In the current age of video games, I constantly find myself trying this game or that in search of “The Game” that will set a bar for all others. Usually I am let down by new games after a few hours of play. When this happens I walk away feeling sick because I have shelled out $60.00 that I now feel was wasted.
Today, several weeks after the release of Bioware’s Dragon Age: Inquisition, I can honestly say that the money paid was money well spent. I have played over 40 hours of the game and my time with a controller in hand still feels new and holds my attention.
The stunning landscapes and background art are just the beginning of what the game has to offer. Right from the start, I found myself pausing atop a mountain as I took in the vast and breathtaking view below. Each area of the game has a unique feel and look that creates a seamless and immersive experience. Even the characters and the clothing they can wear provide numerous combinations to change from the humdrum of linear character modeling.
But wait, we don’t play video games for their appearance alone, or at least I don’t. I want substance. I want story, and Dragon Age: Inquisition has it in abundance. There is a main quest line, with cinematics, for players to follow as well as numerous side quests and opportunities to explore off the beaten path. And what’s more, you are given control of three diplomats and can choose how you wish to run your politics within a reactive environment. With so many choices to make and so many consequences yet to play out…intrigued, need I say more?
With so many great features present in the game, I grew concerned that the gameplay might come up short. I was wrong, and I am happy to be wrong. Skills can be bound to the controller as the player sees fit, and the controls are simple but highly efficient. Do you want to chain and combo attacks? Not a problem. You can continue to hold the basic attack to chain and when the time is right, you can utilize your hot-keyed skills to synergize and perform detonator abilities for bonus damage. What about the skills being overused and tiresome? Bioware has the answer. They have included specializations for later in the game. Just when I was beginning to tire of using the same skill sets, I unlocked new specializations and combo abilities.
All-in-all I found Dragon Age: Inquisition at the top of my favorites list and I would recommend it to anyone searching for a great game or a perfect gift for a gamer this holiday season.
