76 réponses à ce sujet

[Fredward]

I... don't see your point.

[C0uncil0rTev0s]

I... don't see your point.

 

Well... How do I put this shorter?
Well, alright.

 

Party banter in the previous Dragon Age games was:

- working;

- more interesting to listen to;

- immersive and felt like travelling with next to real people;

- constructed to be affected with player choices.

 

And I am grieving over the fact it isn't... Anymore. With some humour and jokes here and there.

[C0uncil0rTev0s]

Well, the sad thing is....

 

DA:2 copped so much hatred. (I personally loved it, it's my favourite)

 

Yet now... we find that even the "Origins purists" are missing DA:2.

 

Inquisition, I would rank as a 6.5/10. Not great, but not horrid either.. It definitely didn't deserve GOTY, especially when it doesn't even work properly for a lot of people...

I can't call myself 'DA:O purist' as I love both DA2 and DA:O for the strong sides of both: DA:O for gameplay and lore, DA2 for the narrative and characters.

 

And you know I won't miss DA:I in current state.

[ComfortablyNumb]

Nothing even remotely comparable to Varric's gentle jokes of DA2, it's jestering and not a humor. Remember his 'invisible shops'?

 

This is somewhat matter of personal opinion, I'd say. You may be disappointed, but it doesn't make it universal truth.  

[C0uncil0rTev0s]

This is somewhat matter of personal opinion, I'd say. You may be disappointed, but it doesn't make it universal truth.  

Won't bother arguing, so let's settle at 'You are free to like this type of what Bioware calls humour and I'm free not to'.

[Lord Raijin]

A couple of days ago I kept getting a repeat banter with Dorian and Vivienne. She kept harassing him about being a tevinter with relations of Corypheus.

[dirk5027]

The inquisitor himself is about as exciting as watching water boil, so with that said, if you have the banter bug you aren't missing anything, because the companions are just as drab

Maybe i'm being harsh, but i got addicted to bio games because of the extreme wit and clever factor and boy DAI just doesn't have it, one time cassandra's quest, that was priceless, other than that fairly mediocre at best

[Fredward]

Party banter in the previous Dragon Age games was:

- working;

- more interesting to listen to;

- immersive and felt like travelling with next to real people;

- constructed to be affected with player choices.

 

Mkay, now I think only your first point is valid. Objectively I mean. Cuz 'more interesting' is subjective, I do not see an objective decline in the quality of Varric's lines for instance, I see him reacting differently to different people many of whom he does not even seem to like all that much and in a different setting he kinda feels obliged to be in. The other two... have you looked at the banter pages for our companions this time around?

 

Spoiler

 

• Varric: Maybe I've been too hard on you.
• Blackwall: Oh, so you don't think I'm dreadful now.
• Varric: Actually, I thought you were boring before. Completely different. We're all dreadful. Every one of us fundamentally flawed in a hundred different ways. That's why we're here, isn't it? Take all the risks, so the good people stay home where it's safe. With the whole "Blackwall" thing, you told a story so compelling even you started to believe it.
• Blackwall: That's much nicer than saying "You're a dirty liar.", I'll take it.
• Varric: A story-teller's got to believe his own story, or no one will.

If neither Blackwall nor Josephine is romantically involved with the Inquisitor:

• Varric: I know this is a radical suggestion, but have you considered just... talking to her?
• Blackwall: No. Never occurred to me. End of story.

(After Guilty Pleasures)

• Varric: Seriously? Swords and Shields? How did you find that serial? Scrape it off the bottom of a barrel in Dust town?
• Cassandra: It was research! I thought I might learn more about the Champion.
• Varric: I did write a book about the Champion. You might remember it. Had your knife stuck through it last I saw.
• Cassandra: I already read that one. Twice.
• Varric: I can't believe you picked the absolute worst of my books to read. Why not Hard in Hightown?
• Cassandra: I have enough mysteries and investigations of my own.
• Varric: What? You don't want to solve more in your free time?
• Cassandra: Then, you killed my favorite character in Chapter 3, so I threw the book across the room.
• Varric: (sigh) A critic. Say no more.

(If templars were recruited in Therinfal Redoubt)

• Varric: I thought you'd have some, um.., "stronger feelings" about Templars joining the Inquisition, Seeker. Feelings that involve stabbing.
• Cassandra: (sigh) Not all my feelings involve stabbing.
• Varric: Oh... so you reserve those for me, then! Don't I feel special.

