat in Mass Effect 3 takes place in real-time but also allows for pausing to aim, change weapons, or use skills from a menu.[20] During battle, the player has direct control of Commander Shepard from an over-the-shoulder perspective, who can move around the map by climbing up ladders, combat rolling, or sprinting.[21] Shepard is typically accompanied by two squad members who are controlled by the game's artificial intelligence; however, the player can still order them into position or choose their powers.[22] Kinect users are able to issue these commands verbally.[7] If squad members die, they can be revived using the Unity power or an on-screen prompt if the player is in close proximity.[22]
Enemy encounters generally involve navigating opposing forces that work together and support each other with varying roles.[19] For example, a typical confrontation involves defeating suppressor-type enemies who shoot from afar while also managing more aggressive enemies that are constantly charging.[23] To avoid taking damage, the player can go into cover behind objects on the battlefield, but harder difficulties necessitate that players stay mobile as well.[19] If Shepard or the squad members are hit, damage is dealt to their shields until they run out, at which point a final layer of health is gradually depleted until the individual dies, health is restored, or shields regenerate.[22]
Opposing forces are damaged with gunfire, melee attacks, or specialized skills such as combat drones.[22] If desired, the melee system can be a vital aspect of gameplay.[24] For example, players can execute heavy melee attacks that vary depending on character class.[25] All enemies have protections that are susceptible to particular attack types, such as armor, which is weak against the Incinerate skill and weapons with a slow rate of fire.[22] Sometimes, the player is presented with alternate offensive approaches. For example, if the player encounters an Atlas Mech and defeats its driver without destroying the entire suit, Shepard can climb inside and take control of its heavy-duty weaponry.[26]
Multiplayer[]
Mass Effect 3 includes a multiplayer mode called "Galaxy at War".[27] In this mode, up to four players join to complete horde-style cooperative matches in which the participants must survive escalating waves of enemies and complete a series of objectives.[28] As rounds are completed, the player earns in-game currency that is used to buy randomly-generated packs of unlockables, such as new character types and weapons.[29] In-game currency is also available via microtransaction.[30] For the first year of the mode's existence, players could participate in BioWare-sponsored challenges with special objectives and increased rewards.[31]
In contrast to the single-player mode, where the player can only play as a human, the multiplayer mode has a wider variety of species to choose from.[32] Every race has unique powers,[33] such as a "Krogan Charge" for krogans. Combat is based on its single-player counterpart but has some differences such as no pause menu to change weapons; instead, weapons are changed by holding down a button.[33] Frequency of play and number of multiplayer missions completed affect the outcome of the single-player campaign.[34]
Synopsis[]
Setting[]
The Mass Effect trilogy is set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, where interstellar travel is possible through the use of mass transit devices called mass relays, a technology believed to have been built by an extinct alien race known as the Protheans.[35] A conglomerate body of governments known as the Citadel Council controls a large percentage of the galaxy and is responsible for maintaining law and order among races of the galactic community. Races that belong to the Citadel Council include humans, asari, salarians and turians.[36] Other alien races include the warlike reptilian krogan, the nomadic environmental suited quarians, and their wayward creations, a race of networked artificial intelligences known as the geth.[37]
Mass Effect 3 begins in 2186, six months after the events of Mass Effect 2.[38] The galactic community lives in fear of an invasion by Reapers, a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships that are believed to eradicate all organic civilization every 50,000 years.[39] Meanwhile, the krogan face extinction because of the genophage, a genetic mutation developed by the salarians and deployed by the turians as a bioweapon to contain the krogan;[40] the quarians prepare to retake their homeworld from the geth;[41] and the human supremacist terrorist organization Cerberus is regrouping after a temporary alliance with Commander Shepard to defeat the Collectors, indoctrinated and genetically modified remnants of the Prothean race who were abducting human colonies.[37] Shepard has been relieved of duty and is confined on Earth, awaiting court-martial by the Systems Alliance.[42]
Characters[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Freddie_Prinze%2C_Jr_Comic-Con_2009.jpg/200px-Freddie_Prinze%2C_Jr_Comic-Con_2009.jpg)
The protagonist of Mass Effect 3 is Commander Shepard (Mark Meer or Jennifer Hale), an elite human soldier who is Commanding Officer of the Normandy SR-2 starship.[43] While the exact roster can vary,[2] Shepard's squad members generally include Systems Alliance officers Ashley Williams (Kimberly Brooks) or Kaidan Alenko (Raphael Sbarge), Systems Alliance marine James Vega (Freddie Prinze Jr.), asari information broker and researcher Liara T'Soni (Ali Hillis), turian military adviser Garrus Vakarian (Brandon Keener), the Normandy's artificial intelligence EDI (Tricia Helfer), and quarian engineer Tali'Zorah (Ash Sroka).[43] The Prothean endling Javik (Ike Amadi) is included as an optional squad member by default with the Wii U version of the game.[44] Other characters include Systems Alliance admirals David Anderson (Keith David) and Steven Hackett (Lance Henriksen), Normandy pilot Jeff "Joker" Moreau (Seth Green), Cerberus leader the Illusive Man (Martin Sheen), Cerberus assassin Kai Leng (Troy Baker), Citadel Security (C-Sec) Commander Armando-Owen Bailey (Michael Hogan), and asari crime boss Aria T'Loak (Carrie-Ann Moss).[43]
Certain characters such as human Cerberus officer Miranda Lawson (Yvonne Strahovski), salarian scientist Mordin Solus (William Salyers), krogan leader Urdnot Wrex (Steven Barr), human criminal Jack (Courtenay Taylor), genetically engineered krogan soldier Grunt (Steve Blum), drell assassin Thane Krios (Keythe Farley), asari Justicar Samara (Maggie Baird), and geth mobile platform Legion (D. C. Douglas) may appear depending on whether or not they survived the events of previous games.[43][45][46] If necessary, the game establishes alternate characters as replacements for previously-deceased characters who otherwise would have significant roles in the plot; for example, Urdnot Wreav will emerge as the krogan leader instead of Urdnot Wrex, Padok Wiks will appear instead of Mordin as the salarian scientist working to cure the genophage, and a facsimile of Legion occupied by a geth virtual intelligence (VI) will be encountered by Shepard if Legion is unable to appear.
