• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Mass Effect 3 Discussion Thread

I wonder why there aren't any early reviews of this game out? It seems like about the time when they start to pop up.
 
I had to reformat a while back and lost my saves. Is there a repository somewhere for save game imports?
 
FoxhoundOp said:
I don't think planet-scanning was an improvement over Mako driving at all. That's why I mod all my saves to give me more of every mineral than I'll ever need. It's a crappy, uninteresting timesink where at least Mako driving had an element of exploration to it.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. I actually didn't mind the planet scanning, I mean it was better than not having to refine elements at all. But how is that superior to flying down to a planet and exploring (which is what RPGs are supposed to be about)? The reason they did the planet scanning was, bottom line, it's a hell of a lot easier and cheaper than incorporating it into an environment.

The reason people didn't like mining with the Mako was because Bioware did such a piss poor job of integrating it into what were already repetitive planet-side fetch quests. Instead of ditching the concept altogether and replacing it with a cheap substitute in planet scanning, they should've simply improved integrating the mining planet side which, if done right, would at least serve as an interesting diversion. It would also serve as a vehicle to lead you to more optional quests.

On a different but related note, I sure hope there are more planets to explore this time around...especially planets that have nothing to do with the story and are totally optional. I don't think there were any like that in ME1 or ME2, were there? If memory serves, every planet you went down to required to get through the main story...
 
Last edited:
shantd said:
Totally agree. I actually didn't mind the planet scanning, I mean it was better than not having to refine elements at all. But how is that superior to flying down to a planet and exploring (which is what RPGs are supposed to be about)? The reason they did the planet scanning was, bottom line, it's a hell of a lot easier and cheaper than incorporating it into an environment.

The reason people didn't like mining with the Mako was because Bioware did such a piss poor job of integrating it into what were already repetitive planet-side fetch quests. Instead of ditching the concept altogether and replacing it with a cheap substitute in planet scanning, they should've simply improved integrating the mining planet side which, if done right, would at least serve as an interesting diversion. It would also serve as a vehicle to lead you to more optional quests.

On a different but related note, I sure hope there are more planets to explore this time around...especially planets that have nothing to do with the story and are totally optional. I don't think there were any like that in ME1 or ME2, were there? If memory serves, every planet you went down to required to get through the main story...
Click to expand...

The hovercraft missions were also bad in ME2. Bioware should just forget about implementing vehicles in its games. If you want your games to seem longer, Bioware, you should just add Pazaak or some other mini game. I'd rather waste my time playing Pazaak than driving some stupid vehicle or planet scanning.

Play pazaak, earn money, and buy upgrades.
 
Looks like Gamestop may start shipping physical copies today.
Hopefully I'll have tracking information for my N7 CE later this evening...

Dear Matthew,

Thanks for reaching out to us. You have come to the right place! Here at GameStop we want to ensure all your questions are answered.

Currently, our warehouse is in the process of packaging and shipping your order. It will be in transit to you very soon.

If you have any additional questions, you can respond to this email; or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can reach us 7 days a week 8am to 8pm at 800-883-8895.
Click to expand...
 
I enjoyed the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer, but I'm concerned about the potentially xenophobic untertones in the game.
 
The Rad Hatter said:
I enjoyed the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer, but I'm concerned about the potentially xenophobic untertones in the game.
Click to expand...

What xenophobic undertones? the whole premise about the game is the 'deep down we're all the same' principle
 
Dome said:
What xenophobic undertones? the whole premise about the game is the 'deep down we're all the same' principle
Click to expand...

Yea, unless you happen to be born a machine. Basically, deep down, Bioware wants equality for all races they like, but robots get their own drinking fountains.

I will not buy this shit.
 
wait, was i just trolled? it's been a long, stressful couple of weeks and i haven't slept well.
 
both Planet scanning and the mako in ME1 were just ANNOYING and not fun.

The whole idea of "collecting" shit is annoying in of iteslf.

I'd rather they focus on quality not quanity, if the worlds in ME1 (Where you drive hte mako) were actua lly hand crafted and had actual side-storry elements and interesting thing sto find (not collectible useless shit but actual things you can use, armor, weapons, story things) it would be a LOT more fun and intersting to do.
 
no i figured about that guy, i meant the guy earlier who was talking about xenophobic undertones, anyway, i need some sleep
 
Dome said:
no i figured about that guy, i meant the guy earlier who was talking about xenophobic undertones, anyway, i need some sleep
Click to expand...

