Dragon Age 3: Inquisition announced

[Udgnim]

So I keep seeing this compared to Skyrim in many ways. I really like Origins, never played 2. I HATED Skyrim. Thought it was incredibly boring. On the fence about Inquisition but if it's too "Skyrimmy" then I may have to avoid.

Unfortunately, looks to be the same with Witcher 3...

plays more like a single player MMO to me than Skyrim

combat can also be MMO like if you don't make of the Tactical Camera

 

[Red Hawk]

Yes, it's either on or off. I don't like that these two features are bundled together--Why can't I turn on DoF and turn off motion blur? It's a PC version, for chrissakes. :\

Apparently there was artifacting and graphical glitches being caused when the mesh quality was set to low but the shader quality was still on ultra.

Hmm I'll take another look. I thought it only allowed me to turn it down to low...I didn't realize off was an option. Thanks.

It may very well not be possible to turn it all the way off, I haven't bothered to try.:hmm:

 

[zinfamous]

So I keep seeing this compared to Skyrim in many ways. I really like Origins, never played 2. I HATED Skyrim. Thought it was incredibly boring. On the fence about Inquisition but if it's too "Skyrimmy" then I may have to avoid.

Unfortunately, looks to be the same with Witcher 3...

I guess it depends on what you hate about Skyrim.

Overall with DAI: there is far less story-content. Meaning, there is one primary story, and the majority of the sidequests aren't terribly compelling. The main party quests and inner circle quests are generally quite good, but also rather short.

I think it has something of the open exploration feel of Skyrim, but you are also operating within gated maps, so it isn't one persistent world.

The main storyline, however, is better than it was in Skyrim, and while the game isn't exactly holding your hand as to do this event now (you do have some freedom to go out and explore large maps that are barely, if at all, consequential to the story), you do have to follow the main story to "open up" the full game, as it were. Story missions are clearly marked on your war table map, so you get an idea of how and when you want to putz around elsewhere. There is one point in the game where you have an option of 4 or 5 places to continue the story, but IIRC only 2 of those actually end up being crucial...or maybe it just has to do with the order in which I chose to do them. Not sure, really.

Also, unlike Skyrim, it is a party-based game that focuses on individual character builds. You aren't going to finish as some minor god that excels at every possible skill.

To me, it is very "Skyrimy" in the sense of immersion (Skyrim is still better, I think), and the feeling of open exploration, gathering shit as you go about and happening upon events that you would otherwise miss if you just stick to the story. I do think the comparison ends there, however. The open exploration in this game is a bit false--the invisible walls, instanced maps, etc--but I do think it is done very well. Most maps are quite large and it ends up being a very good compromise to one massive and persistent world and gated traveling.

 

[Red Hawk]

What do you mean by "instanced maps"?

 

[datalink7]

Just beat the game. 50 hours played. Had the final mission open for a while and finally decided that I was about satisfied with the game. I might still go kill some of the dragons but that's probably about it.

Had fun with it overall.

By the way, played a Two Handed Dwarf as my main. Most of the game I felt like he was probably underpowered compared to most of the other classes. However, the final Reaver skill is OMFG OP 😛 I just got it recently after respecing and it has made every fight easy since. Going to go try it on some of the harder dragons.

 

[exar333]

Not looking for a spoiler or anything, but do you get an option to continue playing after defeating the final boss/enemy (whoever that is)?

Asking because I want to know if I should focus on finishing the story and THEN killing dragons and so forth, or if I need to do all those before.

 

[zinfamous]

What do you mean by "instanced maps"?

I guess it's more of an MMO term, so it doesn't really apply here.

I guess "gated" is a better term. You basically have one big map for each region of the world and as in DA:O, there are certain roads that will take you out of that map (most of the map border being mountains/ocean/invisible walls to keep you in) and then you choose the next region that you want to travel to using the world map. An instance would be more like a separate dungeon, from within a map, I suppose. There are also several of these dotted about from within certain regions and also accessible through the world map or war table.

In most maps, you can just open the world map and directly travel to the next region without having to deal with a road. You can pretty much play the game through without ever having to use a road exit, I think.

Unlike in DA:O, you don't have random travel encounters (when enemies would ambush you) when traveling from place to place.

Skyrim is just one massive map. You can run from one end of the world to the next without having to cross any sort of gate.

 

[zinfamous]

Not looking for a spoiler or anything, but do you get an option to continue playing after defeating the final boss/enemy (whoever that is)?

Asking because I want to know if I should focus on finishing the story and THEN killing dragons and so forth, or if I need to do all those before.

