[Megathread] Dragon Age 3

[Deleted]

It doesn't look too jarringly different to me really, but the trailer shows nothing of the gameplay.

For me Dragon Age: Origins was always about the solid mechanics. It was just nice to play a current gen, AAA rpg with gameplay that harked back to the days of the venerable infinity engine games, while still feeling like a modern game. On the higher two difficulties it was challenging, tactical and methodical, with room for experimentation and general pissing about. If the new game can manage that I'll be more than happy, and won't care at all about the art style (or story tbh :/).

Here's to hoping it's not a dumbed down snorefest milking the deserved reputation of DA:O.

[Faldric]

I guess Morrigan will be day1 DLC, and certainly there will be some "exciting new features" that will make always online connection totally necessary.

I guess there is no doubt on that. And at the end you may choose between countless different colours of fireballs to kill of the arch demon.

[Wilian]

Honestly, I played through the first and still can't find the appeal to it or why it got the following it has : /

It's mostly because there was huge lack of group based PC centric wRPG for years. There's a reason why DA:O was called the "spiritual successor" of Baldur's Gate. It also helped it didn't totally suck (while being mediocare experience post Origins).

As for DA3, I can't wait for it to be released. Every release of EA for past 3-4 years have provided me endless amounts of free entertaiment in form of just a mere bystander it's monetary value would be sky high if stupidity could somehow be monetized. There's no way this will be any different.

Besides that, any and all real talent of Bioware left the company long time ago already with distaste towards the direction the company has been going for years now, leaving only talentless hacks like Hepler and Gaider to steer the machine even into further decline.

[TheBigPapi]

Hard to judge how the game will look based on the cinematic until the gameplay trailer comes out but aslong as its better than that awful DA2, than a little change won;t be a big bother

[Throren]

Here is a list of all the info we have about the game so far - This was made by Maclimes on the EA forum, all props to him, just posting it here for convenience.

Often-Referenced Sources:

PAX 2013 Panel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0nDyB7Eva8
Transcript: http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to...index/11426918

Edmonton Expo (summary):
http://gamingbolt.com/dragon-age-3-gigantic-levels-in-depth-customization-control-your-castle-and-flemeth.

"Fires Above" Trailer (released June 10, 2013)

CVG Interview with Aaron Flynn (June 2013):
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...e-inquisition/


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General Information

The name of the game is Dragon Age: Inquisition.

It will run on the Frostbite 3 Engine.

Release Date: Fall 2014

Platforms: X-Box 360, X-Box One, PS3, PS4, and PC.

You will be able to import your save(s) from the previous game(s). Exactly how it will be handled is unknown, at this point, but supposedly the feature will be improved upon. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14370204&lf=8 and CVG Interview)

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Setting

The game takes place during the mage/templar civil war, and likely is directly connected to the events of that war. Based on that, it is likely the game's timeline begins on or around 9:40 Dragon.

At least part of the game (likely, a large portion) will take place in Orlais (as mentioned at the PAX Panel, "somewhere French"), although based on the map shown in this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjexkoGVKlY), it will also include Ferelden, the Free Marches, Nevarra, and the southern areas of both the Tevinter Imperium and Antiva.

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Environment/Dungeons

Levels will be huge and non-linear. (Edmonton Expo).

The idea is to have large areas with lots of exploration, instead of tons of connected smaller areas, creating a more "open world" feeling. (CVG Interview)

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Creatures/Monsters/Races

Elves will be redeisgned (or at least tweaked) again, falling visually somewhere between DA:O and DA2. (Not just humans with pointy ears, but not quite as far as they were in DA2.) (https://twitter.com/Mike_Laidlaw/sta...37789477969920)

There will be at least one new major type of demon. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../15243582&lf=8)


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Dialogue System

Based on comments from David Gaider, both on the forums and at the PAX Panel, the dialogue wheel is here to stay, as is paraphrasing. Improvements and changes to the system will be made, however. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14200035&lf=8)

Pausing during cutscenes is considered a "stretch goal" at this point, which means it's something they would like to include, but would be cut if time and resources force them to prioritize features. Seems to be possible, but unlikely. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14688012&lf=8)

In addition to the dialogue wheel, something called a "reaction wheel" is going to be used for when an emotional reaction is needed. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14916937&lf=8) As mentioned in the post, there are no details on this feature yet.

There will be no "ninjamancing" in DA:III, as all romance-related dialogue will have the heart icon (exactly as it was in DA2). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../16382134&lf=8)

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Multiplayer/Online Components

There will be SOME form of online or multiplayer aspect to the game. Beyond that, though, no details have been announced. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to...058/4#14005691)

On the PAX Panel, it was implied that there would be online interaction between fans (sharing their stories), though no details were given.

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Protagonist: "The Inquisitor"

Inquisitor will be human. (Edmonton Expo)

Inquisitor will be voiced. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14259672&lf=8)

You will choose a background, which will greatly affect your story and gameplay. The background will not be playable, unlike the origins in DA:O. (Edmonton Expo)

You will NOT have the option to make the DA3 protagonist an Amell descendent. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../15666509&lf=8)

You will NOT be forced to serve the Chantry or express belief in the Maker. They will be attempting to allow you to actively express doubt or belief, if the situation calls for it. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14614580&lf=8),

The team wants Class Specializations to be more important and limited. (PAX Panel)

They intend to attempt to make the character feel more like your own character (like DAO), as opposed to a pre-generated character you are controlling (like DA2), through dialogue and conversations. (PAX Panel and CVG Interview)

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Combat

Combat will be a blend of the tactical combat in DAO and the faster-paced action of DA2 (CVG Interview)

There was talk at this panel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjexkoGVKlY) about combat becoming far more strategic, placing emphasis on elements such as positioning, elevation, chokepoints, and preparation, with a strong focus on teamwork. (Note: He said "strategic", but given the context, it seems the word "tactical" is more likely to be closer to the truth).

One of the goals of the combat team is to have bigger, more interesting combats (and less "trash fights"). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../15257964&lf=8)

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Companions (General Information)

Officially, no information is known about specific companions. In David Gaider's blog, he uses a Grey Warden and a Seeker as examples of a concept, but there is no word on if those were simply examples, or actual companions.

The cast of companions has been "set in stone" as it were, and there will be no modifications to the list. Which companions are on that list is unknown. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14422815&lf=8)

All indicators are that you will not be able to just randomly murder your companions. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14294327&lf=8). That's not to say that companion death will be impossible, just that it would likely be a planned, story-based event (such as Anders in DA2).

Companions will be able to change gear and armor again, but the appearance of the items will change to match their unique style. (http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/13/dacustomization/)

For those concerned, yes, random party banter will be back, as in DAO and DA2 (if not more than before). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14351939&lf=8)

As for party banter (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14783512&lf=8), they are experimenting with a system that would allow the player to interject a chosen line into party banter voluntarily. (Similar to Hawke's occasional interjection, but not auto-dialogue). This feature is not confirmed as definite, but it is being considered.

They are removing some of the various "random barking" of party members (such as clicking on them, or random in-combat battle cries). Instead, there will be more dialogue snippets devoted to reacting to events and commands. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../15250854&lf=8)

At the Edmonton Expo, it was mentioned that you would be able to customize your followers. Whether this refers to the above-mentioned armor mechanics, or some new unrevealed customization mechanic (such as appearance or personality) is unknown.

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Romance/Companion Interaction (General Information)

Romance will be in the game, with no stronger or lighter a presence than it has had before. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14235800&lf=8).

For a variety of reasons, it seems likely that all potential romances will be romancable by either gender (as was the case in DA2) (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14288346&lf=8) This is not guaranteed, however. Just a bit of reading between the lines. It's still possible that there will be some romance options with a set single-gender romance.

According to the PAX Panel, there is an intent to give more control of the dialogue timing back into the hands of the player (like in DAO), as opposed to being directed to specific conversations via quest (like in DA2). David Gaider further expounded on this (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14730886&lf=8) by saying that there would be less companion quests in DA3, but more opportunity to talk to your followers at your leisure. In addition, they would be removing the "indicator" that your party members had something to say, as it was felt this took away from player agency. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14297664&lf=8) Presumably, this means companions will be brought back to a central location (as has been indicated elsewhere).

As an added bonus to this, yes, you will be able to kiss your Love Interest at your leisure.

According to Gaider in this thread (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14730886&lf=8), the Friendship/Rivalry system will not be returning as it was. It will function in much the same way, but supposedly won't enable/prevent certain conversations from occuring.

