INTRODUCTION
Dragons are afoot, realms are in chaos, and the call for a hero reverberates across the world of Thedas! Welcome to the third chapter of the epic saga from BioWare, Dragon Age: Inquisition. This addition to the series sees the developers responding to player feedback from earlier editions, masterfully blending the preferred elements of the first installment with the best of the second and even sprinkling in some fresh, exciting features.
BREATHTAKING NARRATIVE: MORE THAN A DECADE LATER
Our adventure kicks off a decade post-Dragon Age: Origins. Thedas finds itself in disarray – Ferelden, not yet recovered from the fifth Blight, a Darkspawn invasion, and Orlais, embroiled in civil unrest. Add to that an ongoing clash between mages and Templars, a ripped seam between the mortal world and the Fade, resulting in a demon onslaught. Enter the Inquisition, a politically independent entity that takes on this terrifying threat. As the player, you helm the Inquisition, tasked with finding the source of this demonic invasion and gathering enough power to thwart it. The character creation tool allows customization of everything from class and gender to race, all contributing to a fully-voiced, immersive protagonist.
ROLE OF COMPANIONS: MORE THAN JUST BACKUP
Accompanying your character are numerous companions, including familiar faces from previous chapters. Their significance lies not only in battle support but also in the narrative. By interacting with them, you unveil their stories, intentions, and ambitions. They react to your actions, which directly influence their perception of you. And yes, those beloved Dragon Age romances remain crucial to these companion relationships, showcasing interpersonal dynamics with a more realistic, mature approach.
CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES: GREY MORALITY
Throughout your journey, you face complex moral dilemmas where the clear line dividing good from evil is blurred. These decisions impact the plot significantly, with consequences sometimes unfolding much later. For those wanting to import decisions from previous games or newcomers looking to create their history, the Dragon Age Keep website provides a solution. This platform allows you to generate a personalized save game to import, offering a unique storytelling experience.
SIDE MISSIONS AND STRATEGIC GROWTH: REPUTATION IS POWER
While the primary plot line unfolds, players engage in side quests and minor conflicts that are peppering Thedas. As Inquisitor, your decisions represent the entire organization, shaping its reputation and relationships with other groups. Progress in the game leads to character growth and the increasing significance of the Inquisition. Higher standing translates into tangible benefits like a personal army capable of capturing fortresses harboring crucial information.
WORLD EXPLORATION AND COMBAT: A JOURNEY ACROSS THEDAS
Given the scale of events in Dragon Age: Inquisition, players traverse the expansive continent of Thedas. While not fully open-world, locations offer more size and diversity than in previous chapters. Travel and exploration occur via a world map and on foot or horseback. Unlocking key plot areas requires a certain reputation level, achieved through side quests, diplomacy, artifact collection, and defeating dangerous creatures.
As for combat, the developers have aimed to satisfy both strategists and action lovers. Players can issue orders to party members during active pauses or let AI control the action, allowing a focus on one character. The updated AI leads to organized enemy groups that support each other and respond to battlefield situations, requiring careful observation and strategic planning from players.
TECHNOLOGY: A STUNNING DISPLAY
The Frostbite 3 engine is powering this masterpiece, known for its application in Battlefield 4. The technology allows for creation of vast open spaces and intricate environment interactions. Destruction and reconstruction of environment components enable access to new locations. Added to this is a dynamic day-night cycle and weather conditions directly impacting gameplay. This chapter in the Dragon Age saga promises a compelling narrative, rich gameplay, and an immersive visual experience.
