368 réponses à ce sujet

[SwobyJ]

At the end of JoH I felt like I learned a bunch of new things and was satisfied with the conversation with Ameridan. At the end of Descent my reaction was "what?!" The last conversation with Valta didn't give you anything but some mysterious references to a creature you still don't know anything about. We already knew that lyrium was alive so I figured that it was connected directly. Thought it would be more like the Thorian, a remark about "we're inside it" doesn't explain much.

 

Also wished for a lot more ambient dialogue from companions. JoH had those random funny moments that I love, not to mention all the Harding conversations. 

 

Taking my Cadash and different companions for my second run, hopefully they'll be more banter and chatter this time.

 

Descent simply confirmed a lot of things that have been speculated since DAO-DA2, and made clear that its a concept to be followed on later. The Inquisitor may or may not be part of this following up (for all we know, they'll be a character in DA4 even if not the protagonist). Descent also adds a few more things on top of this.

 

I really dislike that for a $15 content, but forgetting about the price tag, I don't mind there being content that basically goes "Okay everyone, there's a lot more to the underground world than you even wondered about, so here's a taste of it for now, and a reminder that we haven't forgotten about dwarves!"

 

That's not a bad thing. It certainly qualifies as a further adventure of the Inquisitor. And I is absolutely not intended to be the potential blowout amazing 'DLC conclusion' to the Inquisitor's story. Its a thing. That we can enjoy. We don't have to get all the answers right away. Its something that frustrates me about DAI specifically, but I acknowledge Bioware's right to draw out some things for a longer while - especially if it means that the future game that involves it (example: TITANS!!!!!) has higher technology being used to portray it.

[Graydaygamer]

My biggest issue is that this isn't just an interactive story, it's a role-playing game. I made no real choices and didn't have an effect on the storyline. In Origins there was a choice to keep Shale, drink Avernis's experimental potion, save a Keep or a City. In DA:2, my actual blood was needed. Here I was just a merc hired to stop earthquakes.

[Elhanan]

My biggest issue is that this isn't just an interactive story, it's a role-playing game. I made no real choices and didn't have an effect on the storyline. In Origins there was a choice to keep Shale, drink Avernis's experimental potion, save a Keep or a City. In DA:2, my actual blood was needed. Here I was just a merc hired to stop earthquakes.

A great many cRPG's have not been about allowing choices. Sometimes, one simply plays the cards their dealt (eg; under orders, under duress, etc). And this is only a DLC, so I have not expected large decisions; simply take pleasure in the small ones such as variable dialogue options. Do not wish to insult the hosts that supply our Enchantments....

[Dutch's Ghost]

Here's my review of it

https://www.youtube....h?v=dbzPDRFa8Cw

Maybe you suck at playing the game because it was not challenging at all on nightmare. And you had a rogue archer, the most OP class in the game if you know how to use it. I killed both the elite bosses within a minute with hail of arrows plus leaping shot.

[Dutch's Ghost]

It took me 3-4 hours to complete it and I spent another 3 hours finding the damn mugs and gears and completing the sidequests. Not at all worth $15. 5/10

[Elhanan]

I explored for 17+ hrs, did not look for all the mugs, and found most combat challenging on NM.

Since I play w/o Floating Text, uncertain of the damage numbers, but did get a fancy combo with Static cage, Wall of Fire, and a max tier Mark of the Rift that wiped the entire squad of soldiers that killed our ally. However, most combats did take longer, that combo did not work again, but was able to utilize terrain tactics to avoid too much damage to the team.

[Dutch's Ghost]

I explored for 17+ hrs, did not look for all the mugs, and found most combat challenging on NM.

Since I play w/o Floating Text, uncertain of the damage numbers, but did get a fancy combo with Static cage, Wall of Fire, and a max tier Mark of the Rift that wiped the entire squad of soldiers that killed our ally. However, most combats did take longer, that combo did not work again, but was able to utilize terrain tactics to avoid too much damage to the team.

17hours? I don't believe you. Unless you just walked the whole way...

[Matriarch]

I just finished Descent and I've read a lot of critiques to the DLC as it left more questions (even more than those we already had) rather than answers.

