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Mass Effect 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mass Effect 3
Item: Mass Effect 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2012

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, RPG, Drama, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 6, 2012

PlatformPC

DeveloperBioWare

Overview

Earth is burning. The Reapers have taken over and other civilizations are falling like dominoes. Lead the final fight to save humanity and take back Earth from these terrifying machines, Commander Shepard. You'll need backup for these battles. Fortunately, the galaxy has a habit of sending unexpected species your way. Recruit team members and forge new alliances, but be prepared to say goodbye at any time as partners make the ultimate sacrifice. It's time for Commander Shepard to fight for the fate of the human race and save the galaxy. No pressure, Commander. Fight smarter. Take advantage of new powers and combat moves. Shepard can now blind fire at enemies and build tougher melee attacks. Plus, when you fight as a team you can combine new biotic and tech powers to unleash devastating Power Combos. Build the final force. Build a team from a variety of races and classes and combine their skills to overcome impossible odds. You'll be joined by newcomers like James Vega, a tough-as-nails soldier, as well as EDI, a trusted AI in a newly acquired physical form. Keep an eye out for beloved characters from your past, but beware. Some may not survive the final battle... Face off against friends. Enjoy an integrated co-op multiplayer mode and team up with friends online to liberate key conflict zones from increasingly tough opponents. Customize your warrior and earn new weapons, armor, and abilities to build war preparedness stats in your single player campaign.

