Mass Effect 3

[realisticphish]

I know there isn't a release date yet (probably 2012, from what I hear), but it's never too early for speculation.

The devs have said that in this one, the choices of the previous 2 games will matter far more than the choices from ME1 did for ME2. There will apparently be different endings, which I like; ME2 did this to a certain extent, but a more varied choice would be cool.

Some predictions/hopes:

The Rachni, if you saved the Queen in ME1, will return in some way to aid you

The true Geth will feature; when you look at it, you've only fought non-indoctrinated Geth one or two times in both games. I have a feeling that (assuming you reactivated Legion in ME2) the Geth will side with the Council.

A cure for the genophage? Or maybe a moderation of it. Especially if Wrex is running Tuchanka

Not sure what will happen with Cerberus... I can see them trying to help, but ending up screwing something up big-time, or maybe making some kind of deal with the Reapers

The return of Ashley/Kaidan, depending on who you saved in ME1

A hope... more focus on the Quarians. They are by far my favorite race

I'm a major Mass Effect nerd, so maybe no one else will care about all this... :D

[semillama]

1. I'm wondering about the recruitment/party building phase

Since you can technically finish the game with a high body count in your party, how will that effect recruitment, if indeed that will be a component of ME 3? Considering that in ME 2, you had two returning party members.

I'd kind of like to see an option to retain all survivors from ME 2 - I really like some of those characters. Perhaps it will be set up as an option to retain the old crew or to recruit a new one - or maybe even bring back characters from ME 1...

[realisticphish]

2. yeah, that's an issue

there are huge chunks of story that could hinge on one character's survival.

I demand that Tali, Miranda, Thane, and Samara come back. Especially Tali. The others are cool too, but I'm not as attached to them. Though, obviously, survival matters, too. Both times I've finished ME2, though, I made sure to save all crew members, because I couldn't stand to kill them :)

I would be curious about some new races for companions, too. A Volus, or even a Batarian; THAT would set up some fascinating conversations.

They need to give the voice actor who plays the male shepherd some acting lessons, though... the female shepherd is a hundred times better

[YOY]

4. I took a shine to Jack. She's damaged goods...but no one is beyond saving...

Yeah for idealism!!!

[realisticphish]

5. haha

Her loyalty mission is pretty good, if extremely easy. Along with Miranda and Tali, there are some fantastic stories told in the side missions.

[realisticphish]

3. a few updates

I had a GREAT idea. Mass Effect: Origins. Take each Council race, plus the Quarians and maybe the Batarians, and have origins for each one. That would be FUCKING AWESOME. Insane, and totally impossible, but still, it would kick a hundred kinds of ass

I also had a comment about the relationships in ME2. How does anyone with a male shepard feel with "romancing" anyone except Tali? She's the only one who likes you anyway, without any cajoling. And with Miranda, you end up banging IN HER ENGINE ROOM. Dude, that's cold...

And add the Geth to my favorite races. I really wish Legion was available earlier in the game. He's a fascinating character.