Plot[]
The Reapers invade and quickly overwhelm Earth. After being reinstated by Anderson, who stays behind to rally resistance, Shepard is ordered to Mars by Hackett.[47] On Mars, Shepard learns from Liara about a Prothean superweapon capable of destroying the Reapers, and recovers its schematics from the Illusive Man, who reveals Cerberus' desire to control the Reapers instead. With schematics in hand, the Alliance begins construction on the device, dubbed the "Crucible", while Shepard is ordered to recruit support from other species across the galaxy.[48]
Shepard begins by rescuing the turian primarch from Menae, a moon orbiting the turian homeworld, Palaven.[49] The primarch pledges turian support to Shepard only if the krogan help defend Palaven, but the krogan leader refuses to help unless the genophage is cured.[50] Shepard and the krogan leader travel to the salarian homeworld, Sur'Kesh,[51] where they rendezvous with a salarian scientist who formulates a cure from Eve, a fertile krogan female, and plans to disperse it using a tower called the "Shroud" on the krogan homeworld, Tuchanka.[52] Before landing on Tuchanka, Shepard is contacted by the leader of the salarian government, who reveals that the Shroud has been sabotaged to prevent the dispersal of a cure, and offers her government's support only if the sabotage is left intact. Shepard must ultimately decide whether to allow the cure to proceed, in which case the salarian scientist sacrifices himself to deploy a counter-measure, resulting in a pledge of support from the krogan. Alternatively, Shepard can stop the scientist by killing him or convincing him not to deploy the cure, which deceives the krogan into thinking that the genophage has been cured, thereby earning both krogan and salarian support.
Following the events on Tuchanka and a failed coup by Cerberus to take over the Citadel, the quarians offer their support to the Alliance if Shepard helps them reclaim their homeworld, Rannoch, from the geth. Shepard boards a geth dreadnought, rescues a captive geth ally, then disables the Reaper control signal over the geth.[53] Shepard then locates and destroys a Reaper base on Rannoch,[54] which gives the quarians an opportunity to attack the vulnerable geth. However, the allied geth unit reveals that it intends to sacrifice itself in order to upgrade the geth using Reaper technology, which empowers the geth to defeat the quarians and enable them to achieve true sentience and free will. Either Shepard negotiates a ceasefire to gain support from both sides, or is forced to support one side, which results in the other being completely annihilated.
Shepard is subsequently summoned to the Citadel by the asari councilor.[55] She reveals that there is a hidden Prothean artifact on the asari homeworld, Thessia, which may help Shepard identify the "Catalyst", an essential component for completing the Crucible.[56] There, Shepard discovers a Prothean VI called "Vendetta", but Kai Leng arrives and steals it as Thessia falls to the Reapers. Desperate to reclaim Vendetta, Shepard's crew follow Leng to the Sanctuary facility on the human colony world Horizon, where Cerberus has been secretly researching Reaper-control technology.[57] Shepard obtains a tracking device that leads to the Illusive Man's headquarters, and initiates an all-out assault on the Cerberus space station with the Alliance.[58] Accompanied by EDI, Shepard reaches the central base, kills Leng, and learns from Vendetta that the Catalyst is the Citadel itself, which the Reapers have captured after successfully indoctrinating the Illusive Man, who abandoned the station prior to the assault.
The Alliance and its allies launch an all-out assault on the Reapers in a last-ditch effort to retake Earth and activate the Crucible by joining it with the Citadel.[59] Shepard eventually reaches a Reaper transportation beam to enter the Citadel, and after dealing with the Illusive Man, attempts to activate the Crucible. Shepard is lifted to the Citadel's pinnacle instead, and meets a childlike artificial intelligence that declares itself to be the Catalyst, who presents a number of options for the player on how to deal with its creation, the Reapers.
In a post-credits scene, an individual known as the "Stargazer" tells the story of "the Shepard" to a young boy, implying that Shepard's legacy lives on far into the future.
Development[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Bioware_founders.jpg/250px-Bioware_founders.jpg)
Mass Effect 3 was developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts (EA).[61] Similar to previous installments in the series, the game was directed by Casey Hudson, who originally created the franchise along with BioWare founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka.[60]
Writing[]
Mac Walters, who served as co-lead writer on Mass Effect 2 with Drew Karpyshyn, was the lead writer for Mass Effect 3.[62] Hudson and Walters began the writing process by collaborating on a short story document that outlined all primary plot points.[63] These high-level ideas were then disbursed to the rest of the team, who were each put in charge of specific character and story arcs.[64] Staff members were also responsible for peer reviewing each other's work.[63] Because prior games allowed players to choose from different outcomes, the writers had to account for many possible variables; however, in anticipation of this challenge, they preemptively locked in certain story arcs to ensure that all Mass Effect 3 playthroughs had at least some commonalities.[65]
The overall narrative of Mass Effect 3 went through multiple redrafts before being finalized, and a number of ending sequences involving the Reapers were considered but ultimately abandoned.[66] A very early idea involved either Kaidan or Ashley, having become the second human Spectre, confronting Shepard who has been willingly modified by Reaper technology. This would have echoed the character arc and downfall of Saren Arterius, the primary antagonist of the first Mass Effect, who received extensive cybernetic alterations.[67] Along those same lines, the Illusive Man was originally intended to be the final boss fight, with the character transforming into a Reaper creature akin to Saren at the end of the first game, but the developers decided that the idea was too clichéd.[68]
Other ideas for an ending revolved around the Reapers' attempts to stop organics from utilizing dark energy due to its cumulative entropic effect that would hasten the end of the universe, or to prevent the universe's inevitable descent into the opposite of the Big Bang by focusing their attention on organic species with biotic potential. Karpyshyn, who departed from the series after Mass Effect 2 to work on Star Wars: The Old Republic, recounted that these vague ideas were something the team had considered in passing, but a different narrative direction was chosen instead.[67][69] Another scrapped ending, according to other former BioWare staff, had Shepherd discover a Reaper Queen that had been trapped in part of a Citadel, and the player's final choice either opting to destroy the Citadel and Earth to kill the Queen and end the Reapers forever, to take control of the Reapers from the Queen, or to find an immediate solution that merged organic and synthetic life.[70] In November 2011, a private beta of Mass Effect 3 was leaked onto Xbox Live, which allowed players to access unreleased plot details, and forced BioWare to alter some aspects of the story at the last minute.[71]
Production[]
