Mass Effect 3#Legacy

Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing game in which the player takes control of Commander Shepard from a third-person perspective.{{cite book|last1=Musa|first1=Alexander|last2=Bueno|first2=Fernando|last3=Lierop|first3=Raphael Van|title=Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide|date=2012|publisher=Prima Games|location=Roseville, CA|isbn=978-0-307-89148-8|pages=10–13}} Shepard's gender, appearance, military background, combat training, and first name are determined by the player before the game begins. If the player has a completed saved game from Mass Effect 2, the character from that game can be imported.{{cite web|last1=Moriarty|first1=Colin|title=Mass Effect 3 Review: Page 2 of 3|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-review?page=2|website=IGN|date=March 6, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201224195521/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-review?page=2|archive-date=December 24, 2020|url-status=live}} By importing an old character, decisions from prior Mass Effect titles are carried over, which impacts the plot of Mass Effect 3. Similar to previous installments in the series, the player is able to choose from six different character classes that each have their own unique set of skills.{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Kate|title=Before You Start… Tips for Playing Mass Effect 3 The Best Way|url=https://kotaku.com/5890848/before-you-start-tips-for-playing-mass-effect-3-the-best-way|website=Kotaku|date=March 6, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801110655/https://kotaku.com/5890848/before-you-start-tips-for-playing-mass-effect-3-the-best-way|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}} For example, the Infiltrator class is proficient in stealth and sniping abilities whereas biotics-inclined classes possess psychokinetic powers. By completing assignments and quests, the player is rewarded with experience points. Once enough points are earned, Shepard levels up, which allows for the unlocking or upgrading of skills along a tree.{{cite web|url=http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324863/comic-con-2011-mass-effect-3-hands-on-preview-biotics-and-branching-upgrades |title=Comic-Con 2011: Mass Effect 3 Hands-On Preview - Biotics and Branching Upgrades |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=July 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726053512/http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324863/comic-con-2011-mass-effect-3-hands-on-preview-biotics-and-branching-upgrades |archive-date=July 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |website=GameSpot|last1=McInnis|first1=Shaun}}

Mass Effect 3 has three pre-set campaign modes: Action, Story, and RPG.{{cite magazine |last1=Francis |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect 3 Narrative Mode and Action Mode explained |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-narrative-mode-and-action-mode-explained/ |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=June 3, 2018 |date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622193351/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-narrative-mode-and-action-mode-explained/|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}} In Action Mode, conversations have automatic replies and normal combat difficulty; in Story Mode, conversations have manual replies and minimal combat difficulty; and in RPG Mode, conversations have manual replies and normal combat difficulty. The game contains various role-playing elements,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111814-BioWare-Mass-Effect-3-Is-the-Best-Game-Weve-Ever-Made|title=BioWare: Mass Effect 3 Is the Best Game We've Ever Made|date=July 22, 2011|access-date=July 24, 2011|last=Westbrook|first=Logan|magazine=The Escapist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725112343/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111814-BioWare-Mass-Effect-3-Is-the-Best-Game-Weve-Ever-Made|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}} such as the ability to augment guns with different ammo types, barrels, modifications, and scopes to improve their effectiveness in combat. If the player has Kinect, customization choices can be made verbally instead of selected using a controller.{{cite news|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/mass-effect-3-forza-4-kinect-support-evidence-of-shifting-strategy.ars|title=Mass Effect 3, Forza 4 Kinect support are evidence of shifting strategy|website=Ars Technica|date=June 13, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220311/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/06/mass-effect-3-forza-4-kinect-support-evidence-of-shifting-strategy/|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}} Upon beating the game, a New Game+ is unlocked, which allows the player to restart with certain bonuses, such as the ability to further upgrade weapons.

The primary mode of transportation in Mass Effect 3 is a star ship called Normandy SR-2.{{cite magazine|last1=Kelly|first1=Andy|title=On The Level: The Normandy, Mass Effect|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/on-the-level-the-normandy-mass-effect/|magazine=PC Gamer|date=May 6, 2014|access-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163419/https://www.pcgamer.com/on-the-level-the-normandy-mass-effect/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} From the inside of the ship, players can use a galaxy map to choose a destination point, scan planets for resources, or start missions.{{cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Matt|title=Mass Effect 3 planet scanning guide - war assets, artifacts, intel and credits|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-planet-scanning-guide-war-assets-artifacts-intel-and-credits/|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=January 1, 2018|date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163253/https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-planet-scanning-guide-war-assets-artifacts-intel-and-credits/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} To aid the player in managing tasks, the game automatically logs available missions in a journal; however, unlike previous titles in the series, the journal does not distinguish between main quests and side quests.{{cite web|last1=D|first1=Mark|title=Mass Effect 3: Keeping Track of Fetch Quests|url=http://thatgamesux.com/mass-effect-3-keeping-track-of-fetch-quests/|publisher=That Game's (UX)|access-date=January 1, 2018|date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184743/https://thatgamesux.com/mass-effect-3-keeping-track-of-fetch-quests/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} In general, Mass Effect 3 revolves around increasing "Effective Military Strength" (EMS) to prepare for its final mission.{{cite book|last1=Musa|first1=Alexander|last2=Bueno|first2=Fernando|last3=Lierop|first3=Raphael Van|title=Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide|date=2012|publisher=Prima Games|location=Roseville, CA|isbn=978-0-307-89148-8|pages=323}} EMS is calculated by multiplying "Total Military Strength" (TMS) and "Readiness Rating" (RR).{{cite web|last1=Sipple|first1=Brian|title=BioWare Clarifies 'Mass Effect 3' Multiplayer's Influence on Game Ending|url=https://gamerant.com/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-game-ending-brian-137832/|publisher=Game Rant|date=2012|access-date=December 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143627/https://gamerant.com/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-game-ending-brian-137832/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} TMS is increased by acquiring "War Assets", which include accomplishments from all three Mass Effect games, whereas RR is increased by playing the multiplayer mode.{{cite book|last1=Musa|first1=Alexander|last2=Bueno|first2=Fernando|last3=Lierop|first3=Raphael Van|title=Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide|date=2012|publisher=Prima Games|location=Roseville, CA|isbn=978-0-307-89148-8|pages=372–373}}

Unless it is set to Action Mode, the player interacts with non-player characters in Mass Effect 3 by using a radial command menu where dialog options depend on wheel direction. Most conversations are advanced by choosing either a Paragon (diplomatic) or Renegade (intimidating) option, which appear to the top and bottom right of the wheel, respectively. By conversing with squadmates aboard the Normandy, Commander Shepard can develop friendships or, in some cases, romantic relationships with them over time.{{cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Matt|title=Mass Effect 3 romance guide|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-romance-guide/|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=January 1, 2018|date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064329/https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-romance-guide/|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}} Same-sex relationships for both female and male Shepards are available.{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Krupa|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/16/mass-effect-3-to-offer-same-sex-relationships|title=Mass Effect 3 to Offer Same-Sex Relationships|website=IGN|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126035918/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/16/mass-effect-3-to-offer-same-sex-relationships|archive-date=January 26, 2013|url-status=live}} If Shepard was imported from Mass Effect 2 and achieved a love interest in each of the prior Mass Effect games, then both characters vie for Shepard's attention in Mass Effect 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/02/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-the-galaxys-fate-is-in-your-hands|title=E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 -- The Galaxy's Fate is in Your Hands|date=June 2, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|website=IGN|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127125041/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/02/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-the-galaxys-fate-is-in-your-hands|archive-date=January 27, 2013|url-status=live}} During some conversations, the player is prompted with a context-sensitive interrupt option that offers a temporary alternative to what is available on the dialog wheel.

On several occasions, the player must make decisions that impact the game's narrative.{{cite web|last1=Weekes|first1=Patrick|title=Reputation in Mass Effect 3|url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/03/01/reputation-in-mass-effect-3/|publisher=BioWare Blog|access-date=January 1, 2018|date=March 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724071857/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/03/01/reputation-in-mass-effect-3/|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=dead}} For example, one mission asks the player to side with one of two species, which can lead to one of them being eradicated.{{cite web|last1=Neltz|first1=András|title=The Most Defining Decisions You Have To Make In Mass Effect|url=https://kotaku.com/the-most-defining-decisions-you-have-to-make-in-mass-ef-471612781|website=Kotaku|access-date=January 1, 2018|date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140030/https://kotaku.com/the-most-defining-decisions-you-have-to-make-in-mass-ef-471612781|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Over the course of Mass Effect 3, dialog and narrative decisions result in "Reputation Points", which are added together and unlock further decision-making and dialog options as they accumulate. The conclusion of the game is influenced by accomplishments earned and decisions made throughout the series.

File:Mass Effect 3 Combat.jpg behind objects on the battlefield. The user interface includes ammunition, health bars, and powers.]]

Combat in Mass Effect 3 takes place in real-time but also allows for pausing to aim, change weapons, or use skills from a menu.{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Why BioWare ditched the power wheel from Mass Effect Andromeda|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-23-why-bioware-ditched-the-power-wheel-from-mass-effect-andromeda|website=Eurogamer|access-date=April 22, 2018|date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621194041/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-23-why-bioware-ditched-the-power-wheel-from-mass-effect-andromeda|archive-date=June 21, 2018|url-status=live}} During battle, the player has direct control of Commander Shepard from an over-the-shoulder perspective, who can move around the map by climbing up ladders, combat rolling, or sprinting.{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Will |title=Mass Effect 3 preview |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-preview-3/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=February 18, 2012}} Shepard is typically accompanied by two squad members who are controlled by the game's artificial intelligence; however, the player can still order them into position or choose their powers.{{cite book|last1=Musa|first1=Alexander|last2=Bueno|first2=Fernando|last3=Lierop|first3=Raphael Van|title=Mass Effect 3: Prima Official Game Guide|date=2012|publisher=Prima Games|location=Roseville, CA|isbn=978-0-307-89148-8|pages=30–43}} Kinect users are able to issue these commands verbally. If squad members die, they can be revived using the Unity power or an on-screen prompt if the player is in close proximity.

