Does Mass Effect have Alternate Endings?
The Mass Effect series is renowned for its complex storyline and multiple endings, with the third installment, Mass Effect 3, featuring a total of eight different endings, including the Destroy, Control, Synthesis, and Refuse endings. The presence of alternate endings in Mass Effect allows players to experience a unique storyline based on their in-game choices, making the game highly replayable and immersive.
Understanding Mass Effect Endings
The Mass Effect series has a rich and intricate storyline, with player choices affecting the outcome of the game. The ending of the game is heavily influenced by the player’s decisions throughout the series, making each playthrough a unique experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many endings are there in Mass Effect 3?
There are a total of eight different endings in Mass Effect 3, including the Destroy ending with three variations, the Control and Synthesis endings with two variations, and the hidden Refuse ending.
Q2: Did they change the ending in Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition does not feature the original ending of Mass Effect 3, instead incorporating the Extended Cut DLC, which provides a more comprehensive conclusion to the game.
Q3: Why was Mass Effect 3’s ending so controversial?
The ending of Mass Effect 3 was heavily criticized for rendering character choices inconsequential, lacking closure, and having plot holes and narrative inconsistencies.
Q4: How do you get the perfect ending in Mass Effect?
To achieve the Perfect Ending in Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition, Shepard needs to have a Total Military Strength of 7800 or higher, which is determined by the War Assets collected throughout the Mass Effect trilogy.
Q5: What was the original Mass Effect ending?
The original Mass Effect 3 ending would have involved luring the Reapers through the Mass Relays and detonating the entire network, wiping out the Reapers but also destroying the galactic network.
Q6: What is the canon Mass Effect ending?
There is currently no confirmed canon ending for Mass Effect 3, but teasers for the next game suggest that Shepard destroying all synthetic life may be the true conclusion.
Q7: Is there a bad ending in Mass Effect 1?
The ending of the first Mass Effect game has Shepard making a tough decision, but neither choice has significant repercussions in the sequels.
Q8: Do Shepard and Liara have a child?
Iyra Aldonia, the daughter of Liara T’Soni and Vincent Shepard, is a character in Mass Effect: Lost Souls, Broken Minds, indicating that Shepard and Liara can have a child.
Q9: Does EDI survive the destroy ending?
EDI survives in two of the three Destroy endings, but Mass Effect 4 teasers imply that the Destroy ending, where EDI supposedly dies, may be the canon conclusion.
Q10: Will Shepard be in Mass Effect 5?
It is unlikely that Shepard will be the protagonist of Mass Effect 5, given the events of the original trilogy.
Q11: Why is Mass Effect banned?
Mass Effect was banned in some countries due to its sexual content and same-sex romance options.
Q12: Why did Mass Effect 3 fail?
Mass Effect 3 made two major errors: downplaying the investment in Mass Effect 2 and reducing character interactions.
Q13: Why is Jack not in Mass Effect 3?
Jack appears in Mass Effect 3 if the player imports a save game where she survives the suicide mission in Mass Effect 2.
Q14: Did they fix Mass Effect 3?
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition features the Extended Cut DLC, which addresses some of the criticisms of the original ending.
Q15: What is missing in Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
The Pinnacle Station DLC is missing from the Mass Effect Legendary Edition due to corrupt code.
With its complex storyline and multiple endings, the Mass Effect series offers a unique gaming experience, with player choices influencing the outcome of the game. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition provides a refined and comprehensive conclusion to the trilogy, addressing some of the criticisms of the original ending.