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: