BioWare: Dragon Age 3’s World Saving Story is Different From Mass Effect 3

BioWare producer Cameron Lee has spoken to Official Xbox Magazine about similarities between Dragon Age: Inquisition and Mass Effect 3 – both of which feature a world saving plot line focused around a hero or heroine looking to unite diverse factions to stand against a dire threat. 

However, Lee insists that the two stories are distinct and different in how they approach the respective scenarious.

"Well, it’s interesting that that’s the impression that you got – it’s not really the case.

“We have this event that occurs and the world is in chaos, sure, but in Mass Effect, you always knew what the threat was, you always knew that the reapers were there. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, whilst there is a humongous tear in the sky, and all these powerful factions and nations are in chaos – all this is happening at once, and that’s a little too strange to just suddenly occur and be coincidence.

“So the player has more of an investment in uncovering what’s going on here. And it’s not necessarily about uncover some truths and get this person on side in order to deal with the thing at the end, it’s a lot more complex than that. And you know, you are a force. Yes you’re a character, but you lead this organisation, this inquisition, which has a really significant presence in the world, a presence and an influence on these different nations and factions.

“So in Mass Effect you formed factions but it was mostly on a personal scale, whereas in Inquisition you’re talking about having a personal impact, but mostly through these big crunchy, meaty decisions and impacts that the Inquisition can have on the world. It’s kind of like the difference between being a Jedi, and founding the Jedi Order.”

Elsewhere in the interview Lee touted the game's enchanced customisation and strategy options. He said players will have greater control over how their character looks and acts as well more moral responsibilities for the wellbeing of the Inquisitor's followers. 

Referring to recent job placements for multiplayer in the Dragon Age team he said: 

“I have no idea at all in terms of hiring, but you know, the Mass Effect multiplayer stuff is really good, so we’ve certainly looked at options like that, but we haven’t decided on anything in terms of multiplayer at this point.”

One of the interesting pieces of news about the game so far is that players will be able to choose a qunari character. In the Dragon Age universe the qunari have their own distinct religion and are not part of the Cult of Andraste but Lee says there's a good reason why a qunari is in charge of the Inquisition if you choose such a character: 

"There’ll be people out there who understand the Qunari and their religious beliefs and how all that work. There is a valid reason why Qunari are sitting on the throne of the Inquisition, as there is for an elf.

“Elves have been persecuted in this world, so how would a human nation feel about having an Elven inquisitor come up to them and talk to them? So there are ways that all this fits together. David Gaider and the writers are hard at work putting that together. But it’s interesting to see it all take shape.”

In the game players will be tasked with capturing keeps located through the game world and in a new preview of Inquisition by Official PlayStation Magazine UK this process has been detailed. 

One such keep will be captured with the aid of Varric, Vivienne, and Cassandra. Once captured, the surrounding area will be unlocked allowing for additional quests in the region. There are keeps scattered throughout Orlais and each grants players access to tasks once liberated.

The Inquisitor can also choose to task agents with building mines to increase income or rebuilding a colossus to improve morale during battles among other tasks. 

Dragon Age: Inquisition will see a number of returning characters including Dagna, and Morrigan. BioWare has previously said that the development team is pushing all launch platforms to "breaking point" and the game is set for release on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One in Autumn.