Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut DLC

Mass Effect 3’s ending has been controversial, to say the least. The trilogy wrapped up on a sour note for most fans, displeased by the ambiguity and “rushed” feeling of Shepard’s final confrontation with the Reapers. Within weeks of fan complaints, BioWare responded with the announcement of the Extended Cut DLC, which promised further explanation with regards to the end of Shepard’s story. Fan expectations were high. I was skeptical, too. I didn’t have a problem with the ending itself, per say. I had a problem with the execution. Would BioWare deliver on their promise, or offer a half-assed solution? Luckily, BioWare delivers.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

The Good ✓

Answers! Sweet, sweet, answers. After each ending (Destroy, Control, Synthesis), not only have additional scenes been added, but also a narrative that explains the fate of the galaxy, as well as Shepard’s. These endings do a fantastic job in making the endings feel whole. All is explained, and we can finally rest easy knowing what happened to our favorite characters. We no longer have to guess, or assume everyone died, or that Shepard was somehow indoctrinated. There is also an additional fourth ending (Reject), but I personally don’t recommend it. Answers also come in the form of new dialogue options with the Catalyst (aka Star Child), further explaining Shepard’s choices and who/what the hell he is. He’s still creepy, though.

Meet the Starchild, aka Space Jesus.

Additional Scenes. They are few and far between during the Earth fight, but offer some further insight into the fate of the characters. One such moment is the Normandy rescuing your squad mates, while they offer Shepard their final encouragement before he faces a Reaper head-on.

The “Meh”

The added content is good, but I still would have preferred a bit more. That could just be the rampant fanboy in me talking, but I think wanting more scenes scattered throughout—instead of at the very end—would make the entire Mass Effect 3 experience feel truly whole. Also, I still want a final boss. Something besides the poor Marauder that stands in the way of Shepard and the Citadel beam. Final boss fight with Harbinger, perhaps?

The Bad ✗

No additional gameplay. Mass Effect 3’s ad campaign promised an epic take-back of Earth, but the gameplay in the original didn’t quite measure up to their bold claim. The last gunfight is pretty nice, but the struggle feels like a regular mission. In Mass Effect 1, we fought Saren and Sovereign on the Citadel. In 2, we fought the prototype human reaper on the collector base. Where’s 3’s end boss?

Overall:

✓

BioWare delivers with the Extended Cut DLC. They have addressed fan complaints, while staying true to their original vision for the series. Most companies wouldn’t even take the time to do this. For this, I commend BioWare. And the best part? This DLC is free.

Also, for those of you who want to see them now, here are the four new endings:

Daytripper Review

Image Vertigo Comics

Daytripper is unlike any graphic novel I’ve ever read before. As broad and generic as that statement may be, I sincerely mean it. Twin Brazilian brother team Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá have created something truly magical here.  

Daytripper takes a step back from reality and offers us brief windows into the life of Brás de Oliva Domingos, the son of a famous writer who lands a dead-end job writing obituaries. The novel places a heavy emphasis on death—in fact, at the end of every chapter Brás dies in some fashion. However, wherever death lurks, life begins. Daytripper is a novel about mortality, of life, and of the magical moments that make it all worthwhile.

The Good ✓

The Writing: Holy crap, the writing in Daytripper is fantastic. Moon does an excellent job bringing his characters to life and making you give a damn about them. Brás proves to be an interesting character, a relatable everyman with a certain likeable twist. In other kinds of fiction, it would be all too easy to get “bored” with this kind of character; but Moon does a fantastic job in making us care for Brás, the people around him, and the relationships he fosters. Brás is also a deeply complex character. Daytripper encompasses all aspects of his life, from childhood to old age, and as a result, we see multiple sides to his personality, and how it changes from chapter to chapter. The supporting characters are fantastic as well, especially Brás’ best friend Jorge and his father. Of course, every supporting character plays a major role—there’s no wasted space in Daytripper’s rich story.

Image Vertigo Comics

The Illustrations: Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Bá’s artwork makes Daytripper spring to life, the perfect accomplice to Moon’s writing. You can feel the brothers' love for their home country of Brazil in each and every panel of this novel. The pages are saturated with rich colors and Brazilian themes—from cities to beaches and specific locales, the reader gets a clear view of Brazil’s nature. Each panel stands by itself in quality alone, and utilize a variety of colors instead of simply sticking to one theme and going with it for the entirety of the graphic novel. Daytripper possesses some of the greatest illustrations I’ve ever seen in the medium.

The Story: The story presented in Daytripper is unique and often requires some thought to comprehend. This is a good thing. Each life event of Brás’ is carefully woven into a much larger tapestry of life and death, pain and happiness, and personal growth. Each and every chapter is engaging, and builds off one another, though years apart. It’s an interesting premise, and one that has truly stood out to me amongst a sea of other graphic novels.

The Bad ✗

It’s Not For Everyone: Daytripper, while possessing a fantastic and colorful story, isn’t for everyone. The theme is initially an odd one, with the protagonist dying in each chapter and whatnot. Daytripper isn’t about action or brooding, intense characters, thought. The goal of Daytripper, I believe, is to leave an impression upon the reader; to make one contemplate life through death. This isn’t a read for everybody, but I highly recommend giving it a try.

Overall Rating:

✓

Bá and Moon have created something truly special here. It’s not often that a graphic novel leaves such a massive impression on me as this one did. Even if you’re initially put off by the premise, give Daytripper a try. The beautiful art, engaging story, and lasting appeal won’t leave you disappointed.