First of all, let me start off by saying that I absolutely loved this game- more than Origins and DA2, in fact. I loved unlocking new areas and finding new secrets to uncover. I loved saving villages from undead. I loved spending hours just trying to find a damn high dragon, while coming across new areas with plentiful craft resources. I loved that when I ran down a hill, Vivienne would tell me to "watch my step, dear." I loved actually seeing my growing Inquistion's work come through.
There was a point when a farmer asked me to build watchtowers to better protect the people. Fast forward after finding spots for the watchtowers and completing the operation on the war table, I see them up on the hill, guarded by Inquistion solders.
I loved interacting with companions. Having Bull introducing me to his chargers and learning about each one of them, or learning why Josephine became a diplomat, or helping Leliana through tough, tough times. I loved all of that.
I had to say that first, because those moments in the game were so, so strong, and very compelling.
I wish I could say that about the main story.
Everyone is pretty much use to and accepting the fact that RPG's, or Bioware specifally, follows the "save the world" trope that is common in such games. For me, that wasn't the problem- hell, I expected that coming into this game. The problem for me is that Bioware does nothing interesting-or new- with that trope.
As I said, I was expecting this theme. It's in the trailers, its in the description. I was also expecting Bioware to make it exciting. In the beginning, it very much was so. There was the mystery with your mark, who the antagonist was, and his motives. It was very intriguing. All of that is pretty much answered after the second main story mission, and it's sadly reduced to the trope I referred to above. Literally. Expecting more? Is there more to his motives? Is there more to this antagonist? Well, don't. Because there really is nothing.
I also felt the pacing was off. One second your whole base gets destroyed, the next your attacking the grey wardens. Attacking Adamant was a huge undertaking, yet why do I feel like this should-be key moment in the game is so weak? It was awesome, no doubt, but I felt like I hadn't built up my Inquisition enough to be able to even do such a thing. Then after that, you're off to an orlesian ball, and then boom. You're pretty much off to fight the main antagonist. I realize that there are a number of side missions to do in between, which I did immensely and enjoyably, but even then when I returned to the main quest I was just left disappointed at how bland it was.
Another problem I disliked was dealing with the main antagonist lackeys. They were typical, unbelievable, and scarily identical. Besides their name and their look, I felt as if I switched them around, it wouldn't even matter who was who. Orlesian assasin: HE WILL BRING A NEW WORLD BLAH BLAH BLAH I'M INSANE. Samson: HE WILL BRING A NEW WORLD BLAH BLAH BLAH IM INSANE. How can how can these people trust someone who floats and grows red lyrium on their face? They just weren't believable as characters. I felt like these characters were just there so I could have an enemy to face for each story mission. The only one I felt wasn't lacking was Alexius. He was believable in his motives, he had a son that was dying from the blight, and would do anything to see that he lives, no matter how misguided it was.
Even though I wasn't a fan of the main story, I still want to stress how much I loved the game, and I want to thank Bioware for giving me one of the greatest experiences ever. I made friends, I made enemies, and I fell in love. It's my favorite Dragon Age game so far. I look forward to future DLC's, and the next game.
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