19 réponses à ce sujet

[Donk]

First off, I would like to confess that I was mildly disappointed with this game when it was first released.

 

Funnily enough, I enjoyed my first run very much. It was only after a couple more that I began to notice its flaws, and eventually I burnt out and could not play for a while. I mean, it isn't the worst game in the world (if it was, I would not have been able to complete it. It's sparkling compared to say, Shadow of Mordor, and of course this is just my opinion).

 

Being cynical, I refused to purchase any DLC. I had read many comments about Jaws of Hakkon being "just another map". I also took a dislike for those spoils armour packs, because I believe (and still do, to a certain extent) think that its a money grab considering the aesthetics and designs of armours in the game were bland at best, atrocious at worst.

 

 

And then I saw it.. the trailer to Trespasser. Regardless of how I felt about the initial game, I was eager to find out what happened next. I love the themes and stories of Dragon Age, and I find much of it interesting. So I decided to give it a shot.

 

Not wanting to miss out on anything, I also bit the bullet and purchased both Jaws of Hakkon, and Descent.

 

Now, cranking up the game again after many months, I noticed things... loot drops were much better, and more satisfactory. So while I was dreading the power grind in the many open worlds to level up.. something as simple as improved loot drops made it all worth it. I also decided to focus on the combat and tactics side of things. I made different choices in who to take in my party.. Solas was always a benchwarmer, and not only was I pleased to find that his rift mage abilities were very handy, but some of the banter I heard.. (or what little I have heard, due to the latest patches breaking it in my game) I learned new things and gained perspective on a character that is very crucial to not only this game, but now the series as a whole.

 

The first DLC I played was Descent. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it very much!

It was predominantly story-based, the battles were challenging and seeing as my Inquisitor is a dwarf, I got right into role-playing. Probably due to having the history knowledge perk, my Inquisitor knew her stuff. It also provided more information in regard to the lore.. which is vastly becoming an occult mystery. It is fascinating, and while it didn't provide answers and rather, begged more questions.. it sent chills down my spine. Which is only a good thing.. after all, that is what makes a great story; the ability to make you feel.

 

Prior to the events of the Temple of Mythal, I cranked up Jaws of Hakkon. And while it is true that it is another map, there was also story-based content that also added new revelations to the series. The map was very pretty, and I liked to headcanon that it was "vacation time" before going on the march for Corypheus. It was also great, learning about the Avaar culture.

 

But the best DLC yet -- and one that truly makes DA:I shine -- is the Trespasser DLC. Set two years after taking down Corypheus, it answered many questions on my mind. I would always wonder, what exactly happened after it all went down? Will the Inquisition remain? Will somebody try to take them down? (as hinted by Morrigan towards the end) and most importantly, what the heck is up with Solas?

 

Descent gave me chills.. but Trespasser knocked it out of the water by miles. This DLC alone has me planning at least four future playthroughs, all with different choices and world states.. because not only did it provide an excellent story, it also makes it so that your choices actually matter.

 

So here is my apology, for some of the bashing I did after it was released. I wasn't exactly sitting in the anti-DAI camp, nor was I "BioWare apologist/fangirl" either.. I was in the middle, and thought that the game was average at best. But what Trespasser and Descent has proven is that you are actually listening to your fans. It's been a rough year, what with many technical issues, much controversy surrounding last-gen and disappointment/cynicism.. but at least you have made the effort to improve the game, and ultimately have proven that you do listen to the fans.

 

Now, wrapping that up. I would like to offer some suggestions for the next game.

