Ieldra2 wrote...
I don't think this is the main problem, Nimrodell. I think the problems lie completely with the specific setup we have at the end of ME3. Consider this:
(1) Scale. Both in Space Odyssey and Solaris the effects were limited in space. I don't think there would have been nearly as many complaints had the Crucible just synthesized life on Earth, or even in the solar system. Nor would have there been as many had it been said that the Synthesis wave is spreading slowly outward from the relays throughout the next thousand years. But "Poof, you're synthesized" on a galactic scale?
(2) The artifacts/entities in Space Odyssey and Solaris were mysterious, but never enemies.
(3) The endings may have been confusing (certainly true in Space Odyssey), but they were not depressing.
What we have in ME3 is (a) a soul-crushingly depressing ending scenario with (
neo-Luddite symbolism, © presented to us by the main antagonist and (d) enacted on a scale in terms of time and space that shatters disbelief.
1. Well, don't forget the limitations of media itself - even in Space Odyssey 2010 the change is pretty much rapid with monoliths multiplying and then changing the nature of Jupiter itself - that is the difference between different media one is using to tell the story, not to mention that while reading a book, phenomenological time is something that is predominant, but in movies and games, it's the cosmological time that sets up the rules (Stalker is good example on how to actually employ phenomenological time, but there is a price, majority thinks that Stalker is incredibly boring and dull movie, especially younger population precieves it like that).
2. Monolith is in the same time creating and destroying force - as we see in Space Odyssey 2061. It is like reapers are, even though on the surface it may not look so - it is unknown force, without our morality bindings or perception, understanding of the life and universe, it has simple ruthless calculus - it sets up parameters for the evolution, provides known paths (Jupiter becomes a new star so that life on Europa can develop) and if the expectations are not met, that very life will be destroyed. If those ****** erectus didn't use those bones to make tools/weapons and used them (of course, the first human sapient achievement was actually through drawing first blood) in the crucial moment of monolith's test - well, you can guess what monolith would do. So yes, even monolith can be an enemy - after all, what's the message at the end of Odyssey 2010? Monolith exercises its power and human kind has to obey, because they are well-aware that you don't mess with something that is very potent and unknown
. We could do the same thing with monolith as we're doing with reapers and Catalyst - ask simple question from human perspective - who gave monolith the right to decide who should live and evolve and who is destined for elimination.
The only difference between Catalyst/reapers and monolith type of omnipotent being is that there was no need for creating combat situations in monolith's case - after all, Mass Effect is game and as such it has different mechanic. But just imagine what would happen if human kind broke the rules set by Monolith or if Monolith wasn't 'happy' with out progress?
3. Ah but the ending in Solaris is very depressing, Hyperion Cantos have depressing outcomes - again, it's the very media that is conveying a story. Mass Effect is game and this trend, misuse of Aristotle's definition of catharsis became tiresome - games are made for fun, nicely spent leisure time, escapism if you like and even in good, happy endings one can find art - doom and gloom, constant reminding on how life is unfair is not always the right path to call something art or to invoke so desired catharsis.
Ah, I'll shut up now
. It may not be the main problem what I said, but these points I wrote are part of the problems.
Retour en haut
And I hope you understand that my previous post was not aimed at you.
