History VideoGame / ExpandedGalaxyMod

Since porting mods over to the ''Legendary Edition'' is by no means straightforward, much of the core functionality for the ''Expanded Galaxy Mod'' was rebuilt in order to work in that version of ''3''. The mod itself can be found [[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/422 here,]] and currently integrates available expansions like ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/15 Spectre Expansion Mod]]'', ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/16 Take Earth Back]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1350 Miranda Mod]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1597 Omega Hub]]'' (currently in Beta). The removal of [=ME3=]'s multiplayer assets from the ''Legendary Edition'' made porting the ''Ark Mod'' impossible, with ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1956 N7: A Spectre's Gift]]'' serving as a functional stand-in.

Since porting mods over to the ''Legendary Edition'' is by no means straightforward, much of the core functionality for the ''Expanded Galaxy Mod''was rebuilt in order to work in that version of '3''. The mod itself can be found [[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/422 here,]] and currently integrates available expansions like ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/15 Spectre Expansion Mod]]'', ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/16 Take Earth Back]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1350 Miranda Mod]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1597 Omega Hub]]'' (currently in Beta). The removal of [=ME3=]'s multiplayer assets from the ''Legendary Edition'' made porting the ''Ark Mod'' impossible, with ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1956 N7: A Spectre's Gift]]'' serving as a functional stand-in.

Since porting mods over to the ''Legendary Edition'' is by no means straightforward, much of the core functionality for the ''Expanded Galaxy Mod'' is having to be rebuilt in order to work in that version of ''Mass Effect 3''. The mod itself can be found [[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/422 here,]] and currently available expansions include ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/15 Spectre Expansion Mod]]'', ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/16 Take Earth Back]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1350 Miranda Mod]]'', with ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1597]] Omega Hub currently in Beta. The removal of [=ME3=]'s multiplayer assets from the ''Legendary Edition'' makes porting the Ark Mod impossible, with ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1956 N7: A Spectre's Gift]] serving as a functional stand-in.

-> '''Shepard:''' Damn it!... It's one more thing Cerberus is going to pay for.

** If you imported a profile from 2, any weapon collected over the course of that game will be delivered to the Normandy as an OldSaveBonus, including the Claymore and Widow if Grunt's and Legion's Normandy research projects were completed.
Moreover, these weapons will be automatically upgraded based on the number of weapon damage research projects completed in the prior game, to a maximum of five levels. This functionally turns ''3'' into its NewGamePlus mode without the enemy scaling that normally occurs, since having a boatload of Level V weapons right at the start of the game makes enemy encounters much easier for the first third of the plot, and there's nothing stopping the player from upgrading them to their Level X versions immediately.

* UniqueEnemy: The ''Spectre Expansion Mod'' adds one in the form of the "Geth Ghost," originally only encountered in the first game, that only appears a couple of times during the ''Priority: Rannoch'' mission.
** Using the Spectre Lore module adds several unique enemies to Cerberus' roster, ranging from [[spoiler:Mess Seargent Gardner]] appearing as a unique centurion during the "Tuchanka:Bomb" mission, to a character from Mass Effect Infiltrator appearing during "Priority: Cerberus Headquarters"

** Played with in the ''Ark Mod'', which requires the EGM to function. Upon examining a specific decoration in Shepard's room (that must be bought), the player will discover a cache of information that ties into the [[VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda Andromedia Initiative]], with clues that will lead them to a derelict ship that features key intel regarding the project.

** One of the main draws of the mod (provided you have the ''Citadel'' DLC) is the ability to take any of the ''[=ME2=]'' squadmates (who normally can't be recruited onto the ship in the base game) on certain missions as "Non-Crew Specialists". This includes Jack, Jacob, Zaeed, Samara, Kasumi, Grunt, and Aria (the last of which requires the ''Omega'' DLC).

** In the ''N7: Cerberus Lab'' mission, the player can find a new terminal that displays a report mentioning how [[spoiler:Mess-Sergeant Gardner (from ''2'', if he was rescued at the end of that game)]] has been caught, interrogated and [[{{Foreshadowing}} processed]]. Normally, the character in question is absent in ''3'' and never even mentioned. Reading this terminal causes Shepard to comment that "it's one more thing Cerberus is going to pay for".