 

1. Try not to change things up at the last minute.

 

While I am certainly not a game developer, I do understand that in any sort of project, this can lead to lower quality. Especially if there is a deadline. This would mean many things may be missed or overlooked, and in DA:I's case, sort of hurts the role-playing aspect. I am referring to the fact that some romances were tacked on last minute, and also the drastic choice to make the Inquisition human only, to having three other races to select. Now don't get me wrong; race selection is great, but it would be better if the race in question.. could actually roleplay and act as such. Playing a Dalish elf and asking Morrigan (who seems to know more about Dalish culture than the actual elf player character) "Who is Mythal?" just kills the roleplaying for an elf entirely. You can't even headcanon it away, considering the background states that you are a Dalish elf and have spent your entire life in the clan. There are other issues.. such as romances tacked on last minute. While most people claim that "it isn't a dating sim" romance is actually one aspect that keeps the fans playing. A large percentage of the fanbase would probably stop playing BioWare games if romances were axed. While having race and gender gated characters (rather than DA2's "playersexual" adds realism and depth to the characters, it can also cause a fuss for people who believe that they didn't get as many options as opposed to other players. Of course, in truth you can romance whoever you like; you just may have to switch genders or play a different race. But keep in mind some people don't want to play as the opposite gender or may not want to play as a different race. Just something to think about.

 

2. Open worlds and quests

 

Many people complain about the open worlds. I am included in that camp. However, it isn't the open world that I find to be the issue; it's the quests, and how they are implemented. As stated earlier, something as simple as improved loot drops can improve such an experience immensely.

Now I understand that every single DA game is different.. Origins, for instance, was very close to a CRPG. DA2 was a hack and slash meets interactive movie (which caused much disappointment for those who liked Origins style.) DA:I tried to mix both games up (combat-wise) while including an open world environment and levelling system similar to what we see in MMOs. While DA:I did have its fair share of story content (which was very enjoyable) the style of the quests in the open worlds could get repetitive and boring. I understand that resources are limited, but if you pursue the open world style in future games, try to provide a little story content for each open world environment. By all means, keep the minor side quests in a similar fashion and reward the players with great loot drops. Make it like Jaws of Hakkon.. or Crestwood.

 

3. Armours, aesthetics and character creation.

 

Most people are shallow, and like to look good. This extends to the sort of character they want to play in a game. Some of the character creation options are just baffling... buck teeth, so many shaved hairstyles, bushy caveman eyebrows, not to mention the shiny appearance that makes your player character look like they're covered in vaseline or something. Now this is all well and good if you want to play as an "ugly inquisitor" for laughs. In fact, it is much easier to do so than make a decent character. Next time, it would be much appreciated if you could provide options that make our player characters look good. Less bushy eyebrows and buck teeth. More options in general would be great. PC players spend a lot of time modding their games for this reason alone. And as DA:I itself has a lot of trouble being compatible with mods.. the problem could be easily rectified by providing better options in the first place. As for armours.. while some of them look good, many of them were ugly. It has mildly improved with loot drops, and even at Skyhold where we previously could not change out of the beige outfit, we are now given a wardrobe. They aren't the best outfits, but they were better than before.

 

4. Don't let real life political issues affect the story you want to tell.

 

Okay, this last bit is controversial in itself and has been subject to much debate. I'm not saying not to consider different groups of people and how they might feel about a certain issue; obviously lines need to be drawn.

Many people have complained that they cannot play "evil" or "bigotted" characters. I am of the personal opinion that if such an option was implemented, there should at least be consequences of actions, just as in real life. While that may send a negative message in itself, I believe it is probably the fairest outcome for everybody. What we must remember is that Thedas isn't this world, and ultimately it is a fictional, fantasy world. Having said that, it draws a lot from real life themes, so the situation in itself is shaky.

What I find to be true, in any situation, is that no matter what, somebody will always be unhappy. I've been a member of this forum since roughly December of last year. I have witnessed two polar opposites and everything in between argue till the cows come home. One camp will say that the game is too "politically correct and dumbed down" while others will argue that some content, and even certain romances are "too gritty". I have even gone as far as seeing Tumblr rants about how certain characters aren't a "good representation" of X group.

This must be very frustrating for the writers and the devs. So the only suggestion I can make, however hard it may be, is try not to pay too much mind to all of this. Put story and quality of game above these circles of infighting from the fans.

