Mass Effect

[TheMightyEthan]

That just sounds like a bug to me.

[CorgiShinobi]

Maybe...

 

Or maybe not...

 

But probably...

 

Or just likely!

[Hot Heart]

Is it not like a data sphere thing? Like what Sha'ira the consort had in ME1?

 

Seems like Prothean artifacts are ten a penny nowadays. Scanning for them all over the place.

[Vargras]

Got my Silver challenge knocked out. If you have yet to do so, go for the chain and organic stun upgrades when you set your points for Overload. Much more useful than recharge speed and damage.

[CorgiShinobi]

The descriptions from the datapads for Firewalker indicate it contains data, so I guess that's it.

 

Just of all the DLC, Firewalker doesn't seem to have anything to do with ME3. Arrival explains current batarian relations and Shepard's situation in the beginning of the game. Overlord had a part to play with both...

 

Jack and Jacob's mission in that the Archer brothers are present. David might not always be at Grissom Academy, depending on your actions in the DLC, but Gavin will always be with the ex-Cerberus scientists. Maybe it's nothing huge, but I got an extra weapon from David, but if you went Renegade on Overlord, Gavin will become a war asset. There's other factors too.

 

 

Shadow Broker was the best ME2 DLC, and everyone should have played it with how much is discussed about its events in ME3, especially when you have Garrus around.

 

EDIT: Of course, those had narratives whereas Firewalker was "Get the M-44 Hammerhead and scan stuff!"

Edited March 17, 2012 by Atomsk88

[Vargras]

The descriptions from the datapads for Firewalker indicate it contains data, so I guess that's it.

 

Just of all the DLC, Firewalker doesn't seem to have anything to do with ME3. Arrival explains current batarian relations and Shepard's situation in the beginning of the game. Overlord had a part to play with both...

 

Jack and Jacob's mission in that the Archer brothers are present. David might not always be at Grissom Academy, depending on your actions in the DLC, but Gavin will always be with the ex-Cerberus scientists. Maybe it's nothing huge, but I got an extra weapon from David, but if you went Renegade on Overlord, Gavin will become a war asset. There's other factors too.

 

 

Shadow Broker was the best ME2 DLC, and everyone should have played it with how much is discussed about its events in ME3, especially when you have Garrus around.

 

EDIT: Of course, those had narratives whereas Firewalker was "Get the M-44 Hammerhead and scan stuff!"

 

I suppose Firewalker was briefly mentioned.

 

There's some rather humorous banter between Steve and James, in which both talk about the Mako and the Hammerhead, as well as some of the goofy little things each was known for. In particular, Steve and James will mention how the Mako could climb up almost anything and how poorly it handled, and they'll also mention how the Hammerhead could hardly take any hits at all. Pretty minor, but entertaining nonetheless.

 

 

And another funny thing about Shadow Broker.

 

Take Liara or Garrus (or both) to Sur'kesh. When the yahg breaks out of containment, you'll get some bonus dialogue.

 

"There goes the new Shadow Broker."

 

"Not funny!"

 

 

Edited March 17, 2012 by Vargras

[Vargras]

Bioware speaks about the endings once more, but this time, it's Casey Hudson. Bolded the bits I thought were important.

There’s been a lot of discussion and debate about the conclusion of Mass Effect 3, so I thought I’d share my perspective with you here. I’ll avoid outright spoilers, but I’d still recommend finishing the game and experiencing it for yourself before reading this.

 

For the last eight years, Mass Effect has been a labor of love for our team; love for the characters we’ve created, for the medium of video games, and for the fans that have supported us. For us and for you, Mass Effect 3 had to live up to a lot of expectations, not only for a great gaming experience, but for a resolution to the countless storylines and decisions you’ve made as a player since the journey began in 2007. So we designed Mass Effect 3 to be a series of endings to key plots and storylines, each culminating in scenes that show you the consequences of your actions. You then carry the knowledge of these consequences with you as you complete the final moments of your journey.

 

We always intended that the scale of the conflict and the underlying theme of sacrifice would lead to a bittersweet ending—to do otherwise would betray the agonizing decisions Shepard had to make along the way. Still, we wanted to give players the chance to experience an inspiring and uplifting ending; in a story where you face a hopeless struggle for basic survival, we see the final moments and imagery as offering victory and hope in the context of sacrifice and reflection.

 

We've had some incredibly positive reactions to Mass Effect 3, from the New York Times declaring it “a gripping, coherent triumph”, to Penny Arcade calling it “an amazing accomplishment”, to emails and tweets from players who have given us the most profound words of appreciation we've ever received.

