Mass Effect 3 Ending Is Fine So Get Over With It

DSOGaming writes: "Endings are hard and let me borrow some lines from the last episode of Supernatural’s fifth season. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end, but you never can. The fans are always gonna bitch. There’s always gonna be holes. And that’s what has been happening with Mass Effect 3 these past few weeks."

[Cyb3r]

If it was fine then why are there so many people complaining?

[john2]

Because it was played by a lot of gamers with different opinions. Some believe that it's fine. Others believe it's not. A few believe that is a mix of good and bad. This happens in everything that get as exposed as the ME series and can be easily spotted in various TV series. Look at Supernatural and Dexter for example. There is a lot of controversy about the endings of their latest seasons

[da_2pacalypse]

The fact that there is only 1 single ending is enough reason for the ending to not be okay. It's Mass Effect, there is never just a single way of resolving something. Ever since the original was released in 2007, all quests and game conclusions have always had different endings.

I'm sorry, but if the ending of ME3 is good to you, then you were never playing ME3 for the right reasons to begin with. I could care less if there was multiple endings and I didn't like any of them. Because at least I got a choice of which to use. But there was ONE ending, and that ONE ending didn't at all take any of your previous work in any of the games into account. What kind of a BS is that?

Oh yeah, and don't forget the fact that there are straight up plot holes in the ending. In a universe where everything has been so thought out, how is it okay to all of a sudden have an ending with like 5 plot holes?

[morganfell]

The Witcher - 3 different endings
The Witcher 2 - 16 different endings.

As I said before, when CD Projekt licensed the Aurora engine from Bioware for the first Witcher they took their creativity with too.

[Hisiru]

@richierich

Because a lot of fanboys are sad just because it's the end of the trilogy and it's sad.

The ending is very well made, it's beautiful and yes, I am sad too because I wanted something different, but I won't act like a child on the internet asking for a different ending. I am not the developer and I will wait for the new trilogy.

Do you fanboys want a happy ending? Go watch hello kitty or barbie.

Games doesn't need different endings in order to be good/have a good ending.

Sad ending =/= bad ending

Get over with it. I love the series and I can't wait for the next game.

@morganfell
Oh yeah. If you doesn't have a different ending, you doesn't have a creative game. Makes sense, right?

[Megaton]

@Hisiru - It has nothing to do with it not being a "happy" ending. Educate yourself on the matter before tossing around misguided opinions.

http://social.bioware.com/f...

People probably wouldn't be so upset over the lack of ending variety had the developers not claimed there would be such a thing.

http://social.bioware.com/f...

What they said and what they delivered were two completely different things. The Final Hours app from Geoff Keighly confirms they had proper endings ready to go, but they replaced coherence and closure with plot holes and loose ends in an attempt to create "speculation" among the fans.

Problem with that approach is that you need to include positive elements for positive speculation. When you take a dump on someone's lap, you're not going to get positive speculation about what's inside of it. You're going to get anger and negative speculation about why a person would do such a thing. It's like they were expecting we'd be confused into some philosophical circle jerk by their half-assed attempt at ripping off Deus Ex:HR's endings.

[PiccoloGR]

@morganfell: You are kidding right? The Witcher 2 has one ending:

Ending Sequence

If you go with Roche/Iorveth in Chapter 3, then you will walk out with Roche/Iorveth and Triss.

If you go with Triss, you will walk out with Triss only.

No matter what, the ending is the same. You won't get 16 different ending sequences at the end. It's just one. Ironic, isn't it?

Edit: Here are the 16 different endings. If you consider them different, then ME3 has different endings too. Funny how nobody complained about them back then

http://gaming.stackexchange...

[00]

No it wasn't "I heard you don't like being killed by synthetics so I made these synthetics to kill you so you don't get killed by synthetics"

And along with joker teleporting my squad who got zapped by a lazer beam onto the normandy(then teleporting away)only to crash on some planet.

