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What the Writers did completely right!


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#76
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Of course. There should be a place to give praise, too. Here you go: the Qunari rock. I'm playing the game for the second time, even though I sworn not to, and I'm falling in love with the Arishok all over again. I'm going to enjoy every single moment I have left with him.

I stumbled on that hilarious moment where you come to bother him for the first time and he replies harshly, and you say, if you don't want to talk, we won't talk - and then you just turn around to leave, and the Arishok calls you back! At that moment, Hawke smiles to himself that small, satisfied smile, which says, I knew you'd stop me. It made me cackle out loud. The moment was simply brilliant. And, better yet, he remembers that you turned away from him, several lines later! Touchy. I really like it.

It was doubly amusing. Sometimes you face the quests that cannot be avoided or speeches you must sit through, and it could make you resentful having to go through them regardless of you desires. This time it felt like winning in a power play with a game - we both know you're going to deliver a speech, but I'm going to make you beg for it, because I'm not the one who needs it. Better yet, it had story explanation, too - poor Arishok was getting so sick of being stuck in that city, he really needed to vent. Apparently his underlings already know all he has to say, and ranting to the nobles about it is beneath him. So he clings to the opportunity to vent to the first human of "any ability," as he calls it.

And that moment when he says, "Then you will pay on my behalf" - I felt the strongest surge of affection to a NPC that I ever did in a game. Even though he didn't do it for me, but for his honor. But still, it's not often a NPC actually defends your interests - except, I remember how Carver says "If you have a problem with my brother, you have a problem with me," which felt nice. Really, I have more attachment to the Arishok than to any of the romantic interests. I think I've got more dialogue with him, too. He's brilliantly written.

Shepherding Wolves is absolutely the crowning moment of the game for me. I enjoy practically every moment of it. And that moment when Hawke says, "Sister called you Ketojan. You are Saarebas?" and the kneeling mage turns his head to Hawke. That's exciting because he wasn't very responsive before. If only the Qunari let me speak to the Arishok about it, I'm sure I could've kept the mage! Hawke already has no problem keeping him under control. Killing him or letting him leave, not going to make a difference. Awww, nonono he gets killed. Want a Qunari companion!

I enjoyed a conversation with Carver, the one where he accuses you of your sister's death. The rivalry is very nice.

#77
_Aine_

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I think I may be the only person who a) liked crazy-Anders enough (though not at ALL as much as Awakenings) but didn't like how the character was implemented in Dragon Age 2. He was the weakest link, in my opinion.... but I know what they say about opinions....

What the writers did right?

Varric, Aveline, Fenris, Isabella must have been decent because in the end she won me over when I couldn't get back at her for my first playthrough where she ran off on me with the relic. lol She ended up one of my characters best friends (along with Aveline). Varric, Aveline and Fenris were fantastic though. Even Carver had some gems of moments in simply being the GREAT straight man to my Hawke's ribbing. Perfect sibling rivalry. Made me laugh a couple of times out loud.

Arishok and the bulk of the Qunari quests were dynomite. Full of depth and very interesting all around. I was really sad when that aspect of the story ended. :( Seriously, I was.

Sheparding Wolves was FANTASTIC! I tried over and over to save Ketojan and in the end had this strangely mingled sense of horror and reverence for this being that despite being abused, persecuted and truly condemned by his faith for being simply who he was born, stayed loyal to his people, their faith and his place in that society. Truly heartbreaking really. Very well done. For the same reasons the whole Anders thing DIDN'T work for me. One made me have a connection to them before the carpet was ripped out from under my feet. Anders was too one-dimensional for my personal tastes but this quest was the opposite. I would have cared more had they maked me LIKE him first then have him descend into madness. Just my opinion though, and a minor thing all things being equal. ymmv of course.

Fenris was always full of snark, intellect and pain thinly disguised by anger. After he first spoke up on my second playthrough when I took him to the Arishok - i HAD to bring him everywhere with me. He, Aveline and Varric have the most interesting things to say when you drag them around with you. Perhaps that is why I felt more connected to them? Merrill had a few funny zingers too, but I haven't really got to know her yet so I don't feel I can properly comment, yet. Next playthrough, I guess. :)

I think the writers did a LOT right in this game, and for the structure that the game had, maybe even more so. Actually, I think the writing is what keeps this game cohesive and together as much as it is and that is a very good thing.

#78
atheelogos

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David Gaider wrote...

