Once an Xbox original, then ported to PC, this game was intended to play out through one console and the PC.
Bioware then proves to have a winning RPG formula so EA buys them and decides they want to maximize profits by developing the sequel games across multiple platforms.
To continue maximizing profits, EA wants to let 'new' fans have just as good of a time as long term fans from the original game without feeling left out because a whole new demographic is going to be spending money on an IP that they likely do not have access to the origin story (PS3 players). Hence, the promises from the beginning started to get warped from being dramatic impacts on storyline to ultimately fan-service in ME2 & to a further extent ME3 (albeit damn good fan-service for those of us who enjoyed the games).
Success of ME2 on PS3 financially makes EA want to grow the consumer base more by creating another self contained game that does not require playing the prequels and adds in a multiplayer component. Result: ME3 does not live up to incredible expectations of many fans who feel alienated by a polarizing ending that was limited in scope because of business decisions made by corporate executives who wanted to expand the fanbase to PS3 and continually try to pick up more users on all platforms (hell, there are offshoots on iOS).
When you consider the business behind game development and the impacts that going cross platform to Sony had on the trilogy how can you not respect Bioware for concluding so many threads so well in this game! Starchild ending controversy aside, how can you blame Bioware for not giving you the innumerable ending cutscenes you dreamed about. It's obvious that EA wanted each game to stand on it's own. Hell, most critic reviews were done without imports on a PS3. Even IGN's ME3 related articles all link to the PS3 version and not the Xbox or PC one.
What everyone hates about Bioware was well out of their control the second they got bought out by EA. Because they went cross platform and could not legally find a way for PS3 players to experience the first game (aside from a pathetic comic) it limited the scope of 2 and ultimately affected the strategy with which 3 was developed.
Given these realities I think Bioware has and continues to exceed expectations. Well, except for DA2 - that game just sucks.
/endrant
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