Yea, probably. I think ME kinda addresses race and culture in an akward way, but there are no xenophobic undertones.
 
LeninGHOLA said:
Yea, probably. I think ME kinda addresses race and culture in an akward way, but there are no xenophobic undertones.
Click to expand...

yes there are but its kinda part of
but it goes both ways there are other races that just as xenophobic to humans
 
Elios said:
yes there are but its kinda part of
but it goes both ways there are other races that just as xenophobic to humans
Click to expand...

Well, part of dealing with xenophobia is talking about xenophobia ;)

The presentation isn't always clear or refined, but I think calling the game racist is pretty stupid.
 
It's a xenophobic game because you can't mate with Krogans and Geth. Man, these Bioware writers need to loosen up on their prejudges and get with the times.




Was that trolling?
 
Parmenides said:
It's a xenophobic game because you can't mate with Krogans and Geth. Man, these Bioware writers need to loosen up on their prejudges and get with the times.




Was that trolling?
Click to expand...

I can't imagine legion would make a particularly great partner. Chafing much?
 
Elios said:
yes there are but its kinda part of
but it goes both ways there are other races that just as xenophobic to humans
Click to expand...
And? At no point does the game advocate those viewpoints. They are trying to depict a somewhat realistic representation of a multi-species society. You bet your ass there'd be plenty of xenophobia... especially with a society under the strain of total annihilation.
 
drako said:
And? At no point does the game advocate those viewpoints. They are trying to depict a somewhat realistic representation of a multi-species society. You bet your ass there'd be plenty of xenophobia... especially with a society under the strain of total annihilation.
Click to expand...

There are plenty of people in the Mass Effect universe which welcome humans, but more of them that fear them due to how quickly they "take over" and get involved in everything since reaching space. Many characters you encounter have predjudice against a given species. Sometimes due to knowing very little about them. Many groups, especially the Volus and the Quarrians are treated as second class citizens and are regarded with more fear and suspicion than even the humans are. One particular Asari hates all aliens and blames every tragedy in her life on other races.

I think this is one thing Mass Effect did very well. Humans aren't the center of the universe.
 
J W said:
The hovercraft missions were also bad in ME2. Bioware should just forget about implementing vehicles in its games. If you want your games to seem longer, Bioware, you should just add Pazaak or some other mini game. I'd rather waste my time playing Pazaak than driving some stupid vehicle or planet scanning.
Click to expand...

Wow, was I the only one who thought the Mako was fun to drive? Vehicles that can jump have always been enjoyable to me. For that reason I thought the hovercraft was fun to drive too. Go figure. But I agree insofar as the missions tied to the driving were lacking.

But any way, why not advocate they get vehicles right as opposed to just scrapping them? I mean, if you're flying about the galaxy and decide to explore a new planet, you'd rather just go on foot the whole time? Alternate methods of traversal, when done right, are huge boosts to a game. Look at Arkham city. Maybe jetpacks for ME? I dunno, I'd just rather they get it right rather than scrap it.

Not sure what Pazaak is, but I agree there should be more diversions and mini-games period. You've got the whole friggin galaxy at your disposal, and virtually nothing to do.
 
Stiler said:
, if the worlds in ME1 (Where you drive hte mako) were actua lly hand crafted and had actual side-storry elements and interesting thing sto find (not collectible useless shit but actual things you can use, armor, weapons, story things) it would be a LOT more fun and intersting to do.
Click to expand...

Bingo! There's not enough reward for exploration, period. At least I thought in ME1 it was always worth checking every nook and cranny because you could find a slightly better gun, then they took that out in ME2.

An example would be, if you talk to a lot of random people walking about the citadel, you may be rewarded by hearing about some highly cutting edge prototype weapon that's being tested on a remote planet that few people have heard of. Maybe it's just rumors, or maybe you continue to investigate and find the location of this planet. Fly there, raid some facility, and earn yourself a new kick-ass gun. Now how friggin cool would that be? I dunno, maybe I'm expecting/hoping too much. They can't give us everything, I understand that.
 
shantd said:
Wow, was I the only one who thought the Mako was fun to drive? Vehicles that can jump have always been enjoyable to me. For that reason I thought the hovercraft was fun to drive too. Go figure. But I agree insofar as the missions tied to the driving were lacking.