From my perspective, I think there's a lot to work on and improve, and certainly we've gotten a lot of criticism from some corners-- much of it deserved, some of it not. We're perfectly capable of criticizing our own work as well (there's not a game I've put out that I'm not painfully aware of the flaws in prior to it shipping), but it's nice to also see that there were parts that some people really enjoyed as well. That is also good to learn from.

So thank you. Interesting read.

Hey David I loved the game and all, but one thing that stands out and bugs me is the fact your brother/sister has to die in the beginning. I'm not sure why you guys went this route. Hawke has known this person for 18 years, but I haven't no them for more than 10 minutes. Why should I care that they died?

The only way this death has any meaning is if you get to know the Character that died by replaying the game with a class where they live. Only then will you miss them.

What would have been much better is if they both lived but where still taken away from you. For example your mother only lets you take 1 sibling with you on the deep roads expedition. For me lets say I choose to leave Bethany and bring Carver. Carver becomes and Grey Warden and leaves for most of the game, and Bethany is taken to the Circle upon your return. That would hurt a lot more than some silly death at the beginning that didn't mean anything.

And then at the end of the game Hawke and Carver make peace and they run across Bethany on there way to stop the Templars. The three children of Hawke marching on the Gallows would have been a much better story imo. Still love the game though. : )

#79
TGFKAMAdmaX

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I personally loved all of act 2. all individuals i ran into seemed to be much more alive to me than origins. And i flippin' adored merrill. i loved both romances of her. the friendship romance shocked me because i was in her side of thinking that what she was doing was noble and i wanted to protect her. i was completely blown away by the whole ending of her quest.

@ Gaider

i have never enjoyed a game more. that being said i do know your game had flaws and i am glad to see you are not having a knee jerk reaction to the undeserved criticism and that you are taking an inside look at what can be improved. You guys are my fav company!!! :)

#80
Foolsfolly

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@ LobselVith8

Merrill was one of the few capable people who handled magic - as well as blood magic - responsibly.


That's left deliberately vague. I think she was reckless playing with things she couldn't understand and it destroyed her clan. But this is conversation for a different thread.

But good writing for it since it can be read two different ways, see I'm on topic.

@ laecraft:

I never turned away from the Arishok. I've got to see his reaction. The Arishok's easily one of the better (possibly best) written characters in the game. I'm willing to say he's one of the best written characters out of the series. I love the guy. I love his look. I love his voice. I love his dialogue. I love his situation, to strip this powerful man down to sitting in the slums as his men search for a book.

I don't even think he cares about the book. But the Qun is very specific about what his actions must be and so he has to do it.

That's a cool character.

#81
Oneiropolos

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... I completely want to see the turning away from the Arishok thing too! Does anyone know if it's on youtube anywhere? Or what specific point are we talking about here so I can possibly go to a proper save and do it just to see? :D

#82
stobie

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Oooh - nice thread! And I agree - as long as you add Merrill to that! And Aveline for her romance... They also made Isabella remarkably likable as a friend, which surprised me. She's so much warmer than Morrigan - I found I ended up liking her a lot more. The Fenris romance was my favorite - he's just adorable. These companions seemed to have lives & opinions of their own, far more than Origins. Anders would step in and speak his mind in a way Alistair never did - he seemed more real to me for that reason. My character seems to be trying to hold the world together, while it's falling apart - it makes sense that the people around her aren't just puppets.

#83
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@ Oneiropolos

Turning away from the Arishok: in act 1, quest Blackpowder Promise, after you speak to the Arishok about the powder and the dwarf leaves, speak to him again. He will say, why are you bothering me, human, the dwarf paid you, there's no more. Then he will bemoan the city. Select the humorous response "Fine, I'll leave". That's when it happens. Also, not sure if it mattered, but I played the sarcastic Hawke.

Modifié par laecraft, 03 avril 2011 - 08:33 .


#84
Lianaar

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I enjoy the writing as the game can be realistically judged only if you played it through more then once. The differences in the events and reactions are quite vast without the story going awkward. My opinion was shaped strongly by the tune changes and variations in the different playthroughs.

#85
Oneiropolos

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hah, my nearest save involved having to redo the entire blackpowder quest, but it was still so worth it. The Arishok calling you back definitely is a gem!

#86
Eudaemonium

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atheelogos wrote...

David Gaider wrote...

From my perspective, I think there's a lot to work on and improve, and certainly we've gotten a lot of criticism from some corners-- much of it deserved, some of it not. We're perfectly capable of criticizing our own work as well (there's not a game I've put out that I'm not painfully aware of the flaws in prior to it shipping), but it's nice to also see that there were parts that some people really enjoyed as well. That is also good to learn from.

So thank you. Interesting read.

