Now, I hope no one thinks at all I'm complaining about Mass Effect 2 (or 1 for that matter). I absolutely adore the game, and I'm already on my third playthrough. Hell, I am a PS3 user mostly, I bought an XBox simply for Mass Effect!
Anyway, I just feel that as ME3 is the end of the trilogy, it needs to be bigger than before. For the most simple suggestion, something with ME1's level of exploration and sense of scale, but ME2's structured approach where possible.
(This is a long read, so sorry in advance)
Consequences
This seems to be everyones real need when they think about the game, and I have to agree that decisions seemed to have little consequence (until the end of the game, and then it sometimes felt randomly generated).
Now this can range from something simple like a dialogue choice shutting out a section of story for a player (this will also encourage playtrhoughs), to some more complex ideas for those importing an ME2 game to ME3.
For example, during the Heretic mision you must decide to destroy the station and the heretic Geth therein, or re-write them. In my mind, this could have a major consequence for enemies you'll see in ME3. For example, if you destroyed the station, then only that bunch of Heretics are destroyed. A blow, but you could still be fighting Heretics in the next game. However, if you re-write them, we can presume that there would no longer be Heretics. As such, Geth would not be enemies in ME3.
Likewise, after the Tali/Legion encounter, if you manage to pacify both, maybe Tali could be helping to broker peace between the Quarians and Geth in ME3. This opens up the possibility to explore Geth space, and maybe even the Quarian Homeworld.
Importing an ME1 game had little effect on ME2 (in terms of story), I'd love to see the decisions I made having much more drastic effects on plot and gameplay in ME3.
Social Interactions
Social interaction and the Paramour plot have been some of my favourite parts on Mass Effect games. What I'd like to suggest is an expansion on this in ME3, creating new experiences, team dynamics and achievements for players.
- Paramour
For example, in ME2 it is hinted that Jacob and Miranda had a relationship before, and Jacob once suggests she needs a 'better man' than he, which implies he still cares for her. In ME1, if a Shepard/Ashley romance is shut down immediately, then there's a throwaway hint that she may be attracted to Kaiden. I think it would be interesting to have the opportunity to help some of your crew find romance, as well as yourself.
Plotwise, how satisfying would it be for a 'Paragon' player to successfully unite two of 'their' crew? Likewise, how much more heartbreaking could it be to lose one of them?
In terms of gameplay, it would be nice to see it have an effect too. For example, if two squad members are romantically involved (together, or one with Shepard), then perhaps they can be looking out for each other more? Using medi-gel when the other is low on health, or running to their defence if they are flanked. This could add an interesting element to planning out a squad where you decide if it'd be a help or a hinderance.
- Friendships System
When you recruit a team member they start off as Recruit (they will fight for you, and in a squad work out at an average level of usefulness). Through conversation with these members they can then progress positively to Ally (their a much better all round squad member) to Friend (they look out for Shepard in the field, and offer advice at key points); however, they could also go negatively to Conscript (they are committed if Loyal, but uncomfortable in the team i.e. look out for themselves or often die) to Enemy (they hate Shepard and will not come to his aid).
This could add drastic changes in dialogues, how scenes playout, and also offer up a new variation of tasks to do in game.
- Dialogues
Miscellaneous
My other suggestions are really simple, and can just be listed really:
- Expand the Citadel - easily one of the biggest let-downs of ME2 was how small the Citdel now seemed.
- More hubworlds - including Earth preferably. I think everyone wants to see a future Earth now, maybe even have missions there.
- Re-introduction of characters, or at least following up on them more - it was such a shame that after one task for Liara she suddenly became a pretty pointless background character. And Thane's story definatey deserves following up.
- Customising Weapons as well as Armour - Upgrades work great, keep that for basic strength, ammo capacity etc, but being able to purchase new scopes or barrels would add depth. In fact, more items in shops in general would be great, but not in so far as there was too much in ME1.
- Four Man Squad? - My squad seemed to run all over the place, no matter what I ordered. Maybe if there's a four man then there can be Right/Left Flankers and a Rear Guard/ Forward Assualt (these last two would be Shepard depending on class chosen). It would also make the action seem less linear, and more of a 360 experience.
What other things would people like to see (with Spoilers allowed)?
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