───────

(If Hawke survived Here Lies the Abyss)

• Cassandra: I am somewhat surprised you didn't follow Hawke to Weisshaupt, Varric.
• Varric: There's a lot of work to do, Seeker. We'll catch up once this is all over.

(If Hawke romanced Anders)

• Cassandra: What about Anders? Will he...
• Varric: If he's still out there, and Justice hasn't driven him nuts, Hawke won't be able to keep him away.

(If Hawke romanced Fenris)

• Cassandra: What about Fenris? Will he...
• Varric: Oh he'll go. Once he gets my letter and after he's finished brooding.

(If Hawke romanced Isabela)

• Cassandra: What about Isabela? Will she...
• Varric: Join him? Once she gets my letter she'll go whether Hawke likes it or not.

(If Carver survived)

• Cassandra: And Hawke's brother. He's still alive, isn't he?

(If Carver is a Grey Warden)

• Varric: Aveline took him off somewhere when the Calling started going nuts, but he'll tag along—he always does.

(If Carver is a templar)

• Varric: Still alive, still a templar. He'll go as soon as he hears. Can't let Hawke have all the glory.

(If Bethany survived)

• Cassandra: And Hawke's sister. She's still alive, isn't she?

(If Bethany is a Grey Warden)

• Varric: Aveline took her off somewhere when the Calling started going nuts, but she'll try to keep Hawke out of trouble. Better be.

(If Bethany is a circle mage)

• Varric: Sunshine will go. As soon as she hears. I'm sure of it.
• Varric: Hawke would rather we stay away, stay safe. That won't fly forever. Besides, if I went to the Anderfels, how could I annoy you?
• Cassandra: You would find a way.

───────

(If Hawke died at Here Lies the Abyss)

• Cassandra: About Hawke...
• Varric: Don't, Seeker. Just... don't.
• Cassandra: But what about Fenris. Does he...
• Varric: He knows. I sent a letter. Leave it be...

───────

(After Morrigan joins the Inquisition)

• Varric: You may recall, Seeker, that a friend of mine had one of those Eluvians. It didn't end well. Are you really going to allow one in Skyhold?
• Cassandra: You speak as though I could forbid it. I did not know your friend or see her Eluvian. If you have an issue speak with Lady Morrigan.
• Varric: Um... No. I'll pass.

(After the quest Deep Trouble)

• Cassandra: Am I to understand your Bianca is married?
• Varric: Oh have we reached the state where we gossip about each other's love lives? Did you hear that boss? Don't worry, I'll tell you whenever she says.
• Cassandra: Forget I mentioned anything. It was a simple question, Varric.
• Varric: There was nothing simple about it.

(If mages were recruited in Redcliffe)

• Varric: You know, Seeker, I thought you'd take charge back in Redcliffe. Maybe grab Fiona and rough her up.
• Cassandra: I do not "rough people up."
• Varric: Sorry, my mistake. You'd have your men do it for you.
• Cassandra: You will never let that go, will you?
• Varric: Probably not.

(Dorian not romanced)

• Dorian: After Corypheus pulled an archdemon out of his ass, are you joking?
• Inquisitor: You would actually bet against me?
• Now now, if I weren't here, it would be five to one at least.

(Dorian romanced)

• Dorian: I take those odds. This is why I adore him so.
• Inquisitor: Enough, both of you!
• Varric: I agree. So morally reprehensible to bet against your own side.
• Dorian: (grunts.) I am a bad man. We'll talk later.

(The qunari dreadnoughts were sacrificed)

• Varric: So, you're a free man, Tal-Vashoth.
• Iron Bull: Living the life. Unless you think I'm even... "more" secretly a spy now.
• Varric: I think you've finally decided whether you care about your people, or your "people".
• Iron Bull: Hmm... something like that.
• Varric: You've made the right choice.
  ───────

(The Bull's Chargers were sacrificed)

• Varric: So, qunari in good standing. You must be proud?
• Iron Bull: Tolerably. Not a friend of the alliance.
• Varric: I got to see enough of the qunari back in Kirkwall.
• Iron Bull: Hey... we probably won't try to burn the city this time.
• Varric: No? You could always trust the qunari, until you're between them and something they want.

(Inquisitor romanced Bull)

• Varric: So Bull, you and the inquisitor, huh?
• Iron Bull: Uhuh...
• Varric: I'd love some impressions, imagery, something for my next book.
• Iron Bull: Sorry, that room is for him and me. No one else invited.
• Varric: Safe harbor from the storm outside...
• Iron Bull: All right, now you're just making it weird.

