Mass Effect 3 Collector's Edition

by Electronic Arts

• Battle as Commander Shepard on many worlds across the galaxy as you unite the ultimate force to take back the Earth before it's too late
• Exclusive physical and digital Collector's Edition bonus items
• Customize your Commander Shepard, your squad and weapons to engage the enemy on your terms
• Allows the option to import decisions from both of the previous games into the new game, but can also be played as a standalone game
• Experience a new emphasis on melee combat, movement and an improved cover system

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0050SZES0
• Media: DVD-ROM
• Release Date: March 6, 2012
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (104 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,138 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Platform: PC | Edition: Collector's Edition

Amazon.com

Mass Effect 3 is a Role-playing Game (RPG) / Third-Person Shooter hybrid set in a Science Fiction universe. Mass Effect 3 is the third game in the popular Mass Effect series, and is rumored to be the final installment. In it players continue the adventures of Commander Shepard utilizing extreme character customization which is the hallmark feature of the series. Additional features include: the ability to import decisions from both of the previous games into the new game, ownership/play of previous games not required, customizable weapons, improved mobility and melee combat, many returning characters (if they were not killed off in previous imported games), an improved cover system that allows for more action and more.

Along with the game, the Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition contains a wealth of exclusive bonus items. See the complete list below.

Join Commander Shepard in the struggle against the Reapers in the conclusion to the Mass Effect trilogy.
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Collector's Edition exclusive bonuses.
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The Final Chapter in the Mass Effect Trilogy

Not everyone will survive. An ancient alien race, known only as "Reapers," has launched an all-out invasion 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 are Commander Shepard, a character that you can forge in your own image. You determine how events will play out, which planets to explore, and whom to form alliances with as you rally a force to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all. How you wage this war is completely up to you: go into combat with guns blazing or use cover to plan a more tactical assault. Utilize your squad to full effect or take a lone wolf approach. Rain death from a distance or go toe-to-toe with enemies using devastating melee attacks. Mass Effect 3 will react to each decision you make as you play through a truly unique experience of your own creation.

Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition for PlayStation 3 Contents

• Premium metal case featuring commemorative artwork of Commander Shepard
• 70-page hardbound art book featuring hundreds of unique and gorgeous illustrations from the BioWare development team
• Limited edition Mass Effect comic by Dark Horse Comics, complete with unique cover artwork
• Join the ranks of the N7 with the premium fabric N7 patch
• Exclusive 4x6 lithographic print featuring a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork
• A full collection of in-game content that can't be found anywhere else
  • N7 Arsenal Pack - Bring the firepower with the N7 Sniper Rifle, Shotgun, SMG, and Pistol
  • Robotic Dog - A faithful sidekick to keep you company on board the Normandy
  • Squadmate Alternate Outfit Pack - New appearances for your favorite squad members
  • N7 Hoodie - For Commander Shepard's casual days on board the Normandy
• Mass Effect 3 with the digital soundtrack
• A collection of forum and social badges, avatars, and perks

Key Game Features

• A Rich, Branching Storyline - Experience a sci-fi epic with multiple endings determined by your choices and actions throughout the game
• Massive in Scope - Battle on many worlds across the galaxy as you unite the ultimate force to take back the Earth before it's too late
• Large-scale and Intelligent Enemies - Battle enormous enemies and take on a smarter type of foe that will consistently challenge your best combat tactics and put you on the edge of your seat
• Unlock a Customizable Arsenal - Tailor each weapon with devastating upgrades including scopes, grips, barrels and dozens of other unique attachments. Each weapon boasts its own powerful impact and visual flair
• Unleash Death from Afar or Go Toe-to-Toe - Customize your soldier and squad to engage the enemy on your terms. A huge variety of weapons, abilities and equipment allow you to combat the enemy in your preferred style of play

Additional Screenshots

A customizable arsenal. View larger.

A rich branching storyline. View larger.

Large-scale enemies. View larger.

Multiple play options. View larger.

