Game Preview - Dragon Age: Inquisition

Of all the things in the world, it seems dragons are making a comeback in various forms of media, from Game of Thrones to Skyrim. In fact, Dragons are now an almost staple feature of many games that try to include elements of medieval combat and magic. Not wanting to feel left out, BioWare is about to unleash Dragon Age: Inquisition, styled as the end of the Dragon Age trilogy, but plans might change later. As a fan, it was Dragon Age: Origins that really impressed me. The environment was open, the characters were great, the plot was superb, and the combat and strategy was interesting. The best thing about it was the amazing attention to detail even on such trivial things as background dialogues and trinkets for trade. The game was so intense, in fact, that once you reached the final level, you couldn’t help feeling shocked that it was all over. Dragon Age 2, was an improvement on the original game, but released so quickly, it seemed rather repetitive. With this new game, developers have spent more time and attention on the larger game mechanics. Also, my favourite character is back: Morrigan, the witch of the wilds.

Plot

Dragon Age Inquisition traces its roots to the end of Origins, where Morrigan foretells some great calamity. The game begins with an investigation into the apparent tear in the veil and a breach into the fade (something like a dreamland, where you can communicate with demons and spirits). The protagonist, is called the Inquisitor, and depending on the player’s tastes, choose different race and class flags. Interestingly, it seems that BioWare has not completely ruled out the possibility of previous protagonists from appearing in future games or DLCs (or even at some scenes during the main game itself). The overall plot involves “saving the world from itself,” as described by BioWare. This involves an all-out war between mages and Templars (who are opposed to Mages in the Dragon Age universe).

Gameplay and Combat

Keep in mind that Dragon Age: Inquisition is not trying to be Skyrim. So “open world” here, does not necessarily mean the same thing. However, Bioware has promised larger locations and more freedom to explore. As with previous games, players will get to choose from different classes: mage, warrior or rogue. Four distinct races will be available: human, dwarf, elf, or qunari, of either gender. The game engine goes a long to provide customisation features for players of different genders, body types and even accents. In that sense, it allows players to create unique avatars in the Dragon Age universe.

The player also gets to choose companions on his quest, as he moves through the game. Like the previous games, this includes mages, warriors and rogues from different races and with their own unique plots. However, the diversity also means that you need to engage in every-more side-missions to develop your many characters.

The most significant change, however, is the focus on strategy. Inquisition deliberately limits the ability of mages to spam spells or players to carry endless healing potions with them. Instead, there is a new reliance of spell synchronisation, support and heavily assault. This is a good thing, because in Dragon Age: Origins, for instance, it was actually possible overwhelm your enemies with brute firepower without much attention to strategy. This time, combat will also include more interaction with the environment.

Verdict

The Dragon Age series has a lot in common with similar games. What truly sets it apart is the fantastic narrative that drives the game. The Witches, Skyrim, and all these other games have their unique spin but Dragon Age and the fantastic line-up of characters are something you really want to keep exploring all the time. If there is any fault in the series, it could be that the main plot does not go long enough. Anyway, the return of the most beloved characters, and a new line up of companions and a continuation of interesting plot, all work together to make this one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Coming to the US on October 7, 2014. You could pre-order the game on eBay, Amazon or via the official site for LKR 4,000.

By Navam Niles