Enemy encounters generally involve navigating opposing forces that work together and support each other with varying roles. For example, a typical confrontation involves defeating suppressor-type enemies who shoot from afar while also managing more aggressive enemies that are constantly charging. To avoid taking damage, the player can go into cover behind objects on the battlefield, but harder difficulties necessitate that players stay mobile as well.{{cite web|last1=Purchese|first1=Robert|title=Mass Effect 3 cover-camping a no-no on Hardcore, Insanity|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-31-mass-effect-3-cover-camping-a-no-no-on-hardcore-insanity|website=Eurogamer|access-date=April 22, 2018|date=January 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621143906/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-31-mass-effect-3-cover-camping-a-no-no-on-hardcore-insanity|archive-date=June 21, 2018|url-status=live}} If Shepard or the squad members are hit, damage is dealt to their shields until they run out, at which point a final layer of health is gradually depleted until the individual dies, health is restored, or shields regenerate.

Opposing forces are damaged with gunfire, melee attacks, or specialized skills such as combat drones. If desired, the melee system can be a vital aspect of gameplay.{{cite web|first=Arthur|last=Gies|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/02/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-from-cover-to-combat|title=E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 - From Cover to Combat - PlayStation 3 Preview at IGN|website=IGN|date=June 2, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111022101/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/02/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-from-cover-to-combat|archive-date=January 11, 2013|url-status=live}} For example, players can execute heavy melee attacks that vary depending on character class.{{cite magazine|last1=Senior|first1=Tom|title=Mass Effect 3 video shows new combat skills: heavy melee, turrets, Krogan shotgun|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-video-shows-new-combat-skills-heavy-melee-turrets-krogan-shotgun/|magazine=PC Gamer|access-date=April 28, 2018|date=December 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135909/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-video-shows-new-combat-skills-heavy-melee-turrets-krogan-shotgun/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} All enemies have protections that are susceptible to particular attack types, such as armor, which is weak against the Incinerate skill and weapons with a slow rate of fire. Sometimes, the player is presented with alternate offensive approaches. For example, if the player encounters an Atlas Mech and defeats its driver without destroying the entire suit, Shepard can climb inside and take control of its heavy-duty weaponry.{{cite web|last1=Yalburgi|first1=Vinod|title='Mass Effect 3': How to Unlock Hijacker Trophy or Hijack an Atlas Mech [VIDEO]|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mass-effect-3-unlock-hijacker-trophy-atlas-333462|website=International Business Times|access-date=April 28, 2018|date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142039/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mass-effect-3-unlock-hijacker-trophy-atlas-333462|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mass Effect 3 includes a multiplayer mode called "Galaxy at War".{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/119/1199222p1.html|title=Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Confirmed|website=IGN|date=October 10, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2011|last=Krupa|first=Daniel|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104103508/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/10/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-confirmed|archive-date=January 4, 2013|url-status=dead}} In this mode, up to four players join to complete horde-style cooperative matches in which the participants must survive escalating waves of enemies and complete a series of objectives.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/241828/mass_effect_3_getting_galaxy_of_war_multiplayer_mode.html |magazine=PC World|last=Peckham|first=Matt|title=Mass Effect 3 Getting 'Galaxy of War' Multiplayer Mode|date=October 13, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430125728/https://www.pcworld.com/article/241828/mass_effect_3_getting_galaxy_of_war_multiplayer_mode.html|archive-date=April 30, 2019|url-status=live}} As rounds are completed, the player earns in-game currency that is used to buy randomly-generated packs of unlockables, such as new character types and weapons.{{cite web|title=Mass Effect 3: Multiplayer Packs|url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloads/multiplayer_packs/|publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website|access-date=April 28, 2018}} In-game currency is also available via microtransaction.{{cite web|last1=Purchese|first1=Robert|title=I've seen people literally spend $15,000 on Mass Effect multiplayer cards|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-manveer-heir-bioware-mass-effect-ea-monetisation|website=Eurogamer|access-date=April 28, 2018|date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802063524/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-manveer-heir-bioware-mass-effect-ea-monetisation|archive-date=August 2, 2018|url-status=live}} For the first year of the mode's existence, players could participate in BioWare-sponsored challenges with special objectives and increased rewards.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bioware.com/2013/03/22/blog-the-multiplayer-team-retrospective/|title=The Multiplayer Team Retrospective|publisher=BioWare Blog|date=March 22, 2013|access-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110709/http://blog.bioware.com/2013/03/22/blog-the-multiplayer-team-retrospective/|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}

In contrast to the single-player mode, where the player can only play as a human, the multiplayer mode has a wider variety of species to choose from.{{cite web|access-date=April 4, 2012|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/mass-effect-3/1210851p1.html|title=Preview: Mass Effect 3's Co-Op Multiplayer|publisher=GameSpy|date=October 27, 2011|last=Sharkey|first=Mike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513033235/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/mass-effect-3/1210851p1.html|archive-date=May 13, 2020|url-status=live}} Every race has unique powers,{{cite web |last1=Roth |first1=Alex |title=Mass Effect 3 multiplayer tips and strategies guide |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-tips-strategies-guide/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=March 28, 2012}} such as a "Krogan Charge" for krogans. Combat is based on its single-player counterpart but has some differences such as no pause menu to change weapons; instead, weapons are changed by holding down a button. Frequency of play and number of multiplayer missions completed affect the outcome of the single-player campaign.{{cite news|last=Pereira|first=Chris|url=http://www.1up.com/news/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-impact-single-player-story-outcome|title=Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Can Impact Single-Player Story's Outcome|website=1UP.com|date=October 13, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131040113/http://www.1up.com/news/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-impact-single-player-story-outcome|archive-date=January 31, 2012}}

{{See also|Mass Effect}}

The Mass Effect trilogy is set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, where interstellar travel is possible through the use of mass transit devices called mass relays, a technology believed to have been built by an extinct alien race known as the Protheans.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Codex - Mass Relays: Once believed to be of Prothean origin, mass relays were in fact created by the Reapers using technology far beyond that of other living species. The enormous structures, scattered throughout the stars, create corridors of virtually mass-free space. This allows instantaneous transit between locations separated by years or even centuries using conventional FTL drives.}} A conglomerate body of governments known as the Citadel Council controls a large percentage of the galaxy and is responsible for maintaining law and order among races of the galactic community. Races that belong to the Citadel Council include humans, asari, salarians and turians.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Codex - Citadel Council: The Council is an executive committee composed of representatives from the Asari Republics, the Turian Hierarchy, and the Salarian Union. Though they have no official power over the independent governments of other species, the Council's decisions carry great weight throughout the galaxy. No single Council race is strong enough to defy the other two, and all have a vested interest in compromise and cooperation.}} Other alien races include the warlike reptilian krogan, the nomadic environmental suited quarians, and their wayward creations, a race of networked artificial intelligences known as the geth.{{cite web |last1=Hamilton |first1=Kirk |title=A Beginner's Guide To The World Of Mass Effect |url=https://kotaku.com/a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-world-of-mass-effect-1793486450 |website=Kotaku |access-date=June 3, 2018 |date=March 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141200/https://kotaku.com/a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-world-of-mass-effect-1793486450|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mass Effect 3 begins in 2186, six months after the events of Mass Effect 2.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Now we know exactly when Mass Effect Andromeda is set |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-07-now-we-know-exactly-when-mass-effect-andromeda-is-set |website=Eurogamer |access-date=June 3, 2018 |date=July 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612231818/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-07-now-we-know-exactly-when-mass-effect-andromeda-is-set|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} The galactic community lives in fear of an invasion by Reapers, a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships that are believed to eradicate all organic civilization every 50,000 years.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Codex - The Reapers: Although accurate information about the Reapers remains scarce, the galaxy now knows that the Reapers are not a myth--they are a real and devastating threat.}} Meanwhile, the krogan face extinction because of the genophage, a genetic mutation developed by the salarians and deployed by the turians as a bioweapon to contain the krogan;{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Codex - The Genophage: The genophage bioweapon was created to end the Krogan Rebellions. The turians fought the krogan to a standstill, but the sheer weight of krogan numbers indicated they could not be stopped through conventional means. The turians collaborated with the salarians to engineer a genetic counter to the krogans' rapid breeding.}} the quarians prepare to retake their homeworld from the geth;{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Codex - Rannoch: Almost three hundred years ago, the quarians were driven from Rannoch by the geth, synthetic servants who gained sapience and rebelled against their creators ... For many quarians, reclaiming their homeworld from the geth is a matter of both cultural and physiological necessity.}} and the human supremacist terrorist organization Cerberus is regrouping after a temporary alliance with Commander Shepard to defeat the Collectors, indoctrinated and genetically modified remnants of the Prothean race who were abducting human colonies. Shepard has been relieved of duty and is confined on Earth, awaiting court-martial by the Systems Alliance.{{cite web|first=Kristine|last=Steimer|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/12/mass-effect-3-the-basics|title=Mass Effect 3: The Basics – Xbox 360 Preview at IGN|website=IGN|date=April 11, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140219184905/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/12/mass-effect-3-the-basics|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Mass Effect characters}}

File:Freddie Prinze, Jr Comic-Con 2009.jpg joined the cast of Mass Effect 3 as James Vega.]]

The protagonist of Mass Effect 3 is Commander Shepard (Mark Meer or Jennifer Hale), an elite human soldier who is Commanding Officer of the Normandy SR-2 starship.{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Katie |title=The Faces Behind the Voices of Mass Effect 3 |url=https://kotaku.com/5892977/the-faces-behind-the-voices-of-mass-effect-3/ |website=Kotaku |access-date=June 3, 2018 |date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140935/https://kotaku.com/5892977/the-faces-behind-the-voices-of-mass-effect-3/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} While the exact roster can vary, Shepard's squad members generally include Systems Alliance officers Ashley Williams (Kimberly Brooks) or Kaidan Alenko (Raphael Sbarge), Systems Alliance marine James Vega (Freddie Prinze Jr.), asari information broker and researcher Liara T'Soni (Ali Hillis), turian military adviser Garrus Vakarian (Brandon Keener), the Normandy's artificial intelligence EDI (Tricia Helfer), and quarian engineer Tali'Zorah (Ash Sroka). The Prothean endling Javik (Ike Amadi) is included as an optional squad member by default with the Wii U version of the game. Other characters include Systems Alliance admirals David Anderson (Keith David) and Steven Hackett (Lance Henriksen), Normandy pilot Jeff "Joker" Moreau (Seth Green), Cerberus leader the Illusive Man (Martin Sheen), Cerberus assassin Kai Leng (Troy Baker), Citadel Security (C-Sec) Commander Armando-Owen Bailey (Michael Hogan), and Asari crime boss Aria T'Loak (Carrie-Anne Moss).

