Thanks, OP. You put into words my feelings about the game exactly. It's beautiful, the main story is great, the characters are great -- but it's just too diluted with meaningless filler. This isn't the game I want to fill that purpose.
Precisely. That's what I'm saying, put far more succinctly. 
"Diluted" is the perfect word.
It's like a cup full of delicious wine (the story and characters) poured into a big barrel of stale water (the filler rubbish).
Precisely. That's what I'm saying, put far more succinctly.
"Diluted" is the perfect word.
It's like a cup full of delicious wine (the story and characters) poured into a big barrel of stale water (the filler rubbish).
Don't drink alcohol, but do prefer to stay hydrated with water.... *ducks for cover*
I actually don't drink much, either. And wine isn't my favourite beverage --- but it seemed appropriate for the metaphor. lol
I like a world big enough to swim in...
And that's why DA:I frustrates me, Durengo ... because it made big improvements in certain areas. It gave us beautiful, atmospheric open worlds (like the Fallow Mire from my example), and then for some strange reason BioWare decided to counterbalance this goodness by sabotaging their own game -- by getting rid of deep and interesting quests like "Nature of the Beast".
If there'd been one quest of that quality in each of DA:I's environments, the game would have been great. I could have avoided (or even enjoyed) many of the filler quests.
My problem is that, discounting story missions, most of the game feels like filler because of the lacklustre way in which quests are presented.
Now this I can get behind. The thing that really frustrates me is that all of the zones seem to have the framework for a big interesting quest like what you're describing, but then it just sort of never really takes off. The war in L'Emprise, the mage/Templar conflict in the Hinterlands, the dwarven (it was dwarven, right?) ruins in the Hissing Wastes, the huge Venatori camp in the Western Approach and so on. It feels like they just bit off more than they could chew and wound up with a stick figure instead of the Mona Lisa.
It's the same with the war table missions. A lot of them sound like they could lead to an actual quest, but then the idea got mostly dropped for some reason and thrown in as a little... almost a codex entry I guess. It's hard to deny that there is a lot of unused potential there, I'm just glad they seem to have prioritized the main story and characters (for the most part).
Now this I can get behind. The thing that really frustrates me is that all of the zones seem to have the framework for a big interesting quest like what you're describing, but then it just sort of never really takes off. The war in L'Emprise, the mage/Templar conflict in the Hinterlands, the dwarven (it was dwarven, right?) ruins in the Hissing Wastes, the huge Venatori camp in the Western Approach and so on. It feels like they just bit off more than they could chew and wound up with a stick figure instead of the Mona Lisa.
It's the same with the war table missions. A lot of them sound like they could lead to an actual quest, but then the idea got mostly dropped for some reason and thrown in as a little... almost a codex entry I guess. It's hard to deny that there is a lot of unused potential there, I'm just glad they seem to have prioritized the main story and characters (for the most part).
Exactly. TBJack.
I'm not saying Inquisition is bad -- it just feels incomplete, like a half-built mansion with plenty of floorspace but no furniture.
(God, I have to stop using metaphors. I'm turning into Leonard McCoy from the Star Trek movies.)
The huge, pretty environments are enchantingly atmospheric, and they seem designed to support amazing story quests, but then nothing ever materializes. Not a story quest, not a quirky character, not an engaging conversation -- nothing.
All we ever get are frustrating glimmers of what might have been.
It all feels so wasteful.
I am just sad today. Quietly sad.
I was so overwhelmed when I installed the game. So full of expectations and exitement.
I was happy, if you know what I mean? I felt alive.
I made a cup of coffee and started the game. In the character creation screen I fiddled a character. It took a while. This was new, and the options was far better than any other game. "Wow, I must say!"
But finally I had the face I liked. Such detallied skin as well!
The first problems occured when the game crashed at the intro after creating the character. Huh? Damn, 40 minutes wasted.
I tried once more. Same thing. To the forums. Someone must know why this happens?
And I did get an answer. The crashes happened due to a conflict between DAI and Windows. Some mentioned of DirectX runtime errors.
Somewhere I got the advice to use a start command string to cut the frame rates. I did. It help apparently. I got pass the intro and into the first map outside the prison.
Phew! NICE!
Until Cassandra started talking, and the game crashed again. Huh?