 

But we also recognize that some of our most passionate fans needed more closure, more answers, and more time to say goodbye to their stories—and these comments are equally valid. Player feedback such as this has always been an essential ingredient in the development of the series.

 

I am extremely proud of what this team has accomplished, from the first art concepts for the Mass Effect universe to the final moments of Mass Effect 3. But we didn't do it on our own. Over the course of the series, Mass Effect has been a shared experience between the development team and our fans—not just a shared experience in playing the games, but in designing and developing them. An outpouring of love for Garrus and Tali led to their inclusion as love interests in Mass Effect 2. A request for deeper RPG systems led to key design changes in Mass Effect 3. Your feedback has always mattered. Mass Effect is a collaboration between developers and players, and we continue to listen.

 

So where do we go from here? Throughout the next year, we will support Mass Effect 3 by working on new content. And we’ll keep listening, because your insights and constructive feedback will help determine what that content should be. This is not the last you’ll hear of Commander Shepard.

 

We look forward to your continued support and involvement as we work together to shape the remaining experiences in the story of the Mass Effect trilogy.Thanks for taking this journey with us.

 

Casey Hudson

Edited March 17, 2012 by Vargras

[Vargras]

http://http://social.../index/10098213

 

Basically, this is what the topic is about:

Bioware's Jessica Merizan has made a request of the community...

Jessica Merizan wrote...

 

I think I need to clarify myself. For the past few weeks, I've been collecting feedback. I have excel sheets, word documents, quotes, graphs, you name it.

 

In order for a collaboration between the devs and the fans to work, I need you guys to CONTINUE being constructive, and organizing your thoughts. I know where to look, but I need you to help me by contributing to the dialogue.

 

Saying "this blows" helps no one. Saying, "I enjoyed X but I found Z _____ because of A,B,C" is what I'm looking for. Channel your frustration into something positive (such as the RetakeME3 movement - constructive, organized thoughts).

 

Chris and I are both collecting your feedback. We're listening. Make yourself heard.

 

 

Please use this thread to post your constructive feedback, which may include spoilers. Spam images will not be allowed, per the forum rules.

Edited March 17, 2012 by Vargras

[Waldorf and Statler]

Their feedback will probably be used to improve the next game. Which really isn't hard. Don't give it a shit ending.

 

"we listened to the fans, this was all you!"

[Maritan]

"we listened to the fans, this was all you!"

No-no-no, I don't think so. I think it was something like this...

Edited March 17, 2012 by Maritan

[Eleven]

@elev3n

I see your Harbinger quotes, and I raise you an NSFW Harbinger/FemShep romance:

 

That was awesome!

 

(Releasing control of this form!)

[deanb]

Fans filing FTC complaints against Bioware/EA over false advertising.

Pretty comprehensive list here:

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/10056886

 

I've a feeling that it's not false advertising. I know over here it wouldn't exactly fly as a claim unless they were showing off the PC version in place of 360 in adverts(or showing PS3 version of a game to advertise a 360 version..Square). Still, a pretty impressive collection of misleading comments and lies

[Maritan]

Fans filing FTC complaints against Bioware/EA over false advertising.

Pretty comprehensive list here:

http://social.biowar.../index/10056886

 

I've a feeling that it's not false advertising. I know over here it wouldn't exactly fly as a claim unless they were showing off the PC version in place of 360 in adverts(or showing PS3 version of a game to advertise a 360 version..Square). Still, a pretty impressive collection of misleading comments and lies

Yeah, not really a false advertising, but damn, that's an impressive list. My favourites are

“There are many different endings. We wouldn’t do it any other way. How

could you go through all three campaigns playing as your Shepard and

then be forced into a bespoke ending that everyone gets?”

and

It’s not even in any way like the traditional game endings,

where you can say how many endings there are or whether you got

ending A, B, or C.....The endings have a lot more sophistication and

variety in them.”

I just.... PFFFFFFAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Edited March 17, 2012 by Maritan

[Vargras]

Fans filing FTC complaints against Bioware/EA over false advertising.

Pretty comprehensive list here:

http://social.biowar.../index/10056886

 

I've a feeling that it's not false advertising. I know over here it wouldn't exactly fly as a claim unless they were showing off the PC version in place of 360 in adverts(or showing PS3 version of a game to advertise a 360 version..Square). Still, a pretty impressive collection of misleading comments and lies

 

So much butthurt. The claim is gonna get thrown out. Pretty obvious it will.

 

EDIT: Went and read about it over on GameInformer. Almost everyone who commented (including those who hated the endings) are calling them idiots for taking it to the FTC.

Edited March 17, 2012 by Vargras

[Waldorf and Statler]

I'm disappointed too, but god damn this isn't helping the fucking cause. This makes us look extremely whiny.

