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WARNING MEGA SPOILERS TURN BACK NOW
For reference:
+ Show Spoiler +
The first leaked ending to ME3
+ Show Spoiler +
The dialogue with the Catalyst
Since I warned about spoilers, I won't bother to spoil the elements of the story.
SYNOPSIS
Okay, so a little ways into the main quest, you discover plans for a Prothean superweapon on Mars. It contains the description of how to build a device that might end the Reapers' menace once and for all. Liara T'soni then uses these plans to assemble the Crucible, a possible solution to end the cycle of extinction.
Cut to the end of the plot. You are wounded. The Citadel is in orbit over Earth, and the Crucible is in place. Now all that remains is what you can do, since the Catalyst now begins to speak. The Catalyst is an advanced AI that is essentially a greater consciousness of the Reapers, and it wants you to carefully consider your decision, as it now reveals the purpose of the cycle.
The Reapers were created to prevent organics from being killed by synthetics. The Catalyst explains that if advanced organic civilizations are harvested, than the synthetics beings they create like AI and VI will not be able to rebel and kill them. However, now that Shepard has united the galaxy and is in a position to end the cycle, there must be a new solution, and the Catalyst provides three.
1)Destroy the Reapers. End the cycle, but the warnings of the Catalyst still remain. If you do not have enough war resources, Earth is destroyed and Shepard dies. The mass relays are obliterated, and the galaxy must rebuild to the pre-Saren state without the use of ANY mass effect technology. Depending on your choices throughout the game, Joker may die. However, if you have enough war resources, Shepard and Earth can live, but Shepard is stranded on a planet, and without mass effect technology, cannot escape.
2)Control the Reapers. The dream of the Ilusive Man was control, but he never could because the Catalyst controlled him. The Catalyst believes-knows-that you could choose to take over the Reapers using the Catalyst, and offers you the choice to do so. If you don't have enough war resources, Earth is destroyed. Shepard is always killed in this ending, but on in the Citadel as a controlling intelligence of the Reapers, never to be flesh ever again. This ending is arguably the best ending, as it puts the galaxy into the hands of one person while still allowing it to have mass effect technology.
3)Synthesis. The unification of machine and organics. This ending causes the Citadel to emit a signal that merges all organic and synthetic life into a whole. Shepard is permanently killed, and Earth is preserved. However, it imposes the limitations of synthetics on organics and vice versa, potentially causing further problems. However, there is no more threat of synthetics rising up anymore.
WHY I FIND NO SATISFACTION IN THIS ENDING
Over the years, I like many others, have played the Mass Effect series for a sense of conclusion, as sense that I am playing the part of a hero in a much greater universe. I played it to give myself a sensation of directly experiencing a space epic, one that gave life to a universe that was written very well.
However, this was not the case in Mass Effect 3. I agree that Bioware needed to find a way to get rid of the Reaper threat. However, I disagree with the manner in which they did it. The idea of the Crucible seems fine, and the Citadel being used to transmit a galaxy-wide signal, but the fact that Shepard must be killed-it literally brings tears to my eyes. I wanted a happy ending in which the Reapers were destroyed where humanity and the races of the galaxy could untie and rebuild.
I didn't get that.
And with Shepard only living in one of the three endings, I am sad. I'll never see that bright future in which the mass relays live, in which Shepard is lauded as hero, and lives long enough to settle down. We will never see the final fate of Earth, of the Migrant Fleet, of Palaven and Thessia. The galaxy and Shepard cannot live at the same time, and that is the worst ending that the series could provide.
WHAT CAN BE DONE
I initially thought this might be difficult, but I've come up with a few options.
1) Imagine your own end to the series. I will play through the game when it comes out, and if it does not satisfy me then I will begin to write my own ending, on my own time. Because, Mass Effect deserves an ending that gives purpose to the journey of Commander Shepard, that shows that there is still hope for the galaxy. And when that doesn't happen, it is up to the players to create an ending for themselves, an ending where we can bring our own writing to create something above corporate influence, a definitive end to Shepard's journey
2) Encourage Bioware to create DLC that is post-story. I've tried not to bring up anything that is not in the game, but I will do so now. Yes, Bioware creates tons of DLC. It's unethical corporate practice for a game company, and I dislike it very much. However, that does not mean that Bioware lacks the talent to produce DLC that sheds light on what happens to Shepard in the best Destroy ending(see no. 1 above). I will gladly pay for it if it comes out, and I have already written a letter to Bioware encouraging them to do so.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'm still buying this game, still a die-hard franchise fan. Nothing is changing that.When the only ethically acceptable choice, to control the Reapers and allow the continued use of mass relay technology is one in which Shepard must die, then I will take it. But we will never see Tali build a house on the quarian homeworld, never see if Liara will help rebuild the civilization of her species. We won't see the krogan gain membership to the council. The rachni will fade away.
