9 Fan Theories That Save TERRIBLE Games
6. The Indoctrination Theory - Mass Effect 3
Is it just a teensy bit over-the-top to call Mass Effect 3 a terrible game considering that large sections of it are genuinely fun? Yes, but no other game has seen its reputation plummet quite so brutally due to a clumsily botched ending.
The clustertruck of an ending - in which the player's journey devolves into a mere pick-a-colour series of choices - proved so disconcerting that one incredible theory took hold in the fandom like a root and just wouldn't stop growing.
The Indoctrination Theory claims that the climactic events of Mass Effect 3 didn't actually happen - rather, it was all taking place in Commander Shepard's head as he attempted to resist being indoctrinated by the Reapers.
The Control and Synthesis endings could therefore be interpreted as Shepard being indoctrinated, while the Destroy ending - where the Reapers are destroyed - sees Shep break free.
Mass Effect 3 writer Chris Hepler even acknowledged how smart and interesting the theory was, even if he also added that it was in no way intended by the writers.
Still, it sure as hell makes that horrendous ending a good deal easier to swallow.