[Jeremiah12LGeek]

I can't figure out what you're apologizing for... O.o

[Al Foley]

First off, I would like to confess that I was mildly disappointed with this game when it was first released.

 

Funnily enough, I enjoyed my first run very much. It was only after a couple more that I began to notice its flaws, and eventually I burnt out and could not play for a while. I mean, it isn't the worst game in the world (if it was, I would not have been able to complete it. It's sparkling compared to say, Shadow of Mordor, and of course this is just my opinion).

 

Being cynical, I refused to purchase any DLC. I had read many comments about Jaws of Hakkon being "just another map". I also took a dislike for those spoils armour packs, because I believe (and still do, to a certain extent) think that its a money grab considering the aesthetics and designs of armours in the game were bland at best, atrocious at worst.

 

 

And then I saw it.. the trailer to Trespasser. Regardless of how I felt about the initial game, I was eager to find out what happened next. I love the themes and stories of Dragon Age, and I find much of it interesting. So I decided to give it a shot.

 

Not wanting to miss out on anything, I also bit the bullet and purchased both Jaws of Hakkon, and Descent.

 

Now, cranking up the game again after many months, I noticed things... loot drops were much better, and more satisfactory. So while I was dreading the power grind in the many open worlds to level up.. something as simple as improved loot drops made it all worth it. I also decided to focus on the combat and tactics side of things. I made different choices in who to take in my party.. Solas was always a benchwarmer, and not only was I pleased to find that his rift mage abilities were very handy, but some of the banter I heard.. (or what little I have heard, due to the latest patches breaking it in my game) I learned new things and gained perspective on a character that is very crucial to not only this game, but now the series as a whole.

 

The first DLC I played was Descent. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it very much!

It was predominantly story-based, the battles were challenging and seeing as my Inquisitor is a dwarf, I got right into role-playing. Probably due to having the history knowledge perk, my Inquisitor knew her stuff. It also provided more information in regard to the lore.. which is vastly becoming an occult mystery. It is fascinating, and while it didn't provide answers and rather, begged more questions.. it sent chills down my spine. Which is only a good thing.. after all, that is what makes a great story; the ability to make you feel.

 

Prior to the events of the Temple of Mythal, I cranked up Jaws of Hakkon. And while it is true that it is another map, there was also story-based content that also added new revelations to the series. The map was very pretty, and I liked to headcanon that it was "vacation time" before going on the march for Corypheus. It was also great, learning about the Avaar culture.

 

But the best DLC yet -- and one that truly makes DA:I shine -- is the Trespasser DLC. Set two years after taking down Corypheus, it answered many questions on my mind. I would always wonder, what exactly happened after it all went down? Will the Inquisition remain? Will somebody try to take them down? (as hinted by Morrigan towards the end) and most importantly, what the heck is up with Solas?

 

Descent gave me chills.. but Trespasser knocked it out of the water by miles. This DLC alone has me planning at least four future playthroughs, all with different choices and world states.. because not only did it provide an excellent story, it also makes it so that your choices actually matter.

 

So here is my apology, for some of the bashing I did after it was released. I wasn't exactly sitting in the anti-DAI camp, nor was I "BioWare apologist/fangirl" either.. I was in the middle, and thought that the game was average at best. But what Trespasser and Descent has proven is that you are actually listening to your fans. It's been a rough year, what with many technical issues, much controversy surrounding last-gen and disappointment/cynicism.. but at least you have made the effort to improve the game, and ultimately have proven that you do listen to the fans.

 

Now, wrapping that up. I would like to offer some suggestions for the next game.