EDIT:
Just because other games have bad endings does not negate ME3 bad ending(and if the DLC rumor is true that means I paid 80$ for an incomplete game)

[Hisiru]

@Megaton

I saw a lot of opinios/forums and I know what I am talking about. I know why people is complaining, and of course, it's not the only reason, but complain about a particular death is just stupid.

@00
Come on man! There are much worse ending sequences on the gaming industry and there is nobody complaining.

*SPOILER*
I am trully sad because of what happened to the crew and Shepherd. Seriously! I played the first game and I instantly said "oh god... it's me in the space! That's my new hero in the video game industry". So yeah... I am sad and all but I can't say bad things about the developers just because it's not the ending I wanted.

[Megaton]

*SPOILERS*
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-
-
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Some would complain about Shepard dying, of course. However, you wouldn't get this level of outrage if it had been done right. I thought Thane, Legion and Mordin's deaths were fantastically written (especially Mordin's). I came into this game expecting beloved companions to die. Not only that, but I expected Shepard to die, or at least that it would be a possibility.

The problem here is that they make your sacrifice seem completely meaningless, and in a way they completely ruin the entire trilogy. What's the point in stopping Sovereign or the Collectors when you know that in the end BioWare decides to destroy the whole galaxy anyway. A single relay explosion wiped out a whole Batarian system in ME2's Arrival DLC. Wouldn't the logical assumption be that all systems would experience the same genocide if all relays exploded?

They leave it on a note where many people don't even want to bother replaying the campaign. I can't even muster up the care to finish my 2nd playthrough, and I've played through ME1/ME2 8 and 7 times, respectively.

A coherent bittersweet ending would be a blessing at this point. The problem is that Casey Hudson already believes he delivered this.

[Shadowstar]

@Hisiru and others who think those of us complaining think that sad ending = bad ending, it works the other way too.

Sad ending != good ending.

I wanted Snake to die in MGS4 and was a bit disappointed that he didn't die on camera. I wanted Shepard to die in ME3 and was really disappointed that her/his ending was handled so poorly.

I hate that indoctrination theory is so much better than the ending Bioware actually made. (If it were true, it would be the best ending ever, and very high-sci-fi and might even break the fourth wall- assuming, of course, that it wasn't a cynical cash grab where the ending of the story is paid DLC planned from the beginning. As it is, we got an ending made of space magic, empty of meaningful choice in a game that's all about meaningful choices, has plot holes big enough to send reapers through, and provides no closure.)

[SilentNegotiator]

Plot holes + Ending not corresponding to choices =/= fine

Fanboys need to stop trying to convince everyone that these issues are okay and that people who take issue to a product that they paid money for makes them an "entitled crybaby"

Between the online pass, lies from EA/EA subsidiary, day one DLC (with the character and his parts outside "special" mission already on disc), the ending issues, blatant platform bias (Bioware not having the manpower to bring VC to the PC version? lol), etc......you have to be a seriously whipped fanboy to be defending ME3 like the author. I wouldn't defend my favorite game in the world if the creator treated me this badly.

[NewMonday]

it's like the same underwhelming end to DA2, where the choices don't matter.

Bioware, the makes of Baldur's gate, KOTOR, Jade Empire, ME1 were not like this, whatever new grand scheme in storytelling they have is not working, they should stop and go back to basics. it's 2 strikes now after this and DA2.

[Nitrowolf2]

Look the ending is fine
it's the lack of multiple endings that are actually different that I think people are mostly mad about. No matter what choice you make it usually ends with the same video with slightly different dialogue.

If I was colorblind almost all the endings would look the same.

I think people were looking for something else or at least expected the endings to be significantly different from one another.

The difference between Supernatural is that we aren't in control of the outcome. No matter what that TV show is always always going to be played out the same exact way. No matter how many times you watch it, it will always have the same ending for that season.

The whole ME series is based around our choices, so why are all the endings nearly the same?

I think ME3 is general is a great game. Everything about it I find perfectly fine except when we get to those endings. Yeah it's a bitch to try and make something that's gonna meet everyone needs when it comes to any game, but hey at least if your gonna have multiple endings which are based on our choice, don't make them so similar to one another thus making our choices seem kind of pointless.

