[Rinceoir]

• This is an ongoing topic for discussion about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_%28series%29, so keep the discussion on the games.
  
• It is understandable if you don't like Mass Effect games. We have no problem with you sharing this, but this is an ongoing topic. As such, it is primarily based on the positive aspects of the games, so if you don't like them don't post.
  
• This is an ongoing discussion and some people don't like Mass Effect games. If you try to provoke them it is just as bad. If you do disagree with someone, please don't drag it into a fight. This topic is primarily for what we like about the games and our ongoing experiences.
  
• Respect forum rules. If you are unclear review them http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=724862.
  
• Respect for other forum members is perhaps the most important. We all have opinions and we are all human beings. Treat each other with respect.

http://masseffect.bioware.com/

http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_Wiki

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCXHzbEDK5E&feature=related



Previous threads: http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1073436 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1073826 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1074494 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1075138 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1075497 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1075916 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1076411 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1076897 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1077734 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1078265 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1079090 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1079854 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1080626 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1081545 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1082029 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1082910 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1084127 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1084986 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1085395 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1085841 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1086200 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1086630 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1087738 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1088382 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1088920 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1090105 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1093323 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1097121 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1100627 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1107191 | http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?showtopic=1142182



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZGFjBmD41Q

[Emily Rose]

To those of you addicted to know 'how-does-my-PC-run-this', you can remove the framerate cap aswell as VSync by going to:

(My Documents folder) \BioWare\Mass Effect 3 Demo\BIOGame\Config\

Then find the "GamerSettings.ini" file and find the "[SystemSettings]" section and paste the following lines within that section:


SmoothFramerate=False
UseVsync=False

So it looks like in this http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8783/examplesq.png.

[Tyrone Haywood]

CynicalBrit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkp472M1z8Y&feature=g-all-u&context=G2ad86a1FAAAAAAAAAAA, space bar does way to friggen much.

[Gavin Roberts]

CynicalBrit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkp472M1z8Y&feature=g-all-u&context=G2ad86a1FAAAAAAAAAAA, space bar does way to friggen much.

Although, the multiplayer itself does look extremely fun. I may actually have to take back all of my negative comments about adding multiplayer.

[Rachael Williams]

It does look good, I'm not knocking the whole game when I complain. Just those facets of it, still looks like it will be good.

[Stace]

I really don't want to download Origin for this.

[james tait]

origin is a pile of crap, it's only going to grace my system once. When I'm done ME3, and the eventual DLC. It's gone. Shepards story has ended, that's all I need to see.

[elliot mudd]

I really don't want to download Origin for this.

I didn't either. Does it still access information when it's not running? If not I'll only ever have it on when I'm actually running ME3....

[Multi Multi]

A few people have done tests and shown it only scans program data folder. There isn't or shouldn't be any personal files in there. It's also only uploading a few kb, so it can't possibly be sending files. Perhaps only the names of stuff and types of files, maybe not even that. Still just as a precaution you can always set it up in a sanboxie if you don't trust it. Google will help you with that. It's been observed to scan the xfire folder for sure though, Origins/EA folders, and look for any games. Provided they're in ProgramData.

[Josh Lozier]

sooo, back to the plot...

No, seriously, Mass Effect 2 existed only to fund Mass Effect 3, I skimmed the leaked script, and was completely disgusted it only truly seems to call on mass effect 1 decisions...

And the writing is strangely poor this time around, so poor they have started rewriting sections based on fan feedback. I was surprised to see the sudden drop in quality on mass effect plot. (Multiplayer is amazing btw. spacebar does waaaaaaaaaay too friggin much) My friend told me that dragon age II was just the precursor to bioware's funeral. I really hope these rewrites prove him wrong.

[Eliza Potter]

sooo, back to the plot...

No, seriously, Mass Effect 2 existed only to fund Mass Effect 3, I skimmed the leaked script, and was completely disgusted it only truly seems to call on mass effect 1 decisions...

And the writing is strangely poor this time around, so poor they have started rewriting sections based on fan feedback. I was surprised to see the sudden drop in quality on mass effect plot. (Multiplayer is amazing btw. spacebar does waaaaaaaaaay too friggin much) My friend told me that dragon age II was just the precursor to bioware's funeral. I really hope these rewrites prove him wrong.

What? Rewrite? How are you going to rewrite, or change anything for that matter when it has gone gold? I guess they could "regold" (Is that a word?) and scrap any that have been produced, if production actually was undertaken.

EDIT : I can't find any other info on this proposed rewriting taking place. Unless you are referring to potential script changes that were made, due to the Bioware forum discussions made last year.

[Tiff Clark]

What? Rewrite? How are you going to rewrite, or change anything for that matter when it has gone gold? I guess they could "regold" (Is that a word?) and scrap any that have been produced, if production actually was undertaken.

EDIT : I can't find any other info on this proposed rewriting taking place. Unless you are referring to potential script changes that were made, due to the Bioware forum discussions made last year.

there have been substantial rewrites in a couple games that were implemented via patch, one was the hush hush alan wake day zero patch IIRC, but I just started looking for news about mass effect 3, these rewrites could have happened months ago, as the script has been out for awhile.

