Summary
- Dragon Age: Dreadwolf represents a revival of the series with a focus on action-packed combat to create a new era of gameplay.
- Changes in BioWare's use of game engines have influenced the series' combat mechanics over time, leading to a shift towards action RPG elements.
- With potential backlash from fans over the new combat style, the future of the Dragon Age series hinges on Dreadwolf's success in maintaining a cohesive identity.
As the fourth entry in the studio's flagship fantasy RPG series, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be serving as a revival of sorts after a ten-year wait following 2014's Inquisition. Some changes to gameplay are inevitably in order after an entire console generation's worth of time has passed, but the Dragon Age franchise was already known for altering its formula with each release before this. With rumors indicating that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be featuring the most action-heavy combat yet, doubling down on this significant change might be the developer's best bet for maintaining long-term continuity.
Several of BioWare's past few games haven't managed to achieve the same degree of positive reception as the titles that established the studio's reputation, and the alleged leaked gameplay of Dreadwolf has also received mixed reactions from some fans concerned with its level of action. If this heavier focus on real-time combat sets the tone for a new saga in the same vein, there's a chance for a new era of Dragon Age to build up its own recognizable style.
The Lack of Consistency in Dragon Age's Combat
Each Dragon Age Has a Different Approach to Gameplay
While it's often regarded highly among many fans of the genre, the Dragon Age franchise has also proven divisive due to the variance between its titles. It began as a melding of the cRPG elements of Baldur's Gate and the cinematic quality of KOTOR in Origins, but the sequels diverged from this path as they seemed to progressively blend into the status quo. Dragon Age 2's heavily streamlined RPG mechanics already leaned into action over a decade ago, while Inquisition's open structure has seen it compared to an MMO by some players. Strong writing and world-building have probably been the most stable parts of the series throughout, but combat systems have felt distinctly separate with each entry.
BioWare's Use of the Eclipse Versus Frostbite Engines
The shift between Dragon Age games might seem strange to BioWare fans familiar with the consistency of a series like Mass Effect, but the game engines used for these titles can be held partially responsible. The Eclipse Engine was used for Origins and subsequently upgraded for the next game, meaning DA2's direction was likely more of a product of intentional design decisions. Unlike the ME trilogy's usage of the Unreal Engine throughout, however, Dragon Age: Inquisition used the Frostbite Engine, an unoptimized choice given the FPS roots of the tool. Ironically, the third entry is considered closer to the first Dragon Age among several players, but now BioWare seems to be shifting gears within Frostbite.
Dreadwolf Has the Opportunity to Begin a More Cohesive Future for Dragon Age
Action RPG Combat Could Become a Series Staple
It's understandable that there has been some backlash to a change as drastic as Dreadwolf's alleged shift towards the action RPG formula, but it's also true that the Dragon Age series doesn't even necessarily have a solid identity that this would betray. The tactical combat of Dragon Age: Origins came about nearly 15 years ago, and multiple staff members in key roles at the studio have been replaced in recent times. If the current team on Dreadwolf is more comfortable with action, then it would make sense for it to continue building on this foundation with sequels that can actually iterate on the same formula instead of starting over.
EA and BioWare Need to Remain Confident in Dragon Age's Merits
With its leaks having reminded some fans of titles like God of War, it's possible that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's extended development cycle may have come as a result of attempting to keep up with gaming industry trends. Prior to lacklustre outings such as Anthem, BioWare's most well-received titles were those that iterated on what came before. Mass Effect 2 and Baldur's Gate 2 both respectively reached new heights by building on the work of their predecessors, and there's no reason Dreadwolf can't inspire the same if it finds success.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
- Released
- October 31, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth game in the franchise, serving as a direct sequel to the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players will attempt to stop Solas from tearing down the Veil, among other possibly major plot points. Its events see players travel to Tevinter, the Anderfels, Rivain, and Antiva.