Yes, I think you can still kill dragons. Some quests will be locked out due to the events at the end. I'm not sure how things would change depending on where you are, exactly, but I'd recommend finishing up any companion interactions.

 

[Red Hawk]

I guess it's more of an MMO term, so it doesn't really apply here.

I guess "gated" is a better term. You basically have one big map for each region of the world and as in DA:O, there are certain roads that will take you out of that map (most of the map border being mountains/ocean/invisible walls to keep you in) and then you choose the next region that you want to travel to using the world map. An instance would be more like a separate dungeon, from within a map, I suppose. There are also several of these dotted about from within certain regions and also accessible through the world map or war table.

In most maps, you can just open the world map and directly travel to the next region without having to deal with a road. You can pretty much play the game through without ever having to use a road exit, I think.

Unlike in DA:O, you don't have random travel encounters (when enemies would ambush you) when traveling from place to place.

Skyrim is just one massive map. You can run from one end of the world to the next without having to cross any sort of gate.

I see what you're saying. It makes a little more sense spatially, though. Val Royeaux is not going to be a half hour jog from Haven like Winterhold is from Solitude in TES V. 😛

 

[zinfamous]

I see what you're saying. It makes a little more sense spatially, though. Val Royeaux is not going to be a half hour jog from Haven like Winterhold is from Solstein in TES V. 😛

Yes, it fits the lore of DA, I think. In comparison, each TES game would represent one of the map regions in either DAO or DAI (i know nothing of DA2).

Hinterlands (pretty much the main starting map) in DA:I, would basically represent the entirety of one of the ES games, as each one focuses on one specific region of that entire world. The implication being that you are working within the scope of the entire world in the Dragon Age games.

I would say Skyrim and other ES games are a bit more "dense," however. There just seems to be so much more stuff to do in each corner of those worlds than you get from the combined region maps in DA games. The faction quests in ES games are very substantial, too, and there really isn't anything comparable to that in DA:I, in terms of optional side quests or stories with significant content.

 

[exar333]

Yes, I think you can still kill dragons. Some quests will be locked out due to the events at the end. I'm not sure how things would change depending on where you are, exactly, but I'd recommend finishing up any companion interactions.

Thanks. That was my original plan....🙂

 

[exar333]

Yes, it fits the lore of DA, I think. In comparison, each TES game would represent one of the map regions in either DAO or DAI (i know nothing of DA2).

Hinterlands (pretty much the main starting map) in DA:I, would basically represent the entirety of one of the ES games, as each one focuses on one specific region of that entire world. The implication being that you are working within the scope of the entire world in the Dragon Age games.

I would say Skyrim and other ES games are a bit more "dense," however. There just seems to be so much more stuff to do in each corner of those worlds than you get from the combined region maps in DA games. The faction quests in ES games are very substantial, too, and there really isn't anything comparable to that in DA:I, in terms of optional side quests or stories with significant content.

Definitely agree, but I am kind of liking it.

I see Skyrim vs. DA:I similar to FO3 vs. FO: NV. The formers were bigger and more-open world, but they lacked cohesion with the main story. It was an after-thought and you enjoyed all the side-quests but just finished the story to finish it. Ended on kind of a letdown...

FO: NV, rather, like DA:I, keeps you more engaged from a story perspective. This approach (IMHO) makes the game more enjoyable to me. I like the gradual unfolding of the world as you step through the story. It keeps me 'on the path' a little more and caring about the actual main-quest...

It strikes a good balance between a 'on rails' approach and a true, open-world title. I do agree that DA:I lacks some more 'meaty' side-quests. I really liked Iron Bull's quest as it meaningful and makes the user make an important choice. This is in contrast to some of the other party quests that are more fetch-type kills across multiple locations.

One thing I would like Bioware to do is change initiation of party quest-lines away from strictly 'approval' and more event-based. For example, in Baldur's Gate, party members would just leave if you didn't fulfill their quest needs. They need more of this. Your inner circle may join for approval or they join for their own benefit, and if you don't help them, they leave. This should really evolve...it also allows you to have more meaningful interactions, even if you don't see eye-to-eye. It would be great to see your party members flee and betray, for example, if you really tick them off. 🙂

 

[PenguinPower]

That's probably true--My Sera did some nasty shit to a level 21 dragon (Hissing Wastes). About 40% health drop at the opening.

Though, I thought Thousand Cuts was deactivated with Bow equipped? A actually removed it from her skill bar and she's still making those big hits. I did give her that unique bow that shoots 3 arrows at a time.

