Mac Russell

I remember when within minutes of the game’s release, a particular set of people review-bombed it for being “woke” and being “political.” Well, it’s a Dragon Age game, they’ve carried the same themes throughout the series and has always aimed to be inclusive and has grown with every installment. A lot of the same complain that it doesn’t have a lot of choices but criticizes gender identity choices specifically - everyone should be able to create the character they want to. I am a very devoted fan of Dragon Age, and it did take me some time to transition from what I wanted from this game and what it is. I miss the dragon keep, I miss the original designs for the spirits/demons, and I do get frustrated when there’s a little retconning of previous games. But, I’ve played 75% of the game and there is a lot more that I love than I criticize. For those who complain that it’s not “dark fantasy” or “gritty,” it is - it had me agonized over choices and your choices greatly affect your NPC companion’s mindset and future. And there are a few scenes where I had to walk away because it made me rightfully uncomfortable - as intended. And you see the results of the choices for the world, and makes you want to see what the other choices look like. I ended up not caring as much about what the spirits and demons, or even the style of the characters. It has a robust character creation, your character fits in with the NPCs, minimal to no glitches (the game actually feels finished/polished). Your NPC companions feel alive and they interact with each other. I had watched a long review that bemoaned the HUD, puzzles, and feeling babied by the system - and I was really convinced I would be irritated too, but wasn’t. It’s not the game that I was hoping for, there are some things I hope they’ll take into account for the future, but it is an exceptional game that definitely delivers on what I love as a Dragon Age fan, takes you back into the world, and explores it even further. I’m so happy and relieved that I can give it 5/5 because I do believe it deserves it.