Certain characters such as human Cerberus officer Miranda Lawson (Yvonne Strahovski), salarian scientist Mordin Solus (William Salyers), krogan leader Urdnot Wrex (Steven Barr), human criminal Jack (Courtenay Taylor), genetically engineered krogan soldier Grunt (Steve Blum), drell assassin Thane Krios (Keythe Farley), asari Justicar Samara (Maggie Baird), and geth mobile platform Legion (D. C. Douglas) may appear depending on whether or not they survived the events of previous games.{{cite web |title=All Of Mass Effect 3's Endings Explained|url=https://www.screenrant.com/mass-effect-3-ending-explained/ |first1=Padraig |last1=Cotter |website=Screen Rant |access-date=April 14, 2020 |date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200509175324/https://screenrant.com/mass-effect-3-ending-explained/ |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/04/10/the-voices-that-effect-us-a-look-at-some-of-the-talent-voicing-mass-effect-3/|title=The voices of Mass Effect 3 |author=Bitmob|publisher=VentureBeat|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2020}} If necessary, the game establishes alternate characters as replacements for previously-deceased characters who otherwise would have significant roles in the plot; for example, Urdnot Wreav will emerge as the krogan leader instead of Urdnot Wrex, Padok Wiks will appear instead of Mordin as the salarian scientist working to cure the genophage, and a facsimile of Legion occupied by a geth virtual intelligence (VI) will be encountered by Shepard if Legion is unable to appear.{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=James |title=How Do Dead Squadmates Affect Mass Effect 3's Story? |url=https://www.cbr.com/mass-effect-3-replacement-characters/ |website=Comic Book Resources |access-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220530174242/https://www.cbr.com/mass-effect-3-replacement-characters/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |date=January 9, 2022}}

The Reapers invade and quickly overwhelm Earth. After being reinstated by Anderson, who stays behind to rally resistance, Shepard is ordered to Mars by Hackett.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Mars: Admiral Hackett ordered the Normandy to Mars to locate new Prothean data that could help defeat the Reapers, but the archives on Mars are not responding. Investigate the dig site and find the Prothean data.}} There, Shepard learns of a Prothean superweapon capable of destroying the Reapers, and recovers its schematics from the Illusive Man, who reveals Cerberus' desire to control the Reapers instead. With schematics in hand, the Alliance begins construction on the device, dubbed the "Crucible", while Shepard is ordered to recruit support from other species across the galaxy.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: The Citadel I: The Council must be informed of the Reaper threat and the Prothean device that may be able to stop the Reapers. Go to Councilor Udina's office on the Citadel and convince the Council to send help for the fight against the Reapers.}}

Shepard begins by rescuing the turian primarch from Menae, a moon orbiting the turian homeworld, Palaven.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Palaven: Primarch Fedorian of the Turian Hierarchy has called a war summit that presents an opportunity for the Alliance to request help building the Crucible. Unfortunately, Fedorian was caught in the Reaper attack on Palaven. Rescue the turian primarch from Palaven's moon.}} The primarch pledges turian support to Shepard only if the krogan help defend Palaven, but the krogan leader refuses to help unless the genophage is cured.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect |developer=BioWare |quote=Codex/Aliens: Non-Council Races - Krogan: The genophage makes only one in 1,000 pregnancies viable, and today the krogan are a slowly dying breed. Understandably, the krogan harbor a grudge against all other species, especially the turians.}} Shepard and the krogan leader travel to the salarian homeworld, Sur'Kesh,{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Sur'Kesh: Before they will help with the war effort, the krogan have demanded a cure for the genophage, the sterility plague infecting their species. Go to the salarian homeworld of Sur'Kesh and safely extract the krogan females who hold the key to the genophage cure.}} where they rendezvous with a salarian scientist who formulates a cure from Eve, a fertile krogan female, and plans to disperse it using a tower called the "Shroud" on the krogan homeworld, Tuchanka.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Tuchanka: Eve is indeed the key to curing the genophage, but creating a cure will take time. Continue to assist turian and krogan allies while the cure is synthesized.}} Before landing on Tuchanka, Shepard is contacted by the leader of the salarian government, who reveals that the Shroud has been sabotaged to prevent the dispersal of a cure, and offers her government's support only if the sabotage is left intact. Shepard must ultimately decide whether to allow the cure to proceed, in which case the salarian scientist sacrifices himself to deploy a counter-measure, resulting in a pledge of support from the krogan. Alternatively, Shepard may deceive the krogan into thinking that the genophage has been cured, thereby earning both krogan and salarian support.

Following the events on Tuchanka and a failed coup by Cerberus to take over the Citadel, the quarians offer their support to the Alliance if Shepard helps them reclaim their homeworld, Rannoch, from the geth. Shepard boards a geth dreadnought, rescues a captive geth ally, and disables the Reaper control signal over the geth.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Geth Dreadnought: The quarians have tried to retake their homeworld from the geth. Unfortunately, the geth have been upgraded by the Reapers, and the quarian fleet is trapped. Travel to the quarian home system and disable the geth dreadnought broadcasting the Reaper control signal.}} Shepard then locates and destroys a Reaper base on Rannoch,{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Rannoch: The Reaper base controlling the geth has been located, but jamming towers prevent conventional orbital bombardment. Land on Rannoch and use a prototype targeting laser to enable the Normandy to destroy the Reaper base.}} which gives the quarians an opportunity to attack the vulnerable geth. However, the allied geth unit reveals that it intends to sacrifice itself in order to upgrade the geth using Reaper technology, which empowers the geth to defeat the quarians and enable them to achieve true sentience and free will. Shepard either supports one faction by allowing them to exterminate the other, or negotiates a ceasefire to gain support from both sides.

Shepard is subsequently summoned to the Citadel by the asari councilor.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: The Citadel III: The asari councilor wishes to talk privately about a matter pertaining to the war effort. Meet her on the Citadel.}} She reveals that there is a hidden Prothean artifact on the asari homeworld, Thessia, which may help Shepard identify the "Catalyst", an essential component for completing the Crucible.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Thessia: The asari, growing desperate as the Reapers attack their systems, have revealed an artifact that may hold the key to finding the Catalyst. Meet a scientific team at a temple on Thessia and investigate the artifact for clues.}} There, Shepard discovers a Prothean VI called "Vendetta", but Kai Leng arrives and steals it as Thessia falls to the Reapers. Desperate to reclaim Vendetta, Shepard's crew follow Leng to the Sanctuary facility on the human colony world Horizon, where Cerberus has been secretly researching Reaper-control technology.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Horizon: Cerberus may be using the Sanctuary facility on Horizon as a cover for secret activity. Land on Horizon to search for clues about their operations.}} Shepard obtains a tracking device that leads to the Illusive Man's headquarters, and initiates an all-out assault on the base with the Alliance.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Cerberus Headquarters: The Illusive Man's headquarters have been located, and the Alliance is prepared to attack to recover the Prothean VI that holds the key to the Catalyst. Once the attack is launched, the Alliance will be fully committed to the final fight against the Reapers. Assault the base when ready.}} Shepard reaches the central base, kills Leng, and learns from Vendetta that the Catalyst is the Citadel itself, which the Reapers have captured after successfully indoctrinating the Illusive Man, who abandoned the station prior to the assault.

The Alliance and its allies launch an all-out assault on the Reapers in a last-ditch effort to retake Earth.{{cite video game |title=Mass Effect 3 |developer=BioWare |publisher=Electronic Arts |quote=Journal - Priority: Earth: Allied forces are assaulting the Reapers above Earth. Hammer must get a team of soldiers onto the Citadel in order to activate the Crucible. Coordinate with Anderson to get to the Citadel beam.}} Shepard and Anderson eventually enter the Citadel through a Reaper transportation beam, where they find the Illusive Man; only Shepard survives the ensuing confrontation. Shepard attempts to activate the Crucible, but is instead lifted to the Citadel's pinnacle, and meets a childlike artificial intelligence that declares itself to be the Catalyst. The Catalyst reveals that it originally created the Reapers to prevent synthetic life from destroying organic life by periodically culling civilizations that had grown advanced enough to develop synthetic life. Having conceded defeat to Shepard, it presents up to three options for activating the Crucible: "Destroy" all synthetic life in the galaxy; "Control" the Reapers by uploading Shepard's consciousness to become the new Catalyst; or alter all life into organic-synthetic hybrids via "Synthesis" to render the Reapers obsolete. The ultimate fates of Shepard, the Normandy crew, Earth, and the rest of the galaxy depend on the player's choice in dealing with the Catalyst as well as their final EMS score.

File:Bioware founders.jpg and Greg Zeschuk envisioned Mass Effect 3 as accessible to new and returning players alike.]]