** The OldSaveBonus weapons (delivered if you imported a savefile from ''2'') functionally turn ''3'' into its NewGamePlus mode... without the enemy scaling that normally occurs. As a result, having a boatload of Level V weapons right at the start of the game makes enemy encounters much easier for the first third of the plot, and there's nothing stopping the player from upgrading them to their Level X versions immediately.
** Due to the fact that the entire galaxy can be explored from the get-go (thus averting the linear progression presented in the map by the base), it's possible to explore dozens of planets long before they become important to the plot, racking up tens of thousands in credits, items and more before you even complete Priority: Palaven.

** Depending on whether you imported a save from ''2'', you can get [[BagOfHolding all the weapons you had in that game]] back, along with several cabin items if you acquired them (including Shepard's N7 helmet, Mako and Hammerhead models and the Prothean Sphere).

** If you have a savefile routed through the previous games with all of the Krogan missions completed in the most opportune fashion (Wrex and Grunt alive, Thresher Maw killed in 2, Maelon spared) and complete ''Priority: Tuchanka'' by curing the genophage, Wrex will send over the Tomkah he used during the mission as a gesture of friendship, and it can be displayed in the Shuttle Bay. Or you can go the opposite direction (Wrex dead in 1, Maelon's data destroyed) and convince Mordin to sabotage the cure; He'll send you the Tomkah he escaped in.

** ''Any'' former squadmate who isn't part of the lineup in the vanilla game can become this, provided that the player has completed their personal mission in ''3''. Wrex, Zaeed, Samara, Jack, Jacob, Kasumi, Grunt, and Miranda can all be enlisted as "Non-Crew Specialists" who can be deployed in certain missions. The ''EGM Squadmate Pack'' expands the list of possible missions they can be brought on.

** Played with. The specialists you can recruit to the ''Normandy'' each have their own specific crew bonus, and several of them (including the extra doctors in the med bay and the engineers) can be seen either treating patients who are sick or analyzing components of the ''Normandy''. However, the additional Alliance soldiers you recruit (as part of the "Squad Strength" mechanic) seemingly do nothing except stand around and lounge, and salute you when you walk past them in the Shuttle Bay at max strength. Despite the Squad Strength tab noting that the highest number of soldiers are on the ''Normandy'' expressly to protect it from an enemy boarding attack, no such action ever occurs.

* PornStash: It's revealed that James has a copy of ''Fornax'' in his possession. Taking this magazine will cause it to be displayed in your room, and viewing it enough times will cause [[BrickJoke EDI to send you a message informing you that she's ordered a year-long subscription]].

** In the ''N7: Cerberus Lab'' mission, the player can find a new terminal that displays a report describing [[spoiler:Mess-Sergeant Gardner (from ''2'', if he was rescued at the end of that game)]], who is normally absent in ''3'' and never even mentioned. The report describes that [[spoiler:Gardner responded to the recall order sent to all remaining SR2 personnel, providing Cerberus with the Prothean Sphere (from the ''Firewalker DLC'', if recovered), followed by his interrogation and [[UncertainDoom integration]] presumably undergoing the same process as C. Talavi experiences in that mission's vanilla terminals]]. Reading this terminal elicits the following remark from Shepard:

** Played with. The specialists you can recruit to the ''Normandy'' each have their own specific crew bonus, and several of them (including the extra doctors in the med bay and the engineers) can be seen either treating patients who are sick, analyzing components of the ''Normandy'' or mingling with the rest of crew. However, the additional Alliance soldiers you recruit (as part of the "Squad Strength" mechanic) seemingly do nothing except stand around and lounge, and salute you when you walk past them in the Shuttle Bay at max strength. Despite the Squad Strength tab noting that the highest number of soldiers are on the ''Normandy'' expressly to protect it from an enemy boarding attack, no such action ever occurs.