But any way, why not advocate they get vehicles right as opposed to just scrapping them? I mean, if you're flying about the galaxy and decide to explore a new planet, you'd rather just go on foot the whole time? Alternate methods of traversal, when done right, are huge boosts to a game. Look at Arkham city. Maybe jetpacks for ME? I dunno, I'd just rather they get it right rather than scrap it.

Not sure what Pazaak is, but I agree there should be more diversions and mini-games period. You've got the whole friggin galaxy at your disposal, and virtually nothing to do.
Click to expand...

It just seems peculiar to me that the Normandy and Joker are so badass, yet they can't drop my squad right where it needs to be? They have to drop me way out in the middle of nowhere, instead? Heck, why hasn't The Transporter been invented yet?

Some vehicle implementation would be okay, so long as it makes sense in the story and doesn't come across as filler.

Pazaak is a card game in Bioware's Knights of the Old Republic.
 
shantd said:
Bingo! There's not enough reward for exploration, period. At least I thought in ME1 it was always worth checking every nook and cranny because you could find a slightly better gun, then they took that out in ME2.

An example would be, if you talk to a lot of random people walking about the citadel, you may be rewarded by hearing about some highly cutting edge prototype weapon that's being tested on a remote planet that few people have heard of. Maybe it's just rumors, or maybe you continue to investigate and find the location of this planet. Fly there, raid some facility, and earn yourself a new kick-ass gun. Now how friggin cool would that be? I dunno, maybe I'm expecting/hoping too much. They can't give us everything, I understand that.
Click to expand...

Most of the loot you found in ME1 was shit, nothing but vendor bait. The best weapons were ones you bought.
 
Amazon Digital Games and Software said:
[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Mass Effect 3 Digital Deluxe Version (Pre-load Available)[Download], Price: $79.99[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=+1]This item is now available to download[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]Click here to download and/or view keys[/SIZE][/FONT]
Click to expand...

:D I'll be downloading this tonight! I'm wondering if it will actually let me play early...

(It sucks that RDP is blocked here at work, otherwise I'd be making it happen right now)

Edit: Probably won't be able to play though... most likely a pre-load like it says. :(
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Derangel said:
Most of the loot you found in ME1 was shit, nothing but vendor bait. The best weapons were ones you bought.
Click to expand...

Yeah. People always hold up ME1 loot as some kind of superior system but the truth it there were a bunch of shitty guns and then one that was a zillion times better than the rest, one you bought from a vendor a quarter of the way into the game because you were loaded with credits.

ME3 has something like 40-50 weapons across all the weapon types, and you can bet each of them will look, sound, feel, and shoot differently from the others.

That certainly beats random weapons, of which there are only two models, which all sound the same and fire the same only with slightly different accuracy cones and rate of fire between them.

You either go the ME2/ME3 route with equipment, where there are fewer items but far more unique, or you go the Diablo/Borderlands route where you get random loot, but with more variety in attributes, appearance, and feel. The ME1 route was about the laziest loot system I've ever seen in an RPG of any kind, and I can't for the life of me figure out why people seem to glorify it so. It had zero redeeming qualities.
 
NKDietrich said:
Yeah. People always hold up ME1 loot as some kind of superior system but the truth it there were a bunch of shitty guns and then one that was a zillion times better than the rest, one you bought from a vendor a quarter of the way into the game because you were loaded with credits.

ME3 has something like 40-50 weapons across all the weapon types, and you can bet each of them will look, sound, feel, and shoot differently from the others.

That certainly beats random weapons, of which there are only two models, which all sound the same and fire the same only with slightly different accuracy cones and rate of fire between them.

You either go the ME2/ME3 route with equipment, where there are fewer items but far more unique, or you go the Diablo/Borderlands route where you get random loot, but with more variety in attributes, appearance, and feel. The ME1 route was about the laziest loot system I've ever seen in an RPG of any kind, and I can't for the life of me figure out why people seem to glorify it so. It had zero redeeming qualities.
Click to expand...

Amen!

Q-BZ said:
I can't wait to dive into this next week!
Click to expand...

:cool: Oh yeah. The best part is, my Tuesday night class was cancelled because the prof is going to a convention. :D
 
NKDietrich said:
Yeah. People always hold up ME1 loot as some kind of superior system but the truth it there were a bunch of shitty guns and then one that was a zillion times better than the rest, one you bought from a vendor a quarter of the way into the game because you were loaded with credits.