Mass Effect 3 was developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts (EA).{{cite web |title=BioWare Games |url=http://www.bioware.com/en/games/ |publisher=BioWare |access-date=June 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810224637/http://www.bioware.com/en/games/|archive-date=August 10, 2018|url-status=live}} Similar to previous installments in the series, the game was directed by Casey Hudson, who originally created the franchise along with BioWare founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka.{{cite magazine |last1=Vore |first1=Bryan |title=Exclusive: Bioware's Doctors Talk Mass Effect 3 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/13/exclusive-bioware-s-doctors-talk-mass-effect-3.aspx |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=April 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617215941/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/13/exclusive-bioware-s-doctors-talk-mass-effect-3.aspx|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live}} It was the first game in the franchise without the involvement of Microsoft Game Studios, the original publisher of the first two titles and BioWare's long-time partner.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/04/x05-bioware-announces-mass-effect |title=X05: BioWare Announces Mass Effect |website=IGN |author=David Clayman |date=October 4, 2005 |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917215842/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/04/x05-bioware-announces-mass-effect |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/x05-mass-effect-behind-closed-doors?page=1 |title=X05: Mass Effect: Behind Closed Doors |website=IGN |author=Douglass C. Perry |date=October 5, 2005 |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917221948/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/x05-mass-effect-behind-closed-doors?page=1 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite journal|title=Mass Effect 2: A Case Study in the Design of Game Narrative|url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0270467612463796|first=Jim|last=Bizzocchi|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2023|journal=Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society|volume=32 |issue=5 |pages=393–404 |doi=10.1177/0270467612463796 }}

Early stages of development on Mass Effect 3 began before Mass Effect 2 was released.{{cite web|title=CES 2010: BioWare Talks Mass Effect 3|author=Matt Casamassina|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/08/ces-2010-bioware-talks-mass-effect-3|website=IGN|date=January 8, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103172110/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/08/ces-2010-bioware-talks-mass-effect-3|archive-date=January 3, 2013|url-status=live}} Because Mass Effect 3 was designed for consoles that were nearing the end of their lifespans, BioWare focused more on optimizing gameplay and storytelling than pushing the technology forward.{{cite book |last1=Keighley |first1=Geoff |title=The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3 |date=March 15, 2012}} Throughout the design process, the company referenced critical feedback to help guide their creative decisions, an approach they also utilized for Mass Effect 2.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/fans-are-making-mass-effect-2-better-150282.phtml|title=Fans are making Mass Effect 2 better|last=Nicholson|first=Brad|website=Destructoid|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513033441/https://www.destructoid.com/fans-are-making-mass-effect-2-better-150282.phtml|archive-date=May 13, 2020|url-status=live}} For example, many fans complained that role-playing systems in Mass Effect 2 were oversimplified, so BioWare added back more character customization options.{{cite news|last=Schreier|first=Jason|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/06/mass-effect-3/|title=Designing Sci-Fi RPG Mass Effect 3, BioWare Learns From Its Mistakes|magazine=Wired|date=June 30, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184431/https://www.wired.com/2011/06/mass-effect-3/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Another major strategy was to make Mass Effect 3 more user-friendly for new players, something that BioWare felt they did a bad job of in Mass Effect 2.{{cite web|author=Destin Legarie and Jack DeVries|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/23/bioware-didnt-do-a-good-job-for-new-players-in-me2|title=BioWare 'Didn't do a Good Job' for New Players in ME2|website=IGN|date=January 23, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201224203552/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/23/bioware-didnt-do-a-good-job-for-new-players-in-me2|archive-date=December 24, 2020|url-status=live}}

One of Hudson's primary goals for the single-player campaign was to improve combat, hoping to turn Mass Effect 3 into one of the best shooters on the market.{{cite news |last1=Hoggins |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect 3 interview: Casey Hudson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/8850868/Mass-Effect-3-interview-Casey-Hudson.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622072504/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/8850868/Mass-Effect-3-interview-Casey-Hudson.html|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}} BioWare tried to accomplish this by improving enemy animations and diversity, including specialized enemies that would require players to utilize different tactics based on character class.{{cite web |title=BioWare Pulse - Mass Effect 3 Combat |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/videos/video/9757232f1c606fac575c2cf052eff5a1 |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=December 1, 2011}} The company also aimed to make the battlefield less predictable by introducing unexpected events and redirects, such as the floor giving out and the player falling to a completely different level of the environment, so that enemy encounters would not always go as telegraphed.{{cite magazine |last1=Hanson |first1=Ben |title=Casey Hudson Interview: Mass Effect's Feedback Loop |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/casey-hudson-interview-mass-effect-s-feedback-loop.aspx |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=April 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143350/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/casey-hudson-interview-mass-effect-s-feedback-loop.aspx|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mass Effect 3 required over 40,000 lines of dialog.{{cite web |last1=Purslow |first1=Matt |title=Mass Effect 3 contains twice as much dialogue as the first game |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-contains-twice-as-much-dialogue-as-the-first-game/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 11, 2018 |date=October 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811195117/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-contains-twice-as-much-dialogue-as-the-first-game/|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live}} By comparison, the original Mass Effect featured approximately 20,000 lines while Mass Effect 2 featured 25,000. Because of the game's extensive voice cast, it was logistically impossible for BioWare to have every actor in a single location at one time.{{cite web |title=BioWare Pulse - Voice Over Recording |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/videos/video/1ebd676a117f893ecdf71eded065820b |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=August 11, 2018 |date=January 5, 2012}} Caroline Livingstone, who served as voiceover director, coordinated recording sessions from Edmonton while the actors worked remotely. BioWare noted that this approach, combined with the sheer volume of dialog, made it difficult to consistently capture the proper intonation and volume of each line. To help reduce these kinds of errors, they developed their own technology, such as the "Intensity Volume Matrix", which listed out each line and the appropriate tone associated with it.

The music of Mass Effect 3 was composed by Sasha Dikicyan, Sam Hulick, Christopher Lennertz, Clint Mansell, and Cris Velasco.{{cite magazine|title=These Are The People Composing Mass Effect 3's Soundtrack|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/12/19/these-are-the-people-composing-mass-effect-3s-soundtrack.aspx|magazine=Game Informer|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725112757/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/12/19/these-are-the-people-composing-mass-effect-3s-soundtrack.aspx|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}} Everyone except for Mansell was a returning composer; Hulick contributed to the first two games and Dikicyan, Lennertz, and Velasco scored some Mass Effect 2 downloadable content packs.{{cite web |last1=Rougeau |first1=Michael |title=Interview: "Mass Effect 3" Composers On Bringing The Music Back To Its Roots And More |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/interview-mass-effect-3-composers-on-bringing-the-music-back-to-its-roots-and-more |magazine=Complex |access-date=July 27, 2018 |date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728040041/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/interview-mass-effect-3-composers-on-bringing-the-music-back-to-its-roots-and-more|archive-date=July 28, 2018|url-status=live}} Jack Wall, the lead composer of Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, had no involvement in the production of Mass Effect 3.{{cite web |last1=Kietzmann |first1=Ludwig |title=Mass Effect 2 composer Jack Wall explains his departure from the franchise |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/mass-effect-2-composer-jack-wall-explains-his-departure-from-the/ |publisher=Engadget |access-date=June 10, 2018 |date=March 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140810/https://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/mass-effect-2-composer-jack-wall-explains-his-departure-from-the/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Each composer was allocated a specific area of the game to work on, and in total there were 90 minutes of music scored. According to Hulick, the team aimed for a balance between the orchestral sound of Mass Effect 2 and the synthesizer-driven sound of Mass Effect. Mansell, a Golden Globe Award-nominated composer, likened his role to that of a disc jockey, who is responsible for choosing the right music at the right times.{{cite magazine |last1=Acharya |first1=Kiran |title=Unspoilt By Progress: A Conversation With Black Swan Composer Clint Mansell |url=http://thequietus.com/articles/05670-clint-mansell-interview-black-swan |magazine=The Quietus |access-date=June 10, 2018 |date=February 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530221718/http://thequietus.com/articles/05670-clint-mansell-interview-black-swan|archive-date=May 30, 2012|url-status=live}}

Although Mass Effect 3 was originally planned as a project that could be finished in under two years, by March 2011, it was clear that more development time was required, so BioWare moved the game's release date from Q4 2011 to Q1 2012. In order to meet this deadline, the company also made some concessions, such as the removal of a new, Prothean squad mate from the base game. The game was officially approved for distribution, making it effectively finished, in February 2012.

Mac Walters, who served as co-lead writer on Mass Effect 2 with Drew Karpyshyn, was the lead writer for Mass Effect 3. Karpyshyn departed from the series after Mass Effect 2 to work on Star Wars: The Old Republic.{{cite web |last1=Purchese |first1=Robert |title=KOTOR, Mass Effect lead writer Drew Karpyshyn leaves BioWare |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-17-kotor-mass-effect-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-leaves-bioware |website=Eurogamer |access-date=June 10, 2018 |date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004132920/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-17-kotor-mass-effect-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-leaves-bioware|archive-date=October 4, 2018|url-status=live}} Hudson and Walters began the writing process by collaborating on a short story document that outlined all primary plot points.{{cite web |title=BioWare Pulse - Writing for Mass Effect 3 |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/videos/video/ee64b72912e1e855d87ea6d510c3ad42 |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=January 12, 2012}} These high-level ideas were then disbursed to the rest of the team, who were each put in charge of specific character and story arcs.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect's best mission |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-15-mass-effects-best-mission |website=Eurogamer |access-date=June 10, 2018 |date=March 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612233725/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-15-mass-effects-best-mission|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Staff members were also responsible for peer reviewing each other's work. Because prior games allowed players to choose from different outcomes, the writers had to account for many possible variables; however, in anticipation of this challenge, they preemptively locked in certain story arcs to ensure that all Mass Effect 3 playthroughs had at least some commonalities.{{cite magazine |last1=Hanson |first1=Ben |title=Casey Hudson Interview: All About Mass Effect 3 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/28/casey-hudson-interview-mass-effect-3.aspx |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=April 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020055754/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/28/casey-hudson-interview-mass-effect-3.aspx|archive-date=October 20, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mass Effect 3 offers expanded content, in comparison to prior entries in the series, for players who are interested in having their Shepard pursue same-sex relationships with non-player characters. Kaidan, who was previously only available as a heterosexual romance option for a female Shepard, is retroactively established as a bisexual character who can, at the player's discretion, become a male Shepard's love interest.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/mass-effect-fans-worry-that-expanded-gay-options-will-c-5802371|title=Mass Effect Fans Worry That Expanded Gay Options Will Create Inconsistencies, Alter Canon|author=Drew Cohen|date=May 16, 2011|website=Kotaku|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231116213731/https://kotaku.com/mass-effect-fans-worry-that-expanded-gay-options-will-c-5802371|archive-date=November 16, 2023|url-status=live}} It is also the first game of the series to offer an exclusively gay male and lesbian romance option, with shuttlecraft pilot Steve Cortez and communications specialist Samantha Traynor, respectively.{{cite web |last1=Purchese |first1=Robert |title=How BioWare wrote gay Mass Effect 3 romances |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/how-bioware-wrote-gay-mass-effect-3-romances|website=Eurogamer |access-date=July 1, 2022 |date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231116213938/https://www.eurogamer.net/how-bioware-wrote-gay-mass-effect-3-romances|archive-date=November 16, 2023|url-status=live}} Cortez was written by Dusty Everman, who approached the romance arc as a meaningful human relationship that just happens to be between two men. Traynor's story arc is framed as a lighthearted fish out of water situation by Trick Weekes, whose character work for Traynor is predominantly about a civilian technician trying to adjust to life in a military environment, as opposed to her sexual orientation and attraction to feminine qualities.