Since porting mods over to the ''Legendary Edition'' is by no means straightforward, much of the core functionality for the ''Expanded Galaxy Mod'' is having to be rebuilt in order to work in that version of ''Mass Effect 3''. The mod itself can be found [[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/422 here,]] and currently available modules are ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/15 Spectre Expansion Mod]]'', ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/16 Take Earth Back]]'' and ''[[https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffectlegendaryedition/mods/1350 Miranda Mod]]''.

** The Evacuation of Thessia itself, as the mod requires players to think on their feet and make quick decisions based on the most pressing needs (not helped by the fact that the game repeatedly forces you into a SadisticChoice over whether to save civilians or military assets). Besides player experimentation, there is no true guide or walkthrough -- after all, the mod even states that you "can't save everyone". Consensus is that the best results are usually achieved through committing only one fleet to the rescue effort, and ensuring that the ''Normandy'' has acquired all possible ship upgrades (which means getting a ship boost that is dependent on whether a specific sidequest from [=ME2=] was completed).

* DayInTheLimelight: Used as part of the "text adventures" added by the mod. At one point, the Normandy's medical staff write a supplemental log after Shepard is knocked unconscious on Ilos (while retrieving the technology that will eventually become the Prothean Implants), while a later side mission to Minutemen Station is written from the perspective of random Alliance Marines raiding the station with the help of EDI (with variations based on prior choices).

** Completely averted in the ''Ark Mod'', which tasks Shepard and his[=/=]her entire team with [[HoldTheLine holding the line]] against waves of Reapers on Menae's moon. Much like the ''Citadel'' DLC, the player will command an active party, but the rest of the team will act independently, using the weapons previously chosen for them through squad selection.

The mod completely revamps the Search and Rescue system -- not only can every system visited in ''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'' be revisited on the Galaxy Map, but many of them have new War Assets, items, intel, and more which can be obtained for use onboard the ''Normandy'' or during missions. The ''Normandy'' herself is significantly overhauled, and adds a new "Crew Manifest" mechanic that allows you to recruit specialists who will offer character bonuses -- as well as the ability to [[TheBusCameBack bring back any of the other specialists from the previous game]] as squadmates on certain missions.

New armors and weapons (including the N7 armor sets from the multiplayer mode) can be bought or obtained through the Galaxy Map. Additional missions and Assignments are also added, including a massive rescue mission set ''during'' the evacuation of Thessia. Later versions of the mod also pack in the ''EGM Squadmate Pack'', which expand the number of missions ''[=ME2=]'' squadmates can be brought on, as well as add a set of [[VirtualPaperDoll alternate appearances]] for them and Tali.

** Several events of the game have been greatly expanded, including the events centering around Thessia. Additionally, all of the multiplayer elements (including the N7 special forces and [[spoiler:Awakened Collectors]]) and CanonImmigrant characters like Tazzik from ''ComicBook/MassEffectRedemption'' are brought into the fold.

* AnInteriorDesignerIsYou: The shuttle bay can be customized in a variety of ways. Aside from an armory that automatically updates as you find new weapons and displays them, the bay can hold several variants of unique mechs and transport vehicles, as well as a set of Javelin missiles once the associated upgrade is unlocked. By the time you reach the final mission, you may even have an entire ''platoon'' of soldiers on-hand who will salute Shepard as [=s/he=] walks by.

** ''Priority: Earth Overhaul Mod'' allows you to recruit several additional squadmates (including Grunt, Zaeed, Jacob and Major Kirrahe) if you completed their requisite side mission in the optimal fashion. This results in a situation where the player can control seven(!) squadmates during the No Man's Land and final siege sequence, with three under the player's direct control and the remaining four acting as non-controllable squadmates with their own combat logic.

* BagOfSpilling: Notably averted if a save is imported. After leaving Mars, the player will receive several emails letting them know that their cabin items (which normally don't appear in the retail game) were saved and put in storage while the ''Normandy'' was in Alliance lockup, and that they've been returned to their original spot. This includes the N7 helmet (from the ''Normandy Crash Site'' DLC) and the Prothean Sphere (from the ''Firewalker'' DLC), both from ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''. Additionally, the weapons that the player had in the previous game are stored in a weapons chest in the Shuttle Bay for the first few missions. Picking them up gives you the Level V versions of those weapons, up to and including some powerful late-game weapons like the Geth Pulse Rifle.