Early stages of development on Mass Effect 3 began before Mass Effect 2 was released.[72] Because Mass Effect 3 was designed for consoles that were nearing the end of their lifespans, BioWare focused more on optimizing gameplay and storytelling than pushing the technology forward.[73] Throughout the design process, the company referenced critical feedback to help guide their creative decisions, an approach they also utilized for Mass Effect 2.[74] For example, many fans complained that role-playing systems in Mass Effect 2 were oversimplified, so BioWare added back more character customization options.[75] Another major strategy was to make Mass Effect 3 more user-friendly for new players, something that BioWare felt they did a bad job of in Mass Effect 2.[76]
One of Hudson's primary goals for the single-player campaign was to improve combat, hoping to turn Mass Effect 3 into one of the best shooters on the market.[77] BioWare tried to accomplish this by improving enemy animations and diversity, including specialized enemies that would require players to utilize different tactics based on character class.[78] The company also aimed to make the battlefield less predictable by introducing unexpected events and redirects, such as the floor giving out and the player falling to a completely different level of the environment, so that enemy encounters would not always go as telegraphed.[79]
Mass Effect 3 required over 40,000 lines of dialog.[80] By comparison, the original Mass Effect featured approximately 20,000 lines while Mass Effect 2 featured 25,000.[80] Because of the game's extensive voice cast, it was logistically impossible for BioWare to have every actor in a single location at one time.[81] Caroline Livingstone, who served as voiceover director, coordinated recording sessions from Edmonton while the actors worked remotely.[81] BioWare noted that this approach, combined with the sheer volume of dialog, made it difficult to consistently capture the proper intonation and volume of each line.[80] To help reduce these kinds of errors, they developed their own technology, such as the "Intensity Volume Matrix", which listed out each line and the appropriate tone associated with it.[81]
The music of Mass Effect 3 was composed by Sasha Dikicyan, Sam Hulick, Christopher Lennertz, Clint Mansell, and Cris Velasco.[82] Everyone except for Mansell was a returning composer; Hulick contributed to the first two games and Dikicyan, Lennertz, and Velasco scored some Mass Effect 2 downloadable content packs.[83] Jack Wall, the lead composer of Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, had no involvement in the production of Mass Effect 3.[84] Each composer was allocated a specific area of the game to work on, and in total there were 90 minutes of music scored.[83] According to Hulick, the team aimed for a balance between the orchestral sound of Mass Effect 2 and the synthesizer-driven sound of Mass Effect.[83] Mansell, a Golden Globe Award-nominated composer, likened his role to that of a disc jockey, who is responsible for choosing the right music at the right times.[85]
Although Mass Effect 3 was originally planned as a project that could be finished in under two years,[73] by March 2011, it was clear that more development time was required, so BioWare moved the game's release date from Q4 2011 to Q1 2012.[86] In order to meet this deadline, the company also made some concessions, such as the removal of a new, Prothean squad mate from the base game.[73] The game was officially approved for distribution, making it effectively finished, in February 2012.[73]
Marketing and release[]
Mass Effect 3 was officially announced on December 11, 2010, at the Spike Video Game Awards.[87] The following summer, the game was demoed and unveiled at conventions such as Comic-Con,[88] Electronic Entertainment Expo,[89] Gamescon,[90] and PAX Prime.[91] A multiplayer component was officially announced on October 10, 2011,[92] confirming longstanding fan rumors of a multiplayer mode dating back to 2010.[93] An official single-player demo was released on February 14, 2012, with early access granted to consumers who purchased Battlefield 3 and activated their online pass.[94]
Leading to its release, Mass Effect 3 was promoted with a variety of video content, beginning with a reveal trailer in 2010 and ending with a teaser trailer called Take Back Earth in 2012.[95][96] BioWare also utilized viral marketing such as fictional blogs and a weekly web series called BioWare Pulse.[97] For one promotional campaign, EA launched early copies of Mass Effect 3 into space using weather balloons that were equipped with GPS devices.[98] Fans were able to track the balloons online and then recover them once they landed, which enabled them to obtain early copies of the game.[98] Throughout its marketing cycle, Mass Effect 3 was subject to numerous leaks; most significantly, a private beta unintentionally became available to players on Xbox Live in November 2011.[71][99]
Unlike Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, BioWare promoted Mass Effect 3 with both male and female versions of Commander Shepard.[100] Colloquially referred to as "FemShep", the female Shepard had her own dedicated trailers and appeared on the cover of some versions of the game, including the standard version, which featured a reversible slipcase insert with FemShep on one side.[101] To help decide the official FemShep model, BioWare asked fans to choose between five prototypes on Facebook.[102] Ultimately, the fifth prototype won and a new fan vote was held to decide its hair color, which became red.[103]
In addition to the standard version of Mass Effect 3, players could also purchase a Collector's Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition, which included in-game bonuses and unlockable items.[104] The Digital Deluxe Edition was exclusively available through Origin, EA's online distribution and digital rights management system.[105] The game also came with various pre-order bonuses depending on where the order was made.[106] For example, those who pre-ordered the game from the PlayStation Network were granted the M-55 Argus assault weapon and Mass Effect 3 PlayStation theme.[107]
Mass Effect 3 was originally scheduled for release in late 2011, but its official release date was eventually moved to March 6, 2012.[86] Initially, the game was only released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.[86] All new copies of the game came with an online pass that granted access to the multiplayer mode, but used copies generally required that a new pass be purchased.[108] In order to run Mass Effect 3 on PC, players were required to install Origin.[109] On November 18, 2012, a Wii U version of the game was released in North America, followed by releases in Europe on November 30 and Japan on December 6.[110] Along with Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 became backwards compatible with Xbox One on November 7, 2016.[111] A remaster of the Mass Effect trilogy, entitled Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 14, 2021.[112]
Downloadable content[]
A variety of downloadable content packs for Mass Effect 3 were released between March 2012 and April 2013.[113] The content ranges from minor in-game items to more significant plot-related missions.[114] One pack, Extended Cut, expands upon the game's original endings with an additional choice to refuse the Catalyst, which inevitably results in a Reaper victory over the current cycle of organics.[115] The pack also supplements each of the three main endings with an epilogue and elaborates upon other aspects of the conclusion.[116] For example, whereas the original ending shows the Normandy SR-2 trying to outrun the blast from the Crucible, it does not elaborate on why the Normandy is fleeing from battle in the first place. In Extended Cut, a scene with Admiral Hackett ordering an evacuation is added.[115]