[KIng James]

there have been substantial rewrites in a couple games that were implemented via patch, one was the hush hush alan wake day zero patch IIRC, but I just started looking for news about mass effect 3, these rewrites could have happened months ago, as the script has been out for awhile.

You are right about patches. I didn't about that possibility. It remains a mystery how I am capable of thought in the first place.

[Kat Lehmann]

Have you guys played the demo?

I started to...but it didn't seem right. I don't want to see or do anything as a randomly generated Shepard. I want *MY* Shepard.

Anyway, for those that have...how does it look?

[Nathan Hunter]

Mass effect series has so much potential to spure into the "star wars/Startrek/babylon5/awesoem scific series here " of our time but I feel IT ISNT TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS. and can somene give a differing view from mine on ME2's...quality of story? I think ME1>ME2 in terms of writing, felt a tad rush and I questioned to practicality of a frigate going into the unknown by itself after it(its predecessor) was handily rofl stomped by a cruiser to what could have been a fleet of them and a super base teeming with thousands of the buggers....


It felt like...they could have elaborated more and didn't....parts of ME1 fit the bill as well

[Sweet Blighty]

sooo, back to the plot...

No, seriously, Mass Effect 2 existed only to fund Mass Effect 3, I skimmed the leaked script, and was completely disgusted it only truly seems to call on mass effect 1 decisions...

And the writing is strangely poor this time around, so poor they have started rewriting sections based on fan feedback. I was surprised to see the sudden drop in quality on mass effect plot. (Multiplayer is amazing btw. spacebar does waaaaaaaaaay too friggin much) My friend told me that dragon age II was just the precursor to bioware's funeral. I really hope these rewrites prove him wrong.

Writing a book I can sympathize with them. I often rewrite lots as I nail things down. Create it as I go approach, if I had fan feedback and I did I would consider it and go back. So nothing weird about that, if anything it shows they're paying attention. Not to mention I can tell their rough script was super rough, it didn't look set in stone too much. My friend is also in a film course and he's had to write scripts, it works in much the same way. I don't think people have any idea just how demanding writing can be. If it was so easy everyone would be J.K Rowling or Tolkien, or Frank Herbert any numerous others ect.

[Kit Marsden]

I really want to get Mass Effect 3 but I don't want another Mass Effect 2 where the combat was the only improvement and everything else including RPG elements got nerfed big time. I've seen some vids and it looks great and I love the UI and healthbars but I need to see more and read some reviews.

[Maya Maya]

Mass effect series has so much potential to spure into the "star wars/Startrek/babylon5/awesoem scific series here " of our time but I feel IT ISNT TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS. and can somene give a differing view from mine on ME2's...quality of story? I think ME1>ME2 in terms of writing, felt a tad rush and I questioned to practicality of a frigate going into the unknown by itself after it(its predecessor) was handily rofl stomped by a cruiser to what could have been a fleet of them and a super base teeming with thousands of the buggers....


It felt like...they could have elaborated more and didn't....parts of ME1 fit the bill as well

No you're not the only one who thinks that, I share that view too. Sending a lone frigate into unknown territory on a suicide mission with a so-called "elite" crew is just stupid beyond words. What they needed to do was figure out a way to get information out of the Omega 4 Relay before planning the next move. And if they couldn't and decided instead to opt for the suicide mission approach, it probably would have been better to build a fleet of ships to invade it.

Then again,

Spoiler

if the Illusive Man is truly indoctrinated, then maybe the whole thing will have just been a ploy for the Reapers to understand Shepard's methods. In which case, GOOD GOING, SHEPARD, YOU BLOCKHEAD!

If you want a different opinion, though, here's one I might have concerning the story of ME2; that it was completely pointless in the overall scheme of things. We spend the entire game going after the Reapers' middlemen rather than the Reapers themselves, and the Collectors in particular weren't doing anything that would spell the imminent destruction of the galaxy. And after all was said and done...the Reapers were only slightly inconvenienced at most, they're still on the warpath, and the galaxy is still by and large oblivious of their existence. Truth be told, it would have been more fitting as a side story with a completely different protagonist than as the middle part of a trilogy. Thing I find most sad about the whole thing is that an hour-long DLC that was never released until about a year after the game proper was out moved the myth arc forward more than all of ME2.

[El Khatiri]

Wtf? What army in the universe would risk an entire fleet going through a relay where noone has returned from? Why even risk one man? Send in a [censored] drone ship. Check to see if it's safe on the other side, and then come back. But oh god no, let's not have any basis in thought. If you guys are going to critically think about light science fiction then the whole story is going to fall apart. Most do, even the best well written books need some coincidences or things to happen to start the plot.

ME2 taught us one thing, they're techno organic in nature. They need humans, it was a little frivolous, but not entirely pointless. The Collector raids only really went into full swing in a few months. If we didn't stop that Reaper form being built it would likely have been able to work in advance of the fleet in arrival. Or at the very least become a Dreadnought since it was humans being turned into reapers. Their dreadnoughts are worth an entire fleet or more of our ships in ME3. I think even killing off one before it was completed is a good thing. Now I have a feeling we're killing off a graveyard of species all in Reaper form. If that makes any sense.