** If the krogan were helped all throughout the prior games and the genophage arc is completed in the optimal fashion ([[spoiler:genophage cured, Wrex and Bakara are alive]], Grunt's loyalty mission was done in ''2'', etc.), the player will get an achievement and an email from Wrex, who sends over the Tomkah they used during ''Priority: Tuchanka'' as a gift of friendship. The vehicle can subsequently be displayed in the cargo hold.

** If Jack and the students were rescued from Grissom Academy, the mission ends with Jack offering to give the students tattoos of their choice for free. If you walk around the Normandy right after this mission, you'll find the students in one of the lounges on the Crew Deck ... along with Jack using her omni-tool to etch a tattoo on Rodriguez's shoulder.

** Admirals Ahern (from ''[=ME1=]'''s ''Pinnacle Station'' DLC) and Mikhailovich return as the parties convening a meeting just before the evacuation of Thessia.

** In the ''Omega Hub'', nearly every surviving character from the Omega hub area in ''2'' returns in some fashion, including Captain Gavorn, Patriarch and Helena Blake (who awards a War Asset if she was helped in the previous game).

** Rescuing the Shadow Broker Wet Squad nets a new group of [=NPCs=] who will hang out on the shuttle bay until you return to the Citadel – including the "giant salarian hitman" [[TheDragon Tazzik]], who had only appeared up to this point in the ''ComicBook/MassEffectRedemption'' comic tie-in for ''2''.
** One planet also reintegrates the Collector forces originally present only in the multiplayer mode. Recruiting them as War Assets (through use of Javik or other means) nets the player a collection of Collector-based weapons, also from said multiplayer mode.

** The ''Ark Mod'' includes obvious ties to ''VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda'', inclding an [=ND1=] Nomad that can be found on the surface of Palaven's moon, an intel package delivered by Spectre Avitus Rix (the Turian Pathfinder), videos and messages recorded by characters (including Liara) during said game, and Initiative armor and weapons (including the X5 Ghost) that can be recovered during the respective missions.

* CommandRoster: While the basegame has a clearly-defined command structure, the mod gives the player the flexibility to delegate squadmates or ''Normandy'' staff to specific positions, which confers gameplay benefits (up to and including health[=/=]bonuses for Shepard, and[=/=]or additional upgrades for the ship) depending on who's chosen.

** Due to the fact that the entire galaxy can be explored from the get-go (thus averting the linear progression presented in the map by the basegame), it's possible to explore dozens of planets long before they become important to the plot, racking up tens of thousands in credits, items and more before you even complete Priority: Palaven.

** In the ''Ark Mod'', continuing to click on a certain piece of the environment after receiving several prompts not to prompts an instakill by a [[JokeLevel surprising enemy]].

** Depending on how ''Priority: Rannoch'' was completed, scanning certain planets will start a sidequest to find and recover several Geth Supply Caches scattered throughout the systems. Collecting all these upgrades the Geth War Assets.

* GoldenPath: Four of the Achievements require the player to have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to one of several factions. "A True Friend" requires that the player helped the Krogan in the most opportune fashion across the entire trilogy (and subsequently nets Shepard an exclusive Tomkah for display in the Shuttle Bay). "A Deadly Acquaintance" offers the opposite: do whatever it takes to win across the entire series. The "True Blue" and "Three-Headed Dog" Achievements require the player to have been loyal to the Alliance or Cerberus, respectively, through the entire trilogy.

** Several different shuttles and small ships can either be purchased from certain merchants (e.g. the Dealer's Ship) or discovered by scanning planets, and can be displayed in the Shuttle Bay. There's even an achievement ("Gas Guzzler") for collecting every possible vehicle and ship.

** As a rule, the value of War Assets have been changed to make getting the best endings more difficult to achieve. This forces the player to rely on salvaging War Assets from as many planets as possible to make up the difference.

