It's the new model they adapted Frostbite 3 for.
I think open world is now a certainty.
You're probably right. It's just another one of those CRPG things I'll have to put up with.
It's the new model they adapted Frostbite 3 for.
I think open world is now a certainty.
I don't believe all RPGs coming in the future will necessarily be open world. Perhaps more open, yes. But open world specifically? I wouldn't bank on it.
It's definitely a really great starting point. Some things I'd love to see continue:
1- Multiple companions with interesting back-stories and character development. Opinionated and can be argued with/kicked out when there's too much disagreement.
2- Beautiful level design which takes lore into account. Places like Emerald Graves and Temple of Dirth'amen were a couple of my favorites.
3- Reward for exploration. The number of side quests is so big and takes you almost everywhere around the map, so not only do I enjoy exploring but I also get rewarded generously for it.
4- RP opportunities & choices. Discussing your back story with Cassandra and Josephine, sharing your faith, having a clear opinion on who you side with/why. Having choices as simple as specializations acknowledged. War Table missions allowing me to handle situations based on what I feel is best, and having all that count in the end.
5- Incredible quest design. The main story of DA:I for some reason I feel is underrated. Each quest is lengthy, takes you through multiple phases/cutscenes/dialouges and tell you an interesting story that draws you in for more. They also don't drag you for long hours doing useless filler combat (Orzammar- The Deep Roads in DA:O, the Fade in DA:O).
6- Indepth, rewarding crafting. Self explanatory, crafting is awesome in DA:I albeit missing a couple of things.
7- Multiple voice actors. Helps me pick what is best for the character I want to create.
Things I want to see fixed:
1- Lack of cutscenes outside main quests. It was immersion breaking at times.
2- Too little important side-quests in areas. Each area had one to a couple of important side-quests, a couple had non at all which is quite demotivating.
3- Final battle not rushed. Somewhat complex final boss mechanics. The problem with Corypheus's 1v1 is that it was quite underwhelming because it happened way too fast. No I didn't want an army scene because we already got 2 of those and they were awesome.
Nothing more I can think of atm, but while DA:I has it's flaws, I find it's model to be a great thing to follow and improve upon.
Bioware vs BioWoW
2- Beautiful level design which takes lore into account. Places like Emerald Graves and Temple of Dirth'amen were a couple of my favorites.
I remember being mesmerized in The Arbor Wilds. I'd definitely hope areas like that, rich and vibrant, inspired areas for the future.
Much was changed by the change in generation.
The Frostbite 3 engine is sound, though its shooter heritage is clear.
There are some improvements to make, Tactics being an obvious one.
With some fine tuning and care not to lose sight of player engagement,
it's heading in the right direction.
I like where DAI is headed. But I would like the game to be true open world.
So like Elder Scrolls? Various locations reachable on foot or by mount, with loads of locations in-between?
That would definitely be another change.
I like the direction, that is not to say it doesnt need work because it does, but it is a very good start they have got of to an hopefully the DA franchise can settle down once and for all
So, from what I'm seeing here we're all of the opinion that DA has to land on something and stick with it instead of changing styles for the sake of changing styles?
So, from what I'm seeing here we're all of the opinion that DA has to land on something and stick with it instead of changing styles for the sake of changing styles?
'all' would be a little strong, but sticking with the engine and further improving it would be my view.
'all' would be a little strong, but sticking with the engine and further improving it would be my view.
Well, yeah. My bad. hahaha
My point being, general consensus so far is consistency>change once a successful framework has been found?
There's a lot of potential here. DA: I merely sets the stage for more to come - if Bioware handles it properly. I mean, they've got it set up where they can EASILY get $19.99 or $29.99 for DLC and expansion packs given the stage they've created with DA: I.
Sure, it sucks when you realize that DA: I is just merely the invitation to the party. The real party is going to start with DLC and Expansion packs, and it is going to cost us money.
Far better framework than DA2 and still has some degree of feeling similar to DAO so I'd say decent starting point but still needs refinement.
