BioWare’s latest role-playing adventure presents a compelling narrative within a richly realized world, positioning it as a strong contender for “game of the year.”
BioWare has consistently demonstrated its expertise in crafting expansive role-playing games, from the acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic to the more recent Mass Effect trilogy. They excel at balancing a vast, open game world with meaningful player choices—particularly in character interactions—while maintaining a cohesive narrative and sense of urgency. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, players assume the role of a customizable protagonist (defining gender, ethnicity, and appearance, with options for detailed personalization). This hero awakens with amnesia and a newfound ability to close magical rifts that have appeared across Thedas, a kingdom already embroiled in a conflict between mages and templars. The player, alongside a band of warriors known as inquisitors, must strive to eliminate these rifts and confront the nine formidable dragons threatening the land.
Dragon Age: Inquisition, the third installment in the series, showcases improvements across virtually all aspects of its predecessors. Notably, the world feels more authentic and interconnected, reminiscent of Elder Scrolls and Fable. The game incorporates numerous side quests, drawing inspiration from titles like Assassin’s Creed, offering engaging objectives that are woven into the game’s lore, such as gathering resources. Despite its title, Inquisition is a modern role-playing game that tackles contemporary issues, from aiding refugees to featuring diverse characters and allowing for varied romantic relationships (which led to a ban in some regions, including India). Beyond these elements, Dragon Age: Inquisition captivates with a narrative that evolves into a complex political drama.
The graphics are impressive, with detailed landscapes that shine on current-generation consoles and a relatively stable frame rate. While minor technical issues, such as occasional frame drops, were observed on the Xbox One, the game is generally a visually and aurally polished experience. The PS4 and Xbox One versions share a 900p resolution to ensure parity, making it difficult to discern differences compared to the 1080p achievable on high-end PCs. Character models are well-crafted, particularly the environmental details and textures. Coupled with an appealing color palette, Dragon Age: Inquisition stands out as one of the visually and aurally compelling titles of its release season. The dialogue is generally well-executed, supported by committed voice acting. However, the use of varied accents can be inconsistent. While the game strives for broad representation of ethnicities and genders, some portrayals may miss the mark.
Role-playing games often present a learning curve due to their intricate systems of submenus, character progression, and inventory management. Fortunately, the game offers clear guidance. New features are gradually introduced, and despite the volume of text and lore, players can quickly orient themselves and understand their objectives. Dragon Age: Inquisition offers both a tactical, turn-based mode, emphasizing strategic planning, and a more action-oriented mode with real-time combat. Players can seamlessly switch between these modes to suit their preferred playstyle. These choices enhance the game’s accessibility and appeal.
Depending on the level of engagement, Dragon Age: Inquisition can be completed in approximately 15 hours focusing solely on the main questline, or players can immerse themselves for over 100 hours. The more time invested, the greater the influence one wields over the game world. Players can command armies, determine the fates of their enemies, and interact with a diverse cast of characters, choosing their party from numerous companions. Its scale, depth, atmosphere, and replayability are commendable. BioWare and EA have delivered a comprehensive role-playing experience, and we eagerly anticipate further exploration of its intricacies.
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