───────

(Bull romanced Dorian)

• Varric: So Bull, you and Dorian?
• Iron Bull: Mm-hmm...
• Varric: Two worlds tearing them apart, Tevinter and qunari, with only love to keep them together.
• Dorian: I don't see how this is even remotely your business, Varric.
• Iron Bull: Could you make it sound angrier? Love is a bit soft.
• Dorian: Please stop helping the dwarf!
• Varric: How about passion?
• Iron Bull: Yes... that's better. Love is all starlight and gentle blushes. Passion leaves your fingers sore from clawing the sheets.
• Dorian: You could at least have had the courtesy to use the bedposts!
• Iron Bull: Hey... don't top from the bottom.
• Varric: (Laughs.) Passion it is then.

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Blackwall)

• Blackwall: I understand you were asking about me and the Inquisitor at Skyhold, Dorian.
• Dorian: Only verifying certain rumors, Big Man. You understand.
• Blackwall: I'm not certain I do. Why the interest?
• Dorian: Academic? Future generations will want to know.
• Blackwall: Leave. It. Be.

───────

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Dorian)

• Dorian: I overheard you at the tavern, Blackwall, asking about the Inquisitor and I.
• Blackwall: I was unsure I'd heard correctly.
• Dorian: You have a question? Are your whiskers quivering with curiosity?
• Blackwall: I would not pry into the Inquisitor's business.
• Dorian: Are you certain? I can draw diagrams.
• Blackwall: No. Thank you.

───────

(If the Inquisitor chose to seek the mages' help to close the Breach)

• Blackwall: Word of what happened in Redcliffe had better not spread.
• Dorian: Oh? Why not?
• Blackwall: You think mages will be better off if people know they can change the future?
• Dorian: Ignoring that that's not the case, I suspect people will use any excuse to hate us.
• Blackwall: Then you should not give them more.
• Dorian: Did everyone act like this when the sword was invented? "Oh, my blushing butt cheeks! Round up everyone who can use these pointy things and lock them away!"
• Blackwall: It is not the same thing and you know it.

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Cassandra)

• Dorian: Why, Cassandra, I've never seen you smile so much!
• Cassandra: I am not smiling.
• Dorian: Now you're not, but only because I pointed it out.
• Cassandra: I am not a giddy schoolgirl, Dorian.
• Dorian: That would be easier to believe if you hadn't just blushed.

───────

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Dorian)

• Cassandra: You're smiling a great deal these days, Dorian.
• Dorian: I always smile. People like my smile, and they should! I have excellent teeth.
• Cassandra: Do you always do it while staring dreamily into the distance?
• Dorian: It depends how long until dinner.

 

 

That isn't even CLOSE to everyone's, I just got tired of copy/pasting. And that's just the ones that are present or change based off of the state of your playthrough, it isn't even including the banter-strings some companions have where they have a continuing discussion about a specific topic. So 'feels like it was built to react to player choice' and 'feels like traveling with real people' are most definitely ticked with really fat black marker in my mind.

[C0uncil0rTev0s]

Mkay, now I think only your first point is valid. Objectively I mean. Cuz 'more interesting' is subjective, I do not see an objective decline in the quality of Varric's lines for instance, I see him reacting differently to different people many of whom he does not even seem to like all that much and in a different setting he kinda feels obliged to be in. The other two... have you looked at the banter pages for our companions this time around?

 

Spoiler

 

• Varric: Maybe I've been too hard on you.
• Blackwall: Oh, so you don't think I'm dreadful now.
• Varric: Actually, I thought you were boring before. Completely different. We're all dreadful. Every one of us fundamentally flawed in a hundred different ways. That's why we're here, isn't it? Take all the risks, so the good people stay home where it's safe. With the whole "Blackwall" thing, you told a story so compelling even you started to believe it.
• Blackwall: That's much nicer than saying "You're a dirty liar.", I'll take it.
• Varric: A story-teller's got to believe his own story, or no one will.

If neither Blackwall nor Josephine is romantically involved with the Inquisitor:

• Varric: I know this is a radical suggestion, but have you considered just... talking to her?
• Blackwall: No. Never occurred to me. End of story.

