While it seems critics and fans have enjoyed Mass Effect 3 for its improved gameplay, recent polls, fan movements and forum conversations indicate that a large portion of the Mass Effect fanbase are not impressed by how ME3 ends the Commander Shepard storyline and the trilogy as a whole. In fact, a lot of people flat out hate it and its created a movement of sorts. While a few key members involved with the game have begun addressing the issue, BioWare has now posted an official statement on their forums.
Mass Effect series director Casey Hudson responded to to fan frustrations with Mass Effect 3’s ending by stating it was their goal to make something unforgettable, something that lends itself to a bit of mystery. Understandably, that doesn’t address the issues players have, knowing that choices they’ve made through a 5-year journey and countless hours of gameplay don’t really have an impact on the game’s ending, an ending that many find somewhat confusing, certainly disappointing and arguably, slightly out of place for the series.
So far, fans have petitioned for a new Mass Effect 3 ending through an update or DLC, something we’ve never seen from the industry, and others have started a ‘Retake Mass Effect’ charity drive for Child’s Play, which as already raised over $50 thousand. When Hudson addressed the situation, he also said they are of course listening to the fans and that their responses will help shape their DLC plans. Yesterday, on the official forums, BioWare Community Manager Chris Priestly reiterated that idea, promising that they’ll respond to the feedback soon, beginning a forum thread which now sits with over 150 pages.
How does a developer respond to fans demanding a game to have a different outcome? It’s a shame what otherwise is one of greatest video game trilogies and video game stories, took such a misstep at the end, and fans are jumping on the opportunity to rage against the little things EA and BioWare are doing wrong in their eyes, from how they handled Tali’s face, to Mass Effect 3 having a broken save import system, to a multiplayer mode, albeit fun, feeling totally tacked on. It’s not good for BioWare’s reputation after Dragon Age 2 dropped the ball on that series.
We understand there is a lot of debate on the Mass Effect 3 ending and we will be more than happy to engage in healthy discussions once more people get to experience the game. We are listening to all of your feedback.
For Game Rant’s thoughts on the game and to see why despite the hate, it’s still awesome, read our Mass Effect 3 review.
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Source: BioWare