Elsewhere

9.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Mass Effect 3's story for its emotional depth, compelling narrative, and impactful choices. They commend its grand sci-fi tale, urgency, and satisfying conclusion. While some mention a slow start and pacing issues, the consensus is that the story excels in wrapping up the trilogy with personalized decisions, impressive voice acting, and memorable characters. Overall, Mass Effect 3's story is hailed as exceptional and a fitting finale to the beloved series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Mass Effect 3 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics, such as AusGamers and Digital Spy, praise the story for its emotional and compelling nature. They highlight the importance of choices and consequences, as well as the inclusion of war assets that amplify the significance of each mission. The narrative is described as a grand tale with all the flair of a great sci-fi movie, capturing a sense of urgency and desperation, as mentioned by GameTrailers and Bit-Gamer. The story is also commended for its ability to wrap up the events and questions from the beginning of the trilogy, providing a satisfying conclusion, as noted by CPUGamer and GameSpy. While the majority of critics have positive opinions about the story, there are few negative aspects mentioned. Some critics, like Extreme Gamer, mention that the game has a slow start, but becomes epic once it gets going. Additionally, Gamestyle mentions that the game starts with the Reapers causing destruction on poorly prepared planets, which could be seen as a negative aspect in terms of pacing and immersion. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Mass Effect 3 is exceptional and a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. The narrative is praised for its emotional involvement, deep-rooted cultural issues between alien races, and the sense of dread it creates. The ability to personalize the story through decisions from previous games is also highlighted. The critics appreciate the storytelling ability, impressive voice-acting, and script work that establish the characters at the center of the story. The story is seen as a culmination of a five-year story arc, providing a memorable sci-fi journey, as mentioned by VideoGamer and PSX Extreme. The positive opinions of the majority of critics support the notion that the story of Mass Effect 3 is highly regarded and well-received.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics love the gameplay of Mass Effect 3 for its improved combat mechanics, customization options, and RPG elements. The game offers fast-paced action, slick movement, and satisfying combat with room for exploration and side-missions. While some critics mention issues like imprecise combat and controversial multiplayer influence on the ending, the overall consensus is that Mass Effect 3 delivers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience that surpasses its predecessors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Mass Effect 3 are generally positive. Many critics praise the improvements in combat mechanics, including better squad commands, AI, cover mechanics, and the addition of grenades. ActionTrip notes that the game is more fast-paced than previous installments, with room for exploration and side-missions. DarkZero mentions that the combat in Mass Effect 3 is the most enjoyable of any game in the series, with improvements in agility, cover mechanics, and RPG elements. Gameplanet highlights the slicker movement, improved cover mechanics, and new abilities like combat roll and blind fire. The Official Xbox Magazine UK mentions that the RPG aspects have been improved with more customization options, and GameTrailers mentions the addition of weapon mods and upgrades for further customization. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by critics. BigPond GameArena points out issues with sticky cover systems and sprinting away from enemies. EGM mentions unresolved cover and combat issues, as well as the controversial idea of multiplayer potentially influencing the single-player ending. VideoGamer states that the combat can be imprecise and lacks strategic effectiveness, while Bit-Gamer mentions that the shift away from RPG conventions towards a third-person shooter style and the emphasis on quicktime events and cover mechanics could be seen as a negative for some players. PC Games notes that the similarity to its predecessor may not convince those who disliked the previous game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Mass Effect 3 is enjoyable and engaging. The improvements in combat mechanics, customization options, and RPG elements are praised by multiple critics. The game offers a mix of action and emotional moments, with satisfying combat and a variety of choices for players to make. The gameplay is seen as an improvement over previous installments, although there are some minor issues and changes that may not appeal to everyone. The positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives, making Mass Effect 3 a highly regarded game in terms of gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Mass Effect 3's stunning visuals, praising its impressive art design, breathtaking backdrops, and visually stunning environments. Despite minor criticisms like character import issues and occasional slowdowns, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's graphics are described as incredible, gorgeous, and among the best of its generation, enhancing the immersive experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Mass Effect 3, it is evident that the majority of critics were highly impressed with the game's visuals. AusGamers, DarkZero, EGM, GameSpot, GamesBeat, Gamestyle, Guardian, Official Xbox Magazine UK, Planet Xbox 360, Extreme Gamer, PSX Extreme, The A.V. Club, and PC Games all praised the stunning visuals, impressive art design, and visually stunning environments of Mass Effect 3. These critics highlighted the breathtaking backdrops, picturesque fantasy planets, interplanetary vistas, and visually stunning battles that added to the overall immersive experience of the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, there were a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. BigPond GameArena mentioned complaints about the character import tool and facegen system, while TeamXbox noted the absence of a film grain filter, which they felt diminished some of the campy charm present in previous games. Additionally, Planet Xbox 360 mentioned occasional slowdowns and frame-rate bumps during intense gameplay scenes or CG movie moments. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mass Effect 3 boasts impressive graphics and visual design. The game's visuals were described as incredible, gorgeous, breathtaking, stunning, and among the best of the current generation of games. The seamless blending between cut-scenes and gameplay, the attention to detail in character models and faces, and the impressive set-pieces all contributed to the positive reception of the game's visuals. The critics' opinions collectively indicate that Mass Effect 3 delivers on its visual presentation, creating an extraordinary cinematic feel and enhancing the overall immersive experience for players. It is important to note that while the majority of critics had positive opinions about the graphics and visual design of Mass Effect 3, there were a few minor criticisms raised. However, these criticisms did not significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment expressed by the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional sound design and music of Mass Effect 3, highlighting its incredible soundtrack, fitting orchestral score, and fantastic voice acting. The game effectively enhances gameplay with immersive audio that leaves no room for criticism. Overall, critics agree that Mass Effect 3 delivers a highly impressive audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple critics regarding the sound design and music of Mass Effect 3, it becomes evident that the majority of reviewers had a highly positive view of these aspects. The soundtrack of the game was consistently praised for its ability to enhance the gameplay experience and make the universe feel alive. Critics such as DarkZero and Cheat Code Central specifically mentioned the incredible soundtrack, while GameTrailers commended the accompanying score for its broad reach and ability to suit different scenes. The dramatic, orchestral audio was also highlighted by Gamestyle as fitting perfectly with the on-screen action. Additionally, the voice acting in Mass Effect 3 was widely acclaimed, with critics like EGM, GameShark, and Extreme Gamer praising the fantastic voice cast and superb performances. PSX Extreme even went as far as to say that the sound was even better than the visuals and never let the players down. While the majority of critics expressed positive sentiments, there were no significant negative opinions regarding the sound design and music of Mass Effect 3. This suggests that the game successfully delivered on these aspects and left little room for criticism. The absence of negative comments indicates that the sound design and music were consistently well-executed and effectively contributed to the overall experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Mass Effect 3 were of exceptional quality. The positive feedback from multiple reviewers, including DarkZero, GameShark, and PSX Extreme, highlights the game's incredible soundtrack, fitting orchestral score, and fantastic voice acting. The ability of the sound design and music to enhance the atmosphere, impart a variety of emotions, and create a sense of immersion was widely recognized. The unanimous praise from the majority of critics solidifies the notion that Mass Effect 3 successfully delivered a highly impressive audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise the voice acting in Mass Effect 3 for its superb performances, well-written dialogue, and emotional depth. Jennifer Hale's portrayal of the female Shepard stands out, enhancing the game's immersive experience. While a few reviewers offer limited feedback, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the voice acting as a standout feature that elevates the game's narrative and character development.