Hey David I loved the game and all, but one thing that stands out and bugs me is the fact your brother/sister has to die in the beginning. I'm not sure why you guys went this route. Hawke has known this person for 18 years, but I haven't no them for more than 10 minutes. Why should I care that they died?

The only way this death has any meaning is if you get to know the Character that died by replaying the game with a class where they live. Only then will you miss them.

What would have been much better is if they both lived but where still taken away from you. For example your mother only lets you take 1 sibling with you on the deep roads expedition. For me lets say I choose to leave Bethany and bring Carver. Carver becomes and Grey Warden and leaves for most of the game, and Bethany is taken to the Circle upon your return. That would hurt a lot more than some silly death at the beginning that didn't mean anything.

And then at the end of the game Hawke and Carver make peace and they run across Bethany on there way to stop the Templars. The three children of Hawke marching on the Gallows would have been a much better story imo. Still love the game though. : )


I agree with you, btw, but  I wanted to chime in that I think one reason for this is how they decided to write Carver. Carver is defined by the fact he is the only non-mage in a family of mages - its what gives him his woeful sense of inadequacy and fuels the rivalry with Hawke. If they intended to have both siblings survive/etcetera until the end of Act 1, they would have had to write him completely differently. I'm not saying that would be bad, just different. They obviously chose to write Carver a certain way, which means that this decision was probably made very early in production.

#87
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The Arishok feels better than a love interest, because I can always come and speak to him after the events. Most of the important events concern him, and we can have relevant conversations, and our relationship progresses, and the fact that he doesn't hate me for what happened makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and all of it creates a feeling of deep involvement. I even went once to see him at night, just to see if the game will respond accordingly. His guard was appropriately scandalized. Also I liked that moment when a Qunari asks me about the missing caravan. I began frantically remembering if I murdered a Qunari caravan at some point in the game! My character seemed flustered, too. Clearly he couldn't remember either. And the fact that I was on the top of the suspect list was great.

I enjoyed A New Path quest, particularly when we're fighting the demon, and the ghosts of Merrill's tribe appear and try to demoralize her by reciting in beautiful voices the lines meant to strike despair into her heart. However, that filled me with jealously. I think I should be the hero of that quest, and not Merrill. I want to hear those lines addressed to me. I think my Hawke did much, much better than Merrill at the whole "everything you touch turns to ash" thing. I think this is the one thing my Hawke excels at, and it makes no sense why no demon would ever take advantage of it. If we cannot change the fact that Hawke single-handedly ruined the entire city and caused death of everyone he loved, while only trying to help, why not at least extract some angst out of it?

Anders in the final act was a good shock, too, but I hated him for stealing the show. Let's just admit that my Hawke wasn't the one who was shaping the events of the game. I wanted to be the tormented protagonist. Wish I could make sacrifices and get to be the martyr. It was all very enjoyable, only my Hawke was completely left out of it.

Modifié par laecraft, 03 avril 2011 - 10:38 .


#88
Apollo Starflare

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First of all, I completely agree with your first post OP, well said. DA2 gets a lot of stick for it's failings, but it's good points blew me away, enough that while I would give it 8/10 as a rating (something a lot of people around here consider a fail?) It still ranks as one of my favourite BioWare games, perhaps even my favourite. This is all down to the quality of the cast of characters in the game, of whom the only complaint I have is that they could have even more dialogue than they do.

My top three then:
1)Varric: You have already covered this pretty well. The thing that took Varric from being a great character to being one of the best (in my eyes) is the way Mary Kirby interwove his more comic elements and witty remarks with this mane of caring and heartfelt companionship. He looks out not only for you, the player character, but also for your companions. His reaction to Bethany's death in the Deep Roads was subtle but powerful, the way he looked after Merrill was unexpected and touching, and his unspoken guardianship of Blondie used his position in the City in an unexpected way. Plus, pair him with anyone and you get good banter. Fenris and Isabela in particular.

2) Merrill: I was taken off guard by Merrill. When the companions were being announced/leaked/speculated about I wrote that if she was a companion in DA2 I would eat my hat.Not only did I have to eat said hat but she has become an absolute favourite of mine. Her most obvious traits are praised or discussed across the boards, how adorable she is contrasted with her controversial use of Blood Magic. The thing that struck the chord with me was the bit in the middle of all that, the person who emerges from talking to her and having her around. She was much more than the typical 'virginal girl next door' some speculated, but without twisting her into something else either. She wasn't shaped by her use of forbidden magic, and yet it didn't feel unbelievable that this waif of a girl would be using it. And while my preference is to take the rivalry path with her, in my mind helping to save her from her own obsession and addiction, I never felt like it diminished her, never made her seem unable to save her self or hopelessly weak. Over the course of the game she just becomes more of a defined 'person' (as much as a video game character can) and one you want to -help- even if that means going against their wishes. If anything I sometimes feel like my Hawke is the weak one in that situation, unable to trust her strength to overcome her demons (heh) alone; almost like a parent, elder sibling or loving partner, all three roles of which you could roleplay the relationship to be like if you so wished.

