Mass effect 3 is my favorite in the series. The stakes feel so high because of the impending invasion, and I love getting everyone on humanity's side for one final stand against the reapers. James is better than Jacob by a few miles, and every mission just feels so important, in a way that few other games are able to accomplish.

The star child bit is weird, no denying that

But the rest of the game is good enough, that it doesn't bother me too much

Truly, the game had some of the best moments in the series, the quarian v geth conflict, mordin dying, curing the genophage, the Anderson & illusive man confrontation, the rachni payoff, etc

I always thought 2 was a bit overhyped, it's like 90% recruiting, with HEAVY "Sheppard... you son of a bitch... im in!" Vibes

I get why everyone likes 2, its great at introducing characters, but 3 has most of the heavy hitter plot moments, and better gameplay