Then I fiddled with all my settings, upgraded drivers etc. Read some more forums to gather info. I repared DAI, even made a fresh install.
Nope, same thing. Every cutscene was a problem.
But I did find out, that if I tapped 'Esc' rapidly I could get pass the cutscenes. During normal play out in the field I had no problems. I can fight demons and collect (the damn) herbs.
I quickly noticed something was wrong. I obviously made a lot of choices I didn't like. This because I couldn't read or hear the dialogues.
I have started the game nine times now. I want my choices to be as I like them. But I keep missing some.
I haven't finished the game a single time. The Temple of Myrthal is the closest to the end.
During this I waited for a fix to this problem. A patch that would enable me to play the game without technical problems. But it hasn't arrived yet.
But what has happened since is that exploits that made is less boring for me has been closed. So, I hang by Patch 2. I miss the good updates as Toggle Walk and a party Chest. And I probably also miss the planned DLC because they demand the latest game version.
While waiting for the fix I grew tired of collecting all the damn herbs, metals, cloth, shards and whatever. This took so much time and was so irrelevant.
Finally I gave up and downloaded Cheat Engine.I created a character with all crafting materials, just arrived in Haven. My idea was to get rid of all the collecting and be able to focuse more on the story, the more important quests and the atmosphere.
But now I've lost interest in the game. I have dug too deep into the engine and game contents. The game is no adventure anymore. It has become a problem for me. A problem I can't solve.
So, last night I looked for new games. But it's hard when you require high detailled graphics and atmosphere as well as a good story and options for influence on the game.
Skyrim was fun. The mods made it very exiting. The modding community is still running at full force.
Then there's Witcher 2. Also a nice story and good graphics.
I have the Mass Effect trilogy and of course Dragon Age: Origins.
I even enjoyed Tombraider (2013) - fantastic atmosphere
The Witcher 3 is coming soon.
Pillars of Eternity looks interesting. It has actually slipped my attention. Thanks for pointing me.
I am just sad today. Quietly sad.
I was so overwhelmed when I installed the game. So full of expectations and exitement.
I was happy, if you know what I mean? I felt alive.
I made a cup of coffee and started the game. In the character creation screen I fiddled a character. It took a while. This was new, and the options was far better than any other game. "Wow, I must say!"
But finally I had the face I liked. Such detallied skin as well!
The first problems occured when the game crashed at the intro after creating the character. Huh? Damn, 40 minutes wasted.
I tried once more. Same thing. To the forums. Someone must know why this happens?
And I did get an answer. The crashes happened due to a conflict between DAI and Windows. Some mentioned of DirectX runtime errors.
Somewhere I got the advice to use a start command string to cut the frame rates. I did. It help apparently. I got pass the intro and into the first map outside the prison.
Phew! NICE!
Until Cassandra started talking, and the game crashed again. Huh?
Then I fiddled with all my settings, upgraded drivers etc. Read some more forums to gather info. I repared DAI, even made a fresh install.
Nope, same thing. Every cutscene was a problem.
But I did find out, that if I tapped 'Esc' rapidly I could get pass the cutscenes. During normal play out in the field I had no problems. I can fight demons and collect (the damn) herbs.
I quickly noticed something was wrong. I obviously made a lot of choices I didn't like. This because I couldn't read or hear the dialogues.
I have started the game nine times now. I want my choices to be as I like them. But I keep missing some.
I haven't finished the game a single time. The Temple of Myrthal is the closest to the end.
During this I waited for a fix to this problem. A patch that would enable me to play the game without technical problems. But it hasn't arrived yet.
But what has happened since is that exploits that made is less boring for me has been closed. So, I hang by Patch 2. I miss the good updates as Toggle Walk and a party Chest. And I probably also miss the planned DLC because they demand the latest game version.
While waiting for the fix I grew tired of collecting all the damn herbs, metals, cloth, shards and whatever. This took so much time and was so irrelevant.
Finally I gave up and downloaded Cheat Engine.I created a character with all crafting materials, just arrived in Haven. My idea was to get rid of all the collecting and be able to focuse more on the story, the more important quests and the atmosphere.
But now I've lost interest in the game. I have dug too deep into the engine and game contents. The game is no adventure anymore. It has become a problem for me. A problem I can't solve.
