Bioware DLC Update

In a response to the huge fan feedback BioWare have decided to extend the ending of their ever popular Mass Effect franchise but the problems didn’t stop there. It’s safe to imply that this article will include several major storyline spoilers for those that haven’t finished the game and will touch on many aspects that cause controversy with the final instalment.

The ending of course disappointed many fans due to the lack of impact the players ‘decisions’ had on the final sequence. Many of the initial promises made by BioWare and it’s spokespersons about the branching endings were not entirely truthful; this left many people disappointed by the outcome that they’d spent 5 years affecting.

The ending of the game came down to a fairly standard 3 option decision that didn’t in any way take into account your alignment, your friendships or the characters choices you had made along the way. Without delving too far into the story it’s safe to say that the outcomes are fairly similar and full of plot holes which aren’t regular BioWare problems. In fact they are known for creating deep and fulfilling worlds.

A certain group of particularly aggravated fans launched a campaign shortly after the launch to get the ending change entirely. Their project call ‘Retake Mass Effect’ raised over $29,000 for the Child’s Play charity. Their mission statement read "We would like to dispel the perception that we are angry or entitled. We simply wish to express our hope that there could be a different direction for a series we have all grown to love."

Obviously BioWare have now taken steps to expand on their otherwise disappointing ending by introducing a free piece of DLC coming this summer. Set to include new cinematics and narrative they are hoping to clear up the issues and make the whole experience more complete.

The first batch of downloadable content for Mass Effect 3 also caused its fair share of controversy following the global launch. The From Ashes DLC was free to those whom purchased the N7 Collectors Edition but was 800 Microsoft Point to everyone else.

The probably was with the fact that this was released on day one and contained important story elements and an important squad member  when this could have been include in the standard release package. In fact EA added further problems but outlining that the characters likeness was already on the disk.

Another failed area on BioWare’s part came in the form of a rekindle romance and a lover’s photograph. Continuing to pursue Tali in Mass Effect 3 was for some fans their most anticipated endeavours pre launch and was always going to be a heavily adopted choice by many of the players.

The problem here was that if the romance was rekindled fully then a photo of her would be given to you for your captain’s quarters, sensible enough you may say. Not however if the photo was of a Human Female and not a Quarian as Tali is supposed to be. Granted we’ve never seen her face before so what do we know but many fans were outraged by the lack of attention put into the whole thing.

In fact looking for "getty images hammasa royalty" pops the photo right up on Google.

Shortly after the games worldwide release a behind the scenes video about  its development sparked further fan confusion. This showed back in 2010 BioWare were actually creating a multiplayer FPS to support the Mass Effect universe. The game was being dubbed Mass Effect Team assault and was expected to be released as a downloadable game.

The game was worked on for four months and took much of it’s inspiration from the Batlefield series and Unreal Tournament. In fact as the game progressed it developed into the Galaxy at War section of Mass Effect 3 that we are able to play today.

There have always been many issues with any of the bigger game releases but Mass Effect 3’s post launched was littered with them. Whether this was because of the absolutely enormous hype or bad game design remains to be seen but I can tell you that from what I’ve played the third instalment lives up to my anticipation.

Next time a developer fires games into space though please make sure you are a little more careful if you are going to try and chase one….