Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter, Tactical
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360
- Developers: BioWare
Mass Effect 3: From Ashes (2012)
Mass Effect 3: From Ashes is a downloadable content (DLC) pack for the 2012 video game Mass Effect 3. The DLC was developed by BioWare and released on March 26, 2012, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
From Ashes adds a new story mission to Mass Effect 3, in which Commander Shepard must infiltrate a Cerberus-controlled colony on Eden Prime to recover a Prothean artifact. The DLC also includes a new squad member, Javik, the last surviving Prothean.
Plot
The DLC begins with Shepard receiving a distress call from Dr. Liara T’Soni, who is investigating a Cerberus attack on Eden Prime. Shepard travels to Eden Prime and finds that Cerberus has taken over the colony and is searching for a Prothean artifact.
Shepard must fight their way through Cerberus forces to reach the artifact, which is located in an ancient Prothean temple. Once Shepard recovers the artifact, they are confronted by Javik, the last surviving Prothean.
Javik is initially hostile towards Shepard, but he eventually agrees to join Shepard’s team in order to stop Cerberus and the Reapers. Javik provides Shepard with valuable insights into the Prothean Empire and the Reaper War.
Gameplay
From Ashes introduces a number of new gameplay elements to Mass Effect 3, including:
- New story mission: The DLC adds a new story mission to Mass Effect 3, which takes place on Eden Prime. The mission is approximately two hours long and features new enemies, new environments, and new dialogue.
- New squad member: Javik is a powerful new squad member who can be recruited during the From Ashes mission. Javik is a Prothean, and he provides Shepard with valuable insights into the Prothean Empire and the Reaper War.
- New weapons and armor: From Ashes includes a new weapon, the Prothean Particle Rifle, and new appearances for every squad member.
Reception
From Ashes received generally positive reviews from critics. IGN awarded the DLC a score of 9/10, saying “From Ashes is a must-play for fans of the Mass Effect series. It offers a great new story, a powerful new squad member, and new weapons and appearances.”
GameSpot awarded the DLC a score of 8/10, saying “From Ashes is a solid addition to Mass Effect 3. It offers a good new story, a great new squad member, and some fun new weapons and armor.”
Legacy
From Ashes was the first DLC pack released for Mass Effect 3. The DLC was well-received by fans and critics, and it helped to set the stage for the game’s eventual conclusion.
Javik, the new squad member introduced in From Ashes, has become a fan favorite. Javik is a complex and well-written character, and he provides Shepard with valuable insights into the Prothean Empire and the Reaper War.
Conclusion
Mass Effect 3: From Ashes is a must-play for fans of the Mass Effect series. It offers a great new story, a powerful new squad member, and new weapons and appearances. From Ashes is a fitting addition to the Mass Effect 3 saga, and it helps to set the stage for the game’s eventual conclusion.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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