Mass Effect 3 – SPOILER REVIEW

It’s been five long years since Commander Shepard first faced the looming threat of the Reapers. Back in 2007, when the original Mass Effect landed on the Xbox 360, I was ecstatic. Finally, a sci-fi RPG that blended action, stunning visuals, and a player-driven narrative. The Mako might have been a bit wonky, and the loading times were a pain, but the game still earned a solid 9/10 in my book.

Mass Effect 2 streamlined things, ditching the Mako and inventory management. It was still a great game, but something was missing. That initial sense of wonder and exploration had faded a bit.

Then came Mass Effect 3, the final showdown against the Reapers. The stakes were high, the action was intense, and the story… well, it was a rollercoaster.

Cinematic Brilliance and Emotional Impact

The cinematics in Mass Effect 3 are top-notch. Seeing the Reapers descend upon Earth and wreak havoc across the galaxy was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The game succeeded in conveying the sheer scale and power of the threat, making the final battle feel truly epic.

But… There Were Issues

• Where’s Jack? After romancing her in Mass Effect 2, she was inexplicably absent from my playthrough. A minor gripe, perhaps, but it was a frustrating reminder of the series’ sometimes inconsistent handling of player choices.
• No Mako, No Exploration: I get it, streamlining is the name of the game. But I missed the freedom to explore planets at my own pace.
• Loading Screens: Seriously, in 2012? The constant loading, especially on the Normandy and Citadel, was a major buzzkill.
• Inventory Management: Another casualty of streamlining. It felt like a missed opportunity for a deeper RPG experience.
• The Ending: Oh boy, the ending. After hundreds of hours invested in the trilogy, the original ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. Even the Extended Cut DLC didn’t fully resolve my issues with it.

Farewell, Commander Shepard

Despite its flaws, Mass Effect 3 delivered an emotional and action-packed conclusion to an epic trilogy. The sense of urgency, the weight of your choices, and the final battle for Earth all left a lasting impression. It’s just a shame that some technical issues and narrative missteps held it back from reaching its full potential.

My Score: 6/10

(Disclaimer: This review was originally written years ago for another site, but my mixed feelings about Mass Effect 3 – and my eternal love for the first game – remain strong!)