[no_excuse]

Wtf? What army in the universe would risk an entire fleet going through a relay where noone has returned from? Why even risk one man? Send in a [censored] drone ship. Check to see if it's safe on the other side, and then come back. But oh god no, let's not have any basis in thought. If you guys are going to critically think about light science fiction then the whole story is going to fall apart. Most do, even the best well written books need some coincidences or things to happen to start the plot.

If the story's going to fall apart when you stop to think about it, then something was wrong with it from the beginning.

ME2 taught us one thing, they're techno organic in nature. They need humans, it was a little frivolous, but not entirely pointless. The Collector raids only really went into full swing in a few months. If we didn't stop that Reaper form being built it would likely have been able to work in advance of the fleet in arrival. Or at the very least become a Dreadnought since it was humans being turned into reapers. Their dreadnoughts are worth an entire fleet or more of our ships in ME3. I think even killing off one before it was completed is a good thing. Now I have a feeling we're killing off a graveyard of species all in Reaper form. If that makes any sense.

I'm not saying that the Collectors weren't a threat and that they didn't need to be stopped. But there's a much larger picture that needs to be looked at. The only thing the story of ME2 really accomplishes is restoring the status quo, which means that the Reapers are still coming, and nobody who matters realizes it. End result: the overarching story hasn't really made any ground from where it ended in ME1. Sure, we got a few shocking revelations about the Reapers, but so what? They're just as invincible as ever.

As I said, ME2 doesn't really work as the middle part of an epic trilogy. It's too low-key, not entirely transitional in moving the overall goal further, and doesn't up the ante from ME1. It was just an excuse for Shepard to play hero again. Hence why the plot of ME2 would have worked better as a side story with a different protagonist, and that ME2 should have told another story entirely. Because as it is, ME3 looks as though it's going to be awfully crammed.

[Nikki Morse]

A deus ex machina is generally undesirable in writing and often implies a lack of creativity on the part of the author. The reasons for this are that it does not pay due regard to the story's internal logic and is often so unlikely that it challenges http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_of_disbelief, allowing the author to conclude the story with an unlikely, though perhaps more palatable, ending

ME1?
ME2?
ME3?
All of them?

[Javier Borjas]

Any story falls apart when you stop to think about it. Seriously, why in zombie movies has no one heard of zombie is until that moment? They all act clueless as to what a zombie is. Why would anyone split up if you hear suspicious noises? Why would anyone go closer? Why do people act dumb in movies? Why do they ALWAYS trip? I don't seem to trip that often, but they seem to do that all the time. When you start to construct stories, you get a better idea of how everything you see is a lie. And learn to appreciate it like someone crafting a building. It all has parts to entertain you with and how you use them. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage

The accursed website will make you understand. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief

None of the ME's have a Deus Ex Machina, all of them have been foreshadowed well in advance. Now if all of a sudden some ships called the Squotean Hive Winners appeared at the end of ME3 who we never heard of before and are allegedly older than the Reapers and made all life in the universe and save us. THAT is a deus ex machina. An asspull too.

Your probably getting confused with a Macguffin. TV tropes it, all will be explained.

[Eduardo Rosas]

I guess I am leaning on the fact that they did it in DA2. One of the big selling tools was that "Things you do in DAO and DAA will transfer over to DA2"...Wrong...

Leliana clearly looses her head in DAO. Yet we are confronted by her in DA2 with a save file that is "transferred" from the earlier games. When the lead writer is questioned about it. The reply was "If we decide to bring someone back, it's because we wanted to"...So much for the story the fans/players made with their previous games. To me THAT is DEM.

I know it is just a demo with a canon Shep, but when you see someone that was killed in ME1 or ME2, it makes one think.

[Alina loves Alexandra]

I don't think we have to worry. They brought Kaiden and Ash back as permanent squad mates. That's a lot of work for one decsion, if they were ever going to decide to cut some money it would have been killing the other off in ME2 so they didn't have to bring either of them back in ME3. Dragon Age went to [censored] fast, the original developers were mostly gone by the time they started awakening and all the DLC crap and it showed. ME 1 > 2 was fine. I have no reason to fear ME3, other than the god awful combat controls.

Edit
Who are you talking about? Who died and came back in the demo? It's all based on your actions, and I didn't have any squad mates die off but Kaiden.

Edit2
Of course they have to have a canon, that doesn't mean your choices will be invalidated by being undone. I've read the leaked script they go out of their way to bring back people or not bring them back base don what happened. The only thing they did between ME1 and ME2 that I didn't like was Conrad Verner. They forced you to act like you chose the Renegade option. It was kind of annoying, but minor so whatever. I act like Verner is some drunken hallucination anyways.

[Emerald Dreams]

I'm talking about

Spoiler

Wrex

. The 360 demo is a generic canon play. You do not import any info into it. Seeing him made me think of DA2. I wondered if anything similar is hidden in wait in ME3. Not just a dead character, that may return, but other decisions. There is another trem for that as well...it escapes me at the moment. (imagine that) A lot of that English Lit stuff was left in school. That was many years ago.