The Mass Effect thread

[VP Baltar]

It's on PS3/Xbox/PC.

[VP Baltar]

Playing through for my first time now. I have to do a couple more loyalty missions and then go through the Omega 4. I like the game a lot so far and find UA's criticisms pretty lame and trying too hard for the most part.

[VP Baltar]

Whoo!

Did you play ME1 too, or just ME2?

I played the first game back in the day when it first game out, using my friend's Xbox. It's been awhile so the details were fuzzy. I think the pre-amble comic on the PS3 version of the sequel gives a pretty good reminder of the high points though.

But I'm glad you're playing the game! It really is excellent. Today I watched all of the criticism-of-plot videos that UA posted (takes about an hour to watch all 6 parts), and I'll admit, the guy really does have some legitimate beefs with the plot. I can't argue with a thing he's saying and he's 100% right. However, it doesn't make me appreciate the game any less or like it any less. It's really one of my favorite games of all time (and I really think I might like the second better than the first, if only because you get more squadmate choices).

I watched the first video and I would say it's pretty easy to argue against the points he's making under the banner of suspension of disbelief. I really find it annoying during films or games or whatever when some nerd inevitably feels the need to bitch about the "reality" of the piece. No offense, but I don't care if shepard's body would have been a pile of goop from impacting the planet surface. Let's assume that a future in which people can travel through space has more advanced technology and can create identical clones or something. It's just nitpicking for the sake of nipicking. Sure there are some character motives that are questionable, but it's also a video game. Don't expect an oscar winning story. It's still a very enjoyable game and the story is sound enough that if you accept the terms of the world it's very enjoyable.

Anyway, carry on. Don't bother scanning all the planets, you'll just get 1,000,000 iridium, palladium, and w/e else the fourth one is (but only about 150k eezo), but you can't really use it all, there's nothing else to spend it on, and the only easter eggs are in the Earth solar system. Have fun and try not to take anything tooooo seriously.

Well...yeah. I thought that was obvious. I would say max you probably need less than 300k of any one metal to get all the tech upgrades in the game. I tend to only scan rich (small) planets and asteroids to save time.

Correction: Bother scanning all the planets. Some of them have anomalies that lead to sidequests or whatever that you won't get if you don't at least go into the scanning thing once on every planet. But you don't have to send probes on every planet, no.

Seriously I guess I'll save the planet hunting for after I finish the rest of my missions before the reapers.

Also, I don't get the Zaeed love, RC. He's basically just a weakened version of Garrus.

[VP Baltar]

Correction: Bother scanning all the planets. Some of them have anomalies that lead to sidequests or whatever that you won't get if you don't at least go into the scanning thing once on every planet. But you don't have to send probes on every planet, no.

Seriously I guess I'll save the planet hunting for after I finish the rest of my missions before the reapers.

Also, I don't get the Zaeed love, RC. He's basically just a weakened version of Garrus.

There are anomaly missions, but they aren't really worth it compared to the rest of the game.

Also...

Hurt: Ashley
Heal: Legion

This is wrong. Seriously. The anomaly missions are some of the best. They are really interesting, and way more varied than the main story. You are really missing out if you don't do them.

Well, I beat shadow broker last night, which apparently gives you the chance to buy intel on the side missions. Problem solved! I like how Liara instantly goes insane with power 4 seconds after the shadow brokers is dead. This certainly doesn't seem like trouble brewing for Mass Effect 3.

[VP Baltar]

Did you mean to reply? Or were you just quoting that exchange for kicks

jesus christ, you stalking this thread or something. took me less than 30 seconds to correct that

[VP Baltar]

Hurt AShley
Heal: Grunt

[VP Baltar]

Tip #1: Don't choose adept. The end.

[VP Baltar]

I prefer Vanguard. You're still decent with weapons and you get some decent biotic abilities, like shockwave.

[VP Baltar]

I highly recommend getting either armor piercing or shredder ammo for sheppard through advanced training, then max that ish out so your whole squad gets it when selected. You basically become a tank force that obliterates any and everything, collectors included. Also, I don't see how RC has an adept and never used squad abilities. lol

[VP Baltar]

Well, it only affects soft fleshy things doesn't it? Armor piercing goes through everything and is pretty much the only ammo enhancement I use now.

[VP Baltar]

I plan to vote Zaeed AND Mordin out. Cause they be the lamez.