Product Description

An ancient alien race, known only as Reapers, has launched an all-out invasion 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 are Commander Shepard, a character that you can forge in your own image. You determine how events will play out, which planets to explore, and whom to form alliances with as you rally a force to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all. How you wage this war is completely up to you: go into combat with guns blazing or use cover to plan a more tactical assault. Utilize your squad to full effect or take a lone wolf approach. Rain death from a distance or go toe-to-toe with enemies using devastating melee attacks. Mass Effect 3 will react to each decision you make as you play through a truly unique experience of your own creation.

Premium metal case featuring commemorative artwork of Commander Shepard 70-page hardbound art book featuring hundreds of unique and gorgeous illustrations from the BioWare development team. Limited edition Mass Effect comic by Dark Horse Comics, complete with unique cover artwork. Join the ranks of the N7 with the premium fabric N7 patch Exclusive 4x6 lithographic print featuring a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. A full collection of in-game content that can't be found anywhere else! N7 Arsenal Pack - Bring the firepower with the N7 Sniper Rifle, Shotgun, SMG, and Pistol. Robotic Dog - A faithful sidekick to keep you company on board the Normandy. Squadmate Alternate Outfit Pack - New appearances for your favorite squad members. N7 Hoodie - For Commander Shepard's casual days on board the Normandy. Relive all the greatest moments of Mass Effect 3 with the digital soundtrack. Display your initiation in the N7 ranks with a collection of forum and social badges, avatars,

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 60 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars So Sad and Disappointed March 9, 2012

By Milo M

Platform for Display:PC| Edition:Collector's Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

This is my first $100 "investment" in a game (pre-ordered both collector's edition game and game guide) and it will be the last. This is my first play though, about 30 hours of game play, (have stayed late and even missed a few classes.) Had war readiness of 2900, paragon in all 3 games, saved the council, appointed Anderson as the human councilor, saved everyone (except Kaiden), recruited every member, destroyed the collector's base, romanced Ashley in ME 1, romanced Miranda in ME 2, and here's my thought on ME 3.

(Please excuse my English if it didn't make any sense. English isn't my native language. I usually don't write reviews on games; however, I am a HUGE FAN of previous mass effect games, especially ME 2, and I just can not bear the huge disappointment, so I want to share my thoughts.) (I even made Youtube videos using ME 1 and 2 footage.)

***SPOILER INCLUDED***
The things/moments that I liked:
1. New powers
2. Melee
3. New weapons with upgrades
(Pretty much everything that was new, I liked)
4. Better graphics
5. Funny dialects between crew mates
6. Loved how Jack "greeted" Shepard when they met
7. Smiled when ran into a couple of crew mates having "their moments."
8. More movie like cut scenes (relatively)

New maps of Citadel, new looks of places that already visited in previous games and new looks of some characters didn't bother me. I was more interested to see how the story would progress and end.

The things/moments that made me sad and disappointed:
1. Relatively less dialogue choices. Unlike ME 1 and 2, there were more automated cut scenes than scenes that led by choices... What I mean to say here is that there were less appearance of the dialogue wheel with less choices comparing to the previous games. I guess it is reasonable to have less dialogue choices because after seeing the endings and since it is the last game, whatever choices you make in ME 3 are not going to matter.

2. ME 2 CHARACTERS ARE COMPLETELY NOT PLAYABLE (except ME 1 characters: Garrus and Tali. There was no way to recruit other ME 2 characters.) I don't understand. Why did the developers spent all that time to make those characters for ME 2 when they weren't even available to be played in the next sequel? I thought at least 2 of them could be recruited. (I was sooo ready to recruit Miranda and Jack ...)

3. I remember there were talks about rewarding if stayed loyal to ME 1 romance and facing consequences if cheated. Well, what was exactly the "consequence?" Since ME 2 characters are not playable, it's so obvious how it would go with the ME 2 romance (pretty much nothing in my opinion.) I thought the "consequence" meant conflicts. I guess the "reward" means a little bit more of sweet talks? (No reward.) I was more interested to see how the relationship would go with ME 2 characters. What's the point of spending all that effort building a relationship in ME 2 when it wasn't even recognized much in ME 3.