There will not be polygamy in the romances. Pick one. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../15574740&lf=8)

There will be no "ninjamancing" in DA:III, as all romance-related dialogue will have the heart icon (exactly as it was in DA2). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../16382134&lf=8)

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Central Location/Party Camp/Castle

Also at the PAX Panel, it was mentioned that there would be a return to the more "party camp" style central location, so you can more easily interact with your companion (while still making the companions feel like they have their own lives).

At the Edmonton Expo, it was mentioned that the player will have their own castle to manage. No further details on this were given, but it is safe to assume that this will be the "party camp" style location, in addition to whatever other roles it may fill.


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Important NPC/Companions (Specific Characters)

Here's a list of characters, and what (if any) connection they may have to DA3.

Varric Tethras: He appears in a major role in the Fires Above trailer, making his inclusion in the game obvious. (Although the importance of his appearance is unknown. He could be anywhere from a companion to narrator to simple quest giver).

Cassandra: Cassandra appears in a major role in the Fires Above trailer, making her inclusion in the game obvious.

Leliana: It has been mentioned by David Gaider (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14559402&lf=8) that the reason for Leliana surviving her potential death in DA:O will be explained in DA3. That doesn't necessarily mean she will be in the game, but it seems obvious from the end of DA2 that she will at least have a presence.

Cullen: It has been rumored that Greg Ellis has been cast for voice over work in DA3, making a strong argument for the inclusion Cullen. Also, given that Cullen is the leader of the Templar in the city that first hosted the mage revolt, it seems possible that Cullen could have a place in the story. However, those are just rumors at this point, and there's no saying what, if any, role he would play in DA3.

Morrigan and the "old god baby": Morrigan is the narrator of the Fires Above trailer, and thus will likely have an important role in DA3.

It has been directly stated that the "OGB" will not be shoe-horned in if the player did not make the relevant decision in DA:O (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14151999&lf=8), so it seems likely that the OGB will not play a major role, if any.

Flemeth: At the Edmonton Expo, Mike Laidlaw said, "It feels wrong to not have a little Flemeth in your game". So, it's a safe bet that she will be making at least an appearance.

David Gaider posted on his Tumblr, in response to fan art of Flemeth, "Nice! I so look forward to working with Kate Mulgrew again. That is one classy, talented lady." Safe to say Flemeth is officially in for DA3. (http://dgaider.tumblr.com/post/47163...-as-flemeth-by)

Bodahn and Sandal: Bodahn mentions at the end of DA2 that Sandal has been offered a job in the court of the Empress of Orlais. Given that fact, and the fact that they are sort of iconic DA protagonist hangers-on (like HK-47 and T3-M4 in KOTOR), they will likely (but not confirmed) be appearing in similar roles in DA3.

Also, Sandal's voice acter (Yuri Lowenthal) has strongly hinted that he will be in DA3, further strengthening the likelihood of Sandal's return.

Loghain: If he survives all the way through DA:O, he appears in DA:A, mentioning he's been assigned to the Grey Wardens in Orlais, commenting on the irony of it all. Considering the likelihood that he's dead in many imports, however, he is unlikely to have anything more than a brief cameo (at best).

The Grey Wardens: In the Fires Above trailer, we see what appears to be the Seekers (led by Cassandra) assaulting a Grey Warden base. It seems likely that they will at least appear. Possibly even with a major role to play.

As for Duncan: He's dead. Get over it. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14235305&lf=8)

Lambert, Shale, Cole, Rhys, and Evangeline: These characters all played major roles in the novel Dragon Age: Asunder, by David Gaider (A good read, if you have not already. Highly recommended). The novel seems to be setting the stage for DA3, so it is likely that at least some of them will be in DA3. In what roles, if any, is unknown at this point.

Maevaris: She was introduced to fans too late to be included as a companion, although there is more to her story. (http://dgaider.tumblr.com/post/53197...hecking-it-out)

The Warden, The Warden-Commander, and Hawke: The previous three (two and a half?) protagonists may yet play some role in DA3, but nothing has been confirmed or denied. Considering their seeming relevance at the end of DA2, it seems likely that they will at least be mentioned.

At the PAX Panel, it was mentioned that if the Warden appeared, it is likely that you would have some control over how the character was presented, and that the issue would definetly be handled with care.

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Mods/User-Generated Content

At the PAX Panel, it was mentioned that there was no plan to release Developer Tools for DA3. There was also a "never say never" statement as well, so ... who knows? But odds look very low.