However, we always know that Garrus will be calibrating for all eternity. Thanks for reading, and good gaming to you on the 6th(or 9th for you European folks).
 
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Wait are you spoiling ME3? or just 1/2 i didn't read because i don't want to get spoiled -.-
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On March 05 2012 07:14 DreamChaser wrote:
Wait are you spoiling ME3? or just 1/2 i didn't read because i don't want to get spoiled -.-
Just 3, but if you don't want major spoilers for the franchise, don't even look at this.
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I read on the forums that no matter what Normandy always crashes somewhere, and depending on your choices, who gets to survive the crash.
^--- I think THATS forced drama/bullshit.
Honestly I was expecting Shepherd to die sacrificing himself, but the endings are pretty bad anyway -.-;
Bioware really pulled some shit to do this.
In game I'll prolly choose to control them because I think mass relays and reaper technology are just too good to get destroyed. That's what current space life is built upon, and that's what I want to preserve no matter the cost.
But I'll also completely ignore the crash thing and act like it didn't happen.
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On March 05 2012 07:38 Latham wrote:
I read on the forums that no matter what Normandy always crashes somewhere, and depending on your choices, who gets to survive the crash.
^--- I think THATS forced drama/bullshit.
Honestly I was expecting Shepherd to die sacrificing himself, but the endings are pretty bad anyway -.-;
Bioware really pulled some shit to do this.
In game I'll prolly choose to control them because I think mass relays and reaper technology are just too good to get destroyed. That's what current space life is built upon, and that's what I want to preserve no matter the cost.
But I'll also completely ignore the crash thing and act like it didn't happen.
My thoughts exactly, depriving the galaxy of mass effect technology is just a jerk thing to do.
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Having read all the plot now I actually think it's a fantastic ending.
If you want every character to end up happy go watch Legally Blonde or some other meaningless chick flick. "Geek ends up with the girl, bad guy ends up lonely, blah blah blah"
The ending of a legendary series like this needs to be thought inducing and it needs to have real consequences. That's exactly what this ending does. You have to really think about what is best and what you would prefer. Can't wait to play it.
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i didint read because i dont want spoilers and if you want to enjoy a game why do you read spoilers yourself in the first place? ofcourse experience for you will be ruined
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On March 05 2012 07:58 taitanik wrote:
i didint read because i dont want spoilers and if you want to enjoy a game why do you read spoilers yourself in the first place? ofcourse experience for you will be ruined
I don't like playing games without knowing the endings. Once SomethingAwful began talking about it, of course I read spoilers, I was curious and hadn't ordered the game.
But regardless, the endings ruin the game, and you may well find yourself disappointed.
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On March 05 2012 07:57 Klive5ive wrote:
Having read all the plot now I actually think it's a fantastic ending.
If you want every character to end up happy go watch Legally Blonde or some other meaningless chick flick. "Geek ends up with the girl, bad guy ends up lonely, blah blah blah"
The ending of a legendary series like this needs to be thought inducing and it needs to have real consequences. That's exactly what this ending does. You have to really think about what is best and what you would prefer. Can't wait to play it.
It needs to have real consequences, but when each is a mix of imperfect decisions that inevitably hurt either Shepard or the galaxy, a game comes down to not right and wrong, but which ending provides the greatest conclusion.
None of these endings feel satisfying. Only in one does the galaxy seem to + Show Spoiler +have any hope of survival, and that's one in which Shepard dies and becomes JC Denton.
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On March 05 2012 08:06 Praetorial wrote:Show nested quote +On March 05 2012 07:57 Klive5ive wrote:
Having read all the plot now I actually think it's a fantastic ending.
If you want every character to end up happy go watch Legally Blonde or some other meaningless chick flick. "Geek ends up with the girl, bad guy ends up lonely, blah blah blah"
The ending of a legendary series like this needs to be thought inducing and it needs to have real consequences. That's exactly what this ending does. You have to really think about what is best and what you would prefer. Can't wait to play it.
It needs to have real consequences, but when each is a mix of imperfect decisions that inevitably hurt either Shepard or the galaxy, a game comes down to not right and wrong, but which ending provides the greatest conclusion. None of these endings feel satisfying. Only in one does the galaxy seem to + Show Spoiler +have any hope of survival, and that's one in which Shepard dies and becomes JC Denton.