The overall narrative of Mass Effect 3 went through multiple redrafts before being finalized, and a number of ending sequences involving the Reapers were considered but ultimately abandoned.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-series-former-lead-writer-reveals-original-ending-ideas/ |title=Mass Effect 3: series' former lead writer reveals original ending ideas |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=June 20, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |access-date=April 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160111073502/http://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-series-former-lead-writer-reveals-original-ending-ideas/ |archive-date=January 11, 2016 |url-status=live }} In November 2011, a private beta of Mass Effect 3 was leaked onto Xbox Live, which allowed players to access unreleased plot details, and forced BioWare to alter some aspects of the story at the last minute.{{cite web |last1=Dutton |first1=Fred |title=Mass Effect 3 story files leaked |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-07-mass-effect-3-story-files-leaked |website=Eurogamer |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=November 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825212617/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-07-mass-effect-3-story-files-leaked|archive-date=August 25, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mass Effect 3 was officially announced on December 11, 2010, at the Spike Video Game Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/12/12/mass-effect-3-announced/|title=Mass Effect 3 announced at VGAs|first=Johnny|last=Cullen|date=December 12, 2010|website=VG247|access-date=December 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828170406/https://www.vg247.com/2010/12/12/mass-effect-3-announced/|archive-date=August 28, 2018|url-status=live}} The following summer, the game was demoed and unveiled at conventions such as Comic-Con,{{cite web |last1=A |first1=Frank |title=Mass Effect 3 Comic-Con 2011 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/mass-effect-3-comic-con-2011/2300-6324966/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=July 23, 2011}} Electronic Entertainment Expo,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/06/e3-2011-earth-under-attack-in-mass-effect-3|first=Peter|last=Eykemans|title=E3 2011: Earth Under Attack in Mass Effect 3|website=IGN|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103065550/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/06/e3-2011-earth-under-attack-in-mass-effect-3|archive-date=January 3, 2013|url-status=live}} Gamescon,{{cite web |last1=Dale |first1=Joe |title=Gamescon 2011 - Community Reporter Joe Dale Mass Effect 3 Special |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/news/gamescom-2011-mass-effect-3-special |publisher=Electronic Arts |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=August 19, 2011}} and PAX Prime.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Mike |title=PAX 2011: Mass Effect 3 Hands On |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112681-PAX-2011-Mass-Effect-3-Hands-On#&gid=gallery_452&pid=1 |magazine=The Escapist |access-date=July 28, 2018 |date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729013020/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112681-PAX-2011-Mass-Effect-3-Hands-On#&gid=gallery_452&pid=1|archive-date=July 29, 2018|url-status=live}} A multiplayer component was officially announced on October 10, 2011,{{cite news|first=Winda |last=Benedetti |url=http://ingame.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/10/8256632-you-can-play-mass-effect-3-with-your-friends |title=You can play 'Mass Effect 3' with your friends |publisher=MSNBC |date=October 10, 2011 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224022057/http://ingame.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/10/8256632-you-can-play-mass-effect-3-with-your-friends |archive-date=December 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }} confirming longstanding fan rumors of a multiplayer mode dating back to 2010.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Reilly|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/01/mass-effect-going-multiplayer|title=Mass Effect Going Multiplayer?|website=IGN|date=June 1, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126095322/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/01/mass-effect-going-multiplayer|archive-date=January 26, 2013|url-status=live}} An official single-player demo was released on February 14, 2012, with early access granted to consumers who purchased Battlefield 3 and activated their online pass.{{cite web|title=Mass Effect 3 Demo Dropping February 14|website=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/mass-effect-3-demo-dropping-february-14-6348767|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=January 19, 2012|last=Makuch|first=Eddie}}

Leading to its release, Mass Effect 3 was promoted with a variety of video content, beginning with a reveal trailer in 2010 and ending with a teaser trailer called Take Back Earth in 2012.{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Annette |title=Mass Effect 3 Debut Trailer Shown At VGAs |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/11/mass-effect-3-debut.aspx?PageIndex=689 |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=December 11, 2010 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826043831/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/11/mass-effect-3-debut.aspx?PageIndex=689|archive-date=August 26, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Get Ready to Take Earth Back in Mass Effect 3 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/14/get-ready-to-take-earth-back-in-mass-effect-3 |website=IGN |access-date=July 14, 2018 |date=February 14, 2012 |last=Hopper |first=Steven |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201225015429/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/14/get-ready-to-take-earth-back-in-mass-effect-3 |archive-date=December 25, 2020 |url-status=live }} BioWare also utilized viral marketing such as fictional blogs and a weekly web series called BioWare Pulse.{{cite web|last=Weekes|first=Patrick|url=http://blog.bioware.com/2011/12/22/shepard-off-duty/|title=Shepard Off-Duty |publisher=BioWare Blog |date=December 22, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180926234428/http://blog.bioware.com/2011/12/22/shepard-off-duty/|archive-date=September 26, 2018|url-status=live}} For one promotional campaign, EA launched early copies of Mass Effect 3 into space using weather balloons that were equipped with GPS devices.{{cite web|title=Early Copies of Mass Effect 3 Launched into Space|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/16/early-copies-of-mass-effect-3-launched-into-space|website=IGN|access-date=July 6, 2016|date=February 16, 2012|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629021218/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/16/early-copies-of-mass-effect-3-launched-into-space|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live}} Fans were able to track the balloons online and then recover them once they landed, which enabled them to obtain early copies of the game. Throughout its marketing cycle, Mass Effect 3 was subject to numerous leaks; most significantly, a private beta unintentionally became available to players on Xbox Live in November 2011.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|url=http://kotaku.com/5807628/will-mass-effect-3-really-be-better-with-kinect|title=Will Mass Effect 3 Really Be 'Better With Kinect'?|website=Kotaku|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117200418/https://kotaku.com/5807628/will-mass-effect-3-really-be-better-with-kinect|archive-date=November 17, 2018|url-status=live}}

Unlike Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, BioWare promoted Mass Effect 3 with both male and female versions of Commander Shepard.{{cite web|last=Westbrook|first=Logan|title=BioWare Adding Female Shepard to Mass Effect 3 Marketing|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111077-BioWare-Adding-Female-Shepard-to-Mass-Effect-3-Marketing|magazine=The Escapist|access-date=June 23, 2011|date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904090256/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111077-BioWare-Adding-Female-Shepard-to-Mass-Effect-3-Marketing|archive-date=September 4, 2018|url-status=live}} Colloquially referred to as "FemShep", the female Shepard had her own dedicated trailers and appeared on the cover of some versions of the game, including the standard version, which featured a reversible slipcase insert with FemShep on one side.{{cite news|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/25660/Mass-Effect-3-Features-Reversable-FemShep-Cover |title=Mass Effect 3 Features {{sic|Rever|sable|nolink=y}} 'FemShep' Cover |publisher=TeamXbox |date=February 22, 2012 |access-date=March 6, 2012 | author=Sparky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227150105/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/25660/Mass-Effect-3-Features-Reversable-FemShep-Cover |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead }} To help decide the official FemShep model, BioWare asked fans to choose between five prototypes on Facebook.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|url=http://kotaku.com/5824180/what-does-mass-effect-3s-official-fem-shep-look-like-you-make-the-call|title=What Does Mass Effect 3's Official 'Fem Shep' Look Like? You Make the Call! |website=Kotaku|date=July 23, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117130551/https://kotaku.com/5824180/what-does-mass-effect-3s-official-fem-shep-look-like-you-make-the-call|archive-date=November 17, 2018|url-status=live}} Ultimately, the fifth prototype won and a new fan vote was held to decide its hair color, which became red.{{cite web |last1=Senior |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect 3: this is female Shepard |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-this-is-female-shepard/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825212619/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-this-is-female-shepard/|archive-date=August 25, 2018|url-status=live}}

In addition to the standard version of Mass Effect 3, players could also purchase a Collector's Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition, which included in-game bonuses and unlockable items.{{cite web|author=Jim Reilly|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/06/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-n7-collectors-edition-announced|title=E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition Announced|website=IGN|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126002213/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/06/e3-2011-mass-effect-3-n7-collectors-edition-announced|archive-date=January 26, 2013|url-status=live}} The Digital Deluxe Edition was exclusively available through Origin, EA's online distribution and digital rights management system.{{cite web |last1=Senior |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect 3 Deluxe Edition exclusive to Origin, adds guns, outfits and a robot dog |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-deluxe-edition-exclusive-to-origin-adds-guns-outfits-and-a-robot-dog/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 25, 2018 |date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826005014/https://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-3-deluxe-edition-exclusive-to-origin-adds-guns-outfits-and-a-robot-dog/|archive-date=August 26, 2018|url-status=live}} The game also came with various pre-order bonuses depending on where the order was made.{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Goldfarb|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/04/mass-effect-3-pre-order-bonuses-revealed|title=Mass Effect 3 Pre-Order Bonuses Revealed|website=IGN|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130502130524/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/04/mass-effect-3-pre-order-bonuses-revealed|archive-date=May 2, 2013|url-status=live}} For example, those who pre-ordered the game from the PlayStation Network were granted the M-55 Argus assault weapon and Mass Effect 3 PlayStation theme.{{cite web|url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3-available-for-psn-pre-order-today-with-exclusive-bonuses/|title=Mass Effect 3 Available for PSN Pre-Order Today With Exclusive Bonuses|last=Merizan|first=Jessica|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|publisher=PlayStation Blog}}