(After Guilty Pleasures)

• Varric: Seriously? Swords and Shields? How did you find that serial? Scrape it off the bottom of a barrel in Dust town?
• Cassandra: It was research! I thought I might learn more about the Champion.
• Varric: I did write a book about the Champion. You might remember it. Had your knife stuck through it last I saw.
• Cassandra: I already read that one. Twice.
• Varric: I can't believe you picked the absolute worst of my books to read. Why not Hard in Hightown?
• Cassandra: I have enough mysteries and investigations of my own.
• Varric: What? You don't want to solve more in your free time?
• Cassandra: Then, you killed my favorite character in Chapter 3, so I threw the book across the room.
• Varric: (sigh) A critic. Say no more.

(If templars were recruited in Therinfal Redoubt)

• Varric: I thought you'd have some, um.., "stronger feelings" about Templars joining the Inquisition, Seeker. Feelings that involve stabbing.
• Cassandra: (sigh) Not all my feelings involve stabbing.
• Varric: Oh... so you reserve those for me, then! Don't I feel special.

───────

(If Hawke survived Here Lies the Abyss)

• Cassandra: I am somewhat surprised you didn't follow Hawke to Weisshaupt, Varric.
• Varric: There's a lot of work to do, Seeker. We'll catch up once this is all over.

(If Hawke romanced Anders)

• Cassandra: What about Anders? Will he...
• Varric: If he's still out there, and Justice hasn't driven him nuts, Hawke won't be able to keep him away.

(If Hawke romanced Fenris)

• Cassandra: What about Fenris? Will he...
• Varric: Oh he'll go. Once he gets my letter and after he's finished brooding.

(If Hawke romanced Isabela)

• Cassandra: What about Isabela? Will she...
• Varric: Join him? Once she gets my letter she'll go whether Hawke likes it or not.

(If Carver survived)

• Cassandra: And Hawke's brother. He's still alive, isn't he?

(If Carver is a Grey Warden)

• Varric: Aveline took him off somewhere when the Calling started going nuts, but he'll tag along—he always does.

(If Carver is a templar)

• Varric: Still alive, still a templar. He'll go as soon as he hears. Can't let Hawke have all the glory.

(If Bethany survived)

• Cassandra: And Hawke's sister. She's still alive, isn't she?

(If Bethany is a Grey Warden)

• Varric: Aveline took her off somewhere when the Calling started going nuts, but she'll try to keep Hawke out of trouble. Better be.

(If Bethany is a circle mage)

• Varric: Sunshine will go. As soon as she hears. I'm sure of it.
• Varric: Hawke would rather we stay away, stay safe. That won't fly forever. Besides, if I went to the Anderfels, how could I annoy you?
• Cassandra: You would find a way.

───────

(If Hawke died at Here Lies the Abyss)

• Cassandra: About Hawke...
• Varric: Don't, Seeker. Just... don't.
• Cassandra: But what about Fenris. Does he...
• Varric: He knows. I sent a letter. Leave it be...

───────

(After Morrigan joins the Inquisition)

• Varric: You may recall, Seeker, that a friend of mine had one of those Eluvians. It didn't end well. Are you really going to allow one in Skyhold?
• Cassandra: You speak as though I could forbid it. I did not know your friend or see her Eluvian. If you have an issue speak with Lady Morrigan.
• Varric: Um... No. I'll pass.

(After the quest Deep Trouble)

• Cassandra: Am I to understand your Bianca is married?
• Varric: Oh have we reached the state where we gossip about each other's love lives? Did you hear that boss? Don't worry, I'll tell you whenever she says.
• Cassandra: Forget I mentioned anything. It was a simple question, Varric.
• Varric: There was nothing simple about it.

(If mages were recruited in Redcliffe)

• Varric: You know, Seeker, I thought you'd take charge back in Redcliffe. Maybe grab Fiona and rough her up.
• Cassandra: I do not "rough people up."
• Varric: Sorry, my mistake. You'd have your men do it for you.
• Cassandra: You will never let that go, will you?
• Varric: Probably not.

(Dorian not romanced)

• Dorian: After Corypheus pulled an archdemon out of his ass, are you joking?
• Inquisitor: You would actually bet against me?
• Now now, if I weren't here, it would be five to one at least.

(Dorian romanced)

• Dorian: I take those odds. This is why I adore him so.
• Inquisitor: Enough, both of you!
• Varric: I agree. So morally reprehensible to bet against your own side.
• Dorian: (grunts.) I am a bad man. We'll talk later.

