Dragon Age is one of those universes that unjustly remains in the background. The development of Dreadwolf has been dragging its feet, although the rumor mill insists on a formal reveal before the end of the year. However, that doesn't stop you from returning to Thedas, and today both EA and BioWare, with the help of the Epic Games Store, offer Dragon Age: Inquisition as your new free game of the weekend. Obviously, you'll need more time if you want to finish it from start to finish, and since it's the GOTY edition, you'll have access to all its content without mods or DLCs.
The first Dragon Age is a masterpiece. I finished it half a dozen times, and I'd probably be willing to go through its entire story again. The second Dragon Age… I didn't reach the end even once. Hawke's stupid brother's responses and attitude made me want to throw my monitor out the window (more than once), and the reduction in complexity definitely turned it into an inferior experience. I imagine I'll give it another chance at some point. With thirteen years and its DLCs on its back, I'd like to think its situation has improved.
However, there's also another possibility: moving straight to the third game, Dragon Age: Inquisition. Set one year after the events of Dragon Age II, the continent of Thedas has blown up. Orlais is trapped in a civil war, mages and templars clash in open combat, Divine Justinia V seeks peace through a Conclave, and a mysterious explosion kills almost everyone present, creating a Breach in the Veil and allowing a demonic invasion. The only survivor is the Inquisitor… our new hero.
Dragon Age: Inquisition, or How to Save a Continent
Obviously, the Inquisitor is shrouded in suspicion, and both Leliana (whom we remember well from previous games) and Cassandra Pentaghast (who is looking for Hawke in DA2), operating under the titles of Left and Right Hands of the Divine, conclude that this survivor is the only hope to close the Breach, contain the demonic horde, and of course, find the real culprit. Now, one thing is establishing the Inquisition, and another is gaining allies. Much of the Inquisitor's efforts will focus on navigating political traps, resolving conflicts, and exposing betrayals… but that's just the first act.
The Inquisitor's story will take us (among other places) to the heart of Orlais's decadent court, in an attempt to end the civil war (called “War of the Lions”) and gain more military support. However, one of the most important details we must learn about Dragon Age: Inquisition is that things are never what they seem. The main enemy is well identified, but there are forces in the background operating on a very different scale, and they are much closer than we imagine.
Finally, I just want to mention that installing Dragon Age: Inquisition also requires installing the EA App as an additional resource. It's not the best solution in the world, but Steam does exactly the same with other Electronic Arts titles (e.g., Fallen Order), and we must play in that sandbox. Inquisition will be available until next Thursday. Don't miss it!
