Dragon Age™ Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition (DA:I) is a sprawling RPG that divides opinion among players. Many appreciate it as the best in the series, praising its expansive open world, rich lore, and compelling story, with some comparing its engine and gameplay to titles like Witcher 3 and Far Cry 3. The game offers a blend of tactical and action combat, numerous side quests, and deep character interactions, enhanced by a strong cast of companions and a dynamic storyline influenced by player choices carried over from previous games via Dragon Age Keep.

However, criticisms focus on its bloated open-world design filled with repetitive fetch quests and empty zones that dilute pacing. Combat mechanics are seen by some as overly simplified and lacking depth compared to earlier entries. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and awkward animations detract from the experience for some players. The necessity of EA’s launcher and connection requirements have also frustrated users. Despite these flaws, DA:I remains a beloved title for many, offering extensive replayability and a rich fantasy world to explore.

Highlights

Players widely praise DA:I's expansive and beautiful game world, noting diverse environments and detailed lore. The storyline and character development receive strong commendations, especially the well-written companions and meaningful player choices. Combat mechanics are viewed as a satisfying mix of tactical and action elements, with some enjoying the class specializations. The game’s graphics hold up well for its age, featuring vibrant environments and detailed character models. Additionally, the inclusion of Dragon Age Keep allows for continuity across the series, enhancing immersion. DLC content like Trespasser is highlighted as a narrative high point, and the game’s replay value is appreciated for offering multiple races, classes, and romance options.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the overly large open world filled with repetitive and uninspired fetch quests that make exploration feel tedious. The combat system is often described as simplified and lacking depth, with some players finding it clunky or unengaging compared to previous titles. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and awkward animations remain prevalent even years after release. The EA launcher and mandatory online connection have caused performance problems and player frustration. Some players also note that the story’s player agency feels superficial, with major outcomes largely scripted. The pacing is criticized as uneven, and the UI is considered poorly optimized for PC. Lastly, the game’s grind-heavy mechanics and MMO-like elements detract from the RPG experience for some.