Other major packs include From Ashes, which adds Javik as a squadmate;[117] Leviathan, which follows the crew of the Normandy as they investigate the Reapers' origins;[118] Omega, which involves Shepard retaking the space station Omega alongside Aria T'Loak, its former ruler, from Cerberus; and Citadel, which follows the crew of the Normandy on shore leave.[119] An interactive comic called Genesis 2 is also available for purchase and allows players to quickly customize important story decisions on the spot instead of having to replay prior installments.[120] The Wii U version of the game includes Genesis 2 and From Ashes.[44] Of all the packs, Citadel was the best-received, and both Leviathan and Citadel were nominated for Best DLC at the Spike Video Game Awards during their respective years of release (2012 and 2013).[121][122]
Reception[]
Critical response[]
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | (X360) 93/100[123] (PS3) 93/100[124] (PC) 89/100[125] (WIIU) 85/100[126] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | A[127] |
Edge | 8/10[128] |
Eurogamer | 10/10[129] |
G4 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Game Informer | 10/10[131] |
GameSpot | 9.0/10[23] |
GameTrailers | 9.5/10[132] |
IGN | 9.5/10[133] |
OXM (UK) | 10/10[134] |
PC Gamer (US) | 93/100[135] |
Upon release, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Mass Effect 3 received "universal acclaim" while the Microsoft Windows and Wii U versions received "generally favorable reviews" from video game publications, according to review aggregator Metacritic. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game finished with scores of 93 out of 100, making Mass Effect 3 the highest-rated game of 2012 on both systems.[123][124][125][126]
Critics felt that Mass Effect 3 was a satisfying conclusion to the Mass Effect trilogy. In a perfect review for Eurogamer, Dan Whitehead praised the game for providing a definitive close to the saga instead of something more ambiguous or open-ended.[129] Writing for Game Informer, Andrew Reiner proclaimed that BioWare had created one of the most "intricately crafted" stories in the history of video gaming.[131] Tom Francis of PC Gamer (US) remarked that the finale was a "mixed bag", but ultimately praised its scale and emotional impact, which he felt was more satisfying than its main plot.[135]
Reviewers highlighted the experience of playing Mass Effect 3 with an imported saved game. In a piece for Polygon, Arthur Gies opined that, while the game would be engaging without any previous context, it would be more meaningful for players who also played through Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.[136] Gus Mastrapa of The A.V. Club echoed these sentiments and praised Mass Effect 3 for allotting each player a degree of flexibility over their choices and the direction of the narrative.[137] By contrast, Edge felt that Mass Effect 3 relied too heavily on events from prior games, which stopped it from standing up as its own work.[128]
The combat system and multiplayer mode received praise. Discussing combat for IGN, Colin Moriarty observed that while changes from prior installments were minor, they were still evident, and anticipated that multiplayer would give the game added replay value.[133] While Game Informer noted that combat was not perfect, they were still positive and concluded that enemy encounters were more intense and interesting than in Mass Effect 2, due in part to a greater variety in environment and enemy types.[131] In an otherwise enthusiastic write-up for GameSpot, Kevin VanOrd recounted numerous glitches during combat, such as party members putting themselves in the line of fire by climbing onto crates and enemies getting stuck on walls.[23] Machinima also noted numerous bugs, but relented that Mass Effect 3 was still a memorable experience, citing the game's strong characters as compensation for its flaws.[123]
Other aspects of Mass Effect 3 to receive praise included its art design, music, and voice acting. GameSpot described the art design as "fantastic" and gave particular attention to its use of color and composition.[23] In that same review, the website complimented the game's voice acting for bringing its major characters to life.[23] PC Gamer (US) made special mention of the game's music, calling it "gorgeous" and observing that it significantly added to the emotional impact of the game.[135] The Verge went a step further and described the score as one of the most "powerful and memorable" ever created for a video game.[138] Kirk Hamilton of Kotaku felt that the score represented some of the best video game music of 2012.[139]
Controversies[]
The ending of Mass Effect 3 was poorly received by players, who felt that it did not meet their expectations. Displeased fans organized an internet campaign called "Retake Mass Effect" to demand a better ending to the game, part of which included a charity drive for the organization Child's Play.[140] Public outcry over the game's outcome drew conflicting responses from organizations such as the US-based Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission as well as the UK-based Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as to whether BioWare had engaged in false advertising and misled consumers under existing law.[141][142] On April 5, 2012, BioWare announced a free DLC pack that would expand upon the ending and address criticism.[143] The expansion, Extended Cut, was released for most platforms on June 26, 2012.[144] Critical and fan reaction towards the pack was generally mixed.[145]
Other noteworthy controversies surrounding Mass Effect 3 included accusations of questionable business practices over the decision to release From Ashes as day one DLC;[146] allegations of conflict of interest involving the casting of video game media personality Jessica Chobot as Diana Allers;[147] and objections from some players over the inclusion of expanded same sex romance options for Shepard.[148][149]
Sales[]
EA originally shipped 3.5 million units of Mass Effect 3 in its first month.[150] It sold 349,000 digital copies on the PC alone by the end of March 2012.[151] The game sold over 890,000 copies in its first 24 hours.[150] According to The NPD Group, it sold 1.3 million physical copies in its debut month,[152] which amounted to twice the total of Mass Effect 2 during its opening month in January 2010.[153] In May 2012, EA reported that Mass Effect 3 grossed over $200 million during Q4 FY12.[154]
Accolades[]
Following its release, Mass Effect 3 received a number of year-end awards, including Satellite Award for Outstanding Role Playing Game,[155] Best RPG at the Spike Video Game Awards,[156] Game of the Year from Game Informer,[157] Best Overall RPG from IGN,[158] and Best Co-Operative Multiplayer and Best Game Cinematography from Inside Gaming Awards.[159]
Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Game Critics Awards | Best Console Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [160] |
Best Role Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
GameSpy's Best of E3 2011 Awards | Overall (and Multiplatform) Game of Show | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [161] | |
Role-Playing Game of Show | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
IGN Best of E3 2011 Awards | Best Overall Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [158] | |
Best Xbox 360 Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best PC Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best Role-Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Best Trailer | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Most Anticipated Game Award | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Spike Video Game Awards | Most Anticipated Game | Mass Effect 3 | Won | [162] | |
2012 | Game Developers Choice Awards | Game of the Year | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [163] |
Best Narrative | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Game Informer Top 50 Games of 2012 | Game of the Year | Mass Effect 3 | Won | [157] | |