** If you have a savefile routed through the previous games with all of the krogan missions completed in the most opportune fashion (Wrex and Grunt alive, Thresher Maw killed in 2, Maelon spared) and complete ''Priority: Tuchanka'' by curing the genophage, Wrex will send over the Tomkah he used during the mission as a gesture of friendship, and it can be displayed in the Shuttle Bay. Or you can go the opposite direction (Wrex dead in 1, Maelon's data destroyed) and convince Mordin to sabotage the cure; He'll send you the Tomkah he escaped in.

** Averted in the ''Ark Mod'' -- the soldiers onboard the ''Normandy'' can be deployed to aid the Turian Marines on Menae during ''Operation Paladin'' -- if the ''Normandy's'' compliment isn't at max strength, the player will suffer casualities.

** The Evacuation of Thessia, where you must rush between the planet and various fleets, prioritizing civilian/unit evacuations all the while, while the Reapers get faster and faster and fleet losses mount. As the official FAQ for the mod states, "you can't save everyone".
** The third mission in the ''Ark Mod'', "Scorched Earth," requires the player to battle past waves of Reapers and Awakened Collectors to escape in two minutes after starting a countdown to destroy a Thessia facility where sensitive information and equipment was stored.

* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: The Dealer makes an offer to trade any relics you find for a choice of items from his private stock, because he's liquidating everything and plans on fleeing the galaxy for parts unknown before the Reapers destroy everything.
* ShootingGallery: A shooting range can be bought for the Shuttle Bay through the terminal on the Engineering deck, and displays targets similar to the range set up in the Spectre Requisitions office onboard the Citadel. Unlike that range, practicing enough on the ''Normandy'''s gallery (shoot 250 targets or more) nets you an achievement and a bonus intel upgrade that either improves your weapon or headshot damage. As the plot continues, squadmates the player has recruited will stand in the gallery and comment on the player's performance (including guest-party members like Wrex).

** The ''Spectre Expansion Mod'' adds a sidestory called "Ghosts of Antilin" (referencing a minor race in the ''ME'' universe) that plays out via journal entries, and must be accessed in the STG lab on Sur'Kesh.
** The ''Ark Mod'' is a set of functionally-linked missions that revolve around the investigation of a damaged Turian Dreadnought (and the efforts to salvage it) before transitioning into an investigation into the Andromeda Initiative, and a quest to turn off a beacon before the Reapers can learn of the Initiative's destination.

** One of the items in Morlan's shop is a copy of the infamous ''Mass Effect: Deception'' novel. Cited for many historical inaccuracies, the description lists what Alliance personnel likes to do with copies as opposed to reading them, such as shooting them for target practice and [[OnlyUsefulAsToiletPaper using the pages for toilet paper]].

* TrialAndErrorGameplay: The Evacuation of Thessia. Players unfamiliar with the mod will likely be confused with the set-up and not understand the format, which forces you to quickly fly from the planet, ''scan'' the nearby ships and fleets and dock at the nearest one that registers a signal). Even beyond that, it's impossible to know which rescued Thessian refugees[=/=]units are worth the most, and there are several variables at work -- namely, whether you chose to commit only the Normandy, a single fleet or full fleets in the preceding meeting with Ahern and Mikhailovich.

** The Evacuation of Thessia, which is essentially a space battle (over several "rounds", depending on your choices) that plays out entirely on the Galaxy Map. It forces you to scan the planet multiple times and fly back-and-forth between said planet and various fleets while avoiding Reapers that get more and more aggressive as time passes.

** Both the ''Ark Mod'' and ''Spectre Expansion Mod'' each introduce an ambient environmental mission with no enemies, much like the ''N7: MST Estevanico'' mission in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''. In the ''Ark Mod'', it involves Shepard walking through a similar derelict ship (this time, floating in space) and recovering [[VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda Andromeda Initiative weapons and armor]] while investigating a distress call, and in ''Spectre Expansion'', a previously text-only mission in the vanilla game is converted into a proper level, where Shepard can recover the Obelisk of Karza and investigate an abandoned dig site.

* YouBastard: Diana Allers will call Shepard this verbatim in an email if the player chose to lie to the Bekenstein government and force a treaty with them to produce weapons for the Alliance earlier in the game.