I'm not part of he group of people who sit there and complain that they spent hours on their ME character in past titles, but it's understandable TBH.

[Pintheshadows]

All i'd like is a series of art stills with text explaining some of the key points and what happens to Earth, your friends and the Galaxy. Dragon Age does it.

They could explain how your choices do make a difference in the future. I don't want the ending changed however.

[metsgaming]

its become apparent that many gaming sites and reviewers are ok with and are defending it. While the actual fans are upset. There have been so many articles complaining about the fans. It just shows how out of touch these reviewers and sites are. They in no way represent the people who actually play and care about these games. Im not a fan of the series and to me it seems like a massive insult to do what they did, sad.

[JOHN_DOH]

seems like most game reviewers write reviews for the publishers and not the fans.

[neoandrew]

So many , ha ha, your are funny.

Sales proves that less that 2% gamers are disappointed, so yeah 98% satisfied...

[unknownhero1123]

well, you have to buy the game first before you see the ending. That's if you don't look at the spoilers first that is. Your logic is flawed in that manner.

[mynameisEvil]

Also, I'd like to ask you where you pulled your numbers from...

I assume a certain hole of the ass variety, but, again, that's just an assumption.

[neoandrew]

There were a poll on bioware site, about 50K disappointed players. So it is very tiny to millions of game sales.

"you have to buy the game first before you see the ending" - still the sales stats and poll on bioware proves that i have right.

[Kran]

To be honest, whilst i dislike the ending a bit, if this hadnt had such a controversy around it, I probably wouldnt have made a big deal about it beforehand.

[Awesome_Gamer]

No the ending sucked.. YOU get over it

[aznrunner1881]

The ending was terrible. It's more incoherent than a Dead or Alive game. Why was joker traveling through a Mass Relay? Why was the citadel hologram that kid who died? What happens to everyone?

[Godmars290]

If the actual ME universe continues after it its fine.

If there's nothing but prequels and side stories, Bioware unable to write themselves out of the corner they put themselves into - a Mass Effect universe w/o Mass Effect technology - then there's problems.

Honestly, I really don't get why Bioware would say that they planned to continue with stories in that universe - then go with an ending which essentially ends the universe!

You have to be on something - be a long term addict - to do crap like that!

[Pintheshadows]

The ending I think shows they've lost it and don't know their arse from their elbow. Oh well, I have my personal theory. It made me feel better. Turns out to 'get' the ending you have to do the writers jobs for them.

That isn't the same as open for interpretation though Bioware.

[jwk94]

Bioware already stated that any mass effect games from now on will be before or during ME3, so yeah, they can't write themselves out of this.

[00]

Then explain all the space magic and god at the end.

[godzilla72]

I dunno, i dont really play games for the story. I play for the gameplay. I do think people are taking this a little too far.

[00]

cause the gameplay was sloppy.

[mynameisEvil]

Damn straight, man. The gameplay in Mass Effect has never been great or anything like that. Mass Effect 1 was an RPG with meh TPS combat. Mass Effect 2 was a meh TPS with less RPG elements. Mass Effect 3 was a meh TPS with even less than ME2, yet the ones that were there didn't even matter...

[godzilla72]

I think ME2 and ME3 had pretty good gameplay. Graphics and the whole Universe were just incredible. I do agree though with you about ME1, that one had horrible gameplay. Glad at least it was addressed in ME2.

[susanto1228]

"SO get over with it" Who the hell is writing this stuff 10 year olds....SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!

[PersonaCat]

I'm finding it funny how not one journalist is even attempting to see what the problems are. It's just, "Nope you guys are all wrong! I'm a journalist and what I say goes!" Game journalism is dead. I can't help but feel that if this was any other form of entertainment things would be different.

[Shadowstar]

There have been a few who agree that there are problems. Check out http://www.gamefront.com/ma... But the majority, yeah...

[FutureTechnologies]

Paid review money goes a long way!

[PersonaCat]

@Shadowstar Thanks, its good to see something out there that actually isn't afraid to say that ME3 isnt the greatest thing in the world.