Mass Effect 3 was originally scheduled for release in late 2011, but its official release date was eventually moved to March 6, 2012.{{cite web|title=Mass Effect 3 Thrusts Its Way into Early 2012|first=Mike|last=Fahey|website=Kotaku|access-date=March 4, 2011|date=March 4, 2011|url=http://kotaku.com/5798587/mass-effect-3-will-be-an-early-2012-release|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106191024/https://kotaku.com/5798587/mass-effect-3-will-be-an-early-2012-release|archive-date=November 6, 2018|url-status=live}} Initially, the game was only released for Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. All new copies of the game came with an online pass that granted access to the multiplayer mode, but used copies generally required that a new pass be purchased.{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Eykemans|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/23/online-passes-dlc-and-your-money|title=Online Passes, DLC, and Your Money|website=IGN|date=January 23, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126030002/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/23/online-passes-dlc-and-your-money|archive-date=January 26, 2013|url-status=live}} In order to run Mass Effect 3 on PC, players were required to install Origin.{{cite web |last1=Oshry |first1=Dave |title=Surprise Surprise, Mass Effect 3 Requires Origin, Won't Launch On Steam |url=https://kotaku.com/5876171/surprise-surprise-mass-effect-3-requires-origin-wont-launch-on-steam |website=Kotaku |access-date=July 28, 2018 |date=January 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117091652/https://kotaku.com/5876171/surprise-surprise-mass-effect-3-requires-origin-wont-launch-on-steam|archive-date=November 17, 2018|url-status=live}} On November 18, 2012, a Wii U version of the game was released in North America, followed by releases in Europe and Australia on November 30 and Japan on December 6.{{cite web |last1=Makuch |first1=Eddie |title=Mass Effect 3 Wii U confirmed for launch |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mass-effect-3-wii-u-confirmed-for-launch/1100-6399544/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 15, 2018 |date=November 6, 2012}} It was ported by Australian developer Straight Right.{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Phillips |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/mass-effect-3-wii-u-developer-very-conscious-of-not-wanting-to-mess-up |title=Mass Effect 3 Wii U developer "very conscious of not wanting to mess up" |work=Eurogamer |date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703105235/https://www.eurogamer.net/mass-effect-3-wii-u-developer-very-conscious-of-not-wanting-to-mess-up |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |url-status=live}} Along with Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 became backwards compatible with Xbox One on November 7, 2016.{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Mass Effect 2 and 3 now playable on Xbox One |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/7/13552118/mass-effect-2-mass-effect-3-backward-compatible-xbox-one |website=Polygon |access-date=July 15, 2018 |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716024915/https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/7/13552118/mass-effect-2-mass-effect-3-backward-compatible-xbox-one|archive-date=July 16, 2018|url-status=live}} A remaster of the Mass Effect trilogy, entitled Mass Effect Legendary Edition, was released for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 14, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Hudson|first=Casey|date=November 7, 2020|title=Happy N7 Day!|url=https://blog.bioware.com/2020/11/07/happy-n7-day-4/|access-date=November 8, 2020|website=BioWare Blog|language=en-US|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201107211703/https://blog.bioware.com/2020/11/07/happy-n7-day-4/|archive-date=November 7, 2020|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Mass Effect 3 downloadable content}}

A variety of downloadable content packs for Mass Effect 3 were released between March 2012 and April 2013.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect 3 - Xbox Marketplace |url=http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mass-Effect-3/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024541095d |publisher=Xbox Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019203236/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mass-Effect-3/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024541095d|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}} The content ranges from minor in-game items to more significant plot-related missions.{{cite web |title=Item Packs |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloads/item_packs/ |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018}} One pack, Extended Cut, expands upon the game's original endings with an additional choice to refuse the Catalyst, which inevitably results in a Reaper victory over the current cycle of organics.{{cite web |last1=Suszek |first1=Mike |title=Documenting the changes in Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/05/cataloguing-the-changes-in-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-dlc/ |publisher=Engadget|access-date=July 5, 2018 |date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909102629/https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/05/cataloguing-the-changes-in-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-dlc/|archive-date=September 9, 2018|url-status=live}} The pack also supplements each of the three main endings with an epilogue and elaborates upon other aspects of the conclusion.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/about/extended_cut/ |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018}} For example, whereas the original ending shows the Normandy SR-2 trying to outrun the blast from the Crucible, it does not elaborate on why the Normandy is fleeing from battle in the first place. In Extended Cut, a scene with Admiral Hackett ordering an evacuation is added.

Other major packs include From Ashes, which adds Javik as a squadmate;{{cite web |title=Mass Effect 3: From Ashes |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloads/from_ashes/ |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018}} Leviathan, which follows the crew of the Normandy as they investigate the Reapers' origins;{{cite web |title=Mass Effect 3: Leviathan |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloads/leviathan/ |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018}} Omega, which involves Shepard retaking the space station Omega alongside Aria T'Loak, its former ruler, from Cerberus; and Citadel, which follows the crew of the Normandy on shore leave.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect 3: Citadel |url=http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloads/citadel/ |publisher=Mass Effect 3 Official Website |access-date=July 7, 2018}} An interactive comic called Genesis 2 is also available for purchase and allows players to quickly customize important story decisions on the spot instead of having to replay prior installments.{{cite web|title=Mass Effect™: Genesis 2|url=https://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mass-Effect-Genesis-2/62446ba7-6e72-4be8-9785-9ac49f73d8f6|publisher=Xbox Games Store|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019212637/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mass-Effect-Genesis-2/62446ba7-6e72-4be8-9785-9ac49f73d8f6|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}} The Wii U version of the game includes Genesis 2 and From Ashes.{{cite web |last1=Hollander |first1=Cooper |title=Mass Effect 3 Wii U Review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-special-edition-review/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=July 7, 2018 |date=November 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111071310/https://www.gamesradar.com/mass-effect-3-special-edition-review/|archive-date=January 11, 2019|url-status=live}} Of all the packs, Citadel was the best-received, and both Leviathan and Citadel were nominated for Best DLC at the Spike Video Game Awards during their respective years of release (2012 and 2013).{{cite web|url=http://gamerant.com/spike-video-game-awards-nominees-2013/|title=2012 Spike Video Game Awards Nominees Announced|date=November 15, 2012|last=Taormina|first=Anthony|publisher=Game Rant|access-date=2012-11-16}}{{cite web |last1=Nunneley |first1=Stephany |title=Spike VGX 2013 Award winners: Grand Theft Auto 5 wins Game of the Year |url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/12/07/spike-vgx-2013-award-winners-injustice-gods-among-us-nabs-best-fighting-game/ |website=VG247 |access-date=July 7, 2018 |date=December 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002165826/https://www.vg247.com/2013/12/07/spike-vgx-2013-award-winners-injustice-gods-among-us-nabs-best-fighting-game/|archive-date=October 2, 2018|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = (PC) 89/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Mass Effect 3 (PC)|website=Metacritic|access-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191231193618/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/mass-effect-3|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}
(X360) 93/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360)|website=Metacritic|access-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191231192702/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/mass-effect-3|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}
(PS3) 93/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Mass Effect 3 (PlayStation 3)|website=Metacritic|access-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191231193330/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/mass-effect-3|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}
(WIIU) 85/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mass-effect-3/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=Mass Effect 3: Special Edition (WIIU)|website=Metacritic|access-date=November 28, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191231193824/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mass-effect-3-special-edition|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}

| 1UP = A{{cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Thierry|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/mass-effect-3-ps3-xbox360|title=Mass Effect 3 Review for 360, PS3|date=March 6, 2012|website=1Up.com|access-date=March 6, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509153247/http://www.1up.com/reviews/mass-effect-3-ps3-xbox360|archive-date=May 9, 2012}}

| Edge = 8/10

| EuroG = 10/10{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-mass-effect-3-review|title=Mass Effect 3 Review|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|date=March 6, 2012|website=Eurogamer|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209112641/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-mass-effect-3-review|archive-date=December 9, 2012|url-status=live}}

| G4 = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/50299/mass-effect-3/review/|title=Mass Effect 3 Review – Xbox 360|last=Sessler|first=Adam|date=March 6, 2012|publisher=G4tv|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605064443/http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/50299/mass-effect-3/review/|archive-date=June 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}

| GI = 10/10{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mass_effect_3/b/xbox360/archive/2012/03/05/emotion-runs-high-in-shepard-39-s-farewell.aspx|title=Mass Effect 3: Emotion Runs High In BioWare's Grand Finale|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|date=March 6, 2012|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191231194513/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mass_effect_3/b/xbox360/archive/2012/03/05/emotion-runs-high-in-shepard-39-s-farewell.aspx|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 9.0/10{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/mass-effect-3/reviews/mass-effect-3-review-6363906/|title=Mass Effect 3 Review|date=March 6, 2012|website=GameSpot|access-date=March 6, 2012|last=VanOrd|first=Kevin|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206032456/http://www.gamespot.com/mass-effect-3/reviews/mass-effect-3-review-6363906/|archive-date=December 6, 2012|url-status=live}}

| GT = 9.5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-mass-effect/727642|title=Mass Effect 3 Video Review|date=March 6, 2012|publisher=GameTrailers|access-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102174537/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ip3z40/mass-effect-3-review|archive-date=January 2, 2013|url-status=dead}}

| IGN = 9.5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/01/mass-effect-3-review|title=The Last Effect|last=Moriarty|first=Colin|date=March 6, 2012|website=IGN|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103164500/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/06/mass-effect-3-review|archive-date=January 3, 2013|url-status=live}}

| OXMUK = 10/10{{cite magazine|last=Lees|first=Matt|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/39363/reviews/mass-effect-3-review/|title=Mass Effect 3 Review|magazine=Official Xbox Magazine (UK)|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114041038/http://www.oxm.co.uk/39363/reviews/mass-effect-3-review/|archive-date=January 14, 2013|url-status=dead}}

| PCGUS = 93/100

}}

Upon release, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Mass Effect 3 received "universal acclaim" while the Windows and Wii U versions received "generally favorable reviews" from video game publications, according to review aggregator Metacritic. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game finished with scores of 93 out of 100, making Mass Effect 3 the highest-rated game of 2012 on both systems.