Best Role-Playing | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Best Downloadable Content | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Golden Joystick Awards | Best RPG | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [164] | |
Best Gaming Moment | Mass Effect 3 – Tuchanka Choice | Nominated | |||
The Golden Joystick Ultimate Game Award | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
IGN Best of 2012 Awards | Game of the Year | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [165] | |
Best Xbox 360 Role-Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best Xbox 360 Graphics | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best PS3 Role-Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Best PS3 Game | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best Overall Role-Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Best Overall Music | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Best Overall Sound | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
Inside Gaming Awards | Best Co-Operative Multiplayer | Mass Effect 3 | Won | [159] | |
Best Game Cinematography | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
PC Gamer Game of the Year Awards 2012 | The Game of the Year 2012 | Mass Effect 3 | Won | [166] | |
Polygon's 2012 Games of the Year | Game of the Year | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [167] | |
Satellite Awards | Satellite Award for Outstanding Role Playing Game | Mass Effect 3 | Won | [155] | |
Spike Video Game Awards | Game of the Year | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | [156] | |
Best RPG | Mass Effect 3 | Won | |||
Best Performance by a Human Female | Jennifer Hale | Nominated | |||
Best DLC | Mass Effect 3: Leviathan | Nominated | |||
Game of the Decade | Mass Effect 3 | Nominated | |||
2013 | Spike Video Game Awards | Best DLC | Mass Effect 3: Citadel | Nominated | [122] |
Legacy[]
In the years following its release, Mass Effect 3 has received retrospective attention, with much of it focusing on the ending controversy. For example, a 2017 article by James Davenport of PC Gamer opined that the game's ending received an "inordinate" amount of criticism, and while he agreed that the ending was "problematic", he also noted that fixating on the ending could distract players from other aspects of the game.[168] In 2018, Lucy O'Brien of IGN posited that BioWare's cooperative response to "Retake Mass Effect" contributed to a paradigm shift in how consumers influence video game developers. She ultimately concluded that the movement "helped lift up the velvet rope that once stood between gamer and game-maker."[169] Wes Fenlon from PC Gamer suggested that the popularity of the game's multiplayer mode helped popularize loot boxes, "the worst monetization gimmick of the 2010s" in his opinion, and made it a mainstream feature in the video game industry.[170]
Despite the criticisms aimed at the game, some publications have cited Mass Effect 3 as one of the greatest video games of all time and as one of the best or most important games of the 2010s. In November 2012, the game was included in Time's list of the top 100 video games of all time,[171] and in 2018, it was named among the greatest games of all time by Game Informer.[172] By 2019, Mass Effect 3 was ranked as one of the best video games of the 2010s by VG247,[173] Forbes,[174] and Den of Geek.[175] Eurogamer listed the character Mordin's final scene as one of their favorite moments of the decade.[176] Mass Effect 3 was also identified by VentureBeat as one of the defining games of the 2010s due to the "firestorm of fans, press, and developers converging into an absolute mess of internet culture" over its ending, and its multiplayer mode, which ultimately became an unexpected monetary success.[177]
Future[]
On March 21, 2017, a standalone sequel, entitled Mass Effect: Andromeda, was released.[178] The game takes place in the Andromeda galaxy during the 29th century following a 634-year sleeper ship journey from the Milky Way galaxy.[179] It introduces a new protagonist, either Sara or Scott Ryder, and revolves around finding a new homeworld for humanity.[180]
As of November 7, 2020, a veteran team at BioWare is working on the next game of the Mass Effect universe. It is currently in early stages of development. [181]
References[]
- ^ a b c d e f Musa, Alexander; Bueno, Fernando; Lierop, Raphael Van (2012). Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide. Roseville, CA: Prima Games. pp. 10–13. ISBN 978-0-307-89148-8.
- ^ a b c Moriarty, Colin (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Review: Page 2 of 3". IGN. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
- ^ a b Cox, Kate (March 6, 2012). "Before You Start… Tips for Playing Mass Effect 3 The Best Way". Kotaku. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
- ^ McInnis, Shaun (July 22, 2011). "Comic-Con 2011: Mass Effect 3 Hands-On Preview - Biotics and Branching Upgrades". GameSpot. Archived from the original on July 26, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
- ^ a b c Francis, Tom (March 7, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Narrative Mode and Action Mode explained". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Westbrook, Logan (July 22, 2011). "BioWare: Mass Effect 3 Is the Best Game We've Ever Made". The Escapist. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
- ^ a b Kuchera, Ben (June 13, 2011). "Mass Effect 3, Forza 4 Kinect support are evidence of shifting strategy". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Kelly, Andy (May 6, 2014). "On The Level: The Normandy, Mass Effect". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ Hughes, Matt (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 planet scanning guide - war assets, artifacts, intel and credits". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ D, Mark (April 3, 2012). "Mass Effect 3: Keeping Track of Fetch Quests". That Game's (UX). Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ a b Musa, Alexander; Bueno, Fernando; Lierop, Raphael Van (2012). Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide. Roseville, CA: Prima Games. p. 323. ISBN 978-0-307-89148-8.
- ^ Sipple, Brian (2012). "BioWare Clarifies 'Mass Effect 3' Multiplayer's Influence on Game Ending". Game Rant. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
- ^ Musa, Alexander; Bueno, Fernando; Lierop, Raphael Van (2012). Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide. Roseville, CA: Prima Games. pp. 372–373. ISBN 978-0-307-89148-8.
- ^ Hughes, Matt (March 9, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 romance guide". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ Krupa, Daniel (May 16, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 to Offer Same-Sex Relationships". IGN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ "E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 -- The Galaxy's Fate is in Your Hands". IGN. June 2, 2011. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ a b Weekes, Patrick (March 1, 2012). "Reputation in Mass Effect 3". BioWare Blog. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ Neltz, András (April 12, 2013). "The Most Defining Decisions You Have To Make In Mass Effect". Kotaku. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ a b c Purchese, Robert (January 31, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 cover-camping a no-no on Hardcore, Insanity". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (February 23, 2017). "Why BioWare ditched the power wheel from Mass Effect Andromeda". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- ^ Porter, Will (February 18, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 preview". PC Gamer. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Musa, Alexander; Bueno, Fernando; Lierop, Raphael Van (2012). Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide. Roseville, CA: Prima Games. pp. 30–43. ISBN 978-0-307-89148-8.
- ^ a b c d e VanOrd, Kevin (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ Gies, Arthur (June 2, 2011). "E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 - From Cover to Combat - PlayStation 3 Preview at IGN". IGN. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Senior, Tom (December 2, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 video shows new combat skills: heavy melee, turrets, Krogan shotgun". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ Yalburgi, Vinod (April 26, 2012). "'Mass Effect 3': How to Unlock Hijacker Trophy or Hijack an Atlas Mech [VIDEO]". International Business Times. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ Krupa, Daniel (October 10, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Confirmed". IGN. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
- ^ Peckham, Matt (October 13, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Getting 'Galaxy of War' Multiplayer Mode". PC World. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3: Multiplayer Packs". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ Purchese, Robert (October 23, 2017). "I've seen people literally spend $15,000 on Mass Effect multiplayer cards". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ "The Multiplayer Team Retrospective". BioWare Blog. March 22, 2013. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Sharkey, Mike (October 27, 2011). "Preview: Mass Effect 3's Co-Op Multiplayer". GameSpy. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ a b Roth, Alex (March 28, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 multiplayer tips and strategies guide". GamesRadar+. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Pereira, Chris (October 13, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Can Impact Single-Player Story's Outcome". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Codex - Mass Relays: Once believed to be of Prothean origin, mass relays were in fact created by the Reapers using technology far beyond that of other living species. The enormous structures, scattered throughout the stars, create corridors of virtually mass-free space. This allows instantaneous transit between locations separated by years or even centuries using conventional FTL drives.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Codex - Citadel Council: The Council is an executive committee composed of representatives from the Asari Republics, the Turian Hierarchy, and the Salarian Union. Though they have no official power over the independent governments of other species, the Council's decisions carry great weight throughout the galaxy. No single Council race is strong enough to defy the other two, and all have a vested interest in compromise and cooperation.
- ^ a b Hamilton, Kirk (March 21, 2017). "A Beginner's Guide To The World Of Mass Effect". Kotaku. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (July 11, 2016). "Now we know exactly when Mass Effect Andromeda is set". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Codex - The Reapers: Although accurate information about the Reapers remains scarce, the galaxy now knows that the Reapers are not a myth--they are a real and devastating threat.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Codex - The Genophage: The genophage bioweapon was created to end the Krogan Rebellions. The turians fought the krogan to a standstill, but the sheer weight of krogan numbers indicated they could not be stopped through conventional means. The turians collaborated with the salarians to engineer a genetic counter to the krogans' rapid breeding.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Codex - Rannoch: Almost three hundred years ago, the quarians were driven from Rannoch by the geth, synthetic servants who gained sapience and rebelled against their creators ... For many quarians, reclaiming their homeworld from the geth is a matter of both cultural and physiological necessity.
- ^ Steimer, Kristine (April 11, 2011). "Mass Effect 3: The Basics – Xbox 360 Preview at IGN". IGN. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Cox, Katie (March 15, 2012). "The Faces Behind the Voices of Mass Effect 3". Kotaku. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ a b Hollander, Cooper (November 20, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Wii U Review". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ Cotter, Padraig (March 21, 2019). "All Of Mass Effect 3's Endings Explained". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
- ^ Bitmob (April 10, 2012). "The voices of Mass Effect 3". VentureBeat. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Mars: Admiral Hackett ordered the Normandy to Mars to locate new Prothean data that could help defeat the Reapers, but the archives on Mars are not responding. Investigate the dig site and find the Prothean data.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: The Citadel I: The Council must be informed of the Reaper threat and the Prothean device that may be able to stop the Reapers. Go to Councilor Udina's office on the Citadel and convince the Council to send help for the fight against the Reapers.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Palaven: Primarch Fedorian of the Turian Hierarchy has called a war summit that presents an opportunity for the Alliance to request help building the Crucible. Unfortunately, Fedorian was caught in the Reaper attack on Palaven. Rescue the turian primarch from Palaven's moon.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect.
Codex/Aliens: Non-Council Races - Krogan: The genophage makes only one in 1,000 pregnancies viable, and today the krogan are a slowly dying breed. Understandably, the krogan harbor a grudge against all other species, especially the turians.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Sur'Kesh: Before they will help with the war effort, the krogan have demanded a cure for the genophage, the sterility plague infecting their species. Go to the salarian homeworld of Sur'Kesh and safely extract the krogan females who hold the key to the genophage cure.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Tuchanka: Eve is indeed the key to curing the genophage, but creating a cure will take time. Continue to assist turian and krogan allies while the cure is synthesized.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Geth Dreadnought: The quarians have tried to retake their homeworld from the geth. Unfortunately, the geth have been upgraded by the Reapers, and the quarian fleet is trapped. Travel to the quarian home system and disable the geth dreadnought broadcasting the Reaper control signal.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Rannoch: The Reaper base controlling the geth has been located, but jamming towers prevent conventional orbital bombardment. Land on Rannoch and use a prototype targeting laser to enable the Normandy to destroy the Reaper base.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: The Citadel III: The asari councilor wishes to talk privately about a matter pertaining to the war effort. Meet her on the Citadel.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Thessia: The asari, growing desperate as the Reapers attack their systems, have revealed an artifact that may hold the key to finding the Catalyst. Meet a scientific team at a temple on Thessia and investigate the artifact for clues.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Horizon: Cerberus may be using the Sanctuary facility on Horizon as a cover for secret activity. Land on Horizon to search for clues about their operations.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Cerberus Headquarters: The Illusive Man's headquarters have been located, and the Alliance is prepared to attack to recover the Prothean VI that holds the key to the Catalyst. Once the attack is launched, the Alliance will be fully committed to the final fight against the Reapers. Assault the base when ready.
- ^ BioWare. Mass Effect 3. Electronic Arts.
Journal - Priority: Earth: Allied forces are assaulting the Reapers above Earth. Hammer must get a team of soldiers onto the Citadel in order to activate the Crucible. Coordinate with Anderson to get to the Citadel beam.
- ^ a b Vore, Bryan (April 13, 2011). "Exclusive: Bioware's Doctors Talk Mass Effect 3". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ "BioWare Games". BioWare. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ Purchese, Robert (February 17, 2012). "KOTOR, Mass Effect lead writer Drew Karpyshyn leaves BioWare". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ a b "BioWare Pulse - Writing for Mass Effect 3". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. January 12, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (March 17, 2017). "Mass Effect's best mission". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ Hanson, Ben (April 28, 2011). "Casey Hudson Interview: All About Mass Effect 3". Game Informer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ Savage, Phil (June 20, 2013). "Mass Effect 3: series' former lead writer reveals original ending ideas". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ a b Yoon, Andrew (July 24, 2013). "Mass Effect's abandoned 'cyclical' ending". Shacknews. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (December 12, 2012). "BioWare: Mass Effect 4 due "late 2014 to mid-2015"". Eurogamer. Retrieved March 17, 2013.
- ^ Philips, Tom (June 19, 2013). "Ex-BioWare writer discusses dropped ideas for Mass Effect trilogy ending". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
- ^ Sheridan, Connor (October 21, 2021). "The ending for Mass Effect 3 originally featured a Reaper Queen". GamesRadar. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
- ^ a b Dutton, Fred (November 7, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 story files leaked". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Matt Casamassina (January 8, 2010). "CES 2010: BioWare Talks Mass Effect 3". IGN. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ a b c d Keighley, Geoff (March 15, 2012). The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3.
