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30 Days of Dragon Age: The future?
Day Thirty: Hopes for Dragon Age 3
Mainly, of course, I want a fun game with an excellent story, the chance to learn more about Thedas and to get to know another bunch of awesome companions. If Bioware gives me that, I'll be happy.
More specifically: I hope they don't rush the game through development again. I'd much rather they take their time and ship a solid game, even if means we don't get a new one for a couple of years. I loved DA2, but the gaps and seams really show, especially in comparison to Origins. There are many things I'd like to see return to Origins form -- the more epic scale of the story, and the way romance developed more slowly and naturally, and the option to have casual conversations, not just the ones that advance the plot. However, I really liked the Friend/Rival system, and I'd like to see that continue in some form. Also, the voiced protagonist was a huge improvement in my book; I'm happy to give up the option of multiple origins if that's the trade-off.
I'd like to see another part of the world -- Orlais is most often rumored, but I'm also really curious to see Tevinter, and Antiva, and the Anderfels -- and more of the dwarves and the Qunari. And of course more Grey Warden involvement in the story. I missed the Wardens in DA2 and would love to have them back.
I'm less fussed about seeing specific companions back, or NPCs from Origins and/or DA2 brought back as companions, although sensible cameos would be great, and it does make sense to have some character to connect the stories. I'm not sure who it would be, though. The one I hear suggested most often is Cullen; it's an interesting idea, but I'm not the Cullen fangirl a lot of folks are, so it would have to be handled very carefully for it to work for me. I'd rather see a minor character on the level of Isabela in Origins raised to companion status, although I can't think of a good option off the top of my head. Someone who wouldn't overwhelm the new characters, but would provide a familiar face as a reference point. I think that would be best. (Also, as I'm sure you know, I will never argue with an Alistair cameo.)
Finally, I would love, love, love to see a female PC as the default PC in the game's marketing. Bioware has taken baby steps in this direction with f!Shepard and Mass Effect 3, but how awesome would it be if they were to go all out? Come on, Bioware. Break ground and be awesome. If any game company can make this move, you can.
Complete list of questions
Thus endeth the 30 Days of Dragon Age meme. I hope you enjoyed following along, and that you didn't get tired of the spam. ;) It was a fun exercise, and I'm glad I did it.
Mainly, of course, I want a fun game with an excellent story, the chance to learn more about Thedas and to get to know another bunch of awesome companions. If Bioware gives me that, I'll be happy.
More specifically: I hope they don't rush the game through development again. I'd much rather they take their time and ship a solid game, even if means we don't get a new one for a couple of years. I loved DA2, but the gaps and seams really show, especially in comparison to Origins. There are many things I'd like to see return to Origins form -- the more epic scale of the story, and the way romance developed more slowly and naturally, and the option to have casual conversations, not just the ones that advance the plot. However, I really liked the Friend/Rival system, and I'd like to see that continue in some form. Also, the voiced protagonist was a huge improvement in my book; I'm happy to give up the option of multiple origins if that's the trade-off.
I'd like to see another part of the world -- Orlais is most often rumored, but I'm also really curious to see Tevinter, and Antiva, and the Anderfels -- and more of the dwarves and the Qunari. And of course more Grey Warden involvement in the story. I missed the Wardens in DA2 and would love to have them back.
I'm less fussed about seeing specific companions back, or NPCs from Origins and/or DA2 brought back as companions, although sensible cameos would be great, and it does make sense to have some character to connect the stories. I'm not sure who it would be, though. The one I hear suggested most often is Cullen; it's an interesting idea, but I'm not the Cullen fangirl a lot of folks are, so it would have to be handled very carefully for it to work for me. I'd rather see a minor character on the level of Isabela in Origins raised to companion status, although I can't think of a good option off the top of my head. Someone who wouldn't overwhelm the new characters, but would provide a familiar face as a reference point. I think that would be best. (Also, as I'm sure you know, I will never argue with an Alistair cameo.)
Finally, I would love, love, love to see a female PC as the default PC in the game's marketing. Bioware has taken baby steps in this direction with f!Shepard and Mass Effect 3, but how awesome would it be if they were to go all out? Come on, Bioware. Break ground and be awesome. If any game company can make this move, you can.
Complete list of questions
Thus endeth the 30 Days of Dragon Age meme. I hope you enjoyed following along, and that you didn't get tired of the spam. ;) It was a fun exercise, and I'm glad I did it.
no subject
I would be absolutely ground breaking if the DA3 promo materials showed a female PC. Due to how I've played the series, I have a hard time imagining Hawke as male although I can see the Warden as anyone. With my female Hawke, DA2 became so noticeably a story about women-holding-powerful-positions that it made me chuckle (in a good way) during so many scenes: Aveline, f!Hawke, Petrice, the Grand Cleric, Meredith, the Dalish Keeper. Meanwhile, Isabella and/or Merrill are looking over Hawke's shoulder. Squeeeee. So much fun to have a game that tossed sexism and sexist tropes (e.g., female healer, male tank) into the garbage.
As for the next game, Orlais feels like a must but Tevinter and the Anderfels are what appeal the most to me. The Anderfels so we can get more Grey Warden lore. Tevinter because I really want to see if it is really as bad a place as everyone has made it out to be.
I'll leave my comments about returning characters (particularly Cullen, an Alistair appearance, etc.) for when I post my day #30 response. Short answer: as much as I would like to see Cullen return due to what he has seen (and how well his experiences encapsulate the mage-templar war), I have legitimate worries about seeing his character promoted to a larger role. DLC would be fine though. Actual party member will either be a giant disappointment or a big win
no subject
Toooootally. I mean, the game isn't perfect on this score, but it comes a damn sight closer than pretty much any other game I can think of.
The thought of Cullen DLC is much more appealing to me than the idea of making him a party member. Something like Leliana's Song (which I *loved*, btw, have you played it yet?) that basically would tell a short story about either his past or the time between the games would be awesome.
no subject
Cullen DLC: I lean toward seeing what he does sometime after the final battle but before Cassandra shows up and have that story take into account which of the 2 (well, actually, 3) end-paths Hawke took during the final quest. Cullen's backstory is established well enough in the f!mage origin (the man clearly received an F in Templar School, particularly in the "don't befriend the mages" lessons, yet he was nonetheless posted to Kinloch Hold).
I do think there is potential, when handled well, in seeing Cullen as a recruitable character in DA3 or DA4 (thinking ahead here!) but ... so many buts. And I'll wait until Question #30 because my answer will be loooooonnng.