My idea on how BioWare might be able to alter the current ending rather than create a new one or using Indoctrination (rather lengthy)
Alright, so thought of this today while trying my best to give BioWare some credit for the current ending. I'd like some feedback since this didn't take long to think of and therefore might have some inconsistencies and such.
First things first, some core things should be changed. They should change some inconsistencies involving the Citadel (like a line some dialogue where they notice Shepard and Anderson says he's going after him) The Star Child/Catalyst should be changed to Harbinger(using a hologram of some sort to appear to Shepard, possibly using the child's model). It would be a lot more fitting if the Reaper hunting you for years appeared in the final confrontation. Harbinger could possibly be a "leader" of the Reapers (notice how the only way we knew that Harbringer was a standard Reaper was one line of text during the final mission). The Catalyst itself should stay as the Citadel. Before the endings are chosen, Harbinger explains the Reapers' motives (hopefully more clearly than synthetics killing organics so that organics aren't killed by synthetics, possibly changed to include the original dark energy plot, also preferably with no info given on their creator, Reapers being shrouded in mystery seems more fitting). Harbinger would then go on to say that Shepard has made
As for the endings themselves, All endings would be followed by a cutscene or two showing the result of the war, and major decisions made during all 3 games (and a quick look at your squadmates and love interest, assuming you got an ending where they would survive). On a side note, hopefully the last mission gets changed too to show the impact f your various war assets, like them making mini boss fights easier or showing up to save your ass in tough situations.
Destroy Ending:
- With a low EMS: Earth obliterated, along with the fleet, the Citadel, and the Mass Relays, causing a chain of supernovas effectively destroying the Milky Way.
- With a medium EMS: All synthetic life is destroyed, Shep included, Earth is still standing, but much of the galactic fleet has been wiped out. The Mass Relays stop working rather than get destroyed (pretty much go dark and shut down)
- High EMS: Just the Reapers are destroyed, most if not all of the fleet survives, Shep lives (likely same as the current Shep lives cutscene), the Citadel s damaged, but intact, and the Mass Relays are not destroyed.
Control Ending:
- Low EMS: Shepard "merges" with Harbinger, and gains control of the Reapers. However he is corrupted by their mentality, so the Reapers stop for moment, then resume their battle, winning against the humans and eventually everyone else (except the Reapers fire blue lasers now).
- Medium EMS: As above, but the Reapers leave, only to show cutscene that takes place in the future with the Reapers returning. The Mass Relays are either unchanged or shut down (undecided). Essentially the cycle continues.
- High EMS: As above, except the Reapers leave for good, and the cycle ends. When Shep tries to take control, instead of disintegrating he collapses, comatose. A cutscene plays where you see a blue light glowing and you hear a voice say "Assuming direct control". It cuts back to the Citadel where the Council, your Squad, and other important NPCs are paying tribute, when Shepard, inhabiting a new body built by the Reapers, appears, though not fully visible. (Idea for Shepard's return by rageagainstrage)
Synthesis (note: I honestly think this ending should just be scrapped due to it being necessary for Harbringer to provide an explanation for synthesis that isn't space magic. However BioWare can probably think of something):
- Low EMS: Synthesis occurs, but Reapers continue fighting, and eventually succeed. Shep dies.
- Medium EMS: Synthesis occurs, but Reapers continue fighting. Some cutscene shows that the various races have gained some sort of empowerment due to synthesis and manage to force a retreat, pausing the cycle, but at some point it will continue. Shep dies. Mass Relays are shut down (or intact, as per the Medium EMS Control ending)
- High EMS: Synthesis occurs, Reapers leave, Earth is rebuilt, Shep is found lying unconscious on the ruined Presidium by his team. Mass relays are still working, and a cutscene shows the effects of synthesis on the various species, possibly shown on a rebuilt Citadel.
What do you guys think?
Posted Mar 25, 2012, 2:00 AM UTC · edited