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In Mass Effect 3, an ancient alien race known only as Reapers, has launched an all-out invasion of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in their wake. Earth has been taken, the galaxy is on the verge of total annihilation, and you are the only one who can stop them. The price of failure is extinction. You, as Commander Shepard, must lead the counter assault to take it back. Only you can determine how events will play out, which planets you will save from annihilation and which alliances you will form or abandon as you rally the forces of the galaxy to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all.

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Scores by platform

PC

Critic 8.9 (11 critics) · Gamer 7.0

7.9

PlayStation 3

Critic 9.2 (17 critics) · Gamer 8.4

8.7

Xbox 360

Critic 9.1 (22 critics) · Gamer 8.2

8.6

Critic reviews

  • Polygon

    Arthur Gies · Mar 06, 2013

    10
    As a bombastic action-RPG with no previous context, Mass Effect 3 is a dark, engaging game with great combat, a well-written story, and all the epic space-opera you could want. But for those who have played through Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, it's something much more.
  • Total Xbox

    Matt Lees · Mar 06, 2013

    10
    The revamped combat hits the spot, but if Bioware had fluffed the rest of the game then this wouldn't mean much. Thankfully then, it's entirely superb. Mass Effect may upset some fans, but as far as we're concerned it's the perfect finale. The narrative is brilliant, the action is fantastic, and the quality of art direction and aesthetic brings the universe to life like never before.
  • Game Informer

    Andrew Reiner · Mar 06, 2013

    10
    Mass Effect 3 shows us how great this threat is both to the inhabitants of this fictional universe and to the players who must face off against it. I guided Shepard across three massive games spanning over 100 hours, and feel BioWare has delivered one of the most intricately crafted stories in the history of the medium. After getting to know these characters so well, it’ll be hard to leave this universe behind, but it’s been one hell of a ride.
  • NintendoLife

    Ron DelVillano · Jan 10, 2013

    9.0
    Starting with the third game in a series may not seem to make sense, and it could be jarring to some players, but that shouldn’t be enough to stop anyone from experiencing this game. It truly is a work of art made with the eye of a filmmaker, and a testament to what video games are capable of in regards to both gameplay and storytelling. Despite the rare occurrence of frame rate drops, and the stunted online play, Mass Effect 3: Special Edition is a love letter to video game and science fiction enthusiasts everywhere, as it does all it can to please the fans and engage newcomers to its immense and beautiful universe.
  • GameSpot

    Kevin VanOrd · Nov 28, 2012

    9.0
    Yet even without that additional content, you couldn't rightfully accuse Mass Effect 3 of feeling incomplete--not with so many missions to undertake, so many individuals to engage in conversation, so many choices to make. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to spend time with some of the Milky Way's most intriguing personalities, now is your chance. Just be prepared: bonds can be broken and ties can be severed. When your goal is no less than ensuring the survival of an entire galaxy, sacrifice is inevitable, and Mass Effect 3 makes sure you feel each and every one.
  • Hardcore Gamer

    Jeremy Peeples · Nov 27, 2012

    8.0
    While it’s an excellent game, it’s hard to recommend Mass Effect 3 for the Wii U unless you missed out on the series before and only have the Wii U to play it on. Even with this ‘special edition’ including the From Ashes and Extended Cut DLC to extend the campaign, knowing that not all of it will be coming to this version hurts its overall value.

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Gamer reviews

  • John Rausch

    May 19, 2021 · PC

    10

    ME3 ends the trilogy on a good note. Although I like ME2 better, there’s a lot going for #3. It has more action than the other two games. It also has many improvements- such as graphics, gameplay, and little elements like being able to use the omnitool to bypass doors, jumping across gaps, etc. Bioware was at its height of game making with this one. I must say the characters in #2 were much better except for Liara. Most people don’t like the ending, but I don’t mind it- especially with the extended cut. This rounds out the Legendary Edition well- and it’s a must to play all three games.

  • Jeff Morgenroth

    Jan 27, 2021 · Xbox 360

    9.0

    A fine conclusion to the series, even if it misses a few key beats. Mostly, it's in the new characters, who are basically there as placeholders as you're reminded how much better "Mass Effect 2's" characters are during the various reunion scenes; however, the story, pacing, and gameplay changes are top notch sci-fi. Satisfying and engaging. One of the essentials.

  • Irfan Hamzic

    Feb 29, 2020 · PS3

    9.0

    Another great Mass Effect game that I recommend that you play but get the extended cut trust me. But despite the strange ending this game offers even more awseome game play that this amazing trilogy has produced. ME3 is no doubt the hardest game in the trillogy but its also the most action packed too with another amazing story and gameplay that you can spend hours playing without getting bored.

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