 

I don't think we should judge the DLC just yet, as it is definitely a sneak peek into the next game's plot/ involvement. I have every confidence that Valta will be an important character in the next game, or even perhaps a companion. The mention of the absence of the Wardens also hint to some issue they'll be having in the future (like in the Epilogue).

 

I found the codexes of this DLC interesting. Although I found the collecting of the bloodstained gears tedious, since it makes no sense to keep searching after you have actually opened all the Segrummar doors.

The landscapes are beautiful, mainly the last floor, where you were supposedly inside the Titan even if you were a bit overwhelmed by the enemies and rushed by the quest to actually fully enjoy it.

It was also a bit nostalgic to enter the Deep Roads, but in my experience, I felt like my Warden should be there instead. 

I do point out that there should have been more dwarves around rather than just a little group, and that it made no sense for my Inquisitor to be there until later in the DLC.

[Graydaygamer]

It is my hope that this is a definite bridge to the next expansion. There is information that we needed to get here that will be useful in the next piece. Otherwise the Inquisitor didn't need to be here.

I had thought that DA:4 would take us back to the Wardens in some way. They are often in the Deep Roads and could have been the ones to link the lyrium/dwarf/titan thing together. Since it was the Inquisitor, it was either a wasted opportunity or needed for another part of his /her story.

[Iakus]

Finished it last night.

 

Not a bad dungeon crawler, but kinda disappointed at the lack of resolution.  Many hints at new things, but little real revelation.  The Inquisitor was right:  I left with more questions than answers.

 

And the final boss fight felt kinda unnecessary.

[BioFan (Official)]

Another quick question: Cole or Varric as the party Rogue? Thanks!

 

 

Defo Varric. Varric speaks up often. 

[Elhanan]

Thanks! Decided on Varric, too. Sadly, had to craft some armor for him, as he had Cole's secondary hand me downs.

[Shaftell]

Sure. Spoilers ahead, obviously.

You travel down to the Deep roads because earthquakes and stuff.
You are met by two dwarves, a male and a female.
Female says she read a very old book that mentioned some giant beings called Titans, and how they cause earthquakes. Apparently there's also a rythem associated with them, and she heard that rythem.
Male Dwarf thinks it's nonsense.
You battle loads of darkspawn.

You travel further down, and then come across an ancient order of dwarves, who kill Male Dwarf.
They have lyrium infused armour, fused to their skin. Also lyrium powered super-Biancas - on steroids. They also have pet triceratops.

You kill loads of these, and travel down to a huge cavern sort of thing. Female Dwarf gets sad. There isn't any Titan. Then, suddenly, the camera zooms in on the Inquisitor's face - "No. We're inside the Titan!"

Then, you come across something that looks like a rock wraith from DA2, and you defeat it. Female Dwarf gets blasted by lyrium and then suddenly shoots lyrium from her hand iron man style at the not-rock wraith.
Then she gets all cryptic and is like "I'm cool staying down here with the homicidal ancient dwarves." The Inquisitor basically goes "k bye" and that's it.

Oh, and lyrium is Titan blood.


TL;DR Inquisitor stopped the earthquakes with the help of Iron-dwarf.

Lol your pbp was very entertaining to read

[Elhanan]

...wow, really Bioware? Titans? You were already pushing it with Old Gods. Now I know for sure that you're "borrowing" from Warcraft lore. Not to mention the abilities, the currency system, and other gameplay elements you've unabashedly copied from WoW.
 
Don't get me wrong, Warcraft is not very original itself and I think its lore is a bunch of schlock... but c'mon.

Have never played WoW, but Titans have been a part of the genre for quite some time. Bioware simply used this lore to explain the Stone; including it besides the material on the maker and Elven pantheon. And it reads quite well, IMO.

[SwobyJ]

...wow, really Bioware? Titans? You were already pushing it with Old Gods. Now I know for sure that you're "borrowing" from Warcraft lore. Not to mention the abilities, the currency system, and other gameplay elements you've unabashedly copied from WoW.

 

Don't get me wrong, Warcraft is not very original itself and I think its lore is a bunch of schlock... but c'mon.