(The qunari dreadnoughts were sacrificed)

• Varric: So, you're a free man, Tal-Vashoth.
• Iron Bull: Living the life. Unless you think I'm even... "more" secretly a spy now.
• Varric: I think you've finally decided whether you care about your people, or your "people".
• Iron Bull: Hmm... something like that.
• Varric: You've made the right choice.
  ───────

(The Bull's Chargers were sacrificed)

• Varric: So, qunari in good standing. You must be proud?
• Iron Bull: Tolerably. Not a friend of the alliance.
• Varric: I got to see enough of the qunari back in Kirkwall.
• Iron Bull: Hey... we probably won't try to burn the city this time.
• Varric: No? You could always trust the qunari, until you're between them and something they want.

(Inquisitor romanced Bull)

• Varric: So Bull, you and the inquisitor, huh?
• Iron Bull: Uhuh...
• Varric: I'd love some impressions, imagery, something for my next book.
• Iron Bull: Sorry, that room is for him and me. No one else invited.
• Varric: Safe harbor from the storm outside...
• Iron Bull: All right, now you're just making it weird.

───────

(Bull romanced Dorian)

• Varric: So Bull, you and Dorian?
• Iron Bull: Mm-hmm...
• Varric: Two worlds tearing them apart, Tevinter and qunari, with only love to keep them together.
• Dorian: I don't see how this is even remotely your business, Varric.
• Iron Bull: Could you make it sound angrier? Love is a bit soft.
• Dorian: Please stop helping the dwarf!
• Varric: How about passion?
• Iron Bull: Yes... that's better. Love is all starlight and gentle blushes. Passion leaves your fingers sore from clawing the sheets.
• Dorian: You could at least have had the courtesy to use the bedposts!
• Iron Bull: Hey... don't top from the bottom.
• Varric: (Laughs.) Passion it is then.

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Blackwall)

• Blackwall: I understand you were asking about me and the Inquisitor at Skyhold, Dorian.
• Dorian: Only verifying certain rumors, Big Man. You understand.
• Blackwall: I'm not certain I do. Why the interest?
• Dorian: Academic? Future generations will want to know.
• Blackwall: Leave. It. Be.

───────

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Dorian)

• Dorian: I overheard you at the tavern, Blackwall, asking about the Inquisitor and I.
• Blackwall: I was unsure I'd heard correctly.
• Dorian: You have a question? Are your whiskers quivering with curiosity?
• Blackwall: I would not pry into the Inquisitor's business.
• Dorian: Are you certain? I can draw diagrams.
• Blackwall: No. Thank you.

───────

(If the Inquisitor chose to seek the mages' help to close the Breach)

• Blackwall: Word of what happened in Redcliffe had better not spread.
• Dorian: Oh? Why not?
• Blackwall: You think mages will be better off if people know they can change the future?
• Dorian: Ignoring that that's not the case, I suspect people will use any excuse to hate us.
• Blackwall: Then you should not give them more.
• Dorian: Did everyone act like this when the sword was invented? "Oh, my blushing butt cheeks! Round up everyone who can use these pointy things and lock them away!"
• Blackwall: It is not the same thing and you know it.

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Cassandra)

• Dorian: Why, Cassandra, I've never seen you smile so much!
• Cassandra: I am not smiling.
• Dorian: Now you're not, but only because I pointed it out.
• Cassandra: I am not a giddy schoolgirl, Dorian.
• Dorian: That would be easier to believe if you hadn't just blushed.

───────

(If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Dorian)

• Cassandra: You're smiling a great deal these days, Dorian.
• Dorian: I always smile. People like my smile, and they should! I have excellent teeth.
• Cassandra: Do you always do it while staring dreamily into the distance?
• Dorian: It depends how long until dinner.

 

 

That isn't even CLOSE to everyone's, I just got tired of copy/pasting. And that's just the ones that are present or change based off of the state of your playthrough, it isn't even including the banter-strings some companions have where they have a continuing discussion about a specific topic. So 'feels like it was built to react to player choice' and 'feels like traveling with real people' are most definitely ticked with really fat black marker in my mind.

Never got a one-forth of it.

Tho in my books nothing beats Meriill-Varric and Merill-isabela lines, where I'm obviously biased.

[Violetbliss]

While there's been a bug involved, and the banter in DA:I is not bad at all, I too absolutely -loved- DA2 for the companion exchanges. It really felt like Hawke's extended family, and I forgave that game for so much just for that bit and the dialogue system.

 

However, I still enjoy DA:I. I just really hope that the next game has a smaller focus with the center-spotlight on your circle of friends; it could still be world-revolving stuff but I hope I'm not heading a huge political organization in it.

[Bountron]

Tevos, congrats to a well elaborated thread, so true. I dismissed Varric from my party because of his underwhelming dialogue.

