Summary
Romance mechanics are likely to continue to play a major role in the upcomingDragon Age: Dreadwolf,given the impact they have had on not only the franchise, but much of BioWare’s catalog as a whole. Choosing to find love within a distinct cast is an experience most prominently shared betweenDAandMass Effect, a series with its own new game in production which will undoubtedly be affected by howDragon Age: Dreadwolfpans out first. As more popular BioWare romances are almost certain to appear inDreadwolf, they could set the tone for the nextMEand beyond.
Passion between the player character and their companions or NPCs can be found within the likes ofKOTOR’s romance, butMass Effectelevated love and connection in BioWare titles to a cinematic level, which then made it a greater part of the studio’s identity. Despite being set within two vastly different settings, bothDragon Age: Originsand the originalMEwere able to find success through these personal arcs and their inherent replayability. Strong writing is at the heart of the studio’s most well-received romances, but others have received criticism for shortcomings like having predictable and archetypal natures whichDreadwolfhas a chance to subvert.
BioWare Can Take Inspiration from the Strongest Elements of Romances in Past Titles
Dreadwolf Can Look to the Risk-Taking of Inquisition and Mass Effect 3
Some fairly edgy characters were romanceable in games prior toInquisition, but the complexity in navigating the morality of certain options took this much further. Deciding thefates of Blackwall or Iron Bull as their loverhas deep implications on their respective lives, for example, but Solas’ secret identity as an ancient god seeking to trigger an apocalypse who breaks the player’s heart with this reveal is on a whole other level of relevance to the greater world. More personal stakes can work just as well, but not including similarly morally ambiguous characters could be a missed opportunity.
One ofME3’s biggest strengths in terms of its relationships was the weight they had after the build-up of the previous games, and this is something that’s almost impossible forDreadwolfto replicate. Even if it includes familiar faces with romantic histories, what seems to be a new player character after a considerable hiatus sinceInquisitionis bound to defuse tension. Tying love interests into major plot events affecting the world could evoke some of the gravity thatMass Effect 3’s most dire consequencesare capable of, but this might be an aspect ofDAthat needs to build over time in the same way.
Cross-Influence in Romance Between Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and Mass Effect 4 Would Be a Boon
Borrowing the Most Successful Elements from Mass Effect and Dragon Age
Assuming thatDreadwolfmanages to achieve the same narrative quality as its predecessor in terms of how its love interests are written, its lasting success would open up the chance to develop that same cast in further installments which bring the player closer to them. If the stakes ofInquisitioncan come together with the slow-burn benefits ofMass Effect,Dreadwolfcould shine as a story-driven experienceno matter the format of its combat. This could even subsequently pave the way for more romance options who rival the depth and importance of Solas in the nextMEto create a strong foundation for future titles that iterate even further.
Staggered BioWare Development Cycles Can Better Utilize Player Feedback
Possible release windows suggest that the nextDragon Agewill be arriving beforeMass Effect 4, and this will create the opportunity for romances in the latter to be refined based on how they are received in the studio’s next big outing. Some players have found the multitude of edgy dark-haired women and similarly attractive men with light hair throughoutDAto be repetitive. Addressing this kind of reception would be the best way to ensure thatfuture BioWare RPGscan feature intimate relationships that innovate and grow with each installment.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
