If BioWare release a new ending as paid DLC, I expect the outcry be even more vehement. It will stem from indignation over a perceived slight of fans through business malpractice more than any loss of artistic integrity. Fortunately, that is a controversy for another day.
I don't like the ending because it's one ending under the pretense of three, and a part of it makes very little sense logically, artistically, or otherwise. However, I also do not favor an alternate ending because my criticisms have helped me to see the ending and the entire trilogy in a new and interesting light. It couldn't have happened with an ending that warrants no controversy or examination. However, this editorial is based on a much too archaic view of art. Perhaps it tries to associate a view appropriate for painters and writers with a medium that Monet or Rushdie could not have imagined. The unparalleled interactivity possible in gaming has made it a joint endeavor between creator and audience. Unlike Water Lilies or The Satanic Verses, no game is a complete artistic expression without a player. Each gaming session is a unique and joint creation between the developer and the gamer. That is not to say BioWare is obligated to change anything in ME 3. It has every right to restrict its input, even if it means restricting the gaming experience in a way that irks some players. However, the nature of ME 3 as a game makes it susceptible to calls for expansion by gamers who seek the power to create experiences they desire. The interactivity in games naturally extend to the interactions between developers and gamers. Any fruit of this interaction does not in anyway diminish the artistic virtue of the game that exists uniquely between the game and each gamer.
I came for Chrono Cross. As for localization, companies should take as long as necessary to do it right. In many cases that means more than literal translation of dialogue, especially between Asian, Western, Latin, and Arab cultures. Dubbing is especially tricky. Good dubbing is a blessing; bad dubbing is like a root canal without anesthetics.
I still don't know who James Vega is AFTER finishing ME 3. Now that's saying something about the development of new characters in the game. Frankly, I just don't give a d*m*. It's enough that Liarra, Garrus, Tali, Joker, EDI, Ashley, and a whole bunch of other characters return in ME 3. They are so much more fun and compelling than James Vega or that Prothean guy... what's his name. If you haven't played ME 1 and 2 but plan to play 3. Take my advice: don't. The game, despite what BW claims, is really intended to be the conclusion of a trilogy. Playing it without playing the first two games is like watching The Return of the Jedi without watching Episodes IV and V. After playing 1 and 2, you will see so many familiar faces and places that James Vega just... doesn't matter.
EA would be pretty insane to respect anyone as a customer. It should only respect the money (or whatever other profitable function the Sims Social serves) these customers provide. I hope everyone who complained on the forums followed up with consequential action. Filing a lawsuit is probably beyond most players (they may not even be permitted to do that depending on the governing EULA). However, they could ask EA for refund if they spend any money or at least stop playing the game. If venting is the only consequence, then this event will have no effect on EA behavior and it will be repeated in the future.
I think it is unfortunate that playing MP has an essential impact on the SP campaign. People shouldn't be forced to do that. On the other hand, I enjoy breaking up the heavily story-driven SP experience with fast-paced, casual 20-min MP sessions. Sure, BW might have made a few more chapters in SP with the time they spent on MP, but I don't think a little more SP story will have that much of an impact. This is my favorite addition to ME 3, something truly new for a ME game. I imagine asking people to buy equipment kits with BW points (real money) isn't going well, but at least MP is casual, so I feel no pressure to unlock anything. I think the easy to answer to the hate for the game is that ME 3 is not what many expected. I don't hate it at all. I expected profit-driven business behavior from all EA-related business. I am not against homosexual characters or multiplayer. I only care that ME 3 is a satisfying conclusion to ME and I feel heroic playing it. The game does that very well (so many references to ME 1 and 2 that I am pleasantly surprised by almost every conversation).
I don't understand the outcry over Cortez. His character development was good. On top of that, I felt no awkwardness interacting with him as a straight man. I remember the final interaction scene between a male Shepard and Jacob in ME 2. The way Shepard talked, smiled, and leaned on the table. Absolutely sickening as though the whole scene was meant for a female character wanting romance and the male Shepard was just a gay wanna-be. There is nothing like that with Cortez. I have nothing good to say about either From Ashes or Origin (though I don't think EA need to use Steam, a competitor's product). Let's just leave it at that. Ok, although I found From Ashes wanting, the interaction between the Prothean and Liara is enlightening. Too often we are disappointed when events unfold differently from our expectations when we have no reason to expect it in the first place. ME3 is the third part of a trilogy and largely based on ME 1 and 2. In that regard, it has done remarkably well. Although there are less dialogue choices in the game, there are still numerous important decision points in the spirit of previous ME games. There are a few new gameplay sequences that break up the general monotony of combat, which was never ME's strong point. And I like Diana Allers. I like at least one sexy, 2-dimensional eye candy in my games. It's not a revolution, just a fine ME game, as it should be.
One issue with a storied game like ME is canon. I have yet to see any suggestion that any character in ME is canonically homosexual. Such a character would be much more powerful, but BW has cleverly skirted that controversy. Any homosexual relationship in the game can always be dismissed by opponents as a superfluous addition to appeal to a broader audience. So while the option for homosexuality adds a level of human realism to the player's side, the flexibility of the game characters (straight, gay/lesbian, leading ultimately to bi-sexual depending on how you interpret the canon) undercuts the impact. On this topic, canonically gay or lesbian characters that can be romanced (which of course means they cannot be romanced by straight players) are much more powerful. A MMO that allows homosexual romance/marriage is also impressive. However, I do not recall any popular games with these options. There is no question the social resistance to them is still tremendously high.
Oh, and it was not frivolous to dig out the quote from six years ago. This very issue of simplifying combat or narrative has happened to ME3, BioWare's most anticipated game of late. Thank goodness it hasn't backfired, as far as I can tell from the BW Social Networks. Mentality from six years ago can have a very real effect on games today. On the other hand, Ms. Hepler may have nothing to do with ME3, and her quote was coincidental. Who knows?
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