Apparently, the best writers took a long break, were fired or got a better job at HBO. This is a serious drop.

[katokires]

You know - I always liked both ME2 and DA2 for their pure companion focus. It isn't a "BIG BADASS STORY", yeah, but it's fine in it's own little way. And party banter always was a part of creating a charm about every companion. In DA2 it was genius. This. Genius.

 

Merrill - my fav - being cute:

 

Spoiler

Merrill: Ser Pounce-a-lot... who knighted him?

Anders: Is that a serious question?

Merrill: Did he have a little sword, or just his claws? I bet he had a dashing cap with a feather in it!

Anders: Would you stop making fun of my cat?

Merrill: Oh... no hat, then?

 

Merrill: You must really like the Hawke family.

Aveline: Why do you say that?

Merrill: You came all the way from Lothering with them, didn't you? And they're not even your clan.

Aveline: Humans don't have clans, Merrill.

Merrill: Exactly! You came so far together, and you didn't even have a Keeper to make you get along.

Aveline: So your Keeper tells you to stop kicking each other, or she'll turn the aravel around?

Merrill: Sometimes she also warns us to stop pulling hair.

 

Merrill: I would like to know more about being a guard, Aveline.

Aveline: I don't think that's the job for you.

Merrill: I know, but it might help me not get caught.

Aveline: You probably shouldn't have said that part.

Merrill: Why?

Aveline: Just... never mind.

 

Merrill: Your armor is very shiny, Sebastian. Doesn't that make you an easier target?

Sebastian: The Light of the Maker is my armor, Merrill. I am not afraid.

Merrill: Maybe you could ask Him to make His Light less shiny? Then you wouldn't need as much armor. 

 

See? Both naive and cute. And kind. Emotionally engageable. That's the one side that comes with a character.

 

Another thing: banter was built to be continuous. Characters live their lives in the world, they're not dolls that are only alive when PC is near. They have debates on their own that work over time, things that bother them as if they were ive people. It is what makes literature precious!

 

Spoiler

Anders: So, when you first did blood magic, it was... just an accident, right?

Anders: You cut yourself and realized the power? You didn't actually deal with a demon?

Merrill: Oh, no. I did.

Anders: Why would you do that?

Merrill: I needed his help. He was really very nice about it.

Anders: Of course he was! He's using you to get a foothold in a mortal brain!

Merrill: He's a spirit. He offered me his aid. I hardly think you're one to criticize.

 

Anders: Maybe you don't really understand the difference between spirits and demons.

Merrill: Did I ask you?

Anders: Spirits were the first children of the Maker, but He turned his back on them to dote on His mortal creations.

Anders: The ones who resented this became demons, driven to take everything mortals had and gain back the Maker's favor.

Merrill: Your "Maker" is a story you humans use to explain the world.

Merrill: We have our own stories. I don't need to borrow yours. 

 

Anders: Do Dalish honestly not recognize the difference between demons and beneficial spirits?

Merrill: We've never thought of the Fade as the home of our gods.

Merrill: It is another realm, another people's home. No different or more foreign than, say, Orzammar.

(If Varric is in the party)

Varric: You can say that again.

Anders: But have you never studied the types of demons? They break down very clearly into different sins—

Merrill: Spirits differ from each other, just as you and Hawke and Isabela are all human.

Merrill: More or less...

 

Anders: You must join us. Do you see that now? You must stand with Kirkwall's mages.

Merrill: It's not my fight.

Anders: You can't hide in Sundermount.(If the Dalish were killed during A New Path)

Anders: Your clan is dead.(Otherwise)

Anders: There is no place for you among the Dalish.

Merrill: No! My clan is all I ever cared about! Everything I did, I did for them!

Anders: On second thought, maybe don't try to help us.

 

Merrill: You really believe don't you?

Anders: What are we talking about?

Merrill: Believing. You do I can tell, in freedom, in mages, in good spirits and bad templars. With more fire than the sun.

Anders: And your point is?

Merrill: I miss it sometimes, things being certain.

Anders: Some things are certain.

Merrill: Not anymore.

 

So banter was both continuous, live, and describing the companions once. And still it isn't everything about banter as it was. Banter was highly dependant on player's choices every when companions discuss situation with a choice.

 

Spoiler

Merrill: Aveline, what's in your mirror?

Aveline: What do you mean?

Merrill: In your mirror. What do you see?

Aveline: A warrior. A wife. All the mistakes I made to get here and make it right.

