Details about Dragon Age: Inquisition, the third entry in Bioware’s dark fantasy RPG series, have finally emerged. The developers have been listening closely to fan feedback on the first two games, and are working hard to incorporate the suggestions into the franchise.
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you must confront the important sociopolitical trouble that has gripped the land of Thedas. You take on the role of the head of the Inquisition, a task force that exists to deal with such matters. In true Dragon Age form, these issues of oppression, corruption, and callousness are part of the game’s world which, once again, needs saving from a much larger threat.
While traveling across the game’s large areas, players will be able to chat with and personalize a small ensemble of characters, who (for whatever reason) have decided to keep you company on your quest to battle evil. As leader of the Inquisition, it’s your duty to manage your followers and make sure the squad you’ve assembled is formidable enough to hold their own against the incoming blight.
Things get particularly interesting when looking at how Bioware is reacting to the general consensus that Dragon Age II was a bit of a disappointment. Players have often complained that the prior title’s locations were too small and repetitive, the main character’s race was mandated – Hawke was a human, whether you liked it or not — and choices made in-game didn’t have a big enough impact on the world.
With Dragon Age: Inquisition, BioWare aims to address all of those concerns. The world is larger and more open and you can now choose between human, dwarf, or elf for your character’s race, and player agency is critical.
I too had my problems with Dragon Age II, but I respected its boldness and singularity of vision. I hope that Dragon Age: Inquisition doesn’t lose those commendable qualities for the sake of pleasing the market. Either way, I’ll be playing it when it releases.
Check back with WGTC for more coverage on Dragon Age: Inquisition leading up to the game’s launch next year.