*OLDTIMER ALERT*
Please, refrain from reading further if you think that newer Bioware games are better than the older ones in their time.
I don't feel any sorry for my opinion as it's well-thought after 2 DA:I playthroughs, 6 DA:II playthroughs, 14 DA:O playthroughs and many, many ME 1-3 ones (plus older titles that won't ring a bell to you).
*WALL OF TEXT ALERT*
Please, refrain from reading further if you can't take in more than a short Times article. Matters I speak about are huge, so there's no chance to reduce it to something less. Thank you.
*FANGIRLISM DISAPPROVAL ALERT*
Please, refrain from reading further if you are one of those 'everything is fine all else is blasphemy' attitude people. It isn't meant for you to read, neither it has a focus on anything you count as holy.
It's more than 100 days now after the DA:I release. It was a really, really long way with ups and downs, win and losses, inspiration hours and the days of despair. Thanks for all the support I've got here (for various reasons) and all the wishes for well-being. But it's time to part ways.
Why do I like Bioware games @total? Because every game is like a milestone to me.
Let's say it's Baldur's Gate and NWNs.
It was the first time I've seen how large and well-thought the game world could be. It's like witnessing the rise of a hero while reading the ancient Greek poetry. Wasn't as epic as I thought it could be (Warhammer fan here), but still - it was a model for me to see the result of a creative mind work.
Then there was SW: KotOR + SW: KotOR 2, which presented the non-linear plot development at its best. I've learned then that the story and the experience don't have to be the same for different people. You choose something - it matters in plot. Even character creation.
Then there was a time for me to break from videogaming as I was taking university studies. While studying I've played Warhammer tabletops with my fellows, here. It was fun, yet nothing really inventive for me.
Then there was Mass Effect. It was a pure miracle, I've bought XB360 to play it when it was released... Yes, I was that agitated to play it so I got my first and only console (have all 3 Mass Effects for it).
Moments that give me chills because they're awesome. They are designed to be that awesome. They are THAT well-thought.
Then there was Mass Effect 2. It was another insight into the universe - from the party member perspectives. Each and every character story was contributing to the cause without the stupid 'Power' and 'Influence' things. I was helping people because I liked them. Even the bitchy-butchy Subject Zero.
So the lesson learned was this - sometimes people around you are more valuable than any ideas. And emotions can drive people to very, very unexpected decisions. And it's right, it's what makes us human.
Then I've heard of Dragon Age series and played DA:O. Well... my experiences with it were mixed, yes.
On the one hand, DA:O was great in most things it was trying to do. Party-based tactics, Roleplaying, great cinematics and camera movements in cutscenes.Sense of something epic is about to happen. Humour. Damn, even trailers for it were awesome: 1 and 2.
On the other hand, I don't really have time for crawling around in tactics and building the perfect build. So I was never able to beat DA:O on highest difficulty. Somewhat sad. Can't say it was too much for me though.
Same goes for characters. i couldn't find the person I'd happily romance in DA:O. I always felt a little bit... stranger to this party. Like I'm not a host, I'm a guest. An honourable one, but still a guest.
What is the most important, milestone thing for me in DA:O? It was the understanding of the unpleasant truth: people won't help each other in the times of need. When the whole world goes aflame someone gets stronger - and that someone will take every advantage over ones who wasn't this good. It is the will of the few idealistic folks to keep weak people kicking, is it templars, Warden or whoever else. It is against human nature, but it's definitely worthy way to go.
In peace, vigilance. in war, victory. In death, sacrifice. That's it.
Then there was DA II. And... I liked it just as I liked ME2. It's very person-oriented. And it has Merrill (first time I was this much emotionally engaged to a videogame character btw). Same thought here - sometimes you will do wrong things to save the ones you are feeling for. It is right.
As for other things in DAII - I liked the whole storytelling mechanics. Playing a tale told by Varric? Good! He's a nice dwarf for doing that. Following his lines can't be bad. Even the fact that all DAII plot could be lie (in fact, it's what Varric told Cass on the interrogation) won't ruin anything for me.
I really liked the easier combats. I hated as much Kong-Fu animations.
I really liked the fast-travel here and the way the locations were bound to each other. I hated repetitive levels as much.
I really liked dialogues and humour there. I hated cameraman work just as much.
I really liked the Black Emporium and the self-levelling DLC items. I hated those items as much (all loot became useless).
...
I've taken a long break from gaming after that. You know, science need hell of a time to start with. And the personality focus shifts from real world around you to the discovery you've just made and are willing to share with the world. And the first time I've decided to take a break for a videogame was Dragon Age: Inquisition.
1st thought when I saw a price: "Wow, that one is pretty pricey. Must be good!"
2nd thought when I've bought it: "****. It doesn't start".
Way off to go, right?
After some tweaking here and there (had to switch from AMD to Intel+NVidia gear) game ran quite nicely, So I've started my very first playthrough as a male dwarf. "Well, sh*t".
Then there was an elven female rogue playthrough.
So I decided to return to the BSN to write some feedback for those Bioware folks to get them some information to think about. Why the game does no real excitement. How to improve things (from crafting to MP). Waaait, where is my BSN? It's Bioware Forums now.
First Contact: One of the developers agrees to read my topics. Eventually.
Second contact: One of the developers fails to read the topic and is unhappy because of me mentioning this contact.
Third contact: One of the developers fails to read the topics because he's too busy preparing the Patch 4.
Fourth contact: One of the developers fails to read the topics because he's too busy preparing the patch 5...
Then there goes the Bioware Official Youtube channel. Capital offence to any loyal Bioware fan.
Meanwhile I ran into a few fangirls that refuse to see anything that doesn't apply their 'everything is fine' morals. Got banned 4 times in a row. No developer answer for any of the topics as it was promised. Nothing.
But hey, was there a bright side in DA:I? Yes, there was one.
You see, I'm cured now of my idealistic view for things.
Games aren't an art anymore, those are eye candies to please the fangirl audience shlicking for Solas/Cullen/Dorian.
Forums aren't for feedback and suggestions, those are now for expressing eternal gratitude to the developers.
Everything is fine, all else is blasphemy.
Creativity is nothing if you're not praising the developers. Like, at all.
You're against the crowd throwing hails? Go away, be suspended.
It was a time when painting was an art. Now it's all business.
It was a time when movie making was an art. Now it's all business.
It was a time when videogames were art. Now it's all business.
Sincere thanks to you, Bioware, for making me realize all this.
P.S.: Some of you, folks, still do believe in the developer team. You have your strength to steel your heart for this. I wish you well to wait for dawn to come. As for me - I quit. Maybe I'll come back in a few months to share some suggestions for next DA game. for no reason why. Maybe I'll finish the Saga. I hope I do.
Anyways, thank you everyone.
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