Aveline: Why? What have you decided to see?

(If after A New Path and Merrill decided to break the Eluvian)

Merrill: My mirror is broken. But I think... I think I see good things.

Merrill: Maybe a headband...

(If after A New Path and Merrill did not break the Eluvian)

Merrill: Demons. And... cracks.

(Otherwise)

Merrill: Sometimes it's hard to tell. Cracks, mostly.

Merrill: Maybe I'll borrow yours sometime. If that's all right?

Aveline: It's all right.

 

3 choices voiced.

 

Aveline: I didn't expect you to stick around for this mess Merrill. This has nothing to do with your elves.

(If Hawke is romancing Merrill)

Merrill: I love Hawke, I wouldn't go anywhere.

Aveline: But it's not your fight.

Merrill: I love Hawke.

Aveline: You said that.

Merrill: I say it a lot. It makes things clearer, takes away doubt when everything is crazy and people are dying.

Aveline: I understand.

Merrill: Oh, good. Someone should.

(If not romanced)

Merrill: Everything affects everything. We were born, a bunch of things happened, and now we're in a mess with our friends.

Aveline: That seems too simple.

Merrill: Simple is good. It sneaks up on you, makes you smile.

Merrill: Maybe that should be enough once in a while.

Aveline: Simple it is.

(If after A New Path)

Aveline: That seems too simple.

Merrill: Simple is good. It sneaks up on you, makes you smile.

Merrill: Or it says "Hey over there!" And kills with a pin.

Aveline: Merrill?

Merrill: Simple Aveline. Not stupid.

 

3 ways again. Romanced/Not romanced/Not romanced and after completing a quest)

 

(If Hawke and Merrill are in a romance in Act 2)

Bethany: You're a cute couple. Do you have pet names?

(If Hawke has a diplomatic personality)

Hawke: That's a little awkward.

Bethany: Only if it's true, and I think I have my answer.

Merrill: I missed something again, didn't I?

(If Hawke has a humorous/charming personality)

Hawke: What, like Little Griffin and Baby Dragon?

Merrill: Oh, definitely a Griffin! You can't really pet a dragon, can you? They're all scaly.

Bethany: I'm kind of sorry for asking.

(If Hawke has an aggressive personality)

Hawke: No.

Bethany: You do!

Hawke: Not your business.

Merrill: I missed something again, didn't I?

 

3 choices again, based on the most used personality dialogue lines.

 

Developers used to be making jokes about their poor design choices. Ones went into voicing in the very base game, ones came later with a Community feedback:

 

Spoiler

Merrill: It's so exciting to be out of Kirkwall! It seems we haven't left there in ages!

Hawke:

(If Hawke has a diplomatic/helpful personality) We go to lots of places.

(If Hawke has a humorous/charming personality) We do seem to spend a ridiculous amount of time in the city.

(If Hawke has an aggressive/direct personality) I suppose.

Merrill: I needed this break. I was starting to think every part of Kirkwall looked alike.

 

(In the dungeons)

Merrill: Oh, caves! I like caves!

Hawke: No, you don't, Merrill.

Merrill: Oh, right! Giant creepy spiders and things live in caves! What is it I'm thinking of, then? Ruins?

 

Merrill: Aveline? Remember how you told me to tell you if I noticed anything peculiar?

Merrill: Well, we've passed the same cracked floor tile nine times now.

Aveline: We've been walking in circles and you only tell me now?

Merrill: I wasn't sure. Maybe there are a lot of tiles broken in exactly the same way!

 

Merrill: How come you never get lost?

Hawke: I do. Sometimes.

Merrill: I've never seen it! And everybody follows you, and you always seem to know where you're going.

Hawke: Just act like you know where you're going, that's usually enough.

Merrill: I try that sometimes! But there's no amount of confidence that makes up for walking into the Grand Cleric's airing cupboard.

Hawke: What about that time I led us in circles around the Wounded Coast for 3 hours?

Merrill: Oh! I thought you were just admiring the view! Eh, it was a lovely day at least.

 

Most pressing problems of DA2 - repetitive content and level design, and weird Wounded Coast level design - are there. Now go, find ANY pressing problems of DA:I in the banter. Funny, isn't it?

 

Now I gouess I need to draw a line:

 

Long, long ago in a far, far away land named DA2 there were characters that acted like live persons. They had their motivations, their own morals, their personal POV on the world and events around them, things that were bothering them along the time passed. They were even engaging discussions about those things, which progressed over time. Their personality was revealed not only in long bla-bla talks in Skyhold, but in daily, mundane situations, too. Called party banter.