[VP Baltar]

Though I do like Mordin's story line the best out of the side characters probably.

[VP Baltar]

Just for clarity, when I say they are the lamez, I mean in combat. I never select them.

[VP Baltar]

It's not that I have trouble with him. He's fine. He's just not as good as my regular stable of killing machines.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Zaeed
Heal:Grunt

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Zaeed
Heal:Grunt

Resistance is futile human

[VP Baltar]

John McClane doesn't get his ass handed to him in the first 10 minutes of the movie.

[VP Baltar]

I say Miranda's got to go.

[VP Baltar]

Clearly Kasumi should die for being DLC.

She's a pretty solid character in battle though. Her stealth attack is top drawer.

[VP Baltar]

We could also thin out clear front runners Mordin and Legion

[VP Baltar]

Beat it last night. Miranda died as planned. Bwhahahahahaha.....but I also lost Legion and Grunt I was rather confused about the games decisions that they were not appropriate for the tasks I selected, but oh well.

Hurt: Legion
Heal: Kasumi

[VP Baltar]

Yeah, I actually lost Legion because I picked Zaeed to lead the fire team. You'd think 30 years of experience as a merc would make you able to lead a fucking team for five minutes. I let RC indoctrinate me like the Reapers.

Grunt died later when I chose him to lead the other team. I suppose I could have sent Garrus, but I wanted to take him with me. Next time I'll be wiser.

[VP Baltar]

Grunt is just that, a grunt. Ever hear of a grunt soldier leading seasons superiors? won't happen. There'd be a power struggle amongst the higher ranks sooner than they'd listen to some greenhorn with an idea.

This is the dumbest logic I've ever heard and makes no sense considering Grunt's genetic programming to be a soldier and vastly superior combat abilities. And the fact that it's like 5 mins he's leading a team, so I highly doubt any power struggles were taking place. Mass Effect just wanted to be a boner about stuff and force people to die so you'd feel all bad later. IT'S YOUR FAULT SHEPARD!

[VP Baltar]

Grunt < Miranda

What is this, I don't even....

[VP Baltar]

Anyone who thinks Miranda > Thane doesn't get an opinion. That's not even being a Thane fanboy. That's just trufax.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Miranda
Heal: Wrex

[VP Baltar]

I think it was just friendly ribbing really. Or at least on my part. Certainly didn't intend for it to be taken seriously.

[VP Baltar]

Yeah. The only thing you have to worry about are the times when you CAN'T get cover because there are a million husks (i.e. where I am, lol)

shockwave and send them flying like bowling pins

[VP Baltar]

Yeah. The only thing you have to worry about are the times when you CAN'T get cover because there are a million husks (i.e. where I am, lol)

shockwave and send them flying like bowling pins

Gaaahhhh… Must… try…

Yeah, just back way off and they'll come running at you in a decently straight line. you can either kill most of them instantly or send the rest flying off of platform edges. It's pretty great.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Miranda
Heal:Thane

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Miranda
Heal: Grunt

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Legion
Heal: Kasumi

[VP Baltar]

Did the shockwave thing work for you, RC?

[VP Baltar]

haha, um yeah...I don't even think you should be posting on MS at all if you haven't done your taxes yet. I recommend TurboTax. Finished mine in like two hours with it. Well worth the cost.

[VP Baltar]

So hey I was just wondering... I liked Mass effect. Mass effect 2 worth buying yet?

Actually, I should probably replay Mass Effect. I waited to late to start exploring stuff and wasn't able to access/finish all the missions

I broke down and paid the full price for PS3 and I would say it's totally worth it.

[VP Baltar]

Dammit you guys now I have to go be a hermit and play through ME2 before I get spoiled ITT.

That was how I felt too . Gives you incentive to beat it quickly!

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Wrex
Heal: Samara

[VP Baltar]

Makes sense that you voted Samara then

[VP Baltar]

Yes, that's my point.

[VP Baltar]

Everyone was anti-Zaeed.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Jack
Heal:Samara

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Jack
Heal: Tali

[VP Baltar]

Continues to live.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Jack
Heal:Samara

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Legion
Heal: Kasumi

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Thane
Heal: Liara

[VP Baltar]

Just reduce everyone's HP by 4

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Thane
Heal: Samara

Resistance is futile human.

[VP Baltar]

And a finial note, if Conrad doesn't play a big role in ME3 (I'm hoping for squad mate) I'll fucking riot!!!!!