 

1. Try not to change things up at the last minute.

 

While I am certainly not a game developer, I do understand that in any sort of project, this can lead to lower quality. Especially if there is a deadline. This would mean many things may be missed or overlooked, and in DA:I's case, sort of hurts the role-playing aspect. I am referring to the fact that some romances were tacked on last minute, and also the drastic choice to make the Inquisition human only, to having three other races to select. Now don't get me wrong; race selection is great, but it would be better if the race in question.. could actually roleplay and act as such. Playing a Dalish elf and asking Morrigan (who seems to know more about Dalish culture than the actual elf player character) "Who is Mythal?" just kills the roleplaying for an elf entirely. You can't even headcanon it away, considering the background states that you are a Dalish elf and have spent your entire life in the clan. There are other issues.. such as romances tacked on last minute. While most people claim that "it isn't a dating sim" romance is actually one aspect that keeps the fans playing. A large percentage of the fanbase would probably stop playing BioWare games if romances were axed. While having race and gender gated characters (rather than DA2's "playersexual" adds realism and depth to the characters, it can also cause a fuss for people who believe that they didn't get as many options as opposed to other players. Of course, in truth you can romance whoever you like; you just may have to switch genders or play a different race. But keep in mind some people don't want to play as the opposite gender or may not want to play as a different race. Just something to think about.

 

2. Open worlds and quests

 

Many people complain about the open worlds. I am included in that camp. However, it isn't the open world that I find to be the issue; it's the quests, and how they are implemented. As stated earlier, something as simple as improved loot drops can improve such an experience immensely.

Now I understand that every single DA game is different.. Origins, for instance, was very close to a CRPG. DA2 was a hack and slash meets interactive movie (which caused much disappointment for those who liked Origins style.) DA:I tried to mix both games up (combat-wise) while including an open world environment and levelling system similar to what we see in MMOs. While DA:I did have its fair share of story content (which was very enjoyable) the style of the quests in the open worlds could get repetitive and boring. I understand that resources are limited, but if you pursue the open world style in future games, try to provide a little story content for each open world environment. By all means, keep the minor side quests in a similar fashion and reward the players with great loot drops. Make it like Jaws of Hakkon.. or Crestwood.

 

3. Armours, aesthetics and character creation.

 

Most people are shallow, and like to look good. This extends to the sort of character they want to play in a game. Some of the character creation options are just baffling... buck teeth, so many shaved hairstyles, bushy caveman eyebrows, not to mention the shiny appearance that makes your player character look like they're covered in vaseline or something. Now this is all well and good if you want to play as an "ugly inquisitor" for laughs. In fact, it is much easier to do so than make a decent character. Next time, it would be much appreciated if you could provide options that make our player characters look good. Less bushy eyebrows and buck teeth. More options in general would be great. PC players spend a lot of time modding their games for this reason alone. And as DA:I itself has a lot of trouble being compatible with mods.. the problem could be easily rectified by providing better options in the first place. As for armours.. while some of them look good, many of them were ugly. It has mildly improved with loot drops, and even at Skyhold where we previously could not change out of the beige outfit, we are now given a wardrobe. They aren't the best outfits, but they were better than before.

 

4. Don't let real life political issues affect the story you want to tell.

 

Okay, this last bit is controversial in itself and has been subject to much debate. I'm not saying not to consider different groups of people and how they might feel about a certain issue; obviously lines need to be drawn.

Many people have complained that they cannot play "evil" or "bigotted" characters. I am of the personal opinion that if such an option was implemented, there should at least be consequences of actions, just as in real life. While that may send a negative message in itself, I believe it is probably the fairest outcome for everybody. What we must remember is that Thedas isn't this world, and ultimately it is a fictional, fantasy world. Having said that, it draws a lot from real life themes, so the situation in itself is shaky.

What I find to be true, in any situation, is that no matter what, somebody will always be unhappy. I've been a member of this forum since roughly December of last year. I have witnessed two polar opposites and everything in between argue till the cows come home. One camp will say that the game is too "politically correct and dumbed down" while others will argue that some content, and even certain romances are "too gritty". I have even gone as far as seeing Tumblr rants about how certain characters aren't a "good representation" of X group.

