As you can probably tell, I don't usually hop on forums to air out my frustrations on games, nor to voice my excitement for a game. However, given the amount of negativity I've seen so far, I think its time to explain my surprisingly amazing experience in DAI.
I've been a Bioware fanboy since I first played KOTOR, and have only grown to respect Bioware for their skill in creating massive roleplaying experiences. With that being said, I was also one of the most disappointed beings on this earth after finishing DA2. However, the clusterf**k of DA2 gave Bioware (as well as any company) the opportunity to improve their work... And after years of waiting, hours waiting in line for the midnight release, and the several minutes it took for DAI to install on my Xbox One; I can honestly say Dragon Age Inquisition was worth the wait, as well as the high-octane disappointment that was Dragon Age 2.
I was as eager as the next man, reading countless forum topics in order to get a better sense of what to expect upon playing for the first time. Yet, no amount of information that couldve been gathered prepared me for the mind blowing experience I've had so far in Dragon Age.
Initially, the game starts off on a high note with the incredibly in-depth character customization. Customization options are (For the most part) no longer limited to a single bar, in which realistically only held 7-8 variations of respective features you'd envision your story's protagonist to have. Customization now features a color wheel for both eyes and makeup, as well as scrolling plane to determine the shape/size of various features. (much like features you'd see in the Sims series) I'm amazed by the variation in created inquisitors I've already seen so far, some of which were modeled to look like well known figures such as Daenerys Targaryen from the Game of Thrones.
***Another host of--long overdue--customization options include African American hairstyles. As long as I've played Bioware games that enabled the creation of your own protagonist, there has NEVER been a host of realistic hairstyles for characters that'd resemble an African American. As an African American Bioware fanboy whose been EXTREMELY patient with the lack of these hairstyles, I can say I'm happy to see this added dimension of character customization.
As you may have heard from literally every other game reviewing source, Bioware did an incredible job by making you feel as if you are in control of your very own adventure. Yes, you are recommended to investigate a certain place, but you're never forced into that decision. Rather, it feels as if it's YOUR choice to explore a destination in order to get the reward YOU seek. Throw in the option to craft your weapons and armor for your party, (Which has different cosmetic effects depending on resources used) and you have a player-led journey that the gaming world hasn't experienced since Skyrim. I could go off on a tangent explaining how dynamic and truly breathtaking your companions are, but that is a treat everyone will have to experience for themselves. All I can say is wow.
Lastly, the combat. I usually play on the normal difficulty in hopes the story would play out more smoothly as my character being the all-powerful "chosen one" or whatever the plot armor could be. This time around, I see how boring that noise is, and decided to put the difficulty on hard for my first playthrough. For those looking for a challenge, Dragon Age Inquisition opens up yet another dimension of gameplay inside the already outstanding repertoire of gameplay features. Your party's healing potions (Burst and Heals over time) are limited. I can understand why this would turn off even the most die hard fans, but trust me, gameplay is better without it. No longer are you forced into either being a mage, or always carrying around a set character to heal. Instead, its completely possible to have an wham-bam-thank-you-maam type of party, throwing caution to the wind. While this may not be the most recommended of strategies, the lack of a healer adds weight to every battle. You MUST be tactically alert of the battlefield, taking notes of each combatant's level, immunities, weaknesses, and positions on the battlefield. This also makes the use of higher ground and chokepoints necessary. Each aspect of the battlefield has to be taken advantage of in able to fight "efficiently." I use the word "efficiently" because each battle can't result in the use of your limited supply of potions. You don't always have the option to go back to camp and replinish your supply. Instead, you need to capitalize on every opportunity within the battlefield in order to have potions readily available for a boss fight. (both expected and unexpected... you'll never know)
As far as negatives go, the tactical camera's awesomeness is limited by its very limited viewing distance. Switching characters automatically centers the camera on that character, making it redundant to issue orders a times. ...
Yeah, that's it for all the negatives I've noticed in so far.
In conclusion, Dragon Age Inquisition is a blend of everything great in both Origins and DA2, sprinkled with dozens of new mechanics and features. I've played 4 hours into the first area, only to realize I haven't even traveled half the map. There's about 6 or 7 of these areas... If you loved Dragon Age Origins, or survived Dragon Age 2 and still want to give Bioware a chance at redemption, YOU NEED TO PLAY THIS GAME.
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