I can confirm with 100% certainty that Thousand Cuts works with a bow. Throw in a crafted bow with 10% chance per hit to spawn a hidden blade and tack on poison before hitting Flask of Fire and Thousand Cuts and every 30 seconds you have massive damage.

 

[Red Hawk]

One thing I would like Bioware to do is change initiation of party quest-lines away from strictly 'approval' and more event-based. For example, in Baldur's Gate, party members would just leave if you didn't fulfill their quest needs. They need more of this. Your inner circle may join for approval or they join for their own benefit, and if you don't help them, they leave. This should really evolve...it also allows you to have more meaningful interactions, even if you don't see eye-to-eye. It would be great to see your party members flee and betray, for example, if you really tick them off. 🙂

There are moments like that in DAO and DAI.

Leliana turns against you if you poison the Urn of Sacred Ashes.
Shale turns against you if you side with Branka against Caridin
Oghren turns against you if you side with Caridin against Branka
Alistair leaves the party if you

Spoiler

let Loghain live and become a Grey Warden.

Zevran will try to assassinate you again if you don't get high enough approval.
Morrigan leaves the party if you turn down her plan at the end.

In DA2 Sebastian turns on you if you let Anders live during the end game sequence.

Some of these you can prevent if you have a high enough persuade.

 

[zinfamous]

Definitely agree, but I am kind of liking it.

I see Skyrim vs. DA:I similar to FO3 vs. FO: NV. The formers were bigger and more-open world, but they lacked cohesion with the main story. It was an after-thought and you enjoyed all the side-quests but just finished the story to finish it. Ended on kind of a letdown...

FO: NV, rather, like DA:I, keeps you more engaged from a story perspective. This approach (IMHO) makes the game more enjoyable to me. I like the gradual unfolding of the world as you step through the story. It keeps me 'on the path' a little more and caring about the actual main-quest...

It strikes a good balance between a 'on rails' approach and a true, open-world title. I do agree that DA:I lacks some more 'meaty' side-quests. I really liked Iron Bull's quest as it meaningful and makes the user make an important choice. This is in contrast to some of the other party quests that are more fetch-type kills across multiple locations.

One thing I would like Bioware to do is change initiation of party quest-lines away from strictly 'approval' and more event-based. For example, in Baldur's Gate, party members would just leave if you didn't fulfill their quest needs. They need more of this. Your inner circle may join for approval or they join for their own benefit, and if you don't help them, they leave. This should really evolve...it also allows you to have more meaningful interactions, even if you don't see eye-to-eye. It would be great to see your party members flee and betray, for example, if you really tick them off. 🙂

Yeah, Iron Bull's quest is very good. That and Blackwall were two out of maybe 4 or 5 moments where you have to make a real substantial decision, where the outcome (reputation/response from all of your people) isn't exactly clear when considering those decisions.

 

[zinfamous]

I can confirm with 100% certainty that Thousand Cuts works with a bow. Throw in a crafted bow with 10% chance per hit to spawn a hidden blade and tack on poison before hitting Flask of Fire and Thousand Cuts and every 30 seconds you have massive damage.

Ok, interesting. I had her dual dagger at first, and when first specializing, I was popping off thousand cuts for good fun. Then when I respecced her after finally messing around with Cole, I noticed that when playing her, Thousand Cuts was always greyed out on the bar, even with focus. Same annoyance I have with Rampage on my shield/sword Inquisitor.

Funny thing about that dragon in Hissing Wastes--I was cleaning up those tomb missions and most other random stuff, and finally found that dragon, 0 health potions and most of my party (Sera, Varric, Solas) hovering around 70% health. I was like, fuck it--my inquisitor is 2 levels above, this will be pie. At the very least, I can see what element he has then plan a better assault.

Start the fight, and someone behind me pops off something several hundred tics of massive damage, and the dragon's health hits about 50% 😱

Unfortunately, Varric and Sera get tossed pretty easily soon after that, but Solas and myself manage to tank him out until about 15% health. 5 more minutes of my slowly whittling away alone, I can't overcome all his baby spawns and constant armor. So, I figure I'll just come back with Bull, in place of Sera, full health potions and tonics and dispatch him quickly (I thought it was Varric with his focus skill that did the damage).

That damn dragon destroys that party 5 straight times--one time I managed to solo him from about 30% to 5% health before I can't sustain health and guard--and that alone ate up 15 minutes.

So, I bring back Sera, and holy shit. beast mode. We then go to finish off the final dragon in Emprise du Lion and that takes about 3 minutes. He's at 30% health before his first attempt to bring up guard.

 

[exar333]

There are moments like that in DAO and DAI.