 

How about a magic trick, huh?

 

*Places DA:I copy on the table*

 

TADA! It's gone...

 

[turuzzusapatuttu]

Well... How do I put this shorter?
Well, alright.

 

Party banter in the previous Dragon Age games was:

- working;

- more interesting to listen to;

- immersive and felt like travelling with next to real people;

- constructed to be affected with player choices.

 

And I am grieving over the fact it isn't... Anymore. With some humour and jokes here and there.

And, most of all, it was working. WORKING. FUC.KING-WAIT FOR IT-WORKING.

 

Added a dot, so censorship can blow my whistle.

[C0uncil0rTev0s]

And, most of all, it was working. WORKING. FUC.KING-WAIT FOR IT-WORKING.

 

Added a dot, so censorship can blow my whistle.

 

Well I may have my doubts about the date of the happy fact is happening, right? Because sometimes I think it won't be ready until I turn 60.

[Bountron]

Hi fellow forumers.

I did some research and it appears that Mary Kirby wrote the awesome Merril + Varric in DA2, but also wrote Varric and boring Vivienne in Inquisition. I dont know if the lead writers are also responsible for banter dialogs, but it looks like that the vast majority of the crew stayed on board for DA3.

So what is the reason for the loss in quality? I dont know, I mean, they have plenty good ideas all around, a mix of interesting characters on paper, but the execution, the final dialog seems to be a a drag (most of the time at least).
Maybe they just tried too hard and got less out of it, I know this problem myself. Writing is one of the most complicated things and being witty and functual both together is surely an art.

Do not get me erong, I dont want to blame any individual, because I do not know the circumstances

[ComfortablyNumb]

 

Tho in my books nothing beats Meriill-Varric and Merill-isabela lines, where I'm obviously biased.

 

And here's the crux of the matter, I think

 

Over yours, I'll take Solas playing "blindfold" chess with Bull, any day. But I'm biased, too

[eyezonlyii]

I think you should search YouTube. There are videos of every character's banter with each other. Each one is at least 5 minutes long.

Edit: I couldn't find the video I watched originally, so here is all of Dorian's banter with everyone:
Dragon Age Inquisition Party Banter Dorian with A…:

[rak72]

I didn't get a whole lot of party banter, but from what I did get, it seemed mostly like they were all just being jerkasses to each other.

[DarkKnightHolmes]

More like:

 

"Long, long ago in a far, far away land named DA2 there were characters that acted like angsty one-sided teenagers . They had their hate, their own stupidity, their personal Freudian excuse for being annoying and they hated each others company but for some reason still stayed together They were even engaging discussions about why they disliked each other, which progressed to pure hatred over time. Their personality was revealed not only in long bla-bla talks in Skyhold, but in daily, mundane situations, too. Called party arguments."

 

DA2 party banter was just pure venom. Fenris/Anders, Anders/Merrill, Fenris/Merrill, Sebastian/Isabela, Sebastian/Varric and Carver/Everyone was so annoying to listen to. DAO and DAI party banter is much better.

[mutantspicy]

In all 3 of my playthroughs I've had lots of party banter.  In my opinion the characters are much more fleshed out in this game.  They all have unique backgrounds, and there have been some deep conversations between my companions.  And I occasionally can interact with that conversation.  Nice addition.  It seems to me a lot of the complaints in the thread are either due to the no banter bug or a lack of humor.  I agree there is a lack of humor in the game, the tone overall is much more serious. A good portion of the dialog is about getting to know each other, philosophical arguments, realizing the seriousness of the situation and fleshing out personally traits.  I love that Vivienne is a holier than thou Kunt, with a political agenda.  I love how Cassandra even though she is the confident zealot who pulled this thing together, is also socially awkward.  Not every game has to have half baked Monty Python Jokes.  

 

And if you have no banter because of the bug, then can how you have any basis for bitching about the content?

 

The character traits, philosophies, and personalities are one of, if not the strongest element of DAI.

 

The biggest character flaw in this game, IMO is Corypheus.  He is just not a worthy adversary.

[snackrat]

The banter lampshading the odd design choices in DA2 were made in the DLCs, after Bioware knew what elements stuck out to their players (and thus could be made fun of). Likely DAI's DLC will also have banter poking fun at DAI - be it about hair, Inqi running everywhere, companions long stretches of silence, or whatever grievances are common on the forums.