Bioware has explained why healing potions have been deemphasized in Dragon Age 3: Inquisition last month. After continuing concern from fans, Bioware writer Patrick Weekes elaborated on how the changes will actually play out.
To recap, Bioware’ prior explanation attributed the need for better game balancing. They did not just decrease the number of potions on its own. They also set a specific number for health, and adjusted enemy difficulty accordingly.
Now, we learn about more changes, demonstrating that the entire game has been rebalanced simply so that players would not be hoarding and constantly using health potions.
First off, in easy and normal fights, the game will be forgiving about letting you use health potions. You will not have to use them that often, and you will have ample opportunities to get more. There are also two spells you need to take advantage of; Barrier and Guard. Both function to give you extra health bars enemies need to get through before they can actually hurt you and your party.
You can use Barrier and Guard multiple times, so you can get the benefit of using health potions in succession, with proper planning and good tactical play. Patrick argues that this changes the rhythm of the game overall.
At higher levels, you will be able to upgrade Barrier and Guard. You will also be able to craft life replenishing items, use a new healing spell, Resurgence, and if you really want to, stock up on healing potions.
However, Patrick also argues that the upgrades you could use on Resurgence or more healing potions may be better served for other things. Bioware gives you the choice, but when it comes to actual gameplay, the game has been designed to disincentivize going back to that playstyle.
Ultimately, Patrick argues players can live with the changes, and may be better off for it, once they get used to it. Do you think this argument holds up? Would you prefer they balanced the game in another way? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Dragon Age 3: Inquisition will be released on November 18 on Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
