Yes, I realize there's a megathread but this is a rather specific question I want answered and I want to avoid reading spoilers.
My question is, "does Mass Effect 3 have a real plot/story arc?".
Now before you answer, let me explain what I mean. Mass Effect excels at characterization, drama and setting, but the actual plot is something that has fallen short ever since part two.
Mass Effect 1 actually had a very good plot with an interesting story arc and gradual unraveling of the various mysteries.
You started off on Eden Prime not knowing anything about future events and then continue to piece together various parts of the Prothean vision while learning more about the universe, races and people in the process. It was a truly good arc with a few twists and well-paced ending.
Mass Effect 2 however really didn't have much of a plot or a story arc. Instead the game kills you off in the first 2 minutes only so you can find yourself in dept to Cerberus who then tell you to prepare of a "suicide mission". The antagonists, the collectors, seem like nothing more than "filler villain" and the whole plot of Mass Effect 2 feels like a "filler plot".
Because 80% of the game you spend running around the Galaxy assembling a team and solving their problems, all in preparation for the final mission. Now while this works for the game overall, Mass Effect 2 has little to no relevance for the over-arcing story regarding the Reaper threat. It really is just filler content.
Now I'm, asking if Mass Effect 3 does any better?
I haven't yet purchased the game but if the plot is essentially summed up with "Reapers attack earth, travel the Galaxy to assemble a fleet and fight back" then I have no intention to. I require that the game have at least something that resembles a story arc, including build-ups, reveals and twists.
So without giving away too many details, does Mass Effect 3 have a real story arc or is it just as much "filler content" as Mass Effect 2?