So, last night I looked for new games. But it's hard when you require high detailled graphics and atmosphere as well as a good story and options for influence on the game.
Skyrim was fun. The mods made it very exiting. The modding community is still running at full force.
Then there's Witcher 2. Also a nice story and good graphics.
I have the Mass Effect trilogy and of course Dragon Age: Origins.
I even enjoyed Tombraider (2013) - fantastic atmosphere
The Witcher 3 is coming soon.
Pillars of Eternity looks interesting. It has actually slipped my attention. Thanks for pointing me.
Sorry to hear you had all of those technical problems. (As if collecting plants and rocks isn't depressing enough!)
Just wanted to chip in about Tomb Raider, really. lol
That was an amazing game. Great atmosphere, great world-building, great gameplay (I loved how fluid the climbing was, and I liked how combat incorporated evasion, since Lara is a lady and she can't just knock angry men out with her fists), great graphics, and a relatable and well-developed main character.
Sorry to hear you had all of those technical problems. (As if collecting plants and rocks isn't depressing enough!)
Just wanted to chip in about Tomb Raider, really. lol
That was an amazing game. Great atmosphere, great world-building, great gameplay (I loved how fluid the climbing was, and I liked how combat incorporated evasion, since Lara is a lady and she can't just knock angry men out with her fists), great graphics, and a relatable and well-developed main character.
.
You remember the very first map In Tombraider? The forrest with the fog?
I was amazed when I experienced this. And then the sound of your own breating? It is just as if you're really there.
You have a feeling of being on your own. The silence and the isolation is perfect made. The decay and remnances of civilisation as well.
That game is recommendable as a singleplayer adventure. No doubt.
It's not the last time I played it.
I think DAI has significant problems.
And its a shame, because the foundation I'm experiencing is pretty awesome TBH. I really enjoy the core of the game, unlike DA2 that I suffered through for the most part.
I do have hope. Potentially, substantial patches and content updates and well made and meaty DLC (that don't cost more than $40-50 in total together, lol) could fix almost everything, and turn DAI into one of my most favorite games, this year.
Too bad that in the 4 months since launch, I've seen barely anything of that 
.
I do have hope.
by the way .. patch 5 gone live....i mean its released now (today) for us all.but damm i cant find the new eluvian ...
however , i hope that more story expanions follow and maybe that can help to make the game feel better for all dissapointed people.
maybe mods can help as well soon as the unoffical mod support and the tools will be better.
Two questions for the people reading and posting here: how many times have you completed the game? do you plan getting the dlc's?
1. None. I'm a few dozen hours into the game, and I have the Orlais, Arbor, Ending to go through in the main story.
2. I don't plan on getting DLCs until my game works better and I have assurances that the DLC (and hopefully some free content patches; I can dream) will significantly improve my experience. I'm still wondering where those more involved fort captures went 
Seriously though, I'm open to getting DLC, but unlike Mass Effect for me, I'm not waiting for them with baited breath.
Honestly, while I'm sure upcoming patches/DLC will improve the game, I can't see it ever reaching the potential we've been discussing. There's just too much there. I wouldn't be surprised if you could spend an entire development cycle getting all those quests put together and fleshed out.
Right now I'm willing to take Inquisition as it is (since I enjoy it a great deal, even knowing there could have been more). The main thing I'm concerned with now is getting as much feedback as possible (accolades and criticisms both) to Bioware in the most effective way possible, so that the next game can really shine.
The vast and detailed expanse that is DAI is actually a perfect base for years of additional content. It may or may not have been the intention but the canvas is ready for more paint, so to speak. If true it is risky as it may turn quite a few people away from future DLC that may put more steak into the sizzle.
The vast and detailed expanse that is DAI is actually a perfect base for years of additional content. It may or may not have been the intention but the canvas is ready for more paint, so to speak. If true it is risky as it may turn quite a few people away from future DLC that may put more steak into the sizzle.
Indeed.
Inquisition is a canvas. I'd like to see the full picture, since I don't feel I got that yet.
Inquisition is so boring I play it to sleep, works better than a baseball bat to the back of the head.
Guest_StreetMagic_*
Indeed.
Inquisition is a canvas. I'd like to see the full picture, since I don't feel I got that yet.