4. Choices that made in ME 1 and 2 did not matter much in ME 3. I felt like playing a new game, and not a sequel. I used paragon options to convinced quarians to make peace with geth to prepare for the reapers. Quarians went war with Geth and I wonder what was the point to persuade them to make peace. According to the guide, you'll get the same endings regardless what choices you made for the collector base. Udina was the councilor in ME 3. Why?

5. I HATED ALL THREE ENDINGS!!!! They were so sad and depressing. They made me to regret playing mass effect games, and not to mention the endings were pretty much the same regardless what decision I made. I feel ashamed of spending all that time to create various save files to see different results. At least in ME 1 and ME 2, there were options to see happy and sad endings based on different decisions. According to the guide, Shepard can live in two endings based on the readiness points, but nothing is significantly different. (Yes, the endings are based on some war asset points.)

6. War Asset: Players collect war asset points throughout the game, but why in the world multi-player campaign affects the war asset in the single player mode? If you never played multi-player, you will start the game with 50% of war asset, and with 50%, I believe the max points you can get would be 3500 to 3600 points which won't give you the "Shepard catching a breath" scene. You need to (or must) play multi-player to raise the persentage to increase the readinees points; however,the war asset percentage depreciates with time. Let's say you have 100% when you exit the game, and when you come back next day, the value will be 3% to 5% less... do you see what I see here?

7. Predictable: The game is starting to be very predictable with other save files because of all the limitations and similar endings. In my opinion the story is ONE-DIMENSIONAL.

I played ME 1 and 2 multiple times and loved the experience because of the possible endings that filled with hope and courage. THAT IS WHAT I CALL A REWARD - A reward through the ending resulted from positive decisions. Anyways, to a HUGE ME fan, ME 3 is a disappointment!

--------------------- (update: 6/8/12)
It's been 3 months since the game launched, and many things have happened in the ME community. One of the events would be many fans have voiced against the ending, but it's not just about the ending. The game was short. I felt like it abruptly ended in the middle of gameplay. The story was poorly designed. I was amazed by ME 2 when the player could earn squad mates' loyalties and able to use their strength/skills (tali/legion for tech, miranda/jacob/garrus for leadership, jack/samara for bio, etc.) in the suicide mission to save everyone. It seemed like the purpose of collecting all the war asset through single and multi player was just to see the "shepard catching a breath" scene because it was only one that was extra and different. The romance part has given me a big question mark as well. I played it one more time with a loyal love liara save file. I don't understand why liara acted like the almost 3 years of relationship was not that important. (Had it been her personality?) When first talking to liara in normandy, she asked shepard if he/she wanted to continue the relationship because it's been years. (Years?) Well, she asked it when they were in the shadow broker's base 6 month ago. Did something happened b/t them while shepard was grounded? Or was it a bug? For few times, liara mentioned or referred to shepard as her friend (one was when she brought the time-capsule thing and other was when they met in Citadel talking about when liara was a kid.) I don't know if this is the Asari way of referring to his/her love, but I felt distanced. Shepard had to push liara to continue the relationship when they were in the citadel. I have explored the in-disk contents, especially audio files, and found so many things were not in the game.

Personally, I liked multi-player mode...for a while. If it weren't about the two free multi-player DLC packs, I would have quitted the game 1.5 month ago. It was fun when there were new things to try out and new challenges. When you beat Gold level for a few dozen times, it will get boring. I do appreciate that they changed codes for banshee and phantom, so it's more challenging. Now they kill quicker which leaves a little chance for the player to survive, and they are everywhere. Banshee can jump onto stairs, walk though walls, and grab infiltrators even though they are cloaked. The heavy-weights (atlas, banshee, prime) do not come as pairs as often as before the update which makes it a little bit more unpredictable. The only reason that I would go back to ME 3 is the multi-player. Too bad, multi-player outshines the single-player which was what ME had been known for.