 

Titan hints since DAO, but they were not called Titans.

 

Old Gods is not even close to Warcraft exclusive. 'Not very original' is putting it extremely lightly.

 

Frankly, its friggin weird how you're pointing just to WoW.

[OdanUrr]

I just finished Descent and I've read a lot of critiques to the DLC as it left more questions (even more than those we already had) rather than answers.
 
I don't think we should judge the DLC just yet, as it is definitely a sneak peek into the next game's plot/ involvement. I have every confidence that Valta will be an important character in the next game, or even perhaps a companion. The mention of the absence of the Wardens also hint to some issue they'll be having in the future (like in the Epilogue).

Having content that leaves you with questions is not necessarily a bad thing. I've always entertained the notion that mystery is a powerful driving force to push forward the narrative as the player will do its utmost to try to find an answer to it. It is also probably one of the reasons Act I of DA:I is so strong, we're still trying to piece together what exactly went down at the Temple of Sacred Ashes and who, if anybody, could've been behind it. In many cases even the pursuit of this truth is better than the revelations themselves. But that's the real issue I have with The Descent I think, you're not allowed to pursue anything, do anything, you're simply along for the ride.

I can understand that the scope of what you can do may be limited but while playing The Descent there are some situations that scream choice so loud I was dumbfounded when none appear. Most of them come down to common sense. Case in point, Valta is affected by the Titan and is able to use magic. Her demeanour, actions, and responses are eerily reminiscent of the situation with Corypheus in Legacy, a situation both the Inquisitor and Varric are aware of. How is it then that no flags are raised? Surely some Inquisitors (if not most) would insist on having Valta return to Orzammar or even Skyhold to determine if she's okay? Surely Orzammar would be interested in knowing they have another civilization on their back yard? Surely it would make sense to have a few organized expeditions investigate the nature of this civilization and what answers (or questions) it may offer? When this (reasonable) pursuit is curtailed by external factors it can only lead to frustration.

A different situation would be if you were to tell me this is Chapter 1 of a X-part (not Roman numerals) expansion. If there had been an expectation that that would be the case then, while some of the above issues would remain, there's the implicit promise that this is not the end of your adventures and the pursuit of "the truth" is merely delayed, not stopped altogether. In fact, I have often wondered why not release DLC in such a fashion, following the rulebook of the episodic game model. I believe it would definitely keep people more invested while allowing BioWare the freedom of telling a story over multiples pieces of DLC. But I'm straying off my point.

The possibility that this DLC is a sneak peek of what's to come in future instalments is not, I believe, a point in its favour. Personally, I don't think DA:I benefited in the slightest by having Corypheus as the main antagonist simply because he appeared in Legacy. He could've been replaced by any other villain and it would've been the same, maybe even better depending on the circumstances. As far as we know The Descent is a self-contained story and I will treat it thus. Otherwise it would be akin to suggesting not to judge DA:I until all DLC had been released. I'll repeat it, there has been no expectation that The Descent is part of a larger DLC story-arc so I have no reason to treat it as such.

Valta could be a companion in DA4 or DA5. The Titans could play a larger role then. I don't deny this nor am I against it, that is not the issue. The issue I have with The Descent insofar as choices are concerned is that in the span of a conversation there were many (reasonable) choices to be made but none were given. That any option to investigate in the future was quickly taken away. And that Orzammar (everyone really) will remain as oblivious as ever as to what went down. That's not good, because then you find yourself you no longer are the Inquisitor in DA:I. You're Hawke and you're playing DA2.

[Mykel54]

The lack of choices is a low point for me, at least in DA2 Legacy there was the choice of: bring sibling or not, discover father´s last words or not, trust Larius or Janeka.

Those weren´t very good choices, but at least for roleplaying reasons they added some depth.

 

I liked the first part of the dlc more but as it progressed it went down - like the companions comments on the elevator, looked like a promising start. Then all further companion interactions are gone (except varric i hear) and we´re left with a dungeon crawl, which was decent enough i think, the scenery was beautiful and fighting darkspawn was cool.

