254 réponses à ce sujet

[Hanako Ikezawa]

A proof?

Well, the fact she has no anti-magic abilities is a start. All Templars have those yet she doesn't.

[Chari]

Well, Cullen is unique in the sense he has seen both the mages and Templars at their worst in the forms of Uldred and Meredith respectively.

Also remember that as far as we know he is only a NPC so it's not like he is taking a companion slot.

Many have, like these young templars from DA2. Evangeline, Thrask... Varric, even. And I share his opinion: I'm sick of m/t conflict
He is taking a LI slot. That's even worse.

[Chari]

Well, the fact she has no anti-magic abilities is a start. All Templars have those yet she doesn't.

Eh, how do you know she doesn't? DAI isn't out yet

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Many have, like these young templars from DA2. Evangeline, Thrask... Varric, even. And I share his opinion: I'm sick of m/t conflict
He is taking a LI slot. That's even worse.

Evangeline wasn't at both the Ferelden and Kirkwall events, Thrask is dead, and Varric isn't a Templar to give us that viewpoint. 

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Eh, how do you know she doesn't? DAI isn't out yet

She was the protagonist in a movie. Where the antagonists were blood mages yet she never used an anti-magical ability once. 

[Chari]

Evangeline wasn't at both the Ferelden and Kirkwall events, Thrask is dead, and Varric isn't a Templar to give us that viewpoint.

She doesn't need to. She is a sane templar, that's enough. Besides the player was there so what's the point of talking about what we have already seen?
But he speaks truth :3

[Chari]

She was the protagonist in a movie. Where the antagonists were blood mages yet she never used an anti-magical ability once.

She also is a warrior yet used two blades

[Hanako Ikezawa]

She doesn't need to. She is a sane templar, that's enough. Besides the player was there so what's the point of talking about what we have already seen?
But he speaks truth :3

She is actually an ex-Templar, so she can't give us the views of the Templars as they are post-Asunder. 

 

Well, besides the fact that there will be new players starting with this game?

 

 

She also is a warrior yet used two blades

Hey, that happened 8 years before Origins. Dual wielding warriors existed back then. 

[Sister Goldring]

Showing disappointment in a certain companion choice is forbidden on this forum? So much for freedom of speech
At that moment the lore was demonstrated in a game for the first time, we learnt a great deal about other countries and systems from DAO companions. In DA2 we given some specific details. But what can Cullen tell us for the lore expanding purpose? What is so unique about Cullen that makes him important? There is a plenty of sane and good willed templars. Based on his portrayal in DAO he seems just an average young man if more soft than others. Mage tower accident? Was there, saw it all. DA2 accident? Was there, saw it all. Unless he is suddenly given some terrible secret he doesn't look like an exciting companion to have.
I don't hate Cullen, I don't like him. He would make a perfect NPC. But companion or LI?

 

You may very well have played both DAO and DA2 yet the developers of this game have to be aware of the percentage of their audience who have not played the previous titles or no longer recall the details.  Just in the way you appreciated that past companions provided insight into aspects of the world you were unfamiliar with then those joining the franchise will require a mechanism to understand the history and cultures they encounter.  Cullen as a character can provide non text based information on the Ferelden Circle, the events of Kirkwall and the perspective of the Templars.

 

David Gaider has made clear on many occasions that he finds the thought of including prior characters based upon their popularity alone laughable.  You may feel he is being disingenuous but I see no reason to question his words.  I simply think that the writers have in fact found something interesting to explore in the character of Cullen and I'm sure that they are doing their best to make him a substantial character.  You never know, you may find you even come to like him.

[Battlebloodmage]

Speaking of unimportant NPC turns companions, how about that Isabela and Merrill?

[SomberXIII]

Yes, Bioware is obviously bringing back the character so they can do absolutely nothing with him. There's NO REASON a templar character could be at all relevant to a story where one of the major factions is the Red Templars, let alone a templar character who is one of the few people in Thedas to have witnessed the power of red lyrium firsthand.

 

Blandy McBlanderson is just there for the fanservice. Your conversations with him will probably be about his favourite recipes for Ramen noodles.

 

Don't like a thing. It became fan-service. Nice logic. 

 

What makes any character worthy of being a companion?  David could have written someone different than Alistair.

 

 

If this is a thread that evolves into trashing on a character without really knowing how the character exists in the game (something you possibly won't know until release), then this thread will find itself getting closed.

 

Yay! You came in. What a relieve. 

[Allan Schumacher]

Showing disappointment in a certain companion choice is forbidden on this forum? So much for freedom of speech

 

First off, freedom of speech doesn't exist on a private company's message board.  I'm not the government and I'm not oppressing you, nor taking away any of your rights, by stating that I'm not interested in seeing this thread evolve into yet another thread of people going "Boo Cullen" in response to there being a group of people that are "Yay Cullen."

 

 

What I am addressing, however, is this notion that the only reason why Cullen could even be considered being in the game is because of his large fanbase.  Is it that there simply is no reason whatsoever for Cullen's inclusion, or is that a conception you make based upon incomplete information?