This must be very frustrating for the writers and the devs. So the only suggestion I can make, however hard it may be, is try not to pay too much mind to all of this. Put story and quality of game above these circles of infighting from the fans.

If you think a Dalish elf shouldn't ask the question then why click on it?  That is how I roleplay BioWare gives you the Options to say whatever you want usually but htne you have the option to not ask that either.  Its the classic RPG problem in a nutshell, but if you don't like it, don't click on it...this is coming off as a bit preachy isn't it?  Not my intention.  Just I think its within the realm of possibility to have a very ignorant Dalish character who is like...dah whats a mythal and can we eat it?' and then to have another who avoids all those choices and knows exactly what they are talking about.  

[Jeremiah12LGeek]

If you think a Dalish elf shouldn't ask the question then why click on it?  That is how I roleplay BioWare gives you the Options to say whatever you want usually but htne you have the option to not ask that either.  Its the classic RPG problem in a nutshell, but if you don't like it, don't click on it...this is coming off as a bit preachy isn't it?  Not my intention.  Just I think its within the realm of possibility to have a very ignorant Dalish character who is like...dah whats a mythal and can we eat it?' and then to have another who avoids all those choices and knows exactly what they are talking about.  

 

I think the suggestion was that if the player has the option to be Dalish, they should also have the option to choose dialogue that explains Mythal in a way that recognizes the player's background, instead of ignores it.

 

It was only one example of a problem that plagues the non-human protagonists throughout the game - the dialogue and scenarios are not truly reactive to the PC's species, which is a shame.

[Al Foley]

I think the suggestion was that if the player has the option to be Dalish, they should also have the option to choose dialogue that explains Mythal in a way that recognizes the player's background, instead of ignores it.

 

It was only one example of a problem that plagues the non-human protagonists throughout the game - the dialogue and scenarios are not truly reactive to the PC's species, which is a shame.

Fair enough.  Though I think that was already one thing they did 'fix' in Tresspassers.  There was a lot more special dialog, in general, going through it and watching other people play Elves then I noticed in the main campaign. 

[Donk]

If you think a Dalish elf shouldn't ask the question then why click on it?  That is how I roleplay BioWare gives you the Options to say whatever you want usually but htne you have the option to not ask that either.  Its the classic RPG problem in a nutshell, but if you don't like it, don't click on it...this is coming off as a bit preachy isn't it?  Not my intention.  Just I think its within the realm of possibility to have a very ignorant Dalish character who is like...dah whats a mythal and can we eat it?' and then to have another who avoids all those choices and knows exactly what they are talking about.  

 

 

I think the suggestion was that if the player has the option to be Dalish, they should also have the option to choose dialogue that explains Mythal in a way that recognizes the player's background, instead of ignores it.

 

It was only one example of a problem that plagues the non-human protagonists throughout the game - the dialogue and scenarios are not truly reactive to the PC's species, which is a shame.

 

This is correct.

 

Look, I'm not bashing DA:I for the sake of bashing it, Al. That's not my purpose in writing this. I just believe that a number of these race role-playing issues may derive from the fact that the devs made a few decisions late in the developing phase, and probably overlooked these things. I did praise my dwarf's ability to talk about dwarven knowledge in the Descent (even though the Cadash family are surface dwarves, it still makes sense for her to have some historical knowledge about where she originated). My point is; next time around -- (and that's even if we get race selection in the next game) to take note and provide some unique, race specific dialogue to further the experience of role-playing. In fact this whole post is just letting them know (if they even read it, the chances are slim ) what could improve future games.

 

I did not know that trespasser had some unique dialogue for elves; that is good news. I recently made a female elf, who I plan to romance Solas for story/lore purposes. Can't wait to see it.