Far better framework than DA2 and still has some degree of feeling similar to DAO so I'd say decent starting point but still needs refinement.
How so?
It shouldn't take explaination why this game is better than spending 10 years in the same dull bland city, where your pc is forced into long periods of lethargy between stories to explain why they did nothing with the power and influence they garnered.
It shouldn't take explaination why this game is better than spending 10 years in the same dull bland city, where your pc is forced into long periods of lethargy between stories to explain why they did nothing with the power and influence they garnered.
Hah, agreed. But I mean, give Bioware some reasoning as to the positives of Inquisition as a framework.
Less open world, more story please.
Personally, I think something like Origins with a voiced PC and better graphics would be amazing.
No, I hope DAI isn't the template for future DA games.
Yes, I liked DAI however:
The villian is a clownish Wile E. Coyote Character
The story is severely lacking depth or content
The world, while large and beautiful, is also lacking depth and content. The fetch quests... need I say more?
So no, in no way, shape or form do I hope DAI is the template for future DA games.
I agree on all points.I really hope not. The "open world" did nothing but detract from the narrative focus, instead filling it with tedious busy work that was at best tangentially connected to the main plot. As pretty as it looked, the engine was clearly not suited to handling RPG mechanics, resulting in a bastardised combat system that fails at both tactical and action gameplay; far too many key gameplay features (tactics, behaviours, companion AI, TacCam, click to move, click to loot, screen edge mouse look, stat assignment, action bar, inventory menus, etc.) from the first two games were sacrificed on the altar of Frostbite. The gathering and crafting system, while a nice idea, ends up just being another unavoidable grind.
If DAI really ends up being the template, I'm not sure I will buy another DA game since I didn't enjoy Inquisition at all. They had a great formula before, they just needed to update it to current graphics expectations and add a couple of features like more robust crafting and it would be great. Instead they threw out the approach they had out of some misplaced belief they had to ape Skyrim, and all they ended up proving is that Bethesda are better at open worlds than they are.
Guest_John Wayne_*
I really hope not. The "open world" did nothing but detract from the narrative focus, instead filling it with tedious busy work that was at best tangentially connected to the main plot. As pretty as it looked, the engine was clearly not suited to handling RPG mechanics, resulting in a bastardised combat system that fails at both tactical and action gameplay; far too many key gameplay features (tactics, behaviours, companion AI, TacCam, click to move, click to loot, screen edge mouse look, stat assignment, action bar, inventory menus, etc.) from the first two games were sacrificed on the altar of Frostbite. The gathering and crafting system, while a nice idea, ends up just being another unavoidable grind.
If DAI really ends up being the template, I'm not sure I will buy another DA game since I didn't enjoy Inquisition at all. They had a great formula before, they just needed to update it to current graphics expectations and add a couple of features like more robust crafting and it would be great. Instead they threw out the approach they had out of some misplaced belief they had to ape Skyrim, and all they ended up proving is that Bethesda are better at open worlds than they are.
While I ended up liking the game. I will agree with you on several of your grievances and if DA 4 does not fix a lot of the flaws you brought up, I'll be buying it when it's deeply discounted or not at all.
I agree on all points.
if DA4 is another super grindy skyrim wannabe, I'm done with is series.
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We must have planned different skyrims
I'd want the side quests to be more tied into the main story. I wish Skyhold was attacked and you could test its defenses. For example it would have been nice if, say after completing quests on the Exalted Plains the Marshal pledged his loyalty to the Inquisition. I love the Keep system, I'd even want a few more, maybe options like building or renovating Keeps would be awesome. Battle scenes were awesome, I'd love to have the retaking and taking of Keeps and actually go in with your army instead of just kinda soloing the Keeps (or at least have the option).
Why would have Corypheus attacked the magically protected fortress he'd have to fight though a army to even get to and which would be extremely hard to siege much less assault? I could understand if he launched attacks on inquisition patrols and the other keeps but to attack Skyhold it-self would have been extremely stupid to say the least.