 

Now yes, people confirmation bias all the time.  They'll think "there's a lot of vocal support for Cullen.  Oh look, Cullen is in the game... well that's obviously because of the fan support."  Of course, there's also things that some people have been asking for for the 2 years I've been active on the boards, constantly, that still aren't going to make the game.  So, to me, it seems like there's possibly a bit more than "fans really want him in the game" for his inclusion.

 

You're right in that we could have created a different character instead of Cullen.  But the same could be said about any character in any of the games.

 

 

 

 

But what can Cullen tell us for the lore expanding purpose? What is so unique about Cullen that makes him important? There is a plenty of sane and good willed templars.

What's so unique about any character?  I think it's the ways that the writing team utilizes a character.  Lets assume his name isn't Cullen.  Is he still a boring and uninteresting character, as shown in DAI?  If it was announced that there was a Templar named Alexander and he was a love interest then what would make him such an important character?

 

It's fine to not be thrilled because so far you haven't really enjoyed what you've seen of Cullen in previous games.  But if the character would be interesting to you if his name wasn't Cullen, then I'd postulate that it'd be a symmetric relation and the character would still be interesting if it was Cullen.

[Battlebloodmage]

To be honest, in regard to the fanbase, they're not actually that big. Especially considering the overall potential buyers. The online activities only represent a fragment of the buyers. With the amount of Femshep discussion, you would assume that more than 18% people who choose to play as her. Also, most of the people who are Cullen fans would pay for the game regardless of whether or not he's in the game, that I'm certain. Fanservice should provide an incentive for people to play the game. I do know people who play the game for a particular feature like team management or romance, depending on the game, but I have never seen anyone refuse to buy a game because a character they like is not romanceable. 

[Chari]

Speaking of unimportant NPC turns companions, how about that Isabela and Merrill?

Merrill was retconned and Isabella was always quite interesting. Both of them gave a new insight on dalish and pirate culture of Thedas

[Texhnolyze101]

Merrill was retconned and Isabella was always quite interesting. Both of them gave a new insight on dalish and pirate culture of Thedas

 

retconned in what way?

 

edit: nevermind this post i thought you were talking about DA:I retconning them.

[Battlebloodmage]

Merrill was retconned and Isabella was always quite interesting. Both of them gave a new insight on dalish and pirate culture of Thedas

Isabela was always quite interesting? You mean that random female pirate whose main purpose is to give a specialization and have an orgy with? No, she didn't give any depth into the pirate culture in DAO. It wasn't until she was expanded in DA2 that we know more about the pirate's way of life. The same can be said about Merrill, you didn't really learn much about the Dalish from her until in DA2. Who know? We may learn more about the templar from him in DAI that we didn't know before.

[thats1evildude]

Don't like a thing. It became fan-service. Nice logic. 

 

I don't think you were picking up on the sarcasm in my post.

 

PFFFFT! When did we ever talk about "pirate culture" with Isabela? Try pulling the other one. 

[Chari]

First off, freedom of speech doesn't exist on a private company's message board. I'm not the government and I'm not oppressing you, nor taking away any of your rights, by stating that I'm not interested in seeing this thread evolve into yet another thread of people going "Boo Cullen" in response to there being a group of people that are "Yay Cullen."


What I am addressing, however, is this notion that the only reason why Cullen could even be considered being in the game is because of his large fanbase. Is it that there simply is no reason whatsoever for Cullen's inclusion, or is that a conception you make based upon incomplete information?

Now yes, people confirmation bias all the time. They'll think "there's a lot of vocal support for Cullen. Oh look, Cullen is in the game... well that's obviously because of the fan support." Of course, there's also things that some people have been asking for for the 2 years I've been active on the boards, constantly, that still aren't going to make the game. So, to me, it seems like there's possibly a bit more than "fans really want him in the game" for his inclusion.

You're right in that we could have created a different character instead of Cullen. But the same could be said about any character in any of the games.




What's so unique about any character? I think it's the ways that the writing team utilizes a character. Lets assume his name isn't Cullen. Is he still a boring and uninteresting character, as shown in DAI? If it was announced that there was a Templar named Alexander and he was a love interest then what would make him such an important character?

It's fine to not be thrilled because so far you haven't really enjoyed what you've seen of Cullen in previous games. But if the character would be interesting to you if his name wasn't Cullen, then I'd postulate that it'd be a symmetric relation and the character would still be interesting if it was Cullen.

I can see why Cullen was added to the game as a NPC. But as LI or companion? Not really

Actually a completely new character with an unknown previously back story is the best thing ever. It's like unwrapping a new toy at Christmas. But getting the gift you already saw and played with?
Most of our companions were either unique or useful. They helped us understand the world or had back stories unlike of others around. Special Snowflake Syndrome is not always a bad thing when done in moderation

[Chari]

Isabela was always quite interesting? You mean that random female pirate whose main purpose is to give a specialization and have an orgy with? No, she didn't give any depth into the pirate culture in DAO. It wasn't until she was expanded in DA2 that we know more about the pirate's way of life. The same can be said about Merrill, you didn't really learn much about the Dalish from her until in DA2. Who know? We may learn more about the templar from him in DAI that we didn't know before.

