BlackswordSteve wrote...
Turbo_J wrote...
Unless it was supposed to be resolved in ME4 and not via DLC. Then online/offline wouldn't matter.
Maybe, but I mean...would there even be enough material to work with for an entire other game? If Shep's indocrination starts during his rush to the beam, then that would mean we'd be close to reaching the end of the Reaper threat when he wakes up. I could see how more room could be made for a climax to the game with DLC, but as an entirely new game?...
You are forgetting one very important fact. In the case of IT the crucible was never fired, and is likely exactly what Liara (indirectly) said it was - scurrying around trying to solve a problem we can't fix. It's a Trojan horse, a puzzle trap, and this 'can't beat the reapers conventionally' is a misnomer.
Reapers have only ever been destroyed by conventional means. No magic bullet, save for the cain vs. the hades cannon, has helped in any way. It's been 'blood... and more blood', and 'big guns'.
So, conventional war is about to start... but there are a few things that need to be done before you can start the attrition process to push Reapers off planets and out of systems... and one very important thing to NOTE!
The war with the Prothians lasted centuries. Liara: "We are not so wide spread, but it would take at least 100 years. Now of course, we/Shep won't let that happen. Not with a united galaxy at our backs.
My take is the Reapers in Sol beat tentacle out of the system; regardless of ending choice, and the war pretty much goes into a 'mutual regroup' pause. If Shep's indoctrinated the Reapers will likely bide their time, allowing events to take place that will aid them in their conquest, but not for long... There still may be hope for Control/Synthesis Sheps, depending on EMS, because maybe someone can snap them out of it before Javik slits their throat.
During the calm...
So after Shep wakes up in the Normandy med bay, heals up, (s)he and crew still need to get into the Citadel. You can use the copout way in via Aria, or zip off to Ilos to hop the mini Relay to the Citadel Presidium. (epic)
Once inside the Citadel, queue the Citadel defense force: This dictates game play (enemies and allies), and fighting commences to take it back from husks and any small Reapers inside. The more CDF you had, the more allies and civilians live.
Once that is over, it's time to help Aria (unless they put 'Take Back Omega" into the middle of ME3 with a DLC which would suck because of the current ending (EVEN if it's IT). So, Shep and crew beat feet to Omega, help Aria take back Omega and go after TIM. The Real TIM... and it's a fight. I don't care if it's words or weapons. We had the choice with Saren, so BW can do the same with TIM. Paragon/Renegade or Fight... maybe even ally TIM at this point, but he still needs Jail time after this is over.
After that... Oh yeah, there's a big ass Reaper war going on... That is yet to be won.
So what now... Well, lets see. Earth is good, the squids ran, so...
Thesia + MP Thesia (but different than horde) for added bonus
Palavin + MP Palavin (but different than horde) for added bonus - you get the idea...
Hanar Home World - new enemy husks.
Volus... maybe - there is already a lot here for ONE game and no real side quests or filler as of yet... I want side quests back... I know they doen't fit ME3 as it stands, but all that is suggested here as an expansion or ME4 - give us some good side quest filler! Some of ME2s quests were down right fun and would be even better with ME3s gameplay.
Then Harbinger... who would be where? How about full circle... and damnit, This is how I would get Narl on my damn ship as a Squadie; recruitable as a reward for helping Aria.
Khar'shan - Conceivably, all reaper forces would have retreated to this system as they were pushed off home worlds, so this would be THE FINAL fleet and a ground war and the real final battle.