Well that's your opinion but I quite like option 1 actually.
You're complaining because it doesn't have a predictable cooker cutting ending like nearly every other game in existence. Woohoo we win, the baddies die and we ride around the galaxy with the girl getting credit from everyone.
That's incredibly lame.
But actually if they'd done that they would have still got complaints for being too predictable and not breaking the mold.
This is a clever ending for a clever series and I think it's fantastic.
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On March 05 2012 08:13 Klive5ive wrote:Show nested quote +On March 05 2012 08:06 Praetorial wrote:On March 05 2012 07:57 Klive5ive wrote:
Having read all the plot now I actually think it's a fantastic ending.
If you want every character to end up happy go watch Legally Blonde or some other meaningless chick flick. "Geek ends up with the girl, bad guy ends up lonely, blah blah blah"
The ending of a legendary series like this needs to be thought inducing and it needs to have real consequences. That's exactly what this ending does. You have to really think about what is best and what you would prefer. Can't wait to play it.
It needs to have real consequences, but when each is a mix of imperfect decisions that inevitably hurt either Shepard or the galaxy, a game comes down to not right and wrong, but which ending provides the greatest conclusion. None of these endings feel satisfying. Only in one does the galaxy seem to + Show Spoiler +have any hope of survival, and that's one in which Shepard dies and becomes JC Denton. Well that's your opinion but I quite like option 1 actually. You're complaining because it doesn't have a predictable cooker cutting ending like nearly every other game in existence. Woohoo we win, the baddies die and we ride around the galaxy with the girl getting credit from everyone. That's incredibly lame. But actually if they'd done that they would have still got complaints for being too predictable and not breaking the mold. This is a clever ending for a clever series and I think it's fantastic.
Of course, being a studio with relatively infinite resources, they could have just written in a few more endings. No really the best idea, but it could works.
I see what you're saying, but I like it when after playing through a game in the most perfect way possible, the ending is as well.
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i really miss a shepard controls reapers and fucks the galaxy option . i just want to be evil :-(
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On March 05 2012 08:18 ragnorr wrote:
i really miss a shepard controls reapers and fucks the galaxy option . i just want to be evil :-(
Hahah. Like literally fucks the galaxy. He makes a giant human reaper and goes around riding every planet and moon he can find.
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On March 05 2012 08:18 ragnorr wrote:
i really miss a shepard controls reapers and fucks the galaxy option . i just want to be evil :-(
Yeah...http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-02-mass-effect-3-reputation-system-explained
Too bad.
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On March 05 2012 08:20 Klive5ive wrote:Show nested quote +On March 05 2012 08:18 ragnorr wrote:
i really miss a shepard controls reapers and fucks the galaxy option . i just want to be evil :-( Hahah. Like literally fucks the galaxy. He makes a giant human reaper and goes around riding every planet and moon he can find.
Heh heh.
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Canada8031 Posts
Honestly, I don't have an issue with those endings. In fact, I think they're pretty fitting. Shepard is a man who seeks to overcome impossible odds and defeat the Reapers - the same beings that have euthanized countless civilizations. It goes without saying that this is a formidable challenge. However, through the combined efforts of himself, his crew, and all of society, he wins. That he sacrifices himself in all endings just serves to drive home the point that although he did some amazing things, he is still, above all, just one human. It is also a strong testament to just what kind of a person he is, that something like this would happen across all three ends.
The focus of Mass Effect was always on Shepard and his actions since he is the player character. Thus when he dies, the story ends, which makes sense. While it is a little disappointing that you don't receive any closure after his death, I can't say I disagree with their choice. Sometimes a little open-endedness is not a bad thing, especially with a universe as rich as this one.
And if you're looking for post-story continuations, I'm sure they'll commission a novel of that some time in the near future. 
Kinda unrelated, but I found it a little funny how you think only one choice is ethical. It is indeed the best outcome for organic life (though even that is arguable), but that doesn't make it ethical. Sci-fi stories (the good ones, anyway) have always been about exploring ethics and grey areas.
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The destroy all reapers option seems like the best - Shep lives, Earth survives, mass relays are destroyed (so what), and people are free to make up their own minds and fates, sounds reasonable.
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I actually like the fact that Shepard is either stranded for life or dies, and that there is no one true happy ending. I'll probably end up doing the destroy reapers if my war-preparedness is high enough to keep the relays, or control if not. What I DON'T like about the ending is that it reminds me too much of Deus Ex: HR's ending, where at the end all you have to do is press button for ending. Wish we could have worked towards it more.
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EPT
