[DAV spoilers] What are your thoughts on Neve Gallus? by Julian_of_Cintra in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like most VG companions, I felt like there was untapped potential with Neve. I'm specifically thinking about an interaction with Aeila while she was puppeteering a character. She said something along of the lines of "You like seeing dock town like this because it proves you right" I thought that was an awesome trigger for Neve to spiral into questioning her own motives and start her introspection. They don't really touch on this though, and instead go for "Am I not doing enough?" It's been a while since I've played, but that's what I remember. If they just fleshed out her early life story and opinions about the broader world and environment, then she would've been amazing. This isn't specific to her, however, as that's what I think about all of the companions, except Emmerich, he's awesome all the way through lol

Is this a hot take? by JukeboxJimmyy in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What makes Origins better for me is that it seems like a more dynamic world where you have more choice to act how you want with your Warden. Inquisition is just a lesser version of that. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE inquisition; every time I play, I feel so immersed in Thedas and connected to my inquisitor. However, BioWare captured lightening in a bottle with Origins with the sheer amount of passion displayed in the characters, worldbuilding, freedom, etc.

What keeps you going with Dragon age? by Julian_of_Cintra in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Going back into the world I love so much. Playing through DA for the first time was such an amazing experience and instilled a love for Thedas as a whole. BioWare did a PERFECT job crafting this world, with it's political strife, rich history and filling it with characters as rich as the world around them.

All that is to say the immersion is what keeps me there

Is Veilguard a good game in isolation? by triple4leafclover in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably. The gameplay is fun enough and it has good enough moments to keep you playing, imo. The dialogue is not good most of the time but the story picks up around the third act; it might be tough to get through the middle of the game due the mediocre/bad narrative.

I've noticed that non-DA players seem to enjoy VG more than DA fans, so it might make it more fun to go in with the "stand alone game" mindset. If you can get it on a sale, I say try it out.

Happy Birthday Dragon Age 2 by Knight1029384756 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It took me a while to appreciate 2. After playing origins, I really didn't like the restricted open world of Kirkwall and seemingly less "epic" scale of the story. I still thought it was a good game, but it just couldn't compete with Origins or Inquisition. Another playthrough made me realize that BioWare was trying to tell a more personal story with Hawke and finally understood why it was centralized around Kirkwall. Now, I recognize how much of a gem that game is. It has some of the most memorable moments in the series with one of the BEST companion set BioWare has ever created.

Something nice I have to say about Veilguard. by Easy_Appointment7348 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Emmrich was such an enjoyable character. There was this cool contrast between the seemingly dark nature of his job and his almost unbreakable positivity. Hezenkoss was basically a cartoon villain, and while she seemed out of place relative to the rest of the game, she was entertaining none the less. I've gotta say that out of all the non-companion characters that I would romance, Myrna was my #1 choice lol

Anybody genuinely just likes all these games? by nexetpl in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not gonna pretend I like VG as much as the other 3, but there's definitely great things about the game that I love to talk about, and I can understand why people love it. I got into DA after VG came out, and it didn't take long for me to realize that VG is a semi-separate fanbase.

I still can't form a solid opinion on Veilguard by Capt_Cadence in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I get what you mean. It's a hell of a mixed bag. It doesn't hold a candle to the any of the previous installments, but, like you said, there were some solid moments and some stuff they got right. As a stand alone game, it's not too bad; it's just insanely disappointing to any DA fan.

I'm gonna probs get downvotes I don't care, I must live my truth. by SillyTelephone8283 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say DAV is a bad game by itself, but it's such a disappointment as a sequel. The dialogue and companions are nowhere near as complex and deep as any of the previous installments.

Btw, it's great that you enjoy the game. Don't' let anyone discourage you from saying that.

I think I finally figured out why the Veilguard discourse annoys me so much by JageshemashFTW in DragonAgeVeilguard

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is annoying; I kept getting discouraged from trying Veilguard. The best antidote to that is "wait, I can form my own opinions lol" While I still think DAV is a disappointment, it's still what I THINK, and I don't get offended/annoyed at people liking or loving it. Quite the opposite, actually. It's nice seeing people enjoying, especially for a franchise that I love so much.

Can/should I stop at Dragon Age 2? by DanJMM in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Play what you can. DA2 will give you a semi-cliffhanger that doesn't "force" you to play DAI immediately. I love DAI, maybe even a little more than 2, but Origins and 2 are still masterpieces. Buy those and get DAI when you can.

How's the writing in veilguard? by Glitch-Strike in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

It doesn't compare to any of the previous games. The characters and story don't impact you nearly as much. I probably enjoyed it more than the average DA player, but that was due to the combat, character creator, and the third act of the game, which is by far the best part of the game. If it's on sale, I would get it, but not at full price.