 

 

I can't figure out what you're apologizing for... O.o

 

For the fact that I was quick to dismiss the game. At one point I thought I was truly finished and considered trading it in. I'm glad I didn't. True, it took nearly a year to improve on basic things. But the important part is they've enhanced the game immensely so I am able to enjoy it again.

[duckley]

OP

 

Overall I am a big fan of the game. I agree with much of what you said in your dear bioware post. However...

 

1. Try not to change things up at the last minute.

 

While I am certainly not a game developer, I do understand that in any sort of project, this can lead to lower quality. Especially if there is a deadline. This would mean many things may be missed or overlooked, and in DA:I's case, sort of hurts the role-playing aspect. I am referring to the fact that some romances were tacked on last minute, and also the drastic choice to make the Inquisition human only, to having three other races to select. Now don't get me wrong; race selection is great, but it would be better if the race in question.. could actually roleplay and act as such. Playing a Dalish elf and asking Morrigan (who seems to know more about Dalish culture than the actual elf player character) "Who is Mythal?" just kills the roleplaying for an elf entirely. You can't even headcanon it away, considering the background states that you are a Dalish elf and have spent your entire life in the clan. There are other issues.. such as romances tacked on last minute. While most people claim that "it isn't a dating sim" romance is actually one aspect that keeps the fans playing. A large percentage of the fanbase would probably stop playing BioWare games if romances were axed. While having race and gender gated characters (rather than DA2's "playersexual" adds realism and depth to the characters, it can also cause a fuss for people who believe that they didn't get as many options as opposed to other players. Of course, in truth you can romance whoever you like; you just may have to switch genders or play a different race. But keep in mind some people don't want to play as the opposite gender or may not want to play as a different race. Just something to think about.

 

 

I understand the original intent was for the Inquisitor to be human -and honestly that makes the most sense to the story. While  I am sorry they choose to change that, I am probably in the minority. A Qunari or a Dwarven Quizzy suspends my disbelief a tad too far - and loses credibility as an option. Needless to say, I didn't play as those races.  One the other hand, some of the last minute items were pretty awesome for some of us. For example, I understand the Cullen romance was a last minute decision and it was the best romance ever IMO! 

As for the notion of playersexual versus race and gender gated - I actually prefer the race/gender gated. To me this makes better sense contextually. I lamented not  romancing Dorian - but you are quite correct, it is my choice not to romance him when I played a male Inquisitor. 

 

 

As for the open world and quests, I actually enjoyed the collections and the go-fetch quests, It forced me to tour the area and to find little treasures of chests, beautiful sculptures, and scenery.

 

I also totally agree with your comments on the CC... I was able to make pretty decent looking Quizzy's with the help of some artistic geniuses that posted their sliders in reddit....but I have to say - I really resented the limited number of hairstyles that I felt we feminine. Most were very male dominated in my opinion - given the receding hairlines on even the more traditional looking hairstyles. Also the number of buzz type cuts struck me a very odd - whop in Thedas has a shaver or time to go to a barber?

 

Lastly - to your point about political correctness.... oh dear! Bioware cannot please everyone. As you have said  

 

Put story and quality of game above these circles of infighting from the fans.

[Donk]

OP

 

Overall I am a big fan of the game. I agree with much of what you said in your dear bioware post. However...

 

I understand the original intent was for the Inquisitor to be human -and honestly that makes the most sense to the story. While  I am sorry they choose to change that, I am probably in the minority. A Qunari or a Dwarven Quizzy suspends my disbelief a tad too far - and loses credibility as an option. Needless to say, I didn't play as those races.  One the other hand, some of the last minute items were pretty awesome for some of us. For example, I understand the Cullen romance was a last minute decision and it was the best romance ever IMO! 

As for the notion of playersexual versus race and gender gated - I actually prefer the race/gender gated. To me this makes better sense contextually. I lamented not  romancing Dorian - but you are quite correct, it is my choice not to romance him when I played a male Inquisitor. 