No amount of adding to the world canvas will change some of my fundamental distaste. Since the protagonist is a canvas in their own right too. The only way to keep interested is to make up random bullsh*t about why my character is so loved/followed/powerful.
And the people who like to do this are a particular type of player... who like indulging in outlandish power fantasy. Believable narrative be damned.
Maybe a lot of bioware fans fall in that category too, but I doubt all do. I don't.
I don't think the side missions in previous games were any better. I still remember those god-awful Chanters board missions in Lothering.
"Go kill that bear in the field right next to the village".
Or the side missions in Orzammar. You could run around collecting nugs or run back and forth between NPC's relaying messages. Fun.
Not to mention that mercenary group led by Taoran and Raelnor (?) who served absolutely no purpose. Then there's Return to Ostagar that provided little more than armor and a couple of weapons that you may or may not use. But the really useless side mission was the Warden's Keep that provided armor, dubious abilities, a much needed storage chest and a couple of vendors. It would have made sense if it became your party's home base, but alas... Of course, there's plenty more, but ultimately these things didn't truly detract from the experience as a whole. Still, I think that DAO gets far more praise than it deserves. The wonder of it all hits me every time I'm going about a mission and the game crashes to desktop when I open the inventory... Forcing me to have to play through that segment again. Or when Leiliana breaks tactics and decides to rush into battle when her tactics classify her as a Ranged weapon user. 
Guest_StreetMagic_*
Or when Leiliana breaks tactics and decides to rush into battle when her tactics classify her as a Ranged weapon user.
That's weird if you set it on ranged. The only thing I can think that might screw it up is if you specced her Assassin. Then Mark of Death makes her rush into melee range.
Inquisition is so boring I play it to sleep, works better than a baseball bat to the back of the head.
Flemeth is Jayne Hathaway
Guest_StreetMagic_*
For the sake of keeping the geekness level high :
That would be Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Voyager, played by Kate Mulgrew, Flemeth in DA.
Tim Russ who played Tuvok her science officer was Zathrian.
Dwight Schultz who played Barclay in TNG and Voyager is Bodahn (he does a lot of voice overs in video games, I really like his work)
According to imdb Dominic Keating from enterprise did Mouse and Ethan Philips (Neelix) didn't work on Dragon Age.
Michael Dorn, Worf, appeared in ME2 as Uvenk and Marina Sirtis, Troi, was Benezia in ME1. Armin Shimerman, Quark in DS9 was the salarian councillor in ME1, 2 & 3 and Fai Dan in ME2. Like Dwight Schultz, he does a lot of video games voice over work. They should trust him with a bigger role, he was awesome as Andrew Ryan in Bioshock.
I probably missed some.
Dwight also does one of the Elf Warden voices.. the Cocky one I think.
For the sake of keeping the geekness level high :
That would be Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Voyager, played by Kate Mulgrew, Flemeth in DA.
Tim Russ who played Tuvok her science officer was Zathrian.
Dwight Schultz who played Barclay in TNG and Voyager is Bodahn (he does a lot of voice overs in video games, I really like his work)
According to imdb Dominic Keating from enterprise did Mouse and Ethan Philips (Neelix) didn't work on Dragon Age.
Michael Dorn, Worf, appeared in ME2 as Uvenk and Marina Sirtis, Troi, was Benezia in ME1. Armin Shimerman, Quark in DS9 was the salarian councillor in ME1, 2 & 3 and Fai Dan in ME2. Like Dwight Schultz, he does a lot of video games voice over work. They should trust him with a bigger role, he was awesome as Andrew Ryan in Bioshock.
I probably missed some.
Believe Dwight Schultz also did Pressley for ME1 and ME2? And Adam Baldwyn from Firefly was in ME2 as an ally of Tali.
But if Mouse wasn't Ethan Phillips, that is one of the best impressions I have heard, esp that famous giggle laugh.
And the people who like to do this are a particular type of player... who like indulging in outlandish power fantasy. Believable narrative be damned.
You... you did realize when you bought this game that it was a high fantasy setting where you were meant to be the hero of the story, right? I mean, any fantasy/sci-fi game where you play the protagonist is by definition an outlandish power fantasy. Otherwise it would just be The Sims: Medieval.
On a more serious note, just because you can't come up with a believable narrative doesn't mean no one else can either.
I did get a grin out of your profile pic though. That happens way to often.
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