Critics felt that Mass Effect 3 was a satisfying conclusion to the Mass Effect trilogy. In a perfect review for Eurogamer, Dan Whitehead praised the game for providing a definitive close to the saga instead of something more ambiguous or open-ended. Writing for Game Informer, Andrew Reiner proclaimed that BioWare had created one of the most "intricately crafted" stories in the history of video gaming. Tom Francis of PC Gamer (US) remarked that the finale was a "mixed bag", but ultimately praised its scale and emotional impact, which he felt was more satisfying than its main plot.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/review/mass-effect-3-review/|title=Mass Effect 3 review|last=Francis|first=Tom|date=March 6, 2012|magazine=PC Gamer|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208143402/http://www.pcgamer.com/review/mass-effect-3-review/|archive-date=December 8, 2012|url-status=live}}

Reviewers highlighted the experience of playing Mass Effect 3 with an imported saved game. In a piece for Polygon, Arthur Gies opined that, while the game would be engaging without any previous context, it would be more meaningful for players who also played through Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.{{cite web |last1=Gies |first1=Arthur |title=Mass Effect 3 Review: The Sharp Edge of Hope |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/2/3443570/mass-effect-3-review-the-sharp-edge-of-hope |website=Polygon |access-date=July 28, 2018 |date=March 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150201115511/http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/2/3443570/mass-effect-3-review-the-sharp-edge-of-hope |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=live }} Gus Mastrapa of The A.V. Club echoed these sentiments and praised Mass Effect 3 for allotting each player a degree of flexibility over their choices and the direction of the narrative.{{cite news |last1=Mastrapa |first1=Gus |title=Reviews: Mass Effect 3 |url=https://www.avclub.com/mass-effect-3-1798230284 |newspaper=The A.V. Club |access-date=July 29, 2018 |date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200101160101/https://games.avclub.com/mass-effect-3-1798230284 |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} By contrast, Edge felt that Mass Effect 3 relied too heavily on events from prior games, which stopped it from standing up as its own work.{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/mass-effect-3-review|title=Mass Effect 3 review|date=March 6, 2012|magazine=Edge|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206011543/http://www.edge-online.com/review/mass-effect-3-review/|archive-date=December 6, 2012|url-status=live}}

The combat system and multiplayer mode received praise. Discussing combat for IGN, Colin Moriarty observed that while changes from prior installments were minor, they were still evident, and anticipated that multiplayer would give the game added replay value. While Game Informer noted that combat was not perfect, they were still positive and concluded that enemy encounters were more intense and interesting than in Mass Effect 2, due in part to a greater variety in environment and enemy types. In an otherwise enthusiastic write-up for GameSpot, Kevin VanOrd recounted numerous glitches during combat, such as party members putting themselves in the line of fire by climbing onto crates and enemies getting stuck on walls. Machinima also noted numerous bugs, but relented that Mass Effect 3 was still a memorable experience, citing the game's strong characters as compensation for its flaws.

Other aspects of Mass Effect 3 to receive praise included its art design, music, and voice acting. GameSpot described the art design as "fantastic" and gave particular attention to its use of color and composition. In that same review, the website complimented the game's voice acting for bringing its major characters to life. PC Gamer (US) made special mention of the game's music, calling it "gorgeous" and observing that it significantly added to the emotional impact of the game. The Verge went a step further and described the score as one of the most "powerful and memorable" ever created for a video game.{{cite web |title=Sam Hulick - Biography |url=https://samhulick.com/#bio |publisher=Sam Hulick Official Website |access-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200101160444/https://samhulick.com/%23bio |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Kirk Hamilton of Kotaku felt that the score represented some of the best video game music of 2012.{{cite web |access-date=May 21, 2013 |title=The Best Video Game Music of 2012 |first=Kirk |last=Hamilton |date=December 13, 2012 |website=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/5968289/the-best-video-game-music-of-2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130521094426/http://kotaku.com/5968289/the-best-video-game-music-of-2012 |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Mass Effect 3 ending controversy}}

The ending of Mass Effect 3 was poorly received by players, who felt that it did not meet their expectations. Displeased fans organized an internet campaign called "Retake Mass Effect" to demand a better ending to the game, part of which included a charity drive for the organization Child's Play.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17444719|title=Mass Effect campaign demands new ending to series|date=March 20, 2012|publisher=BBC|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903192617/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17444719|archive-date=September 3, 2012|url-status=live}} Public outcry over the game's outcome drew conflicting responses from organizations such as the US-based Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission as well as the UK-based Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as to whether BioWare had engaged in false advertising and misled consumers under existing law.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/mass-effect-3-falsely-advertised-says-bbb-6371157 |title=Mass Effect 3 falsely advertised, says BBB |author=Eddie Makuch |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414065135/http://www.gamespot.com/news/mass-effect-3-falsely-advertised-says-bbb-6371157 |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Mass Effect 3 ending complaints rejected by ASA|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/mass-effect-3-ending-complaints-rejected-by-asa/|work=MCV Staff|date=June 14, 2012|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220319145403/https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/mass-effect-3-ending-complaints-rejected-by-asa/|archive-date=March 19, 2022|url-status=live}} On April 5, 2012, BioWare announced a free DLC pack that would expand upon the ending and address criticism.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut/|title=Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut|publisher=BioWare|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2012|author=darklarke|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709062611/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut/|archive-date=July 9, 2012|url-status=dead}} The expansion, Extended Cut, was released for most platforms on June 26, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/06/22/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-2/|title=Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut|publisher=BioWare|date=June 22, 2012|access-date=June 23, 2012|author=BioWare Community Team|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203091441/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/06/22/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-2/|archive-date=December 3, 2012|url-status=live}} Critical and fan reaction towards the pack was generally mixed.{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Mike |title=The Verdict is In: Fans Love / Hate the Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut |url=https://kotaku.com/the-verdict-is-in-fans-love-hate-the-mass-effect-3-e-5921394 |website=Kotaku |access-date=December 27, 2019 |date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200103000948/https://kotaku.com/the-verdict-is-in-fans-love-hate-the-mass-effect-3-e-5921394 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |url-status=live }}

Some fans and special interest groups vocally objected to the inclusion of expanded same sex romance options for Shepard.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-do-you-hate-mass-effect-3/1100-6365175/ |title=Why Do You Hate Mass Effect 3? |first=Kevin |last=VanOrd |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 12, 2021 |date=March 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171115225805/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-do-you-hate-mass-effect-3/1100-6365175/ |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.straight.com/blogra/mass-effect-3-goes-gay-lesbian-and-gay-sex-scenes-spark-debate|title=Mass Effect 3 goes gay: Lesbian and gay sex scenes spark debate|first=Craig|last=Takeuchi|date=March 9, 2012|work=The Georgia Straight|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220319145916/https://www.straight.com/blogra/mass-effect-3-goes-gay-lesbian-and-gay-sex-scenes-spark-debate|archive-date=March 19, 2022|url-status=live}} Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot and Craig Takeuchi of the Georgia Straight highlighted instances of dismissive comments against the game's same-sex relationship content which were posted on several websites in their respective articles. Queerty suggested that some of the user-generated comments posted on Metacritic were indicative of a review bomb movement to intentionally lower the game's user rating in response to the romance content.{{cite web |url=https://www.queerty.com/watch-mass-effect-3-gives-gamers-an-intergalactic-gay-tryst-20120306|title=Watch: Mass Effect 3 Gives Gamers An Intergalactic Gay Tryst|author=Dan Avery|date=March 6, 2012|work=Queerty|access-date=March 19, 2020}} In April 2012, Jeff Brown, VP of corporate communications at EA, claimed that his company was inundated by "several thousand" letters and emails protesting the inclusion of LGBT content in the video games it publishes like Mass Effect 3.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-04-ea-defends-itself-against-thousands-of-anti-gay-letters|date=April 4, 2012|title=EA defends itself against thousands of anti-gay letters|first=James|last=Brightman|website=Gamesindustry.biz|access-date=May 18, 2021}} EA issued a statement denying that it came under pressure by any groups to include LGBT characters in their games, but acknowledged that it has voluntarily worked with pro-LGBT groups to discuss appropriate content as well as the harassment of players in online forums. James Brightman of Gameindustry.biz noted that many of the letters appeared to have originated from addresses in the US State of Florida and were likely coordinated by local anti-LGBT groups based there.

Other noteworthy controversies surrounding Mass Effect 3 included accusations of questionable business practices over the decision to release From Ashes as paid day one DLC;{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/part-of-mass-effects-controversial-day-one-dlc-is-on-th-5892307/|title=Part of Mass Effect's Controversial Day-One DLC is on the Disc, Video Alleges [Update]|website=Kotaku|first=Owen|last=Good|date= March 11, 2012|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220319145514/https://kotaku.com/part-of-mass-effects-controversial-day-one-dlc-is-on-th-5892307|archive-date=March 19, 2022|url-status=live}} allegations of conflict of interest involving the casting of video game media personality Jessica Chobot as an in-game character named Diana Allers;{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/9/13/4661472/jessica-chobot-daylight|title=Jessica Chobot: stepping into Daylight|website=Polygon|first=Charlie|last=Hall|date=September 13, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150201031802/http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/9/13/4661472/jessica-chobot-daylight|archive-date=February 1, 2015|url-status=live}} the creative decision to utilize a stock photo as the basis of Tali's face;{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-legendary-edition-addresses-one-the-series-bigger-controversies|title=Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Addresses One the Series' Bigger Controversies|website=IGN|first=Joe|last=Skrebels|date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}} and the online poll to determine the redesigned default appearance of a female Shepard.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/fans-picked-the-blonde-in-a-controversial-video-game-be-5826702|title=Fans Picked the Blonde in a Controversial Video Game Beauty Contest, But That's Not a Bad Thing|first=Kirk|last=Hamilton|date=August 1, 2011|website=Kotaku|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815173021/https://kotaku.com/fans-picked-the-blonde-in-a-controversial-video-game-be-5826702|archive-date=August 15, 2023|url-status=live}}