[Vargras]

I'm disappointed too, but god damn this isn't helping the fucking cause. This makes us look extremely whiny.

 

Yeah, pretty much. Bioware staff members have already cited the 'RetakeME3' movement as a good example of what to do. Only way anything is gonna get changed is if we stay positive and reasonable.

 

Taking it to the FTC? That's uh... that's neither.

[deanb]

So someone made a flow chart of "how your choices could affect the ending" kinda thing.

 

 

(I'm not gonna spoiler it, text is small as it is)

Few spots I disagree with(geth outcome) and a couple things forgotten (like the collector base n Rachni), but a pretty good "how it could come together". I am still kind of miffed at the complete lack of a "game over" scenario(in the actual game, this chart has one). ME2, middle of the trilogy, had one, but not ME3? why?

[Vargras]

So someone made a flow chart of "how your choices could affect the ending" kinda thing.

 

 

(I'm not gonna spoiler it, text is small as it is)

Few spots I disagree with(geth outcome) and a couple things forgotten (like the collector base n Rachni), but a pretty good "how it could come together". I am still kind of miffed at the complete lack of a "game over" scenario(in the actual game, this chart has one). ME2, middle of the trilogy, had one, but not ME3? why?

 

 

ME3 actually does have one, if I remember right. If your war assets are low enough, your only option is to destroy the Reapers (can't control them/no synthesis), and it basically results in the vaporization of everything on Earth, Reapers and allied forces alike. It's kinda like ME2, though - you basically have to be purposely trying to get it in order to actually get it. Closest thing I can think of to a "Game Over" scenario, anyways.

 

[deanb]

 

I'm meaning a "game over scenario" in that the reapers win, they wipe out all the citadel races. Currently no matter which option you choose, you "win" the war against the Reapers. It's funny cos many folks are spinning the dislike of the ending as fans being upset there's no "happy ending" but I'm kinda miffed there's no bad one.

Oh a thought introduced into my head: The indoctrination theory, the one that folks would totally love bioware for if it was true, that's pretty much "it was all a dream", one of the worst most clichéd endings you can have to any story.

 

[Vargras]

 

I'm meaning a "game over scenario" in that the reapers win, they wipe out all the citadel races. Currently no matter which option you choose, you "win" the war against the Reapers. It's funny cos many folks are spinning the dislike of the ending as fans being upset there's no "happy ending" but I'm kinda miffed there's no bad one.

Oh a thought introduced into my head: The indoctrination theory, the one that folks would totally love bioware for if it was true, that's pretty much "it was all a dream", one of the worst most clichéd endings you can have to any story.

 

 

 

Ah. Yeah, all I knew was that the worst possible ending you could get destroyed the Reapers, but also killed off most of the human population as well, and basically left Earth uninhabitable. Saves the other races, though.

 

[deanb]

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/10084349/1

 

So a PR dude (not a Biwoare PR, just a person that works in the industry) has posted a "how it will/is playing out".

[TheMightyEthan]

It wouldn't quite be the same as "It was all a dream", cause it would only be the last little bit that would be that way, not the whole thing.

[TheMightyEthan]

I just noticed that the C-Sec uniforms are identical to the Alliance uniforms. Seems kinda lazy (though I know laziness in this game's production is nothing new).

[Luftwaffles]

http://www.oxm.co.uk...before-release/

 

So Drew Karpyshyn (ME1 writer and ME2 "contributor") has spilled some details on the ending that Bioware canned for ME2.

 

I'll put it in spoilers because it's long, but not because it's in the game or anything.

 

 

"The Reapers' goal was to find a way to stop the spread of Dark Energy which would eventually consume everything. That's why there was so much foreshadowing about Dark Energy in ME," Karpyshyn wrote.

 

"The Reapers as a whole were 'nations' of people who had fused together in the most horrific way possible to help find a way to stop the spread of the Dark Energy. The real reason for the Human Reaper was supposed to be the Reapers saving throw because they had run out of time. Humanity in Mass Effect is supposedly unique because of its genetic diversity and represented the universe's best chance at stopping Dark Energy's spread.

 

"The original final choice was going to be 'Kill the Reapers and put your faith in the races of the galaxy in finding another way to stop the spread with what little time is left' or 'Sacrifice humanity, allowing them to be horrifically processed in hopes that the end result will justify the means.'

 

 

[Vargras]

I just noticed that the C-Sec uniforms are identical to the Alliance uniforms. Seems kinda lazy (though I know laziness in this game's production is nothing new).

 

C-Sec uniforms have always been black and blue. The Alliance's original colors were white and red, but it was changed to white and blue in ME3.