 

 

As for the open world and quests, I actually enjoyed the collections and the go-fetch quests, It forced me to tour the area and to find little treasures of chests, beautiful sculptures, and scenery.

 

I also totally agree with your comments on the CC... I was able to make pretty decent looking Quizzy's with the help of some artistic geniuses that posted their sliders in reddit....but I have to say - I really resented the limited number of hairstyles that I felt we feminine. Most were very male dominated in my opinion - given the receding hairlines on even the more traditional looking hairstyles. Also the number of buzz type cuts struck me a very odd - whop in Thedas has a shaver or time to go to a barber?

 

Lastly - to your point about political correctness.... oh dear! Bioware cannot please everyone. As you have said  

 

Put story and quality of game above these circles of infighting from the fans.

 

Yes, I heard that the original plan was for Hawke to be the Inquisitor?

 

Anyhow, I understand why they decided to include race selection. A lot of the fans enjoy playing as different races and are very passionate about it.. I mean, some people here actually believe they are Dalish elves in real life

 

I wasn't making a complaint about it, or race and gender gated romance for that matter. I was just pointing out that the game could improve immensely if they planned it all out from the start. I do know that many people are relieved to be able to romance Cullen like yourself, and Solas. But there are some minor issues, such as lack of romance content for some characters. I do believe it should be fair for everybody.

 

So now that the devs will have a basic consensus on what people want (race selection, more role-playing options, fair romance, better CC options, improved combat and tactics, quests, etc) they have the opportunity to include all of this right from the beginning of the development phase.. I just believe that changing things up last minute lowers the quality, and as a result things do get overlooked that don't make a lot of sense.

 

As you said, the Inquisitor being any other race but a human does not make a lot of sense. If they included race selection from the beginning, they could work something into it that actually makes sense, if you get my drift.

[SwobyJ]

I almost feel it would have been better to have only Elf+Human choices in DAI, then extending to include Dwarf in DA4, then Qunari in DA5.

 

But only in some ways.

 

The plus is that with now learning more about how to include Dwarf in cinematics and Qunari looks, both can be included and improved on in a DA4, if it has racial selection, and I really hope it does.

[Donk]

I almost feel it would have been better to have only Elf+Human choices in DAI, then extending to include Dwarf in DA4, then Qunari in DA5.

 

But only in some ways.

 

The plus is that with now learning more about how to include Dwarf in cinematics and Qunari looks, both can be included and improved on in a DA4, if it has racial selection, and I really hope it does.

 

I think it is likely, considering the ending suggests the game will be set in Tevinter. Depending on the role of the protagonist, it is fitting for every race to be an option.

[duckley]

To me the question is what is more important to you as the player... the story or the race... for me it will always be the story.

 

Some players hold the opinion that if there is no race selection - it is not an rpg and they won't play the game. I am  not aware of that many rpgs  (if any) with race selection that have the depth and story - the relationships, companions etc. that Bioware does. Skyrim for example had race selection but no companions, deep relationships etc.

 

I

[SwobyJ]

To me the question is what is more important to you as the player... the story or the race... for me it will always be the story.

 

Some players hold the opinion that if there is no race selection - it is not an rpg and they won't play the game. I am  not aware of that many rpgs  (if any) with race selection that have the depth and story - the relationships, companions etc. that Bioware does. Skyrim for example had race selection but no companions, deep relationships etc.

 

I

 

I almost always prefer race selection but it doesn't need to be a wide array of them - just a feeling that I can do multiple campaigns that have differences (potentially drastic ones.. ideally) based on race.

 

Thus my last post about DAI being a Human or Elf campaign, but I'd have accepted not having Qunari and Dwarves.

[Donk]

To me the question is what is more important to you as the player... the story or the race... for me it will always be the story.

Some players hold the opinion that if there is no race selection - it is not an rpg and they won't play the game. I am not aware of that many rpgs (if any) with race selection that have the depth and story - the relationships, companions etc. that Bioware does. Skyrim for example had race selection but no companions, deep relationships etc.

