What Pride Had Wrought Dragon Age?
The Dragon Age series, developed by BioWare, has captivated gamers worldwide with its rich storytelling, engaging characters, and intricate world-building. But what sparked the creation of this beloved franchise? In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of Dragon Age and explore the factors that contributed to its success.
The Dawn of Dragon Age
Dragon Age was born out of BioWare’s desire to create a new fantasy RPG that would depart from the traditional high-fantasy setting of their previous games, such as Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights. The team wanted to craft a darker, grittier world with a focus on character-driven storytelling and morally complex themes.
The Influences
BioWare drew inspiration from various sources, including:
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: The team was fascinated by Tolkien’s world-building and the rich history he created for Middle-earth.
• Game of Thrones: The show’s complex characters, politics, and morally ambiguous themes influenced the developers’ approach to storytelling.
• European folklore: The team drew inspiration from European folklore, incorporating elements such as mythical creatures, magic, and historical events into the game’s world.
The Birth of Thedas
Thedas, the world of Dragon Age, was created by combining elements from various cultures and mythologies. The team wanted to create a world that felt both familiar and yet unique, with its own distinct history and mythology.
The First Game: Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins, released in 2009, was the first game in the series. It introduced players to the world of Thedas, where humans, elves, dwarves, and other races coexisted in a complex web of politics and intrigue.
The Game’s Mechanics
Dragon Age: Origins featured a unique combat system, PA(M)E (Party-based, Action-oriented, tactical, and Emotional), which allowed players to control a party of characters, making strategic decisions and executing complex combat maneuvers.
The Impact
Dragon Age: Origins received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay. The game’s success spawned a franchise, with subsequent titles, including Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition, further expanding the world and story of Thedas.
Pride and Prejudice: The Franchise’s Evolution
Throughout the series, BioWare has continued to evolve the franchise, incorporating new mechanics, characters, and storylines. The team’s pride in their work has driven the development of each game, ensuring that the series remains true to its core values.
Table: Dragon Age Game Releases
| Game | Release Date | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | 2009 | PC, Mac, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Dragon Age II | 2011 | PC, Mac, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition | 2014 | PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 |
| Dragon Age: The World of Thedas | 2014 | PC, Mac |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main difference between Dragon Age and other RPGs?
A1: Dragon Age’s unique PA(M)E combat system and focus on character-driven storytelling set it apart from other RPGs.
Q2: What inspired the creation of Thedas?
A2: The team drew inspiration from various sources, including The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and European folklore.
Q3: What is the significance of the Pride in the franchise’s evolution?
A3: BioWare’s pride in their work has driven the development of each game, ensuring that the series remains true to its core values.
Q4: How does the franchise’s world-building contribute to its success?
A4: The team’s attention to detail in world-building, incorporating elements from various cultures and mythologies, has created a rich and immersive world that players can lose themselves in.
Q5: What is the most popular Dragon Age game?
A5: Dragon Age: Inquisition is the most popular game in the series, with over 12 million copies sold worldwide.
Q6: Are the games suitable for all ages?
A6: While the games are rated M for Mature by the ESRB, they contain mature themes, violence, and suggestive content, making them suitable for players aged 18 and above.
Q7: Can I play the games without prior knowledge of the series?
A7: Yes, each game is designed to be accessible to new players, with a comprehensive tutorial and introductions to the world and characters.
Q8: Are there any plans for new Dragon Age games?
A8: BioWare has not announced any new Dragon Age games, but the team is committed to continuing the series, with potential future titles and spin-offs.
In conclusion, the creation of Dragon Age was a result of BioWare’s pride in their work, their desire to create a new and unique fantasy RPG, and their attention to detail in world-building. The franchise’s success is a testament to the team’s dedication to crafting engaging stories, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay.