While not as stellar as ME2, ME3 is an unforgettable journey that must be experienced! No MP review. Spoiler free
Along with thousands of others ME3 was my most anticipated game of 2012, but it took me a while to get my copy 'cause i had my exams to finish. Until then there had already been a lot of back lash and love lost been the fans and bioware. The first day DLC, addition of MP to get the 'best' ending, the limited endings; petitions had already been signed and sent.
When i first picked up ME2 for the PC in 2009 i had never heard of the ME series. I didn't read many reviews back then and wasn't much of an RPG guy either. But i did pretty much every side missions, bought all upgrades, mined tons of minerals. I had fun with the game even though i didn't know about the paragon/renegade dialogue in the begining and chose the middle ones. I liked the story but there were some plot holes since i hadn't played the first. The best part for me of course was building relationships and choosing my squad. there were tons of characters to choose with unique personalities, and i enjoyed interacting with them all. I played ME2 4 times and enjoyed every moment of it. Soon after my PC crashed and i bought a PS3.
The best way to play ME3 is with the import from ME2 'cause u get all ur characters back and more. However i played it cold. Here is a blow by blow:
Story: The first thing about ME3 wen u compare it with its predecessor, is the lack of characters. While Me 2 had great companions that were complex and unique like Samara, Grunt, Jack, Theos, Miranda, Me3 has few options. James vega is 'generic' although EDI tries. Thank god u still got Garrus though! The story in ME3 is more streamlined and is better than ME2 'cause u r saving the galaxy and there is a more emotional element to it 'cause of the destruction around you. The universe is smaller though! U only get N7 side missions so no fighting the geth on a foggy planet or seducing an ardat-yakshi a.k.a ME2. there is only one world and it is not beautiful as Ilium or Omega! U send probes to collect items in a reaper infested galaxy which becomes a chore after a while! Whether bioware did this for lack of time or to make new-comers more comfortable we may never know. The main story is however very moving as you see one planet fall after another, people slaughtered by the billions, and make hard earned alliances. There is great voice acting especially Martin Sheen(the illusive man) whom u will never forget! It is a beautiful journey from start to end that will move and tear out ur heart.
While the ending was emotionally satisfying for me, i can understand at least some of the outrage over it. U get ur ME2 import, play MP to increase ur readiness, collect those crappy war assets, make nail-biting choices and the ending is affected in a very limited way. There should have been more to it as is expected from this series.
Gameplay: It's more challenging from Me2. The addition of melee and various types of enemies with better AI is awesome. Combat is fantastic with some great set pieces and pacing! Sometimes though u might not stick to cover but such glitches don't hamper u. It never frustrates nor bores you. Definitely a plus.
Graphics and performance: Despite a few freezes, the game runs smoothly considering its size. The environments are beautiful although less diverse than ME2. Facial animation is believable and characters look great.
All said and done ME3 is a definite end to a stellar trilogy. Sure it falls short in some respects but only because it's mass effect and no matter how much it gives you will want more.
Good luck and good gamin' to u all.