Artwork from Dragon Age: Inquisition depicting two of the player’s traveling companions facing a dragon
“Journey into the world of Thedas in Dragon Age. Discover new adventures full of striking characters, powerful magic, and rich storytelling. Meet an incredible number of Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Qunari in a realm where every decision you make echoes across history.”
For anyone who has been reading my game reviews, you’ll know I don’t review a game unless I like it. I don’t really have time to spend hours playing a game that doesn’t have good storytelling or compelling characters, nor would I want to. So here’s the latest in the line of RPGs I’ve been playing through: Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
Let’s check off our list. This game, the third in the franchise, builds off the other two, so there is a ton of lore to discover and learn about, should you feel inclined to do so. (And if you have save files on your console from those previous games, your previous characters show up in this one!).
You create your own character, designing elements from eye color to hairdo to scars. The other characters that fill the world of Thedas are fascinating and diverse, especially those most closely tied to your character and the plot. Again, as with the story and lore, you can learn as much or as little about them as you want.
The best way to describe it is a “choose-you-own-adventure.” The most stand out feature of Inquisition is your ability to change the story based on dialogue options and decisions you make at various points of the story. Some decisions make minor changes to how other characters view you, and others alter the plot in major ways.
I really liked that my game would be different from everyone else’s, and it felt more tailored to me. Your character isn’t silent or a mere observer; they take the reins of the story and play a direct role in shaping it. There are real stakes for your characters, and failing to make the right choice can end a questline. That might sound stressful, but honestly it just makes everything that much more exciting.
A conversation with a companion in Dragon Age: Inquisition where the dialog option the player chooses can potentially change the outcome of the game
To summarize: great story, deep lore, interesting characters, awesome game control. On the other end of the spectrum, the fighting mechanics are decent, but nothing special or particularly interesting. And the graphics, while they might have been great when the game first came out several years ago, aren’t the best. But the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Check it out on PS4 here: https://more.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2351723164 or Xbox and PS3 here: https://more.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2481639164.
~~Lindsey, Library Aide
This is a game you’ll want to play multiple times, just so you can make different choices and see what changes happen….and then you’ll get to the those choices and either forget what you picked the first go around or be unable to make yourself pick the other option…either way it’s a lot of fun