Dragon Age is a popular fantasy role-playing game series developed by BioWare. The series is set in the world of Thedas, where players can create their own characters and shape the story through their choices and actions. The series has four main games and several spin-offs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will rank the Dragon Age games from worst to best, based on various criteria such as gameplay, story, characters, graphics, and reception. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the series and its future.
Dragon Age Games Ranked below:
4. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening
Starting off our list is Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, the expansion pack for the first game in the series. Awakening was released in 2010, and it continues the story of the Grey Warden, the hero of Origins. The expansion introduces a new region, new companions, new enemies, and new abilities. However, it also suffers from some drawbacks, such as:
- A shorter and less impactful story than Origins, with fewer choices and consequences.
- A lack of character development and interaction among the companions, especially the returning ones from Origins.
- A repetitive and unbalanced combat system, with enemies that spawn in waves and are either too easy or too hard to defeat.
- A buggy and glitchy performance, with frequent crashes and loading issues.
Awakening is not a bad game, but it fails to live up to the standards set by Origins. It feels more like a DLC than a full-fledged expansion, and it does not add much to the overall experience of the series. It is still worth playing for fans of Origins, but it is not essential.
3. Dragon Age 2
Next up on our list of Dragon Age games ranked is Dragon Age 2, the sequel to Origins. Dragon Age 2 was released in 2011, and it follows the story of Hawke, a refugee who rises to power in the city of Kirkwall. The game features a new art style, a new combat system, and a new dialogue system. However, it also has many flaws, such as:
- A limited and reused map, with the same locations and dungeons being visited over and over again.
- A rushed and disjointed story, with a weak main plot and inconsistent side quests.
- A lack of meaningful choices and consequences, with most of the decisions having little or no impact on the outcome of the game.
- A simplified and streamlined gameplay, with less customization and strategy options than Origins.
Dragon Age 2 is not a terrible game, but it is a disappointing one. It feels like a step back from Origins, and it does not capture the same depth and richness of the series. It has some redeeming qualities, such as the charismatic and diverse companions, the witty and humorous dialogue, and the improved graphics and animations. However, it is not enough to make up for its shortcomings.
2. Dragon Age: Inquisition
The most recent installment in the Dragon Age series takes our number two spot. Inquisition is a powerful addition to the series, and it was released in 2014. It follows the story of the Inquisitor, the leader of a faction that tries to restore order and peace in the world after a cataclysmic event. The game features a huge and beautiful open world, a refined and dynamic combat system, and a complex and engaging story. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as:
- A tedious and repetitive gameplay, with too many fetch quests and collectibles that distract from the main story.
- A lack of challenge and difficulty, with enemies that are too easy to defeat and resources that are too abundant to obtain.
- A shallow and inconsistent romance system, with some companions being more fleshed out and interesting than others.
- A buggy and glitchy performance, with frequent crashes and loading issues.
Inquisition is a great game, but it is not a perfect one. It has some flaws that prevent it from being the best in the series. It is still a worthy successor to Origins, and it offers a lot of content and fun for fans of the series. It is also the most accessible and user-friendly game in the series, and it can appeal to a wider audience.
1. Dragon Age: Origins
The first and the best game in the series is Dragon Age: Origins, the game that started it all. Origins was released in 2009, and it follows the story of the Grey Warden, a member of an ancient order that fights against the darkspawn, a horde of evil creatures that threaten to destroy the world. The game features a rich and immersive world, a deep and tactical combat system, and a compelling and branching story. It also has some drawbacks, such as:
- A dated and clunky graphics, with stiff and awkward animations and facial expressions.
- A slow and tedious gameplay, with long and frequent loading screens and inventory management.
- A steep and unforgiving learning curve, with complex and obscure mechanics and systems that require a lot of trial and error.
- A dark and grim tone, with a lot of violence and tragedy that can be depressing and disturbing.
Origins is not a flawless game, but it is a masterpiece. It is the game that defines the series, and it sets the standard for the genre. It has a lot of depth and replay value, and it offers a unique and memorable experience for every player. It is a game that every fan of fantasy and RPG should play at least once in their life.
Conclusion
Dragon Age is a series that has a lot of fans and a lot of critics. It is a series that has a lot of highs and a lot of lows. It is a series that has a lot of potential and a lot of challenges. It is a series that we love and hate, but we can’t ignore. We hope that this article has helped you to rank the Dragon Age games from worst to best, and to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each game. We also hope that you are excited for the next game in the series, Dragon Age 4, which is currently in development and expected to be released in the near future.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dragon Age series and its games.
Q: What is the best order to play the Dragon Age games?
A: The best order to play the Dragon Age games is the chronological order, which is:
- Dragon Age: Origins
- Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening
- Dragon Age 2
- Dragon Age: Inquisition
This order will allow you to follow the story and the lore of the series, and to see how your choices and actions affect the world and the characters. However, you can also play the games in any order you want, as each game has its own standalone story and protagonist. You can also skip the games that you don’t like or don’t have access to, as the games have a summary feature that lets you choose the major decisions of the previous games.
Q: What is the best class and race to play in the Dragon Age games?
A: The best class and race to play in the Dragon Age games depends on your personal preference and playstyle. There is no definitive answer, as each class and race has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each game has its own mechanics and systems. However, here are some general tips and suggestions:
- In Origins, the best class is the mage, as it has the most versatility and power, and the best race is the human noble, as it has the most influence and options in the story.
- In Dragon Age 2, the best class is the rogue, as it has the most mobility and damage, and the best race is the human, as it is the only race available for Hawke.
- In Inquisition, the best class is the warrior, as it has the most survivability and utility, and the best race is the elf, as it has the most relevance and connection to the story.
Q: What are the best companions and romances in the Dragon Age games?
A: The best companions and romances in the Dragon Age games are subjective and personal, as each companion and romance has its own personality and backstory, and each player has their own taste and preference. However, here are some popular and well-liked companions and romances in each game:
- In Origins, the best companions are Alistair, Morrigan, Leliana, and Shale, and the best romances are Alistair, Morrigan, Leliana, and Zevran.
- In Dragon Age 2, the best companions are Varric, Isabela, Fenris, and Anders, and the best romances are Isabela, Fenris, Anders, and Merrill.
- In Inquisition, the best companions are Cassandra, Varric, Solas, and Dorian, and the best romances are Cassandra, Solas, Dorian, and Cullen.