Mass Effect 3

[Smues]

If you do EVERYTHING in the game the multiplayer effect on readiness won't matter that much.

That much being the key. It shouldn't matter at all. I shouldn't be forced to play multiplayer for a single player ending. From what I've read, 4,000 effective assets is the magic number, and without DLC the most assets you can get is 7,500, for an effective 3,750. So you have to get DLC or use the multiplayer. That's horseshit. I'd be fine with it if there was some single player way to raise readiness, and multiplayer/iOS apps were just a supplement/more efficient way to do it.

Is it a huge deal? No and yes. The overall effect on the game and what you miss if you don't have DLC or multiplayer isn't that much, but just the fact you have to do some multiplayer or iOS shit to unlock all the endings, a basic function of a video game, is a big deal. I'm guessing it's their way of fucking people who buy used, since you won't have access to the online functions, but my copy was new and it still punishes me.

RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE.

 

[Damaramu]

So what is the ending if you don't get the DLC or play online? I got the DLC so my readiness was at like 100%.

The endings I got....

Spoiler

I did the one where Shepard becomes a reaper and makes them help rebuild. And I got the synthesis ending. I didn't do the destroy the Reapers and I heard you can also just shoot the catalyst in the face. Is that true?

 

[Mik]

It's only true in the DLC and it's separate from the 3 main endings. Nothing good happens if you do it.

 

[vivisectvi]

I don't see how playing the multiplayer is a punishment. It's actually a really fun horde survival mode. Hell you could even play a bunch of solo rounds if you're really that opposed to playing with other people.

 

[Edwin]

"You can't get the best ending without playing multiplayer" isn't really true. If you have 2800 EMS (5600 without multiplayer), you can pick from all three endings. The only difference is the half-second audio of a breath if you choose the rightmost ending path. With the extended cut, you can even get that with just 3300.

 

[Smues]

It's not a major difference, and not one that I care about, but I care about the fact that there IS a difference in ending. Yeah the extended cut lowers the requirement, but the extended cut is after the fact DLC. No internet connection = fuck you. Of course that's where the next generation of consoles seem to be heading, but that's still not an excuse for this one.

 

[Angle-plex]

I cant imagine not having an internet connection to a gaming system with this generation of consoles. I'm a lazy and cheap fuck that barely plays x-box and even I'm connected.

 

[vivisectvi]

Same here. I'm connected even when watching a dvd. This is something people just need to make peace with, honestly. Especially wth how "connected" gaming is getting, it's only going to rely on a connection more and more. A strong rumor floating around the next Xbox is that the console itself will require a constant net connection regardless.

 

[vivisectvi]

Final DLCs are on their way...

http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/02/21/final-mass-effect-3-single-player-multiplayer-dlc-announced

Single Player

Single-player gamers can look forward to the Citadel downloadable content, which will be released on March 5th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC (in Europe, the pack will hit PlayStation 3 on March 6th).

BioWare's Chris Priestly posted the following synopsis of the Citadel content on BioWare’s forums:

“When a sinister conspiracy targets Commander Shepard, you and your team must uncover the truth, through battles and intrigue that range from the glamour of the Citadel’s Wards to the top-secret Council Archives. Uncover the truth and fight alongside your squad – as well as the cast from the original Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

When the adventure is over, reconnect with your favorite characters from the Mass Effect Trilogy, try your luck at the Citadel’s Silver Coast Casino, blow off steam in the Armax Combat Arena, or explore and furnish Shepard’s own living quarters on the Citadel. With unique content and cinematics featuring your friends and romance interests in the Mass Effect trilogy, Mass Effect 3: Citadel offers one final chance to see the characters you have known for years and rekindle romances.”

Priestly also notes that “for Xbox 360 users, the Citadel DLC pack will come as 2 downloads on Xbox Live. ME3 Citadel is larger than our previous DLC packs, so it had to be split into 2 downloads. The first pack is priced at $14.99 and the second pack is tagged as free. Players need to purchase and download pack 1, then download pack 2 at no additional cost. You can download pack 2 without purchasing pack one, but the DLC will not work. You will get an error message in game asking you to download pack 1. It will say ‘This DLC will only work in conjunction with Part 1 of Mass Effect 3: Citadel, which is split across 2 downloadable packages. Please purchase Part 1 prior to downloading Part 2 at no additional cost.’ This will not hurt your saved game but you will not be able to launch Citadel until you have both packs. This only effects Xbox 360 users. Citadel for the PC and PS3 is in one pack.”

Multi-Player

In addition to Citadel, BioWare also announced Reckoning, Mass Effect 3’s final multiplayer pack. Reckoning offers new characters including the Geth Juggernaut, Female Turian Raptor, Talon Mercenary and Alliance Infiltration Unit. It also includes seven new weapons including the Geth Spitfire Assault Rifle, Venom Shotgun and Lancer Assault Rifle, plus new equipment and weapon mods like the Geth Scanner and Assault Rifle Ultralight materials.

Reckoning will be released for free on February 26th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC (February 27th for PlayStation 3 in Europe).

 

[Sabre]

I find this interesting, they openly state "when the adventure is over", how the hell can you kick back and lol with tali in the bedroom if the game has you turn to space magic.

 

[vivisectvi]

It's "one final chance" before the end battle, I guess. It would really be nice to get some post-story DLC.. But I guess that isn't gonna happen. I have no idea if that would even work anyway.. "All new Repairing the Normandy with Joker DLC!"

 

[Damaramu]

Damn I think my only ME3 save is right before you enter the Citadel so I'd have to restart to play this.

 

[vivisectvi]

Damn I think my only ME3 save is right before you enter the Citadel so I'd have to restart to play this.

Doesn't the game make a second save after you finish the main game that puts you before the assault on Cerberus?

 

[bps21]

Yes. There should be a save that has you able to travel anywhere or go to the finish.

 

[vivisectvi]

Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC Trailer

 

[Sabre]

So this is the last substantial SP DLC? If so colour me dissapointed.

 

[vivisectvi]

Yep

 

[Sabre]

I really thought they would have elaborated on the "tell me another story of the shepard" quick cutscene, but alas, no.