3) Isabela: What a wonderful creation. Much of the groundwork is there in her Origins character, but it is taken in such a daring and dynamic direction that it can leave you breathless just trying to keep up with her. I found her to be a great twist on the oft seen 'rogue character who hides a heart of gold' trope, as my Hawke pointed out I'm sure if there is a heart of gold in there somewhere Izzy will find it and sell it for more than it's worth. She is a joy to have around, great banter, and a depth of character that is both expected and still somehow surprising. I also found her to be a character whose loyalty by the end of the game you respect having, it feels natural somehow and genuinly difficult to earn. Yet I never found myself begrudging her for that, instead I just loved her more.

Special mention for Fenris and Bethany as well. They make up my 'top five'. I love the whole lot of them for different reasons however.

#89
stobie

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One thing! There's a party banter between Sebastian & Fenris, (which takes the form of being trapped on a voyage with a Jehovah's Witness) - something about Fenris not believing in the Maker because of a little boy sacrificed for amusement. Sebastian gets the last word (argh - he always does... grrr.) in that somehow this was meant to make Fenris a better person. I soooooo wanted the option to stop in my little Hawke tracks, turn around & say, 'Ya? Well, that doesn't help that little boy much, DOES IT?" I was screaming that from this vantage point, anyway. I also wanted to chase the Old Bat down in the Chantry after the 'Young Mummy Erred in Judgment" line, drag her to the kid's body, & say, "ERRED?"

That I'm hopping with emotional outbursts says, that, (a) I'm wildly high strung anyway, & (B) it's an involving story.

#90
Big I

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What the writers did right:

1) Having companions have an arc. Aveline finds love and relaxes a little bit; rival Isabella has an epiphany about her life; rival Merril destroys the mirror, etc. The characters go through conflict and crisis and are changed by it, while still being recognisable as the same character from the beginning.


2) Anders type character. The idea of a tragic end for a companion is great, watching a good person succumb to their own weakness and essentially self-destruct. Very emotional. My problem was that a) in doing so they changed/ruined two perfectly fine characters from Awakening (Anders and Justice), B) they made Anders a romance option, and c) Anders' tragic act/end is completely ludicrous as a logical decision. If they had made the "Anders character" non-romanceable and a completely new person I would have found his fate much more amenable.


3) The qunari.


4) Sibling interactions in Act 1, despite that relationship being cut short.

Modifié par LookingGlass93, 03 avril 2011 - 04:28 .


#91
Mira

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What Writers did completely right:

SPOILERS

I've already written in a diffrent thread about evolution of Aveline - Isabela realtionship (from enemies to best friends) and Aveline courting (and then marrying) Guardsman Donnic.

However I was most impressed with Isabela's character evolution. First Isabela is just a pair of pirate's jugs on legs with a motto: "I had a ship. And now I don't. I drink a lot and I sleep with everyone". And then you start to see that she's far more then she looks. At the begining she takes care of Merill, spending time with her playing cards and treating her like younger sister. Then she has a change of heart at the very end of Act 2 showing that her friends means more for her then her well-being.

But the biggest change comes after Isabela's personal quest in act 3 if you decide to kill Castillon. I was quite sure that by denying  her the ship I was ruining my friendship with her (even though I knew that I was doing the right thing by getting rid of slaver)  And then suddenly during final part of Questioning Beliefs Isabela tells me that after some thinking she got to the conclusion that "getting the ship wasn't that important" and she thanks me for being her best friend, saying that it would be waste if we hadn't met. In that moment my jaw just dropped. Isabella really changed - I've changed her. The confirmation of this was her goodbyes in gallows prison before the final battle when she told me that she's going to be right by my side.

Kudos to Sheryl for wrtting Isabela!

Modifié par sean-camel, 03 avril 2011 - 05:08 .


#92
Akileija

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I'm with the OP here.

Aveline is another character I wasn't very fond of during the demo and expected to dislike, but who slowly grew on me as the game progressed. Overall, I think all of them were written really well and it shows if you pick different conversation choices, rivalry over friendship, or romance during another playthrough.