EA originally shipped 3.5 million units of Mass Effect 3 in its first month.{{cite magazine|last1=Thier|first1=Dave|title=Mass Effect 3 Ships 3.5 Million Units|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/03/09/mass-effect-3-ships-3-5-million-units/#4fd97e1114d1|access-date=May 23, 2016|magazine=Forbes|date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105132715/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattdrange/2019/12/23/best-stories-of-the-decade-behind-peter-thiels-plan-to-destroy-gawker/%237433ed2372d9#4fd97e1114d1|archive-date=January 5, 2020|url-status=live}} It sold 349,000 digital copies on the PC alone by the end of March 2012.{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Tyler|date=April 28, 2017|title=SuperData Digital Sales March 2017: Ghost Recon Wildlands Tops Sales Charts; Market Increases 7% Year-on-Year|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/superdata-digital-sales-march-2017-ghost-recon-wildlands-tops-sales-market-increases/|publisher=DualShocker|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105133008/https://www.dualshockers.com/superdata-digital-sales-march-2017-ghost-recon-wildlands-tops-sales-market-increases/|archive-date=January 5, 2020|url-status=live}} The game sold over 890,000 copies in its first 24 hours. According to The NPD Group, it sold 1.3 million physical copies in its debut month,{{cite web |last1=Sliwinsk |first1=Alexanderi |title=Mass Effect 3 sales in US hit 1.3 million during launch month |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-sales-in-us-hit-1-3-million-during-launch-month/ |publisher=Engadget |access-date=July 8, 2018 |date=April 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105133212/https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-sales-in-us-hit-1-3-million-during-launch-month/ |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |url-status=live }} which amounted to twice the total of Mass Effect 2 during its opening month in January 2010.{{cite web |last1=Purchese |first1=Robert |title=Opening month US Mass Effect 3 sales double ME2's |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-13-opening-month-us-mass-effect-3-sales-double-mass-effect-2s |website=Eurogamer |access-date=July 8, 2018 |date=April 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150210030838/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-13-opening-month-us-mass-effect-3-sales-double-mass-effect-2s |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |url-status=live }} In May 2012, EA reported that Mass Effect 3 grossed over $200 million during Q4 FY12.{{cite web |title=Electronic Arts Reports Q4 FY12 and FY12 Financial Results |url=http://investor.ea.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=671113 |publisher=Electronic Arts |access-date=August 22, 2018 |date=May 7, 2012 |agency=Acquire Media}}

Following its release, Mass Effect 3 received a number of year-end awards, including Satellite Award for Outstanding Role Playing Game, Best RPG at the Spike Video Game Awards, Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards,{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2013&idGame=1270 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Mass Effect 3 |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=22 November 2023}} Game of the Year from Game Informer, Best Overall RPG from IGN, and Best Co-Operative Multiplayer and Best Game Cinematography from Inside Gaming Awards.

{{Clear}}

In the years following its release, Mass Effect 3 has received retrospective attention, with much of it focusing on the ending controversy. For example, a 2017 article by James Davenport of PC Gamer opined that the game's ending received an "inordinate" amount of criticism, and while he agreed that the ending was "problematic", he also noted that fixating on the ending could distract players from other aspects of the game.{{cite web |last1=Davenport |first1=James |title=The Mass Effect games ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-mass-effect-games-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=December 26, 2019 |date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200104202828/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-mass-effect-games-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |url-status=live }} In 2018, Lucy O'Brien of IGN posited that BioWare's cooperative response to "Retake Mass Effect" contributed to a paradigm shift in how consumers influence video game developers. She ultimately concluded that the movement "helped lift up the velvet rope that once stood between gamer and game-maker."{{cite web |last1=O'Brien |first1=Lucy |title=The (Sometimes Dangerous) Power of the Video Game Community |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/31/the-sometimes-dangerous-power-of-the-video-game-community |website=IGN |access-date=September 2, 2018 |date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180831182557/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/31/the-sometimes-dangerous-power-of-the-video-game-community |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |url-status=live }} Wes Fenlon of PC Gamer suggested that the popularity of the game's multiplayer mode helped popularize loot boxes, "the worst monetization gimmick of the 2010s" in his opinion, and made it a mainstream feature in the video game industry.{{cite web |last1=Fenlon |first1=Wes |title=It's weird that Mass Effect 3 was the game that really made loot boxes mainstream|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/its-weird-that-mass-effect-3-was-the-game-that-really-made-loot-boxes-mainstream/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=December 26, 2019 |date=May 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220319144736/https://www.pcgamer.com/its-weird-that-mass-effect-3-was-the-game-that-really-made-loot-boxes-mainstream/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}

Despite the controversies surrounding the game, some publications have cited Mass Effect 3 as one of the greatest video games of all time and as one of the best or most important games of the 2010s. In November 2012, the game was included in Time's list of the top 100 video games of all time,{{cite magazine|title=All-Time 100 Video Games|url=https://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/slide/all/|magazine=Time|date=November 15, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2020|author=Time Staff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116214206/http://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/slide/all/|archive-date=November 16, 2012|url-status=live}} and in 2018, it was named among the greatest games of all time by Game Informer.{{cite magazine|magazine=Game Informer|title=The Top 300 Games of All Time|date=April 2018|issue=300}} By 2019, Mass Effect 3 was ranked as one of the best video games of the 2010s by VG247,{{cite web |author1=Staff |title=The best video games of the decade – the top 50 games from 2010-2020, ranked |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/11/27/best-video-games-of-the-decade-the-top-50-games-from-2010-2020-ranked/ |website=VG247 |access-date=December 26, 2019 |date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191127154208/https://www.vg247.com/2019/11/27/best-video-games-of-the-decade-the-top-50-games-from-2010-2020-ranked/ |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |url-status=live }} Forbes,{{cite web |last1=Kain |first1=Erik |title=The Best Video Games Of The Decade (2010 - 2019) |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2020/12/31/the-best---and-most-important---video-games-of-the-decade-20102019/#2d2010f97c84 |website=Forbes |access-date=December 31, 2019 |date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105173045/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-finds/2019/11/06/best-portable-chargers/%237e03973e4d96#2d2010f97c84 |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |url-status=live }} and Den of Geek.{{cite web |title=100 Best Games of the Decade |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/285132/best-video-games-2010s-decade |publisher=Den of Geek |access-date=January 1, 2020 |date=December 31, 2019 |last1=Saavedra |first1=John |last2=Byrd |first2=Matthew |last3=Boo |first3=Bernard |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105173323/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/285132/best-video-games-2010s-decade |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |url-status=live }} That same year, Eurogamer listed the character Mordin's final scene as one of their favorite moments of the decade.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Games of the Decade: Our favourite moments |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-01-games-of-the-decade-our-favourite-moments |website=Eurogamer |access-date=December 26, 2019 |date=December 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200105173643/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-01-games-of-the-decade-our-favourite-moments |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |url-status=live }} Mass Effect 3 was also identified by VentureBeat as one of the defining games of the 2010s due to the "firestorm of fans, press, and developers converging into an absolute mess of internet culture" over its ending, and its multiplayer mode, which ultimately became an unexpected monetary success.{{cite web |title=From Minecraft to Auto Chess: The 29 games that define the 2010s |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/30/gamesbeat-rewind-2019-the-games-that-tell-the-decades-story/|publisher=VentureBeat |date=December 30, 2019| access-date=April 1, 2020 |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |last2=Kaiser |first2=Rowan |last3=Minotti |first3=Mike |last4=Takahashi |first4=Dean |last5=Wilson |first5=Jason |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200503151555/https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/30/gamesbeat-rewind-2019-the-games-that-tell-the-decades-story/ |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Mass Effect: Andromeda}}

On March 21, 2017, a standalone sequel, entitled Mass Effect: Andromeda, was released.{{cite web |title=Mass Effect: Andromeda IGN Page |url=http://www.ign.com/games/mass-effect-andromeda |website=IGN |access-date=July 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200509184825/https://www.ign.com/games/mass-effect-andromeda |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |url-status=live}} The game takes place in the Andromeda galaxy during the 29th century following a 634-year sleeper ship journey from the Milky Way galaxy.{{cite magazine |title=Everything We Know About Mass Effect: Andromeda |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/everything-we-know-about/17480-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Mass-Effect-Andromeda#&gid=gallery_7055&pid=1 |magazine=The Escapist |access-date=July 7, 2018 |date=March 17, 2017 |author=The Escapist Staff |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200509185058/https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/everything-we-know-about/17480-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Mass-Effect-Andromeda%23&gid=gallery_7055&pid=1 |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |url-status=live}} It introduces a new protagonist, either Sara or Scott Ryder, and revolves around finding a new homeworld for humanity.{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Hayley |title=What I Learned From Three Hours With Mass Effect: Andromeda |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/what-i-learned-from-three-hours-with-mass-effect-andromeda/ |website=Kotaku |access-date=July 7, 2018 |date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170224103711/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/what-i-learned-from-three-hours-with-mass-effect-andromeda/ |archive-date=February 24, 2017}} As of February 2022, the next game of the Mass Effect universe is currently in pre-production, led by a veteran team at BioWare.{{cite web |last1=McKay |first1=Gary |title=Game Update: Dragon Age in Production |url=https://blog.bioware.com/2022/02/23/game-update-dragon-age-in-production/ |website=BioWare Official Website |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220226233347/https://blog.bioware.com/2022/02/23/game-update-dragon-age-in-production/ |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |date=February 23, 2022 |url-status=live }}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• Lenhardt, Heinrich. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/electronic-arts-reveals-new-mass-effect-3-and-star-wars-mmo-numbers/2012/03/08/gIQAFBqb1R_story.html "Mass Effect 3: Electronic Arts chief executive feeling 'awfully good' about launch."] WashingtonPost.Com. March 9, 2012.
• Brown, Nathan. [http://www.edge-online.com/news/mass-effect-3-sells-890000-24-hours "Mass Effect 3 sells 890,000 in 24 hours."] Edge-Online.com. March 9, 2012.
• Snider, Mike. [http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/02/mass-effect-3-becomes-true-space-oddity-/1#.T1z1I9SXR8E "'Mass Effect 3' becomes true space oddity."] USAToday.com. February 16, 2012.
• Rosenberg, Adam. [http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/718744/mass-effect-3-will-feature-unused-mass-effect-2-mission/ "Mass Effect 3 Will Feature Unused Mass Effect 2 Mission."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126054434/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/718744/mass-effect-3-will-feature-unused-mass-effect-2-mission/ |date=2014-11-26 }} G4TV.com. November 30, 2011.
• Zivalich, Nikole. [http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/718392/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-video-preview-save-the-galaxy-together/ "Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Video Preview -- Save The Galaxy Together."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126054439/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/718392/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-video-preview-save-the-galaxy-together/ |date=2014-11-26 }} G4TV.com. November 15, 2011.

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