Spoiler:

If you keep him alive, he suicides himself with loads of explosives. Inside Harbinger.

I must have been really drunk because I don't remember writing that.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Kasumi
Heal: Tali

[VP Baltar]

Heal:Kasumi
Hurt: Mordin

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: mordin
Heal: Kasumi

[VP Baltar]

VP why you so crazy

KEKEKEKEKEKE

Also, Zachrulez is a sellout and everyone needs to kill Mordin to teach him a lesson about loyalties.

[VP Baltar]

Changed my mind, let's get someone dead.

THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE PLAN

Also, Zachrulez is a sellout and everyone needs to kill Mordin to teach him a lesson about loyalties.

Zach doesn't even like Mordin so hush you.

Hurt: Wrex
Heal: Mordin

You're even good at manipulation in Mass Effect game! But I won't stand for it Empress of Mafia. Down with Mordin. Down with Mordin.

[VP Baltar]

Kill: Samara
Heal:Kasumi

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Mordin
Heal: Tali

[VP Baltar]

Look at that scummies banner...she can't be trusted folks!

[VP Baltar]

I would probably /in for your game, but I will have too much mafia on my plate shortly once Zoraster's Team Mafia and Vi's latest game start. Sorry, Charlie.

Hurt:Mordin
Heal: Tali

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Mordin
Heal: Tali

This is the end of Mordin. I implore all right thinking citizens to squash this alien brain before he infects us all with methamphetamines and sob stories of the genophage.

[VP Baltar]

You ARE a nazi!

[VP Baltar]

Nazis Nazis everywhere. This thread needs more drama.

[VP Baltar]

Desecrate Grave: Zaeed

[VP Baltar]

Nec-romance in unholy ways: Zaeed's corpse

[VP Baltar]

That even looks like Zaeed a little. Me-ow.

[VP Baltar]

Heal:Legion
Hurt:Tali

kekekekekeke

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Legion
Heal: Tali

Because I don't know who this legion character is yet and I feel left out not playing THE GAME.

You're on the wrong side, homie. You can trust me.

[VP Baltar]

This is obviously fake. I am disappointed you'd try to slander my name with fake PMs RC.

[VP Baltar]

LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE! Proof: I have no idea where those musical note icons come from.

That is straight up copypasta.

Even if you were telling the truth (which you're not), it would clearly be entrapment. You're saying you PRIVATE messaged me, then publicly displayed my response to that PRIVATE message. Tomfoolery is afoot. Down with Tali Z'whore.

[VP Baltar]

Heal: Legion
KILL: Tali

GAHAHAHAHHAHA

[VP Baltar]

Already it was worth it.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Garrus
Heal:Legion

[VP Baltar]

Hurt: Legion
Heal: Liara

Why did I do this again?

^ tomfoolery is afoot. RC is clearly PMing people to cheat. I demand a 4 point health deduction for Liara.

[VP Baltar]

Hurt:Liara
Heal: Legion

Now this I KNOW is an alt! VP/Amished

CAUGHT RED HANDED.

LYING SCUM.

That was clearly Amished voting.

[VP Baltar]

A quick solution to this is only allow people who had voted(hurt\heal) before in thread to (hurt\heal) on the final two ..

Bingo I thought I was proving that point.....

[VP Baltar]

Reapers gonna reap.

[VP Baltar]

I'm not on at midnight and I can't even vote for the day? saaaaaaad panda.

Depends who you're voting for

[VP Baltar]

Reaper has ruined this game. Good job.

^^^



I will now be playing the side of a wild card. I don't care who wins between Liara and Legion, and either or will make a suitable victor.
Give me a reason why I should side with you and your vote. Hiraki is an exception, however, as whomever he chooses I am duty-bound to oppose.

I LOVE LEGION.

FUCK LIARA.

Obv. WIFOM is obv.

Time to give Legion victory Mute. Also, RC messed up the game after it took eons to get to this spot, so now you're obligated to show him what happens to cheaters. Don't let some noobs that haven't trudged through this long ass game ruin the results!

[VP Baltar]

Nearly everyone who "healed liara" did it because Reaper sent us all a message ...

I'm glad you explained that for me.

[VP Baltar]

New rule: Your join date has to be before 2010 to vote in this competition. There, that should take care of the Liara lovers.

[VP Baltar]

That's some nice work people, and I missed it all.