@Future You know, I really didnt want to have to think that but when I think of all the perfect scores it's getting I cant help but think that lol. I mean it's either that or they are just doing it to piss off of the people that had a problem with the ending.

[Megaton]

When IGN staff are in the game itself, you can bet they'll be defending it to the death. I believe they were the first out of the gate to start bashing fans.

All the other mundane blogger sites that submit their trash to N4G (like this one, DualShockers, etc.) are just cloning IGN.

[mynameisEvil]

I actually wanted to be a games journalist for the longest time. When I started hating it myself, I decided that voice acting was the way to go.

You know it's sad when even I can't defend my desired profession...

[Charmers]

Oh look another journalist hack that doesn't seem to have a clue what he is talking about. I find it kinda curious how this "journalist" can claim an ending is "fine" when they then have to spend nearly most of their article actually trying to figure out what the hell happened in that ending.

Yes any ending is going to have some "plot holes" but the ME 3 ending isn't just some plot holes it is nothing but plot holes, inconsistencies and utter gibberish.

There is a reason why one of the largest polls shows that 97% of voters thought the ending sucked (this is a poll of over 60,000 voters). There is no ambiguity here or any split. The vast majority think the endings are as far from "fine" as you can get.

[Rolento]

Nothing about Mass Effect 3 is fine. The game (and franchise itself) is overrated.

[FutureTechnologies]

Finally someone has the B***Z to admit it!

[Lord_Sloth]

Those of us that do admit that it isn't the greatest thing ever are usually short of bubbles.

[DarkBlood]

doesnt exactly mean its true just because the vast majority says so, its all opinions

[brettyd]

That title is retarded.

[FCOLitsjustagame]

After finishing the game last night. I am now on the "game ending was horrible" band wagon. It did't make any sense, was poorly done and the thing after the credits just made it even worse. I will not be replaying the ending of this game or buying any DLC (what would be the point to buy DLC to "add" to a story that ends that badly). I also have a hard time seeing how I would find any interest in any future "mass effect" games since.

Whatever, the rest of the game was great 9.5/10. The ending was a 2/10. I give it two points for just existing, though at this point I think I am going to pretend like it doesnt and go with one of the made up endings floating around the internet.

[GoeRGiaN-david]

IN the and I don't get how the hell did the crew got on normandy and are stranded on alioen planet. theu could release new mas effect where it 's shown how all races have rebuild and new enemy appears and shepards son could be new hero

[TransientDreamer]

"Get over with it"? And he says that in the article too. I can't, I can't anymore.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

When a journalist can't even get a regularly used basic saying right, that said journalist should probably just quit.

[Legionaire2005]

Impossible to do an ending? Well ask Peter Jackson that cause his Lord of the Rings Trilogy was the best of any genre, even if it was a game or a movie. He made a great ending, even though it was long and it tie in many loose ends, unlike Mass Effect 3. Like I said before learn from the best, heck give Peter Jackson the game and he would do it better. I would of said Game of Thrones too, but I didn't read the stories yet, I just watch the HBO series. From what I am hearing its even better than Lords of the Rings. But I digress.

The fact that they disregard the original ending for this terrible ending, just makes no sense. Even though Dark Energy was hinted at in Mass Effect 1 and 2, they should of just put a damn embargo on it!!! Even if it was still a streamline ending, then why not tie all the loose ends of your consequences leading up to the ending? I would of prefer the the choice to save the Earth by finding another way to stop the Dark Energy, or let the Reapers killed off Earth in the process only to save the universe in the long run. It adds more dimension to the villains of the story, because it would make them seem like actual good guys. I am assuming the Race before the Protheans were the real creators of the Reapers that first notice this issue with Dark Energy, and decided to turn themselves to machines in order to save the universe. If Bioware decided to put back the original ending with a few tweaks, then that would be great. They should give Shepard a option to kill himself if he allow the reapers to process humans into machines. It would of been like what happen to Tali if you choose to side with the Geth, instead of the Qurians. The original ending is still on the table. It won't give Bioware too much work if they include it in the game for free. Stop promoting paid DLC guys, cause that ending should be free or, not much people will buy it. Think about it!!! If your angry about an ending to a great trilogy that could of been, why paid for an alternate ending?

