Should I Play Dragon Age?
The Dragon Age series has been a beloved institution in the world of role-playing games for over a decade, with a rich history of engaging storylines, lovable characters, and addictive combat mechanics. But with so many games out there, is Dragon Age worth your time? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of joining the world of Thedas, helping you decide whether or not to give Dragon Age a try.
Overview of the Series
Dragon Age is a high-fantasy RPG franchise developed by BioWare, the same company behind the critically acclaimed Mass Effect and Baldur’s Gate series. The games typically follow a protagonist tasked with saving the world from various evils, often with the help of a loyal companion party. The series is known for its depth of character customization, engaging storytelling, and strategic combat mechanics.
Pros:
• Engaging Storytelling: Dragon Age games are famous for their well-written, relatable characters and complex storylines, often with multiple branching plot paths and player choices that impact the game world.
• Deep Character Customization: Players can create unique, personalized characters with a wide range of appearance, skill, and ability options, including complex combat and party synergy considerations.
• Immersive Combat: The combat system is rich and rewarding, with a focus on positioning, timing, and strategy, and the ability to switch between direct control and tactical pause modes.
Cons:
• Clichéd Fantasy Setting: Thedas, the world of Dragon Age, is a standard high-fantasy environment, with many familiar locations and mythical creatures, which may feel predictable for some players.
• Lengthy Companions: While many companions are well-developed and interesting, the sheer number of characters can become overwhelming, and some may feel like they get shortchanged in terms of narrative focus.
• Repetitive Combat: While the combat mechanics are engaging, the battles can sometimes become repetitive, with limited enemy variety and reliance on similar tactics.
Best Entry Point:
If you’re new to the series, we recommend starting with Dragon Age: Origins (2009), as it sets the stage for the world and characters that follow, and is still widely regarded as one of the best games in the series. The games are designed to be accessible to newcomers, with tutorials and introductory plotlines that ease you into the mechanics and story.
Table: Dragon Age Games in Chronological Order:
| Game | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | 2009 |
| Dragon Age II | 2011 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition | 2014 |
| Dragon Age: The Deadly Thals | 2013 (Mobile spin-off) |
| Dragon Age: Absolution | 2020 (Tactical spin-off) |
Additional Tips:
Playing with a Party: Dragon Age is all about building a dynamic party of characters, each with their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Experiment with different combos and strategies to find what works best for you.
Don’t be Afraid to Experiment: The series’ complexity can be intimidating, but feel free to try new things, adjust your tactics, and learn from your mistakes.
Focus on Characters: The story and companions are a big part of the Dragon Age experience. Take the time to get to know your party members, and learn about their backstories and motivations.
Should I Play Dragon Age FAQs:
Q: Is Dragon Age suitable for new players?
A: Yes, the series has multiple entry points, and the games are designed to be accessible to newcomers. Origins is an excellent starting point.
Q: Will I need to play the previous games?
A: No, each Dragon Age game is designed to be standalone, with separate storylines and characters. However, prior knowledge of the series can add context and depth to your experience.
Q: What’s the best way to learn combat mechanics?
A: Take your time, and experiment with different classes, abilities, and party compositions to get a feel for the combat system.
Q: Can I play Dragon Age multiplayer?
A: No, Dragon Age games are single-player, solo experiences. However, some online features, such as multiplayer modes and online shopping, are available.
Q: Are Dragon Age games worth playing on high difficulty?
A: Absolutely, the series is challenging, and high difficulty settings can add replay value and a sense of accomplishment when you overcome tough battles.
Q: Can I customize my characters visually?
A: Yes, BioWare is known for its attention to detail, and the character creation process in Dragon Age allows for intricate customization, including facial features, clothing, and accessories.
Q: Are there any side quests or DLC worth playing?
A: Yes, both the main games and DLC have many engaging side quests, characters, and stories, which can add significant replay value and depth to your experience.
In Conclusion:
Dragon Age is an excellent series for fans of role-playing games, with engaging storytelling, deep character customization, and immersive combat mechanics. While there may be some drawbacks, such as a clichéd fantasy setting and repetitive combat, the pros far outweigh the cons. New players can start with Origins, and additional tips and FAQs can help smooth the learning curve. So, should you play Dragon Age? Absolutely!