Mass Effect 3

[Drewski]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Spoiler

If Shepard was indoctrinated, then I don't think (s)he ever left Earth. The rubble you see Shepard under looks like concrete and rebar. So it's quite possible Shepard never made it to be beam to begin with. It could be that the whole Citadel sequence was Harbinger trying to get Shepard to surrender in her/his own mind. Kinda similar to this sequence in another Bioware game.

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7dAkWdURF4Q" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

Spoiler

I agree it would mean he never left Earth - that's the only explanation that adds up to me. Just... I don't know.

When I look at it and take a step back - it's kind of funny to me that the communities have spent so much time dissecting the ending finding inconsistencies and holes in what they gave us, when in reality this is likely the exact ending they intended for "us" to bite into. There's so much wrong with the end it makes more sense that it was a hallucination/dream/indoctrination attempt.

I'm following the theory closely but until more "hard" evidence comes out I'm hesitant to invest into it. Alot of interesting pieces have been presented, no doubt. There's plenty of reason to buy into it.

Also, for those holding onto hope...

[Jasong7777]

Re: Mass Effect 3

So we have to do the multiplayer part for the best ending. If so, thats bull****.

[jmood88]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Spoiler

I think the indoctrination theory is a great theory, but after watching the ending and playing through the end scene again, I just have a hard time believing Bioware intended this to be anything but the actual ending.

I'd be happy if they had something "big" to unveil, but it just feels like a hail mary to me from fans in disbelief with the ending (myself included).

The thing that gets me though is the Shepard "breathing" ending. No way he lives through a fall to Earth, the citadel/crucible/catalyst were exploding and there's no sound aside from wind, creaking "metal", and his gasp.

Waiting anxiously to hear something from Bioware. There are plenty of sticking points to the indoctrination theory, but I just have a hard time believing that ending isn't what it's intended to be at face value.

They don't need to explain anything, too many gamers need every little thing explained to them and if anything isn't answered then it's a big problem. If you don't like the ending, you don't like the ending, but there's no need for them to make a new ending nor is this a sign that there's a "real" ending that's going to be released via DLC (which is what people have come up with).

[thaima1shu]

Re: Mass Effect 3

They don't need to explain anything, too many gamers need every little thing explained to them and if anything isn't answered then it's a big problem. If you don't like the ending, you don't like the ending, but there's no need for them to make a new ending nor is this a sign that there's a "real" ending that's going to be released via DLC (which is what people have come up with).

I agree, particularly the bolded. Like I've previously said, I'm not really sure how I really feel about the ending yet. But at the same time, I have no interest in BioWare making a new ending. That would be dumb.

[Sandman42]

Re: Mass Effect 3

More ending thoughts.

Spoiler

The indoctrination theory really does hold the most weight with me now. I've read in numerous places that in the most recent Mass Effect book, that when indoctrination was resisted the reapers would make a growling noise. At the start of the game, when you find the kid in the vent, after Anderson calls Shepard's name and the kid disappears you do hear a growl.

Also as for the final 3 choices. The kid tries to talk you away from the destroying reapers choice, even coloring it in red to make it seem like the renegade option. The other options were control (Illusive Man) and synthesis (Saren). Both IM and Saren were indoctrinated. If the kid really is just an attempt to indoctrinate Shepard then it would make sense that he would try and lead him towards the 2 choices that would leave them alive. They even swap the colors to try and trick you. All series long you are fighting with Anderson to try and destroy the reapers, but his option is presented as the renegade one, while the Illusive Man's is presented as the paragon one. The only one you can survive in is if you destroy the reapers also.

I'm probably reading way too much into it though, but its an interesting theory. Still doesn't explain the relays exploding in the other 2 endings if the reapers did successfully indoctrinate you though.

Also the rubble that's surrounding him in the ending might be London, but it could also be the Crucible.

[Drewski]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Spoiler

/shrug, I think the ending is terrible and am still shocked that somehow this made it into the game. Alot of people point to the script being leaked and that pushing them in another direction, which I think is a poor excuse considering I'd assume the majority of the community wouldn't read spoilers for a game like ME.

I don't think they owe me anything, I don't expect them to "change" the ending, and they repeatedly said they wouldn't leave the game at a cliffhanger or with any questions. Guess what? They did. I'd have to find exact quotes and at this point it's damn near impossible to find any information because all I can get on google are threads, posts, articles, on the "bad" ending front. There's no closure, at all, and they said there would be.

[goh]

Re: Mass Effect 3

So we have to do the multiplayer part for the best ending. If so, thats bull****.

Yes or edit your save.
You need 4000 EMS and a high one sided reputation or 5000 EMS with any reputation for the best ending.

[mikenoob]

Re: Mass Effect 3

How much multiplayer is needed to be played? I played a decent amount and about 100% on that galactic readiness. It gets pretty intense playing Gold, but real rewarding with over 70000 credits to be earned.

[soltrain]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Don't read unless you've beat it. ME's twitter account is being...awfully cryptic and hopeful.

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/9890470/1

[goh]

Re: Mass Effect 3

How much multiplayer is needed to be played? I played a decent amount and about 100% on that galactic readiness. It gets pretty intense playing Gold, but real rewarding with over 70000 credits to be earned.

Depends on how much TMS you have before a particular mission. Your readiness actually goes down. If you're near 100% it shouldn't be a problem. I had 7100 so would've had to get the meter at 57%. Which would've been all well and good on PC or if I only had one character on 360.

[soltrain]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Depends on how much TMS you have before a particular mission. Your readiness actually goes down. If you're near 100% it shouldn't be a problem. I had 7100 so would've had to get the meter at 57%. Which would've been all well and good on PC or if I only had one character on 360.

Really wonder how it will work if I decide to replay the games at a later date and NOBODY is online.

[Burns11]

Re: Mass Effect 3

RE: Quarians

Spoiler

I've played solid paragon through both games (PS3), but I punched that admiral and didn't even hesitate. I only wish it would have popped a seal. Bastard.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: Mass Effect 3

RE: Quarians

Spoiler

I've played solid paragon through both games (PS3), but I punched that admiral and didn't even hesitate. I only wish it would have popped a seal. Bastard.

I did the same thing. One of the best "interrupts" in the series.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Yes or edit your save.
You need 4000 EMS and a high one sided reputation or 5000 EMS with any reputation for the best ending.

So, from looking around, this is apparently confirmed. Really sucks that MP indeed impacts the experience. Thank God I decided to jump to PC...if I had stayed on the 360 I'd be pretty pissed.

I'm going to go through and edit the remaining assets to make up the difference and balance out the 50% readiness modifier (haven't found anything for changing the readiness itself).

[thaima1shu]

Re: Mass Effect 3

Luckily, I like the multiplayer, so this isn't a problem for me really.