 

The moment we meet the sha-brytol is when i went really WTF - these guys with automatic biancas that have little to no exposition at all. If you introduce them, then you should bother explaining who they are, what are they up to, maybe visit their thaig, talk to some, make a deal or not (betray them). Perhaps they allow you access to the titan-zone. Just make them something interesting, at first i thought they were darkspawn... like those genlocks from DAO.

 

The final note of the dlc is quite bad too, we are bombarded with a lot of lore about the titans but very little time to process it, it´s like: "look Titans exist!, go go go to the boss". For comparison, see how in the main DAI game you could ask questions to Fade-Justinia about what she is and what is going on. She also talks quite a bit with the party = it isn´t a monologue with the inquisitor, the pacing is well done - she doesn´t feel like a codex info-dump (i´m looking at you ME1 Tali ) but an actual character who is hinting at things, but her reason for being there are her own.

 

So in short - the descent: the more you descend the worse it becomes..

[Elhanan]

In my sessions, Varric, Cassandra, and Dorian have had several lines; Vivienne had a few. So choosing a party is seemingly as important as selecting a sibling in Legacy, IMO.

But a comparison to Legacy is fair, as it sets up the story for future titles, and ends with a lackluster boss encounter. Both DLC have much better encounters earlier in the games. Legacy did have more banter, but Descent allows for more exploration and tactical terrain options. And both had combat that exceeded that of the Vanilla game.

Will say that Descent and JoH give good reasons to prepare for the games; finally crafted some arms and armors for the Companions while not having done so in the Vanilla game.

[Fiery Phoenix]

Finished it last night.

 

Not a bad dungeon crawler, but kinda disappointed at the lack of resolution.  Many hints at new things, but little real revelation.  The Inquisitor was right:  I left with more questions than answers.

 

And the final boss fight felt kinda unnecessary.

Final boss was a disappointment for me. The battle felt tucked-in and cheap. Better yet, we didn't even kill the boss, just 'silenced' it.

 

I would have gladly taken yet another dragon fight instead.

[xPez]

Mentioned it in the Snake People thread, but anyone think that the fire-worshipping Priestess from the Forgotten War codex entries was the Forgewright of Fire? They were one of the Ancient Magisters mentioned in the Canticle of Silence.

 

She worships a statue of fire (Toth?) and can shoot fire out of her hands.

[SwobyJ]

https://en.wikipedia...tan_(mythology)

 

I don't understand how it seems to be a surprise to you that Bioware chose to be derivative from something. A huge chunk of DAO is just a mix of Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Damn, dwarves? Elves?  Aw man, they chose to call Alistair's sword Oathkeeper! UGH. Man, if they called the Grey Wardens the Night's Watch.... /sarcasm

 

So they used the word 'titan', a word, before WoW (way before it), rather commonly understood to often mean great mythological beings that are settled within the earth. This is simply a useful way to communicate an idea to an audience. Many players will go "Okay, so its like ____?", and then Bioware can both conform to those expectations, and subvert those expectations, as the plot continues.

 

Sorry, but I have to chafe when someone immediately makes a connection to WoW without seeming to even be considering other alternatives. "Its the same word as something recent, so it must be a copying!" 

 

 

Hercules. 1997.

 

And I'm sure you're aware that its a much older word that WoW. I don't think you're stupid. But I'm just asking for some consideration beyond your jump to conclusions.

 

I get your WoW-theory, but I would tend to think that any influence from WoW is among influences from a lot of places. People claim DAI is made more like a MMO, but you could just as easily make the allegation that its made to be an open world action adventure along with collectables everywhere. I at least highly doubt that they went "Oh, you know what WoW has? Because we need to copy their things? It has Titans! And they're underground! Yeah lets do that! Because WoW! And because we make our gameplay like WoW too! Its such a huge influence for us!" I think its much more likely that Bioware has tracked larger gaming trends of the last several years - informed by the large success of WoW, sure - and made decisions on that; not WoW-exclusive.

 

Look back to the 80s and earlier and find those demonic legion stories, BTW.

 

I'm taking the risk that you're still going to misunderstand me, but oh well.

[Elhanan]

Not the first time this theme has been used; not the last. Tis a classic: