I played at the casual level. Not looking for a challenge but entertainment. This not just a game but a well written digital novel. I have been playing Mass Effect since ME1 and I have gotten very attached to all the characters I have met. My eyes watered some as a few of them died in the story. This is not a defeat the Great evil, save the Galaxy, live happily ever after RPG. This is a dramatic Sci-Fi play whose possible endings will not satisfy but will touch you deeply. Especially w/ the Extended Cut version. Why they didn't release it that way in the first place is hard to understand. Bioware's strength has always been their story telling and they should have stayed w/ their strength. The combat isn't bad but I have some complaints about the inventory system. When you buy armor it would help to know what you already have to compare. The way it is now you buy something then, if you are off the ship, wait to get back aboard to see how it compares or if aboard, exit the store menu and move to the armor station. Laborious. Some advice. They have done a very good job w/ the side plots concerning the various teammates you have/meet through the game. After every mission, you will want to check in w/ everyone aboard to move these along. I got so wrapped up in the main story I missed out on a lot of those the first time through. That should tell how good this game is. As a rule I never replay but I just had to see my teammates from the previous games. The only real complaint I have aout the game is the requirement to play multiplayer to get enough effective military strength (EMS) to get access to the best endings. It just seems a little jarring to get so deep into the story then stop, play several hours of multiplayer to get from 50% to 100% galactic readiness. They then multiply this by your Total Military Strength to get your EMS. Of course, I am one of the antisocial crew who play games to get away from the world and really disliked being forcred back into it. Each mission was made up of 10 waves that would generate ~ 2% to 17% toward your EMS. For me it was boring but those of you who like shooters will do OK. At 100% I had a score of 7000+. I got that much by going out and gathering every single resource the galaxy had to offer. You can gather more by the decisions you make through out the game. Well worth the effort. I'm real tempted to start all over w/ the first Mass Effect play and all the way through. You may be disappointed by the endings but not in getting there.
If I had never played ME1 and ME2, I would rate this game higher. But I have played ME1 and ME2, and came to ME3 with certain expectations that were totally unmet. "Disappointing" is the only word that sums up my feeli... Read Full Review
Mass Effect 3 is a spectacular game that's fun for anyone, and is the game fans have been waiting for. Unfortunately, the ending made me question why I had spent so much time on the series. I'll start with the good -- ... Read Full Review
