Warning: there are ending spoilers below...
Mass Effect 3 has finally been updated with the Extended Cut DLC; designed to add clarity to the end of the series. Bioware received a lot of criticism for the original ending lacking explanation, which relied heavily on fan interpretations to fill in the blanks. On announcing the Extended Cut, they faced accusations of compromising their artistic vision for revisiting the ending. It seemed that Bioware couldn't put a foot right, but thankfully the Extended Cut kills two birds with one stone.
The majority of the additions are in the form of narrated segments, voiced by Admiral Hackett, EDI or Shepard depending on your choice. Although the endings still share a lot of CGI cut scenes and artwork, the narration makes them distinct choices. In the original version, I was left wondering if the choice I made impacted the galaxy in a distinctive way. The DLC solves this problem by serving as an epilogue, showing what happens next to the characters and civilisations of the galaxy we have come to love through the story.
Whilst working on the new endings, Bioware claimed that there would be no narrative changes. However, they did make a u-turn on the fate of the Mass Relays. Now they are simply damaged and shown to be under repair. Some may cry foul, but it was a necessary change. The destruction of the entire Mass Relay network didn't work with the story's established canon.
There were also changes to the Catalyst's explanation of the Reapers. Its argument remains unchanged, still believing that synthetic life will always destroy the creators. Therefore, the Reapers are a necessary solution to maintain balance in the galaxy. A point that many questioned, after brokering peace between the Geth and the Quarians. But now it's clear that the species that created the Catalyst were forced into becoming the first Reaper. This can be interpreted in different ways. Possibly the Catalyst is a flawed creation, incapable of assessing the balance between organics and synthetics.
Interestingly a fourth option for the ending can now be opened through dialogue choices. Players can now refuse the other options, leaving the allied forces of the galaxy to be crushed. The cycle continues, with a sequence that shows a data cache left by Liara for future species. It’s an interesting ending with a dual purpose. Firstly it removes the indoctrination theory as a possibility, which is a shame, as it was one of the best interpretations of the original ending. Secondly, it just makes sense to have it as an option. Why should Shepard accept the solutions that the Catalyst offers?
A couple of other plot holes are also filled in. In the final run to reach the Citadel, your squad mates are injured and taken out of action. Shepard briefly brakes off from the surge to call in the Normandy, to evacuate the team and say goodbye. Thankfully Harbinger waits patiently, rather than obliterating you there and then.
As the Crucible is activated, the fleet is ordered out of the area by Admiral Hackett. Joker refuses to leave without Shepard, until he is brought to his. This clears up why the Normandy is then shown trying to escape the ensuing explosion. And why your squad who were by your side in London, step out onto the Jungle planet after the crash landing.
The ending could still be improved on. Decisions you have made as Shepard up to that point, still have no effect on the choice of ending. It does have the benefit of not punishing the player for poor decisions. But it would be interesting to see options been opened or closed, based on your play through. For example, on a very successful run. Being able to beat the Reapers in conventional warfare, using the knowledge, warnings and preparations you have been able to make.
It's likely that people will still be annoyed by the Catalyst appearing to Shepard as a child. And that war assets are still tied to multiplayer, given that the update would have been the perfect time remove that link. But it’s impossible to please everyone. Last, but not least, the ridiculous DLC advertisement that followed the credits has been replaced by a thank you message from Bioware.
Taken as a whole, the Extended Cut DLC is big improvement. There will still be debates around it. But importantly it completes the series, making it the best story driven intellectual property of this generation.