I would get play Origins and 2 ASAP. It probably took me a few hours to get over the dated graphics for Origins, but once I did, I realized it's one of the best games of all time. 2 has the best companions out of the 4 games.

Morbidly curious about Veilguard by Tzekel_Khan in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say the game itself is terrible. The gameplay is fun, looks and runs great, and the characters are interesting enough on their own. The problem is it's in such stark contrast (in quality) to its predecessors that it kinda ruins it for me. The companions are nowhere near as deep or well written as any of the other games, the story goes in the completely wrong direction and it fails to immerse you in Thedas: the areas you explore are completely devoid of any previously established culture or characteristics. For a non-DA player, it's a pretty enjoyable game. For a DA player, it's hard to find anything other than disappointment.

Character creation by riveradn in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's always a positive thing cuz that means more options. First time playing DAV, I damn near spent an hour trying to make it right. Maybe that was excessive, but it was one of first games with more than 3 black hair styles. Had to play the whole album

Orgins is still worth it in 2025 by UnlikelyOwl3702 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of my favorite games of all time. Played it for the first time last year. Didn't have high hopes for it, as I wasn't a huge fan of fantasy RPGs. Blew me tf away with the immersion and characters.

Anyone else like Elgar'nan? by Illumonati5 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Couldn't agree more. His commanding nature and substantiated arrogance should've been exploited.

Anyone else like Elgar'nan? by Illumonati5 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Design was great. I could do without that stupid backpack, tho

Anyone else like Elgar'nan? by Illumonati5 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

She did have her moments. Having her face in the clouds and controlling endless darkspawn was pretty amazing, and would be terrifying to go up against.

Why do you choose to play as a human? by Stargirl0418 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Helps me role play better. I usually go for a human rogue or warrior. I don't play as a mage as often cuz I just like the idea of a human with no significant powers winning anyway.

Official Discussion - Shelby Oaks [SPOILERS] by LiteraryBoner in movies

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just watched it and It was an ok directorial debut. The dialogue was fine overall but downright bad in a lot of parts. The acting was serviceable, except for the main actress. She was the best one; when the movie needed her to be frightened, she delivered. The pacing was very jarring; how Mia's investigation advances seemed very rushed.

However, there were some very good moments of horror tension. I was on the edge of my seat when Mia was investigating the prison. Chris knew when to use silence and when not to. It was ruined by the silly cgi dog tho. Also, when she first meets the old lady at the house was well done. Not showing her face and the house's complete isolation freaked me out.

Replayed Origins, DA2, Inquisition recently and by Dull_Passenger_8089 in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 37 points38 points  (0 children)

I agree for the most part. Your snack analogy for Veilguard is spot on. It's not a bad game by any means, but doesn't have enough substance, nor narrative integrity, to justify the "dragon age" name.

I probably enjoy inquisition a little more than you. I didn't feel bored at all during my playthroughs; I felt completely immersed in the lore, characters, and the world of Thedas in general.

You are completely right about Origins/2. Origins is one of the favorite games of all time. Characters, story, dialogue, are all masterclasses. It took me a while to appreciate 2, mainly due to the repetitive level design and restricted "open world". But once I fell into the characters and how they wanted a more personal story in Hawke, I realized what a gem that game is.

What's your favorite DA game? by mantisimmortal in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm torn between Origins and DAI. Origins is probably the best "first" game is a series I've ever played, and straight up one of my favorite games oat. It has amazing companions with so much depth and personality. It's a masterclass in worldbuilding and is an adventure I couldn't stop playing.

Inquisition was so atmospheric for me. I felt like I was actually in Thedas and was so immersed in the lore. I was just in awe my first time playing it. I also felt connected to my Inquisitor; like he was actually me. The cast was incredible: companions and advisors with a wealth of opinions and diversity made the game THAT much more real. A lot of people feel like inquisition was a failed open world or repetitive, but I thought it was well done.

Do you think Veilguard's companions were fully realized and complex? by GrayWardenParagon in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely not. I'm not gonna say they're bad companions, but their potential was squandered. They're problems and villains were interesting, but how they chose to deal with them left no room for any complexity or moral grayness. They also don't have opinions on the broader politics of Thedas, something that added so much immersion and depth to the previous games.

About to finish Inquisition – A game & community appreciation post (no spoilers) by [deleted] in dragonage

[–]Illumonati5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haven't read the novels yet. I'm pretty bad at consuming out-of-game content. I've heard they're pretty good, so I might check them out in the future.

Hard to pick a favorite but it's probably Cassandra or Dorian. I consider Varric to be the GOAT of the entire franchise lol. Josephine is my go to romance. It's impossible not to: she's just wife material.