ME3 has something like 40-50 weapons across all the weapon types, and you can bet each of them will look, sound, feel, and shoot differently from the others.

That certainly beats random weapons, of which there are only two models, which all sound the same and fire the same only with slightly different accuracy cones and rate of fire between them.

You either go the ME2/ME3 route with equipment, where there are fewer items but far more unique, or you go the Diablo/Borderlands route where you get random loot, but with more variety in attributes, appearance, and feel. The ME1 route was about the laziest loot system I've ever seen in an RPG of any kind, and I can't for the life of me figure out why people seem to glorify it so. It had zero redeeming qualities.
Click to expand...

I don't think anyone says it was some kind of awesome system, it had many flaws not the least of which was the inventory management. But at least had loot. Bottom line, for all its flaws, it was much more fun than ME2 which had fewer weapons than most shooters, let alone a friggin RPG. And lets not forget, the guns were moddable unlike ME2.

I'm glad they at least had the sense to bring the mods back to ME3, can't understand what they were thinking taking them out. Hopefully you're right about 40-50 guns.
 
CrimsonKnight13 said:
:D I'll be downloading this tonight! I'm wondering if it will actually let me play early...

(It sucks that RDP is blocked here at work, otherwise I'd be making it happen right now)

Edit: Probably won't be able to play though... most likely a pre-load like it says. :(
Click to expand...


It's a preload. If you fire it up you'll see it check the date and it won't launch the game prior to release date.
 
NKDietrich said:
Yeah. People always hold up ME1 loot as some kind of superior system but the truth it there were a bunch of shitty guns and then one that was a zillion times better than the rest, one you bought from a vendor a quarter of the way into the game because you were loaded with credits.

ME3 has something like 40-50 weapons across all the weapon types, and you can bet each of them will look, sound, feel, and shoot differently from the others.

That certainly beats random weapons, of which there are only two models, which all sound the same and fire the same only with slightly different accuracy cones and rate of fire between them.

You either go the ME2/ME3 route with equipment, where there are fewer items but far more unique, or you go the Diablo/Borderlands route where you get random loot, but with more variety in attributes, appearance, and feel. The ME1 route was about the laziest loot system I've ever seen in an RPG of any kind, and I can't for the life of me figure out why people seem to glorify it so. It had zero redeeming qualities.
Click to expand...

Exactly... after any fight, you just had to find vendor, and sell most of the crap, or reduce it to omni gel. It was irritating. I prefer the ME2 lack of loot/moddable guns.

Instead of gun mods you got different ammo skills, which you could change during fight, so it offered more versatility, when you were fighting bots and humans or enemies using shields.
 
shantd said:
Wow, was I the only one who thought the Mako was fun to drive? Vehicles that can jump have always been enjoyable to me. For that reason I thought the hovercraft was fun to drive too. Go figure. But I agree insofar as the missions tied to the driving were lacking.
Click to expand...
I loved the Mako... there was nothing wrong with it itself. It was the planet design that was poor. The Mako parts of the actual main missions were great.
 
drako said:
I loved the Mako... there was nothing wrong with it itself. It was the planet design that was poor. The Mako parts of the actual main missions were great.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with that. The planet terrain was annoying. But at points where the driving was part of the story, it was well done. The Prothean ruins and the run to the planetside relay was cool as hell.

MorgothPl said:
Exactly... after any fight, you just had to find vendor, and sell most of the crap, or reduce it to omni gel. It was irritating. I prefer the ME2 lack of loot/moddable guns.

Instead of gun mods you got different ammo skills, which you could change during fight, so it offered more versatility, when you were fighting bots and humans or enemies using shields.
Click to expand...

I agree with this too. I much preferred ME2's approach. It had you playing more of the actual game and spending less time managing inventory. And as bad as planet scanning was, it takes up less time than crawling the surface of planets in the Mako.
 
The problem with planet scanning is that it broke rule a fundamental rule of game design. There were no fail conditions... no consequences. The hacking minigame in Deus Ex: HR has a logical fail condition... detection by the computer AI. Planet scanning did not and was more busy work than game.
 
drako said:
The problem with planet scanning is that it broke rule a fundamental rule of game design. There were no fail conditions... no consequences. The hacking minigame in Deus Ex: HR has a logical fail condition... detection by the computer AI. Planet scanning did not and was more busy work than game.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I do think I mentioned planet scanning/resource gathering mini games should be a bit more similar to DEHR weeks ago. There are a lot of options to build on from there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top