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Mass Effect 3 is overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as DarkZero, EGM, Official Xbox Magazine UK, TeamXbox, Extreme Gamer, and PSX Extreme all praise the voice acting, highlighting its contribution to creating a memorable cast of characters and the superb performances by talented voice actors. The dialogue is described as well-written, natural, engaging, and fantastic, with characters raising their voices, yelling, or even crying, making it feel more authentic and personal. GameShark specifically mentions Jennifer Hale's excellent portrayal of the female Shepard, further emphasizing the quality of the voice acting. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting in Mass Effect 3 successfully immerses players into the game world and enhances their overall experience. While most critics express positive opinions, there are a few reviewers who provide limited or no specific comments on the voice acting. Digital Spy mentions that James Vega is well-voiced but does not elaborate further. Edge Magazine simply acknowledges the presence of voice acting without providing any evaluation. These minimal or vague comments can be seen as a slight negative as they do not contribute to a comprehensive analysis of the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Mass Effect 3 is a strong aspect of the game. The positive comments regarding the thousands of lines of spoken dialogue, fantastic performances, well-written dialogue, and natural delivery indicate that the voice acting greatly enhances the immersion and emotional impact of the game. The few critics who do not provide specific comments on the voice acting do not detract from the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of reviewers. Mass Effect 3 is generally praised for its voice acting, making it a standout feature of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praised Mass Effect 3's technical performance on Xbox 360, citing minor issues like camera problems. PS3 version faced more criticism for framerate drops and game freezes, impacting gameplay. Despite flaws, both versions offered an enjoyable experience and developers worked to address issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Mass Effect 3 on the Xbox 360 platform were generally positive. AusGamers mentioned camera issues but forgave them due to the overall scope of the game. GameShark noted some minor graphical glitches, but considered them unimportant. Planet Xbox 360 mentioned a few slowdowns and frame-rate bumps during intense gameplay scenes or CG movie moments, but stated that they were few and far between. They also suggested that this may be due to the console hardware or the fact that the game looks great overall. These reviews indicate that the technical performance on Xbox 360 was generally stable, with only minor issues that did not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the game. On the other hand, the opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Mass Effect 3 on the PS3 platform were more negative. Extreme Gamer mentioned that the framerate gets sluggish during major firefights. PSX Extreme highlighted lingering mechanical issues such as frame rate drops, camera issues, and a cover system that doesn't work properly. They also mentioned reports of game freezes and side-quests not triggering correctly. These reviews suggest that the technical performance on PS3 was more problematic, with noticeable issues that affected the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mass Effect 3 had a solid technical performance on the Xbox 360 platform, with only minor glitches and occasional slowdowns. However, on the PS3 platform, there were more significant issues such as framerate drops, camera issues, and freezing problems. Despite these technical shortcomings, the critics generally agreed that these issues did not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the game. The developers were also acknowledged for their efforts to address and fix the reported issues, indicating a commitment to improving the technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Mass Effect 3 for its strong replay value, citing features like multiplayer mode, varied gameplay experiences, customizable gameplay, and plot-driven variables. Some criticize sidequests for lacking inspiration compared to the previous game, but overall consensus is positive due to the game's vast universe, freedom of choice, depth of content, and impactful decisions from previous playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Mass Effect 3 are generally positive. Several critics, such as ActionTrip and Official Xbox Magazine, highlight the inclusion of a multiplayer mode as a significant factor that adds replayability to the game. This class-based multiplayer mode offers a different gameplay experience and provides players with additional content to explore. The ability to tailor the gameplay experience and the wealth of plot-based variables that inspire multiple playthroughs, as mentioned by Digital Spy, also contribute to the game's replay value. Additionally, the inclusion of two new modes, 'Story' and 'Action', cater to different preferences and provide quests and choices that further enhance the replayability, as noted by Official Xbox Magazine. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sidequests in Mass Effect 3. Extreme Gamer mentions that the sidequests in this game are not as inspired as those in Mass Effect 2. This suggests that the side content may not be as engaging or impactful as some players might have hoped for. Despite this criticism, the overall sentiment towards the game's replay value remains positive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mass Effect 3 offers a significant amount of replay value. The inclusion of a multiplayer mode, the ability to tailor the gameplay experience, and the wealth of plot-based variables all contribute to the game's replayability. The vastness and believability of the game's universe, as mentioned by Guardian, also add to the overall replay value. The freedom of choice, depth of content, and the impact of previous decisions, as highlighted by several critics like PSX Extreme and Playstation Official Magazine UK, further enhance the game's replayability. While there are some criticisms regarding the sidequests, the positive aspects of Mass Effect 3's replay value outweigh the negatives, making it a game that offers a compelling experience worth revisiting.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the majority of critics had a very positive opinion of Mass Effect 3, considering it a worthy conclusion to the series and a fantastic game overall. One of the main positives mentioned by the critics is the game's storytelling and narrative. Critics such as DarkZero and Edge Magazine describe it as a powerfully imagined and dramatically involving final act, while Gamestyle praises the storytelling style of Mass Effect. The game is praised for its engaging story, captivating narrative, and the weight of investment in the series, as highlighted by AusGamers. Additionally, critics like GamesRadar+ and Guardian appreciate the game's depth, richness, and production values, with Guardian mentioning that it challenges the notion that games are vacant and unsophisticated. However, there were some negatives mentioned by the critics as well. One of the main criticisms revolves around the ending of the game. GameSpot mentions that the ending has been a point of contention for many players, while CPUGamer criticizes it for plot holes that ruin the continuity of the series. Additionally, GameShark mentions that the further simplification of adventure elements makes the game slightly less interesting than its predecessor. Some critics, such as VideoGamer and Bit-Gamer, also point out gameplay issues, with imprecise controls and unremarkable gameplay being mentioned. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mass Effect 3 is a highly recommended and enjoyable game. The positive aspects, such as the engaging story, improved gameplay, stunning visuals, and satisfying conclusion, outweigh the negatives. Critics like Official Xbox Magazine and Official Xbox Magazine UK consider it a phenomenal achievement that successfully combines action and role-playing elements, while MEGamers describes it as a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. The game is praised for delivering on its promises, providing closure, and wrapping up the entire storyline of the trilogy, as mentioned by Planet Xbox 360. While there are some criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment is that Mass Effect 3 is a must-play game and a worthy finale to the series, as supported by the majority of the critics' positive opinions.