[aliengmr]

Another jackass trying suckle the big EA tit.

You know these fucking hypocrites are going to find something to bitch about down road.

[Pana]

What's really sad is how people can overlook the fact the ending is clearly an indoctrination process. To make it even more obvious choosing to 'destroy the reapers' which only rids you of being indoctrinated, shows you a cinematic of Shepard waking up underneath rubble back on Earth. The fight is not over yet. All these articles whining about the ending, when no one fucking understood is just pathetic. I had no idea gamers were so fucking stupid.

[honkyjesus]

Seems like you are analyzing Sesame Street. The ending is to get gamers wanting a different ending COUGH DLC.

Are you menstrual?

[PersonaCat]

Ok, and if the indoctrination is true you're going to be ok with them releasing it as DLC? The game is over after the credits role. Face it, Bioware made a bad ending and that's not going to change. If this is true, I will be the first person to say I was wrong and Bioware are awesome at storytelling. After seeing the ending of DA2 however, I'm pretty sure I won't have to do that.

[honkyjesus]

I had a problem with 99% of the game, the ending wasn't part of that. I was just glad it was done at that point.

[pbasson]

Anyone that believes that Mass Effect 3, is a complete and satisfying product (meaning the ending and Day one DLC) needs to stop sucking EA & Bioware's cock. There is a clear reason why many fans are upset, they cant all be wrong.

[sugadaddy]

*Guaranteed Traffic*

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

I'm not sure if I can 'get over WITH it'. I'll consider 'getting over it', however.

[SneeringImperialist]

Another Mass Effect Article from another Bioware apologist fanboy scrub. Just because you feel as if you can accept such a poorly made ending doesn't mean we have to.

[Elvis]

I like the author.

[palaeomerus]

" Operation Darkness is fine. Get over it. "

yeah, whatever idiot.

[duplissi]

stop the moaning and bitching people... please.

me1&2 were fantastic games that didnt have much variation in their endings now did they? besides with the tone of all 3 games did you really not see this coming? seriously!? yeah the cut scene is too similar and there wasnt enough closure, but what shepard faced well i saw that coming a mile away.

im not defending the ending, but come on lets get our heads out of our asses and stop this childish sense of entitlement thats going on.

[applepie_svk]

LoL it is not fine!
These ending leaving plothole with size of Texas, whole endings with god-child sucks.
Let my explain:
Catalyst- god child being in Citadel and also owner of his solution = THE REAPERS ...
Yeah than whole point of ME1 is now pointless, and why ?
In ME1 was Sovereign supposed look for friends as Saren and a Geths, because he want help with connection to control panel on Citadel, and again why ?
Because last cycle survived enough smart Protheans on Ilos which intercept signal which command Keepers for opening Citadel as a Relay ...

So if whole time was our friend god-child on Citadel, what was point of ME1? LoL
I have a feeling this ending was supposed be for another game :D ...

[The_Nameless_One]

Fanboys pretending to be journalists pretending to be fanboys.

[No_Pantaloons]

I've never seen a games ending as universally disliked as this one has been.

Saying its controversial or polarizing really isn't accurate, as this has been consistently hated by well over 80% in almost every poll out there. You can't just sweep it under the rug and say its fine for most, because vast majority clearly says it isn't.

[Philoctetes]

I'm not going to dignify this with a hit. Sorry, but the ending really is that bad.

[denero1]

Lol tried to rush out a troll article and didn't even check spelling lol

With such a childish title who can take this seriously :\

[GAMExxOVER]

I played ME3, Enjoyed the ride and was fine with the ending, but at the same time It would have been cool to have a truly evil optional ending. Such as take over the Reapers and destroy all organics.

[Fuzrum]

No, it sucks. And it's a Deus-Ex rip-off. EXACT same choices. L.A.Z.Y.