Mass Effect 3 doesn't allow ME2 imported saves from cloud
EA: "we understand this may be a great setback."
Mass Effect 3 on Xbox 360 will not allow you to import Mass Effect 2 saves from the cloud, EA has confirmed.
Local ME2 save files that have been moved from another Xbox 360 via the cloud are also unusable.
Players who want to import ME2 save files that have been uploaded to the cloud must download them to the original hard drive used, EA has announced.
If you have transferred a save file to another Xbox hard drive via the cloud you must transfer it back: in order to then re-transfer it manually, either via a USB stick or Xbox 360 hard drive transfer cable.
But those who don't have their original hard drive to hand may be in trouble. There is currently no way to salvage your save file if this is the case, a problem if your previous hard drive has failed.
Another situation where ME2 saves may not work is if you try to import a file created using a "community created program" to download or tinker with save files. Just in case you try and cheat ME2's suicide mission.
"We understand this may be a great setback to those impacted who have been following the Mass Effect franchise over the years," EA said in a statement. "We thank you for your patience."