Bake 'em away, toys.

[VP Baltar]

lol @ Garrus

good show, Umbrage.

[VP Baltar]

Finally read this thread after beating the game about a week ago.

Ending was definitely poop. Indoctrination theory is at least reasonable, but it does then result in esurio's concern that you're essentially locked into a single ending. It would be kind of trippy and interesting, but it does lack freewill in a way.

I guess that's what i didn't like about the ending the most. It had this great 'inevitable' feeling to it...which is kind of what you're fighting against the entire time as shepard.

Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I enjoyed the tough decisions that came at various forks in the road (which were further deepend because I didn't play with my perfect play through shepard). Fun overall and multiplayer was better than originally expected.

[VP Baltar]

..two hours, seriously....

[VP Baltar]

Yeah, it's completely random what you get out of the packs, and that's rather annoying. I played around 20 matches of multiplayer and only got ONE weapon upgrade out of the packs I purchased. The rest were ammo upgrades (which are useful) or cobra missiles/medi-gels, which are not that useful in most scenarios. At that point, using my powers was basically the only thing I could do to kill enemies.

I never had a problem with matchmaking on PS3 though.

[VP Baltar]

Welp. It's an ending. Not the ending the series deserved, but at least it's an actual ending.

Rejection was funny. "YOU DON'T LIKE OUR ENDINGS? WELL WE'LL MAKE ANOTHER ONE! BUT TAKING THAT ENDING'S A MISTAKE, AND WE'LL TELL YOU IT'S A MISTAKE, AND THEN WE'LL MAKE YOU LOSE, LOSER!" What a joke. BW needs to admit they fucked up already. I won't be buying any more of their games unless there's a change in management.

The sad thing is, Mass Effect promised to break new ground in video games, and it ultimately failed. Yes, it carried over a bunch of variables, but they're meaningless. It all boils down to three real endings and a unfinished fourth BW grudgingly threw in at the last minute. Nothing else matters. All those players agonizing over what choice to make, uploading and downloading saved games to try and discover everything... all a waste of time.

That's what Mass Effect will be remembered as, a waste of time. A big promise with nothing to show for it.

I've never heard someone tear up so much about a fucking video game. It'll be okay Umbrage. Life will continue on.

[VP Baltar]

I've never heard someone tear up so much about a fucking video game. It'll be okay Umbrage. Life will continue on.

VP Baltar I am surprised at you.

?

[VP Baltar]

VP, you sound like you're trying to convince yourself there...

No. I don't really care. I haven't even played or watched the new endings yet. You just sound kind of like a complete brat when you are enraged by a video game. I mean, if you take it that seriously, maybe you shouldn't play games at all. It's better for your blood pressure that way.

[VP Baltar]

ok

[VP Baltar]

I do not understand why you think that.

Do you have the same attitude toward reactions to TV/movies/books?

yes. I think it's perfectly reasonable to like or dislike the media you consume, but to get worked up into a tizzy because you disagree with what the creator of said media did with it is a bit childish. There's a difference between saying I didn't like X because of YZ and "OMG I"LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BIOWARE GAME BECUASE FFFFFF"

[VP Baltar]

In other words, there are probably better things in the world to put that much emotional regard into.

[VP Baltar]

i feel like there's an innate difference between other forms of media and ones you have an upwards of $180 investment into

it's your choice to spend whatever money you spend on entertainment. If people rush out and buy something on the first day without waiting for reviews or doing any kind of research, I fail to see how that is the company's fault or should be rage-inducing.

[VP Baltar]

non-ME fans just don't get it

who is this in reference to? me?

[VP Baltar]

"OMG I"LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BIOWARE GAME BECUASE FFFFFF"

but they like made no sense

the original ending was completely broken

you can't trust a company who fucks up their "prized" possession's last moments

i'd be like Toy Story 3 ending with the fire

that would be a shitty ending

good moment, but shitty ending

it was a bad ending I agree with you. is it worth rampaging about and boycotting an entire company over? unlikely. I mean, I hated the BSG ending, but does that mean I should never watch anything created by Ronald Moore? no. people fuck up in the creative process or can simply have a different vision from my expectations. It's quite childish to stamp your feet and say, 'boo, I'm unhappy. I hate you and you're a big meanie. go to hell.'

