Bioware shared a sneak peek of Dragon Age 3: Inquisition, in its alpha phase. Much of what’s narrated has been revealed elsewhere, so we’ll focus on gameplay below.
First, off, the alpha build clearly already boasts a high level of detail. From the naked eye, it looks (resolution) and runs (framerate) really good. Lighting and particle effects are also in full attendance. We’re looking at handicam footage so we can’t make a thorough examination, but as it is everything looks nominal.
The game is 3rd person perspective, with you staring at the Inquisitor’s back, but rest assured, your party is behind you and ready to aid anytime you need it. The Inquisitor moves quite briskly on foot, although they also demonstrated use of the mounts by the 2nd half of the stream.
This video shows an encounter with a bear, and very quickly, Iron Bull intervened to take it down quickly. After it died it burned to ashes, so it doesn’t seem like Bioware used PS4/Xbox One’s tech to keep dead bodies, although we, of course, will have to wait and see in the final product to be absolutely sure.
You’re also shown in combat with more human enemies, and your NPCs do act smart, although it seems they mostly follow your lead and provide support, rather than jumping in with you. Bioware also demonstrates an ability to shift between you and your party mates during combat.
The game eschews camera-switching cutscenes, although of course you can stick around and talk to people. Presumably, these choices are in the service of a more immersive experience.
Of course, you don’t put dragons in your game title if there’s no dragon, and so they demo the team slaying a dragon at the very end. You actually take out some younger dragons along the way, which didn’t seem right with me, but this is all part of the game. The larger dragon has presumably be laying the city to waste this whole time, and taking him out is a concerted effort for your party, almost like Monster Hunter.
Dragon Age 3: Inquisition is coming October 7 to Windows, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Check out the footage right here.
