BloodngunsMrphy123,846 (72,690)

Why Mass Effect 3 Co-op is a fantastic idea

I've seen almost nothing but negative reactions to the announcement of multiplayer in Mass Effect 3, and frankly, it's getting frustrating. Admittedly, I can understand initial skepticism - although I haven't played it myself, I've never heard(/read) a single person praise the multiplayer in Bioshock 2. Dead Space's 2 competitive component had largely negative reactions as well. I have never paid full price for a single player game, since after I've played it 1-3 times and perhaps put over 30 hours into it completing everything (i.e. achievements), I desire to play through it again for at least several months. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood was a launch-date-buy because the multiplayer looked so fun - hopefully after completing everything I'd still enjoy hunting other people online - but I was fed up with it after legitimately ranking up to level 46 (then boosting the last 4 ranks). Us achievement hunters dislike multiplayer in previously single-player games because we're tired of dead servers, boosting for 100 wins, or idiots who sing into mics and/or play the game in a frustrating manner (e.g. AC: B players running all over the place like idiots or using the hidden gun because they can't catch you).

I've said it once, I'll say it a thousand times: Mass Effect is different. Mass Effect has always had a three person squad. You have to choose what each of their powers, strengths, weaknesses and weapons complement yours, and in ME2, the squad member you HAVE to bring along because the mission is personal for them. On the battlefield, where do you place them? Put a sniper near the back and bring someone with crowd control closer to the action? Put both team members in one position, then move up to the side of enemies to draw their attention and fire? Go for the 7-foot-tall YMIR Mech first and hope you substantially damage other foes when it self-destructs, or hope you can stay alive/retreat when it's the only one left, standing right in front you?

Co-op takes it one step further and replaces your AI squadmates with actual people. Why is this so bad? Find people you can count on via this or other sites, and complete whatever you need to. Then, never touch the MP again, or play it from time-to-time with people on your friends list. The longevity is higher than other "horde" modes because the 4 player team can choose different class setups, and you'll play the game differently.

I'm not going to change anyone's mind immediately, but just consider whether your hatred of multiplayer comes from having to boost achievements.