- ^ Nicholson, Brad (September 28, 2009). "Fans are making Mass Effect 2 better". Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Schreier, Jason (June 30, 2011). "Designing Sci-Fi RPG Mass Effect 3, BioWare Learns From Its Mistakes". Wired. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Destin Legarie and Jack DeVries (January 23, 2012). "BioWare 'Didn't do a Good Job' for New Players in ME2". IGN. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Hoggins, Tom (October 27, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 interview: Casey Hudson". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ "BioWare Pulse - Mass Effect 3 Combat". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. December 1, 2011. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ Hanson, Ben (April 27, 2011). "Casey Hudson Interview: Mass Effect's Feedback Loop". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ a b c Purslow, Matt (October 13, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 contains twice as much dialogue as the first game". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
- ^ a b c "BioWare Pulse - Voice Over Recording". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. January 5, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
- ^ "These Are The People Composing Mass Effect 3's Soundtrack". Game Informer. December 19, 2011. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
- ^ a b c Rougeau, Michael (March 12, 2012). "Interview: "Mass Effect 3" Composers On Bringing The Music Back To Its Roots And More". Complex. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
- ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (March 4, 2011). "Mass Effect 2 composer Jack Wall explains his departure from the franchise". Engadget. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ Acharya, Kiran (February 9, 2011). "Unspoilt By Progress: A Conversation With Black Swan Composer Clint Mansell". The Quietus. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ a b c Fahey, Mike (March 4, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Thrusts Its Way into Early 2012". Kotaku. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
- ^ Cullen, Johnny (December 12, 2010). "Mass Effect 3 announced at VGAs". VG247. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ A, Frank (July 23, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Comic-Con 2011". GameSpot. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Eykemans, Peter (June 6, 2011). "E3 2011: Earth Under Attack in Mass Effect 3". IGN. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Dale, Joe (August 19, 2011). "Gamescon 2011 - Community Reporter Joe Dale Mass Effect 3 Special". Electronic Arts. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Thompson, Mike (August 30, 2011). "PAX 2011: Mass Effect 3 Hands On". The Escapist. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ Benedetti, Winda (October 10, 2011). "You can play 'Mass Effect 3' with your friends". MSNBC. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Reilly, Jim (June 1, 2010). "Mass Effect Going Multiplayer?". IGN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Makuch, Eddie (January 18, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Demo Dropping February 14". GameSpot. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
- ^ Gonzalez, Annette (December 11, 2010). "Mass Effect 3 Debut Trailer Shown At VGAs". Game Informer. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Hopper, Steven (February 14, 2012). "Get Ready to Take Earth Back in Mass Effect 3". IGN. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ Weekes, Patrick (December 22, 2011). "Shepard Off-Duty". BioWare Blog. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ a b Goldfarb, Andrew (February 16, 2012). "Early Copies of Mass Effect 3 Launched into Space". IGN. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (June 1, 2011). "Will Mass Effect 3 Really Be 'Better With Kinect'?". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Westbrook, Logan (June 16, 2011). "BioWare Adding Female Shepard to Mass Effect 3 Marketing". The Escapist. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
- ^ Sparky (February 22, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Features Reversable [sic] 'FemShep' Cover". TeamXbox. Archived from the original on February 27, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (July 23, 2011). "What Does Mass Effect 3's Official 'Fem Shep' Look Like? You Make the Call!". Kotaku. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Senior, Tom (August 30, 2011). "Mass Effect 3: this is female Shepard". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Jim Reilly (June 6, 2011). "E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Senior, Tom (July 8, 2011). "Mass Effect 3 Deluxe Edition exclusive to Origin, adds guns, outfits and a robot dog". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Goldfarb, Andrew (January 4, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Pre-Order Bonuses Revealed". IGN. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Merizan, Jessica (February 22, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Available for PSN Pre-Order Today With Exclusive Bonuses". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved February 22, 2012.
- ^ Eykemans, Peter (January 23, 2012). "Online Passes, DLC, and Your Money". IGN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Oshry, Dave (January 14, 2012). "Surprise Surprise, Mass Effect 3 Requires Origin, Won't Launch On Steam". Kotaku. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ Makuch, Eddie (November 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Wii U confirmed for launch". GameSpot. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ Frank, Allegra (November 7, 2016). "Mass Effect 2 and 3 now playable on Xbox One". Polygon. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ Hudson, Casey (November 7, 2020). "Happy N7 Day!". BioWare Blog. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3 - Xbox Marketplace". Xbox Official Website. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ "Item Packs". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ a b Suszek, Mike (July 5, 2012). "Documenting the changes in Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3: From Ashes". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3: Leviathan". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3: Citadel". Mass Effect 3 Official Website. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mass Effect™: Genesis 2". Xbox Games Store. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
- ^ Taormina, Anthony (November 15, 2012). "2012 Spike Video Game Awards Nominees Announced". Game Rant. Retrieved 2012-11-16.