There will be more DLC packs, but don't know how many. I won't recommend the game when it's priced for $80 or $60. Wait till it's halved with all the DLC packs are included.

19 of 27 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Bioware, please quit dumbing down games. March 13, 2012

By M. Langston

Platform for Display:PC| Edition:Collector's Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 3.0 out of 5 stars   

Pro's-

- Cut scenes look amazing.

- Combat is great.

- Story ( Until the end ) is good.

Con's -

- Launching probes to discover credits, ships, weapons, etc. To be honest it just seems REALLY lazy that they stripped the vehicles out ( No Mako or Hammerhead ) and don't include explorable planets as they did in the original installment. We will see if they add a vehicle as they did with the Firewalker pack in ME2. It would be nice if it wasn't an afterthought.

- Heavy weapons stripped from the game ( Except for a few token heavy weapons you may come across in certain situations. Can't equip on the loadout screen ) One of the best parts of ME2 was the heavy weapons ( Especially the Blackstorm )

- Short ( Compared to other Mass Effect games ) Took me 45 hours to complete ( Including the DLC "From Ashes" ) By comparison I spent over double that on the original and on ME2 ( Not even including DLC )

- The devs were talking about adding space combat to Mass Effect 3 when it was in development but it wasn't in the game. Worked well in Halo Reach and I was looking forward to it.

- Ending was.... confusing. No real closure and no idea what happened to my crew / the universe. Apparently I'm not the only one that was disappointed.

- Mass Effect 1 & 2 were much more content heavy. No real random events when entering a solar system ( IE derelict ships, distress calls, the teetering ship in ME2, etc. )

I feel that Mass Effect received the Dragon Age 2 treatment. I played the original Dragon Age for 141 hours and Dragon Age 2 for 41 hours. It really seems these games are being shipped out now much lighter on content with a focus on EA/Bioware making money off of IOS games, DLC, etc. Really unfortunate that such a great game ended like this.

Shepard really deserved a better conclusion.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best game in the series, despite what other say! February 5, 2013

By Jeremiah Westly

Platform for Display:PC|Edition:Collector's Edition

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I have played through all the games several times (due to losing the save file from previous games and then replaying to import my progress). That said, I'm not someone who replays the game to see every different possible ending. I have my Shepard story. There are many like it but this one is mine. I have very clear memories of all my choices, and maybe people that played every variant of every game lose a bit of that in the long run. With each iteration of Mass Effect they have experimented, kept the good, and left behind the aspects that players didn't like from the earlier games.

99% of the negative reviews center around 2 minutes of the game. And if you don't play through every ending, you won't even realize you were supposed to be disappointed. I got the collector's edition, and sat down and played straight through the game. When I finished it, I didn't even realize people didn't like the ending until I got online.

Here's the bottom line though.

The entire game was completely amazing from beginning to (arguably) the last 2 minutes of cut-scenes. Whether you like or don't like the cutscenes, this game was the ultimate Mass Effect game. As I was playing through it, my excitement was just constantly rising. It had more "crowning moments of awesome" than the rest of the series combined. It had more heart breaking moments, more touching moments, just more emotion, than the rest of the series combined.

People say they didn't like the ending, but you have to consider that the entirety of ME3 was the climax. The -entire- game was resolutions to choices you had made throughout the series. Things happen in this game that you set into motion in ME1. There is so much input from the previous games that I think a lot of people have missed that there are more differences than they realize (characters live or die based on stuff you did in previous games, and choices in this one). People have gotten so caught up in the "perfect ending" that they have lost sight of the scope of the story being told.

Mass Effect 3 is one of my top 3 favorite games of all time.

I also really love the multiplayer. They really nailed combat and character customization in this game, and the multiplayer shows it. Sometimes in the previous games combat could feel clunky, but in ME3, it's just downright fun. There are other shooters our there that aren't half as well done as ME3's multiplayer.