We knew that she had an adventurous life, visited lots of places. In DA2 she was the reason qunari were stuck in Kirkwall.
Merrill was the Keeper's First.
Unless Cullen says to us that templars swim at midnight in baths of lyrium or dance under the moon...

[SamaraDraven]

Merrill was retconned and Isabella was always quite interesting. Both of them gave a new insight on dalish and pirate culture of Thedas

 

How was Merrill retconned? o.0 She referenced her own past from DAO. And Isabela was always interesting? You meet her in a tavern a couple of times to learn her dueling technique and to set up a manage a trois. That's interesting? But a character who has fought scores of demons and abominations, watched a templar fall prey to madness brought on by foul lyrium and has, thus far, not fully solidified his stance in either end of the spectrum and who could be useful to the coming mage/templar conflict isn't interesting? If you don't hate him and don't like him, as you say, you basically have no opinion or preference of him. I fail to see what the big deal is. You could have no opinion about any of the rumored companions yet Cullen draws such resistance? Kind of odd for a character you feel ambivalent towards. And since we know little about him, it's premature to judge what he'll be like. You say, any templar character could have done as well, so why not Cullen? If he just personally doesn't float your boat, that's fine. And it is more of an opinion than "I don't hate him but I don't like him". It's fair. It's valid. You're allowed to not like a character. But claiming he's fanservice just because you don't like him is the part I find odious. And insulting to the devs' sensibilities. It's quite arrogant for you or anyone to assume you know why they do anything they do. To give an example, I don't like Leliana. I just don't. But I wouldn't say she was included in DA2 or DA:I just for fanservice.

[Chari]

How was Merrill retconned? o.0 She referenced her own past from DAO. And Isabela was always interesting? You meet her in a tavern a couple of times to learn her dueling technique and to set up a manage a trois. That's interesting? But a character who has fought scores of demons and abominations, watched a templar fall prey to madness brought on by foul lyrium and has, thus far, not fully solidified his stance in either end of the spectrum and who could be useful to the coming mage/templar conflict isn't interesting? If you don't hate him and don't like him, as you say, you basically have no opinion or preference of him. I fail to see what the big deal is. You could have no opinion about any of the rumored companions yet Cullen draws such resistance? Kind of odd for a character you feel ambivalent towards. And since we know little about him, it's premature to judge what he'll be like. You say, any templar character could have done as well, so why not Cullen? If he just personally doesn't float your boat, that's fine. And it is more of an opinion than "I don't hate him but I don't like him". It's fair. It's valid. You're allowed to not like a character. But claiming he's fanservice just because you don't like him is the part I find odious. And insulting to the devs' sensibilities. It's quite arrogant for you or anyone to assume you know why they do anything they do. To give an example, I don't like Leliana. I just don't. But I wouldn't say she was included in DA2 or DA:I just for fanservice.

Merrill is very different from her DAO portrayal. Even visually she changed.
Isabella has a story with Zevran and is a captain of a ship, visited lots of places and was born in Rivain, which is a total mystery to the player.
Though I never liked her anyway.
Well, just because I like a game or devs it doesn't mean I can't critisize them. What's it with people being unable to take a critique nowadays?

[Divine Justinia V]

idk about yall but any woman that has the skill in dualism to take on multiple men at once and still win is very interesting to me

[Battlebloodmage]

We knew that she had an adventurous life, visited lots of places. In DA2 she was the reason qunari were stuck in Kirkwall.
Merrill was the Keeper's First.
Unless Cullen says to us that templars swim at midnight in baths of lyrium or dance under the moon...

Yes, you know Merrill was the Keeper's First, so? Cullen is the Knight Captain, he could potentially become a Knight Commander in the next game, we don't know. He was just an NPC, but if he were to become a companion, I'm sure he will be explored more and know about his side of the story regarding the templar and their comflicts just as we learn more about Isabela and her adventurous life in DA2.

[Chari]

Yes, you know Merrill was the Keeper's First, so? Cullen is the Knight Captain, he could potentially become a Knight Commander in the next game. He was just an NPC, but if he were to become a companion, I'm sure he will be explored more and know about his side of the story regarding the templar and their comflicts just as we learn more about Isabela and her adventurous life in DA2.

Elven history is lost to anyone but the dalish. And even they know very little. Unique style of magic, unique culture shrouded in mystery, royal blood in her veins. Very interesting.
Cullen doesn't seem like an adventurous or fun type. In DAO he was pretty much a boy, at least mentally. In DA2 he became slightly more mature but... Still too average

[Nocte ad Mortem]

On initial impression, I don't think Cullen has enough to add to the overall world lore for me to want him in a companion slot over Iron Bull/warden, or most of the other companions he'd be pushing out. That being said, I don't think he's going to. He'll be fine as an NPC again.