'Mass Effect 3' Ending: DLC Wasn't Meant To Be Free, Did EA Slash Price To Subdue Fans?
BioWare recently released the "Resurgence" downloadable content pack to accompany "Mass Effect 3," which was one of the company's responses to fans unsatisfied with the game's ending. The additional content is free for players to download, but it wasn't originally intended to be that way. Bioware

The release date for BioWare's "Mass Effect 3" DLC "Leviathan" comes Tuesday, and the single-player expansion will explore the origins of the Reapers. But for most diehard fans of the acclaimed video game, this added content may be too little and too late.

Some players have been tirelessly campaigning for a new "Mass Effect 3" ending since the game launched in March, and "Leviathan" is one of several DLCs to have been released after the game's initial debut.

The "Extended Cut" DLC that rolled out at the end of June was believed to provide more insight into the ending, but would not actually change it. But with "Leviathan," BioWare says the decisions made in the extra gameplay could impact the way the ending turns out.

But now, nearly six months after "Mass Effect 3" hit stores, some fans are left wondering: What's the point?

"That's right, BioWare, keep digging that grave for the narrative," writes HoldTheLine forum user Anthony Boike. "I'm sure players who get this DLC will be pleased with the senseless contradictions."

Others are still discouraged with the game after being disappointed by its ending in March.

"The ending still kills me when I think about it," writes user Joeybagad0nutz on the Giant Bomb forums for "Mass Effect 3" discussion.

"I'm supposed to be stoked by this but I guess it happened to me as others have stated, because of the ending I just can't make myself care much for this," writes another Giant Bomb user, Aetheldod.

Although the "Leviathan" DLC is a clear attempt to appease gamers that are dissatisfied with the controversial "Mass Effect 3" ending, the content doesn't seem to cater to what players of the franchise truly want. The upcoming single-player content will expand the storyline and the "Mass Effect" universe in general, but delving into the background of the Reapers may be futile at this point. Fans already know how the franchise ends, and therefore are not likely to put their time, energy, and money into a DLC that can't change that.

Furthermore, there are bound to be contradictions with the original ending, and whether these inconsistencies are large or small, loyal fans are sure to pick up on them. For example, one of the rumors surrounding the DLC said that players will be able to use a Reaper as a War Asset. If this is true, then the theory that says synthetics will always kill organics is false.

Of course, "Leviathan" has yet to officially launch, so there is a chance that fans will take kindly to the upcoming DLC. However, judging by the opinions circulating the Internet, it doesn't seem as if the "Mass Effect" fan base will be buying into this one. Back in April when the multiplayer DLCs were in development, BioWare said fan feedback was shaping the upcoming expansions. Perhaps EA and BioWare assumed that players would flock to a playable DLC that is said to change the ending of "Mass Effect 3," but that may not be the case.

The "Mass Effect" franchise is a more than just an action adventure shooter; it is an intelligent and well-crafted piece of science fiction. Those who follow the series know that, and BioWare will have to cater to this kind of crowd to please gamers.

The "Leviathan" DLC will be available beginning Tuesday at a price of $10 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC players. For PS3 gamers in Europe, the release date is Wednesday. Check out the trailer below.