TL;DR

Critics mostly loved Mass Effect 3, praising its storytelling, narrative, production values, and emotional impact. However, some found fault with the controversial ending, plot holes, and gameplay issues. Despite these criticisms, the consensus is that Mass Effect 3 is a highly recommended and enjoyable game, with its positives outweighing the negatives. It's seen as a fantastic conclusion to the series that successfully combines action and role-playing elements, delivering closure and wrapping up the trilogy's storyline.

MONSTER

Reviews

23 reviews found

GameSpy

Mar 13, 2012

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mass Effect 3 delivers a visually impressive and narratively interesting experience, despite some annoyances with controls.

PC Games

Mar 7, 2012

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mass Effect 3 is a worthy finale to the series, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Bit-Gamer

Mar 9, 2012

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has some weaknesses but the story and urgency overshadow them. The decision to divide the singleplayer experience across side-games and multiplayer feels thoughtless.

CPUGamer

Apr 11, 2012

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the game is fine and lovingly crafted, but criticizes the ending for plot holes that ruin the continuity of the series. It also mentions that the graphics and gameplay are not as good as previous Mass Effect games.

100

AtomicGamer

Mar 6, 2012

It may not have the sheer landmass of their just-released MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic and it might not stand the test of time quite the way simpler, more focused games like Knights or the original two Baldur's Gate titles did, but it's still a wonderful game with tons of content, great production values, a masterful eye for humor and drama, and a cast of lovable characters that BioWare has been carefully slow-playing for the last four-plus years. After spending most of a week playing a review copy of the 360 version of the game, I switched over to PC and have spent a good sixteen-plus hours on it.

100

CD-Action

Mar 13, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

RPG Fan

Mar 19, 2012

Anyone who has invested any amount of time in the previous games will enjoy watching the final chapter of Shepard's tale unfold, and among the feelings of excitement and joy as they meet and fight alongside old friends for the fate of the galaxy, they will also feel just a tinge of disappointment and heartbreak as they bid farewell to the colorful universe and memorable characters BioWare has created.

GamingXP

Mar 6, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

IGN

Mar 12, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

GRYOnline.pl

Mar 12, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.