For devoted fans of the fantasy series, the introduction to this latest chapter can be a jarring experience, given their familiarity with the franchise’s earlier iterations. Unlike other Dragon Age titles, this sport does not utilize the Dragon Age Maintain app, which enables users to track their past choices made across various Dragon Age video games – choices that often yield surprising payoffs in subsequent titles. The browser-based application enabled gamers to craft a save state by navigating through primary and secondary options, which subsequently impacted events in an upcoming game. However, the novel has abandoned its protagonist, reducing the global implications to a handful of key queries. This outcome exceeded my expectations, yielding a significantly more positive result than initially imagined, and the gap between reality and anticipation was surprisingly narrow.
The game’s developers, BioWare, maintained continuity between the choices made by the Hero of Ferelden, the main character from Dragon Age: Origins, and Hawke, the protagonist from Dragon Age II, potentially leading to distinct outcomes in both games. In my reimagined tale, Alistair assumes the throne as the rightful ruler of Ferelden. In the depths of another gamer’s saved world, he assumes the role of a Gray Warden, a figure familiar to those who have traversed the perilous landscape – and, indeed, potentially met their demise at his hands. Upon saving Connor, the possessed little one mage in Redcliffe, his gratitude was palpable as he reappeared in town, offering assurance that my decision had been the right one. I initially supported King Bhelen’s bid for power in Orzammar, but my optimism was short-lived; instead, I found out that he had been quietly eliminating the entire family of his rival Harrowmont in a brutal campaign of elimination. Yikes!
Carrying over the momentum from these selections and reaping the rewards was deeply fulfilling, yet adhering to the established conventions of gaming’s past would have posed a significant challenge. As substitutes, the three selections all come from ‘The Pathless’ last DLC, which are:
In Mass Effect 2, the Inquisitor romances Garrus Vakarian.
The Inquisition was disbanded following the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Did the Inquisitor ultimately condemn Solas to eternal darkness or leave open a glimmer of hope for his redemption?
Despite being compromised by spies and susceptible to corruption, the Inquisition possesses formidable martial might and resources, rendering its influence all the more profound. Disbandment of the Inquisition yields a significantly reduced yet more resilient organization, shielded from external machinations. Two opposing choices unfold discreetly, as Rook navigates his complicated relationship with the enigmatic Inquisitor. This concise collection of choices stands out as preferred.
While the surrounding wilderness is far from unfamiliar, I’m comfortable with a relatively untainted environment that allows me to start anew in the northern reaches of the world; we won’t be venturing into the well-trodden lands of Ferelden or Orlais. Regardless of past choices, the fresh narrative disregards any prior decisions players may have made regarding the Sunburst Throne’s occupant, or their stance on supporting mages or templars in earlier games. Here’s a more nuanced understanding: That’s acceptable with me — following three rounds of intense debate about the moral implications of mage guilds and Templar governance, I’m relieved to shift our focus onto other matters.
By doing so, it also liberates BioWare designers from the complex and intricate quantum mechanics canon previously governed by the Maintenance. The protagonist in BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins and its sequel, Dragon Age II, is a human. What’s their status – living, deceased, or reigning supreme as monarch? Which divinity are they serving?
While some fans may desire more insight into the fates of key characters like those in the Property of Sorrow series, it’s understandable that BioWare chose to focus on new storylines following a 10-year gap between installments. Fortunately, there are numerous new floors to cover, and I didn’t find myself lacking for material to maintain my momentum. If future Dragon Age titles materialize, it will be exciting to see BioWare innovate in combining the best of their past creations.
