I've journeyed through Thedas with the Dragon Age series, and while I've loved the ride, it's not without its bumps. Let's dive into what made these games shine and where BioWare could have aimed higher.
The stories in Dragon Age can be gripping, but let's be real, sometimes they're as convoluted as a mage trying to explain why they need more mana. Origins was a classic, but Dragon Age II felt like a rushed side story, and Inquisition? It's like BioWare threw everything at the wall to see what sticks. The companions are memorable, but after you peel back the layers, some feel like they're just there to check diversity boxes or push romance options. Where's the depth, BioWare? We want companions, not just plot devices. Sure, your decisions supposedly change the world, but sometimes it feels like the changes are cosmetic at best. Did your big choice in Origins really alter much by Inquisition? Or are we just playing in a very well-disguised illusion of choice? Thedas is beautiful, no doubt, but let's talk about how much of it feels like padding. Exploring in Inquisition often felt like a chore rather than an adventure, with vast areas that were more about collecting shards than storytelling
BioWare missed the mark in several areas. Combat in Origins had that sweet tactical feel, but each sequel seemed more interested in making it an action game. Dragon Age II was a mess, and Inquisition? It's like they couldn't decide if they wanted chess or button-mashing. Launching games with more bugs than a Darkspawn horde? Inquisition was a visual feast but also a technical nightmare at launch. BioWare, when will you learn that polish isn't just for armor? Remember when your party members had their own lives back in Origins? Now, interactions feel scripted or non-existent. It's like BioWare forgot how to write for more than one character at a time. Pacing in Dragon Age II felt like someone was rushing you through the story, while Inquisition sometimes dragged like a mage with a broken staff. BioWare, find the middle ground! And let's talk about DLC—some of the best stories are locked behind a paywall. It's like BioWare saves the best for last to justify the price tag.
Dragon Age has its moments of brilliance, but it's time for BioWare to look in the mirror. The series has potential to be one of the greatest, yet it often feels like we're getting half-baked ideas. If BioWare wants to reignite the magic of Thedas, they need to focus on consistency, depth in character and plot, and less on sprawling, empty maps. This isn't just a call for improvement; it's a demand for BioWare to reclaim their throne in the RPG world. Let's see if they can rise to the challenge and give us a Dragon Age game that doesn't just meet expectations but exceeds them.
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