Further information and clarification on the likely lack of a toolset. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/to.../14959529&lf=8)

[Lazy Gecko]

I hate the whole being forced to play as human thing which they started with in Dragon Age 2. It's probably related to them insisting on a voiced player character. When I play these types of RPGs I expect to be able to choose from several races, and Dragon Age 1 did that much better than usual and I really enjoyed playing as a dwarf noble. I will most likely not be getting this game as I'm overall pretty tired of BioWare dumbing down their games to make them more "cinematic".

[Deleted]

I have great faith to BioWare and i am sure that the game will be very good but even the greatest company can fail..... Let's wait and see.

[Buu]

I am really excited about Dragon Age 3.
If Bioware can turn around their bad PR from Dragon age 2 and Mass Effect 3, then I would have faith in them again. They pretty much destroyed both of those. Seeing an apology from Casey Hudson made me feel that they're at least trying.
hey need to spend more than just ONE DAMN YEAR making a game.

Are you sure that really did happen? Never saw any of it.

[Mezzolith]

Any news if Hamburger Helper is lead writer again?

[Shammypower]

So I am a big DA:O Fan boy. I have put countless hours into that game. When DA2 came out I pre ordered it, expecting it to be just as good. Well it was a pretty big disappointment. Sad thing is that I never finished the game. For me the combat was actually pretty good. Characters were ok and story was decent. What destroyed the game for me was the same linear dungeon over and over and over and over again. I got so sick of it I gave up.

If they can deliver with what they have promised, especially the "Environment/Dungeons. Levels will be huge and non-linear. The idea is to have large areas with lots of exploration, instead of tons of connected smaller areas, creating a more "open world" feeling." Then it should be a good game, but I am going to stay skeptical until reviews and video game play.

[Collegeguy]

Here is a list of all the info we have about the game so far - This was made by Maclimes on the EA forum, all props to him, just posting it here for convenience.

Very nice. I'm going to have to read through this.

[Nerevar]

I guess there is no doubt on that. And at the end you may choose between countless different colours of fireballs to kill of the arch demon.

Lol. And after that there will be a free DLC explaining what each color of the spell means. Honestly, I wouldn't really be surprised if this becomes a tendency. After all Bioware gives more of a EA vibe nowadays, than something else.

[Tackhisis]

If a game called 'tactic RPG' is developed for consoles, it doesn't deserve an attention. There cannot be any other types of the games than twitch button mashing.

[OmniSkribe]

If a game called 'tactic RPG' is developed for consoles, it doesn't deserve an attention. There cannot be any other types of the games than twitch button mashing there.

Look another PC master race adept. Xcom is tactical enough, Dragon age Origins is tactical enough, god's Final Fantasy Tactics tactical beyond limits, Fire Emblem, Valkyria Chronicles, Ogre Battle and all of them are on consoles and very playable.
Move along with your bigotry.

[Wilian]

Move along with your bigotry.

I think you don't know what that word means and because of that, the irony of your post is lost on you.

[Nerevar]

Look another PC master race adept. Xcom is tactical enough, Dragon age Origins is tactical enough, god's Final Fantasy Tactics tactical beyond limits, Fire Emblem, Valkyria Chronicles, Ogre Battle and all of them are on consoles and very playable.
Move along with your bigotry.

Your reply is more bigoted, lol.

[Lazy Gecko]

Tactical RPGs were a thriving niche on consoles in the past but they no longer have any place in today's polarized, focus-tested retail market.

[Gallahadd]

NIS begs to differ just because american AAA companies cater to that market, doesn't mean all countries, or indeed all companies have to.

[Repefe]

I was like hm hm hm, acceptable graphics for nowdays ... can't tell much more when it's not gameplay footage. And then bam MORRIGAN in flesh omg <3 ... need ... to ... breath ... but then the inevitable questions appeared in my mind. Where is my hell spawn baby and where is my old man warden. That's a lot of emotionally heavy stuff ... that BW seems to be ready to throw away with no remorse. They may yet play some role in DA3 ? /cry I don't like that comment. Come on BW if you want to apologize to DA:O fans ... here is your chance.

So it looks like the game can turn out to be good. But so far ... it's like Morrigan +1 and the rest is at level 0. Will need stronger arguments to look at DA3 after the depressing DA2 experience. Unless they make warden the main hero ... that would be insta buy regardless.

[SirRobin]

I'm more curious about anyone, who made DAO, still working at BioWare and on the DA3 team. Anyone know?