Schmooples' Den! The DA News Discussion Thread

One sentiment I've long felt is that Bioware have been somewhat too focused on the companions and the ensemble cast.

I love Mass Effect, but I didn't love it initially because of Wrex, Tali etc, rather I loved it because of its world, and plot. Even Mass Effect 2, I believe it's always been a misinterpretation to believe the companions carried the game.

In truth the ME2 companions never banter, hardly speak outside of loyalty missions, and have scant few Normandy conversations if they aren't being romanced.

What carried the game was the loyalty, and recruitment missions that put us in a wide variety of situations, and worlds. Whether it be espionage with Garrus, or medieval clan escapades with Grunt for example.

I think the same with Origins too. Morrigan, and Alistair were alright, but the the main story, and locations along the way, like Orzammar, ultimately made the game great.

Whereas, I would say from the Citadel DLC onwards, it has been like Bioware have been so focused on building up a companion group we'll love, that they forget to build a substantial plot, and interesting world to explore.

In a way, connection to companions has to be earned, and that needs to be done by marching through half decent plots with them, and not just making them the focus.

I want to see gameplay. I'm not going to concern myself with another cinematic trailer.




I believe alpha test leakers did say that there were red lyrium infused Darkspawn in the gameplay they got to test.

If anything, the art style reminds me more of the Dishonored games

Which ingame date is the supposed start of DATVG? Does anyone have a guess?

Beats Val Royeaux. By miles. 

Shit, that looks good. That's gonna look awesome on my rig this Fall!

You see? We get to stop Solas after all! And are those rift portals? I thought they were gone in DA: I? 

That... looks a hellavu a lot more polished than I thought it be. 60 frames confirmed then?

A strong suit but, for peak Bioware, not necessarily the focus.

   ~10 years after DAI based on Eternal Flame short story and The Missing comic.

That already looks scores better than what we saw yesterday. It was smart to tease this today.

Also...Minrathous looks so good. Can't wait to see more (I was so disappointed in Val Royeaux).

Also Varric does seem like a temporary companion at least. Kind of surprised we don't have Harding here.

I wonder if there are voice options for the protagonist (that voice seems pretty good but I do like the options in DAI)