Leliana turns against you if you poison the Urn of Sacred Ashes.
Shale turns against you if you side with Branka against Caridin
Oghren turns against you if you side with Caridin against Branka
Alistair leaves the party if you

Spoiler

let Loghain live and become a Grey Warden.

Zevran will try to assassinate you again if you don't get high enough approval.
Morrigan leaves the party if you turn down her plan at the end.

In DA2 Sebastian turns on you if you let Anders live during the end game sequence.

Some of these you can prevent if you have a high enough persuade.

Those are DAO and DA2 though, right? I haven't seen this yet in DAI, unless maybe I am just not far enough yet.

 

[Red Hawk]

Those are DAO and DA2 though, right? I haven't seen this yet in DAI, unless maybe I am just not far enough yet.

You're right, I meant to say DA2.

 

[alcoholbob]

Hmm did the recent patch improve performance? My framerate during cutscenes/conversations went way up. I was getting like 20 fps before now I'm getting like 40-45 fps. I don't think I changed any settings. Pleasantly surprised.

 

[facetman]

LOL- finally decided to try the Masterwork upgrade chance - went thru 3 bear claws and 3 Ironbark= results = NOT one did the masterwork upgrades. Hmm... I hate when luck has more to do with stuff than still.

After I finished playing tonight I got another patch... I wonder if I will have to "repair game" again -like I had to after the first patch. Did you guys put back the "cutscene fix" to 60 Frames or not after the first patch ?

I am at about 100 hours and not even close to finishing- but I really like to explore.

 

[Bateluer]

Hmm did the recent patch improve performance? My framerate during cutscenes/conversations went way up. I was getting like 20 fps before now I'm getting like 40-45 fps. I don't think I changed any settings. Pleasantly surprised.

AFAIK, the cutscenes are still locked at 30fps. Common conversations are whatever the frame rate the game is normally though.

LOL- finally decided to try the Masterwork upgrade chance - went thru 3 bear claws and 3 Ironbark= results = NOT one did the masterwork upgrades. Hmm... I hate when luck has more to do with stuff than still.

After I finished playing tonight I got another patch... I wonder if I will have to "repair game" again -like I had to after the first patch. Did you guys put back the "cutscene fix" to 60 Frames or not after the first patch ?

Fortunately, you can grind out more masterwork upgrades, just like an MMO. 😛

Did they push out the hotfix for the issues the big patch caused?

Side note, the lack of version numbers for this kinda irritates me. We've had Patch 1 on or around launch day, with Patch 2 coming on the 9th, with a hotfix coming shortly. And yet, no version numbers. Is it really so hard to say the retail release was 1.0, with each major patch being 1.0.1, 1.0.2, or 1.0.21(hotfix)?

 

[Mem]

Did they push out the hotfix for the issues the big patch caused?

Side note, the lack of version numbers for this kinda irritates me. We've had Patch 1 on or around launch day, with Patch 2 coming on the 9th, with a hotfix coming shortly. And yet, no version numbers. Is it really so hard to say the retail release was 1.0, with each major patch being 1.0.1, 1.0.2, or 1.0.21(hotfix)?

Yes the hotfix patch is out for the previous PC patch issues,was only 17mb via Origin for me.

 

[Rhezuss]

Now that I finished The Witcher 2 I can start DA:I!!!
But I bought a Wii U monday and want to play Zelda WWHD too...


Damn decisions...

 

[bystander36]

LOL- finally decided to try the Masterwork upgrade chance - went thru 3 bear claws and 3 Ironbark= results = NOT one did the masterwork upgrades. Hmm... I hate when luck has more to do with stuff than still.

After I finished playing tonight I got another patch... I wonder if I will have to "repair game" again -like I had to after the first patch. Did you guys put back the "cutscene fix" to 60 Frames or not after the first patch ?

I am at about 100 hours and not even close to finishing- but I really like to explore.

I had tried my first masterwork upgrades 2 days ago. I went through 8 40% chance ones without a success. It wasn't until I tried my 30% chance one that I had a success. I was sitting on 23 40% chance parts, but none would work. I assume this is a bug, I reloaded and tried other pieces. After succeeding on one, I used my 100% chance material.

I had to put the fix back in my shortcut. It is pretty much required for me. At 30 FPS cap, it is choppy and stutters.

I finished at 141 hours played, though ~30 of those was with my KE, which I rerolled due to how boring he was. Most zones were completely finished of quests, but not all.

 

[ControlD]

Now that I finished The Witcher 2 I can start DA:I!!!
But I bought a Wii U monday and want to play Zelda WWHD too...


Damn decisions...

And how was TW2? I have it but never even installed to this point.