Now that some time has passed since I ended the game and the ending debacle has toned done a bit I thought I finally put my gripes with the Mass Effect 3 ending into words.

There are potential SPOILERS ahead, so don’t you dare read on if you haven’t finished ME3, yet. It is way better if you judge by yourself after completing YOUR ending.

First off, I don’t want the ending to change. The Mass Effect writers and creators have their creative freedom and they should be allowed to let it end their way. Point.

The last decision you make determines how the game ends. It seems to have been done right. It definitely is not an easy choice and will not result in the glorious victory you would have wanted (whatever option you choose). My decision stuck with me for a few hours and I struggled a little with myself if I had chosen the right way for my Shepard. I was even close to going back and deciding differently. In my opinion that is what made it a great ending.

The only problems I have are some from my viewpoint stupid writing and game design decisions. If you are still reading and have not played it yet, stop here! Last warning.

For one, I chose to destroy all mass effect relays. As a consequence, in a final scene, the Normandy was shown with Joker trying to escape the shock wave generated by the destruction of one of those relays. It sadly crash landed. Now what I don’t understand here is why the Normandy did fly away from the fight on earth. This was the final assault against the Reapers. Sure, it looked like it failed. But wouldn’t the Normandy be the ship to help the remaining troops to escape? And it somehow even had time to pick up some of my squad mates. Odd. A little more explaining wouldn’t have hurt here and there in general. I hope that future downloadable content will come help clear up some of the missing links.

Which brings me to my second little personal annoyance. I totally understand that Bioware wants to ship future DLC to enrich the storyline towards the final battle. However after the game ends, credits play and you get a little ‘hero’ video you get presented a note. It says, cool that you completed our game, now you can go back to enriching and building the legacy of Shepards fight against the Reapers. After you dismiss the message you suddenly appear at the star map of the Normandy. Boom, just like nothing happened. Taking a closer look it turns out you time-traveled to right before a crucial mission shortly before the ending. However all the characters onboard seem to know nothing about it.

Now you might say this is the exact same thing that happened in the first and second part. Right. But this is the final part. The Normandy crash landed and Shepard, well, you’ll find out. Shouldn’t it be over after everything you did go through? There is nothing you can do, except replay the ending, anyhow. So why not just drop to the main menu?

My two cents on the Mass Effect 3 ending. I greatly recommend you play the whole series. It is one of those few engaging sci-fi tales you will remember and encounter in a lifetime.

Update: BioWare plans on expanding the ending with an Extended Cut.