I

The Elder Scrolls isn't popular for its story content. But I agree, it seems it's less focus on storytelling gave way for other aspects such as race selection and a greater open world.

I can't see why Bioware can't provide race selection and a good story. The Elder Scrolls for instance has a tonne of races to choose from while DA is limited to four.

But overall, it has to make sense in the story. Origins did this perfectly, as anybody could be a grey warden plus they provided us with a little back story for each as to how the protagonist became a grey warden.

[MattH]

They need the right story and role for different race selection. For example, a freed slave from Tevinter could be any of the races really and would fit the story. I'm still not satisfied with how they handled it in DAI, Andrastes herald and all that, so if we have race selection in the next game, it needs to make sense.

[duckley]

I almost always prefer race selection but it doesn't need to be a wide array of them - just a feeling that I can do multiple campaigns that have differences (potentially drastic ones.. ideally) based on race.

 

Thus my last post about DAI being a Human or Elf campaign, but I'd have accepted not having Qunari and Dwarves.

 

What games have you played that have multiple race selections? Other than Skyrim (Elder Scrolls) I am not aware of any....

[duckley]

The Elder Scrolls isn't popular for its story content. But I agree, it seems it's less focus on storytelling gave way for other aspects such as race selection and a greater open world.

I can't see why Bioware can't provide race selection and a good story. The Elder Scrolls for instance has a tonne of races to choose from while DA is limited to four.

But overall, it has to make sense in the story. Origins did this perfectly, as anybody could be a grey warden plus they provided us with a little back story for each as to how the protagonist became a grey warden.

 

I suppose you can do both - origins being a good example - but as you suggest - the story has to fit.  I did find it weird to have a Qunari as the Herald of Andraste....or even a Dwarf...

 

Again I am not aware of any games that has the depth of story, rich relationships, etc as DA, that also has multiple race selections for the protagonist. If time and resources are limited - I would prefer fewer race choices in favor of a great story and terrific companions. I worry that some of the flaws in DA:I were the result of being stretched too thin...

[SwobyJ]

What games have you played that have multiple race selections? Other than Skyrim (Elder Scrolls) I am not aware of any....

 

I admit I'm mostly talking about non-RPG genre and MMORPGs. DA would be one of the most significant, yeah.

[Donk]

Guild Wars 2 is a good example of race selection. Mind you, the story quality is rather.. Crap.

I really liked Kingdom of Amalur's race selection.. Sadly I could not get into the game itself. But the character creator/race selection was excellent. That game had much potential.

[Lady Artifice]

Hear, hear! 

 

My DAI experience has been very similar to yours. I was initially disappointed, but not bitterly so. Trespasser DLC was an exceptional addition, and so were so many of the other recent fixes, like the Golden nug and wardrobe.

 

I think your aesthetics suggestions touch on something notable. People talk about the hair all of the time, but I don't see nearly so much mention of the fact that a lot of the mouth shapes look very odd, especially the ones with teeth perpetually showing. 

[Donk]

Hear, hear!

My DAI experience has been very similar to yours. I was initially disappointed, but not bitterly so. Trespasser DLC was an exceptional addition, and so were so many of the other recent fixes, like the Golden nug and wardrobe.

I think your aesthetics suggestions touch on something notable. People talk about the hair all of the time, but I don't see nearly so much mention of the fact that a lot of the mouth shapes look very odd, especially the ones with teeth perpetually showing.

Those buck teeth options are baffling. I have always wondered, what were they thinking? Is this some sort of joke?

My biggest struggle is creating an elf. And it isn't just the CC.. It's the body models too. I was finally able to create a "mature" looking elf that looks half decent, rather than a juvenile one.

Also. While I do welcome the wardrobe addition, my favourite outfit does not suit my dwarf at all. It makes her look like she has a saggy granny arse.. I would show you but I do not have my external hard drive where all my screenshots are.