[VP Baltar]

people fuck up in the creative process

ok but here's your problem

the ending showed that bioware was unable to think logically

the unanswered questions were in the multitudes, not just one-four

or something like that

You seriously believe a massive team of writers who created this huge world that has hundreds of characters and hours of content was incapable of thinking logically? I would say it's much more likely they were trying to be cryptic with the ending and leave it open to interpretation, as authors of long series are wont to do at times (Sopranos for example). Whether you as a fan enjoy that has nothing to do with their ability to think logically.

[VP Baltar]

That was my impression from playing it. It fell flat on its face and an ending like that is not an easy feat to accomplish, but I didn't look at them as being such bad writers they simply didn't know how they wanted to end it, which is the argument I think a lot of people are putting forth.

[VP Baltar]

so what you're saying is that any kind of continuity error in anything makes you want to ban every using a product from that company again. I hope you never watch movies in your life. That'd be bad.

Also, you trying to convince me it is a bad ending is dumb and you fighting shadows. I've already said many a times it was bad. You don't have to convince me and I'm not trying to prove to you that it was good.

[VP Baltar]

guys, i havent read any of this thread and am trying really hard to not read the thread at all, can you answer my questions

1. did they fix the DLC issues e.g is there still a prothean DLC member
2. is the gameplay fun (especially the multiplayer?)
3. has the "shit" ending been "fixed" yet?
4. is it time to stop boycotting me3

1) what do you mean? Yes there is still a DLC with a prothean member. I played the game without that DLC and didn't think it was necessary or that I was missing something. From what I've read, it does add significantly to the lore though, so it might be worth checking out when they slash the price on it maybe.
2) yeah, the game play is really good. Combat is very fluid and multiplayer is pretty fun/competitive. Getting items is crucial to topping the leader boards, and that's a little random, but it's still pretty fun to play. Basic horde mode.
3) I haven't played it yet, but reviews seem positive from those who have.
4) boycotting was dumb in the first place. if you enjoyed ME1 and ME2, you should play it. It's a very fun game with a questionable ending. Personally, didn't ruin the entire experience for me, but I obviously have more leniency than some people.

[VP Baltar]

no i was boycotting it because I disagree with the idea of adding in major content that should have been apart of the main product. a prothean party member is kind of a big deal considering its a huge part of the story and should have been included in the game

that was directed at hiraki sorry. I was just lazy when you ninjaed me.

[VP Baltar]

so what you're saying is that any kind of continuity error in anything makes you want to ban every using a product from that company again. I hope you never watch movies in your life. That'd be bad.

Considering that the quality of the products that Bioware has decreased majorly (Compare KOTOR with KOTOR[online]), I'm very fine with blaming it on an error as large as the ending. I don't want to be disappointed again.

And yes, you're right. I hate most movies. I usually stick to titles that I might like(no thanks mushy romantic "comedys") and a cast/directors that I can trust.

I mean, you're welcome to experience media however you like, but nitpicking flaws imo is just going to constantly lead to dissatisfaction with most everything. Expecting perfection is unrealistic at best. I'm not suggesting that Bioware is above reproach, because they're not, but things like "how did shepard and anderson teleport to different areas of the ship" is pretty much a pointless argument. Who cares? It doesn't change the plot of the game and it likely means nothing. Fighting shadows is just always going to lead to a bad experience imo. I can't comment on KOTOR because I've never played it.

[VP Baltar]

STARKID

[VP Baltar]

what is extra casualization?

[VP Baltar]

just from guessing, it sounds like you need to turn up the difficulty setting. That'd solve number 3 for you.

[VP Baltar]

Leviathan

[VP Baltar]

I don't see how anyone can really make a judgement either way since none of the content has been revealed. Hard to judge anything one way or another by that trailer.

[VP Baltar]

I understand your gripes somewhat, but it seems like a lot of conjecture about whether or not the Levithan plotline will be good or bad. I agree shadow broker was a sweet ass DLC and arrival was a bit meh, but to say where a DLC will land before it's out is just too speculative, imo.

[VP Baltar]

it wasnt bad, just wasnt shadow broker level

[VP Baltar]

I do fine with my human vanguard. idgi

[VP Baltar]

Yeah, that would make it more difficult. Honestly, after I played vanguard for awhile, I just realized you basically need to almost never use your gun. It's just a matter of spamming biotics/tech powers for quick kills. On the other hand, I never seem to get decent weapon upgrades.

[VP Baltar]

yerp. sometimes i throw a big punch in there for style points