Summary
As the fourth entry in the studio’s flagship fantasy RPG series,Dragon Age: Dreadwolfwill be serving as a revival of sorts after a ten-year wait following 2014’sInquisition. Some changes to gameplay are inevitably in order after an entire console generation’s worth of time has passed, but theDragon Agefranchise was already known for altering its formula with each release before this. With rumors indicating thatDragon Age: Dreadwolfwill be featuring the most action-heavy combat yet, doubling down on this significant change might be the developer’s best bet for maintaining long-term continuity.
Several of BioWare’s past few games haven’t managed to achieve the same degree of positive reception as the titles that established the studio’s reputation, and thealleged leaked gameplay ofDreadwolfhas also received mixed reactions from some fans concerned with its level of action. If this heavier focus on real-time combat sets the tone for a new saga in the same vein, there’s a chance for a new era ofDragon Ageto build up its own recognizable style.
The Lack of Consistency in Dragon Age’s Combat
Each Dragon Age Has a Different Approach to Gameplay
While it’s often regarded highly among many fans of the genre, theDragon Agefranchise has also proven divisive due to the variance between its titles. It began as a melding of the cRPG elements ofBaldur’s Gateand the cinematic quality ofKOTORinOrigins, but the sequels diverged from this path as they seemed to progressively blend into the status quo.Dragon Age 2’s heavily streamlined RPG mechanicsalready leaned into action over a decade ago, whileInquisition’s open structure has seen it compared to an MMO by some players. Strong writing and world-building have probably been the most stable parts of the series throughout, but combat systems have felt distinctly separate with each entry.
BioWare’s Use of the Eclipse Versus Frostbite Engines
The shift betweenDragon Agegames might seem strange to BioWare fans familiar with the consistency of a series likeMass Effect, but the game engines used for these titles can be held partially responsible. The Eclipse Engine was used forOriginsand subsequently upgraded for the next game, meaningDA2’s direction was likely more of a product of intentional design decisions. Unlike theMEtrilogy’s usage of the Unreal Engine throughout, however,Dragon Age: Inquisitionused the Frostbite Engine, an unoptimized choice given the FPS roots of the tool. Ironically, the third entry is considered closer to the firstDragon Ageamong several players, but now BioWare seems to be shifting gears within Frostbite.
Dreadwolf Has the Opportunity to Begin a More Cohesive Future for Dragon Age
Action RPG Combat Could Become a Series Staple
It’s understandable that there has been some backlash to a change as drastic asDreadwolf’s alleged shift towards the action RPG formula, but it’s also true that theDragon Ageseries doesn’t even necessarily have a solid identity that this would betray.The tactical combat ofDragon Age: Originscame about nearly 15 years ago, and multiple staff members in key roles at the studio have been replaced in recent times. If the current team onDreadwolfis more comfortable with action, then it would make sense for it to continue building on this foundation with sequels that can actually iterate on the same formula instead of starting over.
EA and BioWare Need to Remain Confident in Dragon Age’s Merits
With its leaks having reminded some fans of titles likeGod of War, it’s possible thatDragon Age: Dreadwolf’s extended development cyclemay have come as a result of attempting to keep up with gaming industry trends. Prior to lacklustre outings such asAnthem, BioWare’s most well-received titles were those that iterated on what came before.Mass Effect 2andBaldur’s Gate 2both respectively reached new heights by building on the work of their predecessors, and there’s no reasonDreadwolfcan’t inspire the same if it finds success.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth game in the franchise, serving as a direct sequel to the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players will attempt to stop Solas from tearing down the Veil, among other possibly major plot points. Its events see players travel to Tevinter, the Anderfels, Rivain, and Antiva.
