Like its predecessor, the game is better than the sum of its parts. Examining all of its aspects separately, like the combat, AI, mission/level design, scanning mechanic and overall writing, it falls flat. But as the game completely revolves itself around uniting the galaxy against the Reapers, you get caught up in the grand scheme, and you're almost instantly hooked into the adventure. It's also the main reason why the multiplayer, while very simple, is pretty engaging. But unlike ME2s suicide mission, the payoff of taking back Earth, given all the running around you have to do, is embarrassingly weak.