- ^ a b Nunneley, Stephany (December 7, 2013). "Spike VGX 2013 Award winners: Grand Theft Auto 5 wins Game of the Year". VG247. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360)". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
- ^ a b "Mass Effect 3 (PlayStation 3)". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
- ^ a b "Mass Effect 3 (PC)". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
- ^ a b "Mass Effect 3: Special Edition (WIIU)". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3 Review for 360, PS3". 1UP. March 6, 2012. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Mass Effect 3 review". Edge. March 6, 2012. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ a b Whitehead, Dan (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ Sessler, Adam (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Review – Xbox 360". G4tv. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ a b c Reiner, Andrew (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3: Emotion Runs High In BioWare's Grand Finale". Game Informer. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3 Video Review". GameTrailers. March 6, 2012. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ a b Moriarty, Colin (March 6, 2012). "The Last Effect". IGN. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3 Review". Official Xbox Magazine (UK). Archived from the original on January 14, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ a b c Francis, Tom (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on December 8, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
- ^ Gies, Arthur (March 6, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Review: The Sharp Edge of Hope". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ Mastrapa, Gus (March 12, 2012). "Reviews: Mass Effect 3". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
- ^ "Sam Hulick - Biography". Sam Hulick Official Website. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ Hamilton, Kirk (December 13, 2012). "The Best Video Game Music of 2012". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 21, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
- ^ "Mass Effect campaign demands new ending to series". BBC. March 20, 2012. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
- ^ Eddie Makuch. "Mass Effect 3 falsely advertised, says BBB". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
- ^ "Mass Effect 3 ending complaints rejected by ASA". MCV Staff. June 14, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
- ^ darklarke (April 5, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut". BioWare. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
- ^ BioWare Community Team (June 22, 2012). "Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut". BioWare. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
- ^ Fahey, Mike (June 26, 2012). "The Verdict is In: Fans Love / Hate the Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ Owen Good (March 11, 2012). "Part of Mass Effect's Controversial Day-One DLC is on the Disc, Video Alleges [UPDATE]". Kotaku. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- ^ Charlie Hall (September 13, 2013). "Jessica Chobot: stepping into Daylight". Polygon. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
- ^ Kevin VanOrd. "Why Do You Hate Mass Effect 3?". GameSpot. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
- ^ Craig Takeuchi (March 9, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 goes gay: Lesbian and gay sex scenes spark debate". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ a b Thier, Dave (March 9, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 Ships 3.5 Million Units". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
- ^ Fischer, Tyler (April 28, 2017). "SuperData Digital Sales March 2017: Ghost Recon Wildlands Tops Sales Charts; Market Increases 7% Year-on-Year". DualShocker. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- ^ Sliwinsk, Alexanderi (April 13, 2012). "Mass Effect 3 sales in US hit 1.3 million during launch month". Engadget. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
- ^ Purchese, Robert (April 13, 2012). "Opening month US Mass Effect 3 sales double ME2's". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
- ^ "Electronic Arts Reports Q4 FY12 and FY12 Financial Results". Electronic Arts. Acquire Media. May 7, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
- ^ a b "Awards by Year: 2012". International Press Academy. 2012. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
- ^ a b Taormina, Anthony (December 2012). "2012 Spike Video Game Awards Winners List". Game Rant. Archived from the original on September 20, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
- ^ a b Mahardy, Mike (December 10, 2012). "Top 50 Games Of 2012 Review Roundup". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
- ^ a b "E3 2011: Best of E3 Awards". IGN. June 6, 2011. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
- ^ a b Farokhmanesh, Megan (December 9, 2012). "Inside Gaming Awards winners include Halo 4, Fez". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ Graft, Kris (June 22, 2011). "BioShock Infinite, Uncharted 3 Lead Game Critics Awards Nominations". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 7, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
- ^ GameSpy Staff (June 14, 2011). "GameSpy's Best of E3 2011 Awards". GameSpy. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
- ^ Good, Owen (December 11, 2011). "The Winners and Nominees of the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
- ^ "Archive: 13th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards". Game Developers Choice Awards. 2012. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ Nunneley, Stephany (October 26, 2012). "2012 Golden Joystick Awards – Skyrim wins Ultimate Game of the Year". VG247. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ "Best of 2012". IGN. December 19, 2012. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
- ^ Francis, Tom (December 31, 2012). "The Game of the Year 2012: Mass Effect 3". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ Polygon Staff (January 9, 2013). "Polygon's 2012 Games of the Year". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
- ^ Davenport, James (April 27, 2017). "The Mass Effect games ranked from worst to best". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on January 4, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ O'Brien, Lucy (August 31, 2018). "The (Sometimes Dangerous) Power of the Video Game Community". IGN. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
- ^ Fenlon, Wes (May 19, 2021). "It's weird that Mass Effect 3 was the game that really made loot boxes mainstream". PC Gamer. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ Time Staff (November 15, 2012). "All-Time 100 Video Games". Time. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ "The Top 300 Games of All Time". Game Informer. No. 300. April 2018.
- ^ Staff (November 27, 2019). "The best video games of the decade – the top 50 games from 2010-2020, ranked". VG247. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ Kain, Erik (December 31, 2019). "The Best Video Games Of The Decade (2010 - 2019)". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- ^ Saavedra, John; Byrd, Matthew; Boo, Bernard (December 31, 2019). "100 Best Games of the Decade". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (December 2, 2019). "Games of the Decade: Our favourite moments". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ Grubb, Jeff; Kaiser, Rowan; Minotti, Mike; Takahashi, Dean; Wilson, Jason (December 30, 2019). "From Minecraft to Auto Chess: The 29 games that define the 2010s". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ "Mass Effect: Andromeda IGN Page". IGN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ The Escapist Staff (March 17, 2017). "Everything We Know About Mass Effect: Andromeda". The Escapist. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ Williams, Hayley (February 24, 2017). "What I Learned From Three Hours With Mass Effect: Andromeda". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ Ramée, Jordan (July 1, 2021). "New Mass Effect - Everything We Know About BioWare's Upcoming RPG". GameSpot. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
Further reading[]
- Lenhardt, Heinrich. "Mass Effect 3: Electronic Arts chief executive feeling 'awfully good' about launch." WashingtonPost.Com. March 9, 2012.
- Brown, Nathan. "Mass Effect 3 sells 890,000 in 24 hours." Edge-Online.com. March 9, 2012.
- Snider, Mike. "'Mass Effect 3' becomes true space oddity." USAToday.com. February 16, 2012.
- Rosenberg, Adam. "Mass Effect 3 Will Feature Unused Mass Effect 2 Mission." Archived 2014-11-26 at the Wayback Machine G4TV.com. November 30, 2011.
- Zivalich, Nikole. "Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Video Preview -- Save The Galaxy Together." Archived 2014-11-26 at the Wayback Machine G4TV.com. November 15, 2011.
External links[]
![]() |
Wikiquote has quotations related to: Mass Effect 3 |
- 2012 video games
- Action role-playing video games
- BioWare games
- Cooperative video games
- Electronic Arts games
- LGBT-related video games
- Kinect games
- Mass Effect video games
- Nintendo Network games
- PlayStation 3 games
- Role-playing video games
- Science fiction video games
- Space opera video games
- Unreal Engine games
- Video game controversies
- Video game sequels
- Video games scored by Christopher Lennertz
- Video games scored by Cris Velasco
- Video games scored by Sascha Dikiciyan
- Video games developed in Canada
- Video games featuring protagonists of selectable gender
- Video games set in the 22nd century
- Works about child death
- Video games set in Canada
- Video games set in London
- Video games set on Mars
- Video games set in Brazil
- Video games set in Vancouver
- Video games containing loot boxes
- Video games set on fictional planets
- Video games with alternate endings
- Video games with downloadable content
- Wii U games
- Windows games
- Xbox 360 games
- Multiplayer and single-player video games