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Question for people who've played both Mass Effect and Dragon Age series

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bananafactory

Banned
I really want to pick up Dragon Age: Inquisition, but a friend recently told me that playing it without playing the others is equivalent to playing Mass Effect 3 without playing Mass Effect 1 or 2. As someone who's played through the Mass Effect series, that sounds like a fucking terrible idea and I'd have had no clue what was going on if I did that.

I played 30 hours of Dragon Age Origins but didn't quite finish the story (and that was years ago so I don't even remember what happened), and never touched DA2. Would I really be that lost playing Inquisition? Is this comparison actually accurate?
 
DA:I lays the lore on thick. It's not just from DA:O or DA2, it's the type of game you'll want to keep a wiki page open for if you want to stay in on everything that happens. With that in mind, I don't think going into the game with experience with the franchise will hinder your enjoyment of it at all, though of course it's always nice to have a personal investment in big sequels like this.
 
You'll miss a lot of references from previous game, specially mentions to the lore and events in DA2. You could still play DA:I, as it has kinda of a self-contained story arc, but the best thing you could do is watch some cutscenes from DA:2, and then play DA:I. It's not nearly as necessary as in ME3.
 
bananafactory said:
I don't need the story from the second one at all?
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From what I understand the story of the second one (or one of the DLCs) actually carries on in this game. I only played the first game and its expansion and I feel ok in going into this. There is a bunch of background info and world building you might want from the first game as you might be lost going into it. I didn't play 2 and there is a character in your part who was in 2 that does a god job of filling you in on what you missed.
 
Shepard said:
You'll miss a lot of references from previous game, specially mentions to the lore and events in DA2. You could still play DA:I, as it has kinda of a self-contained story arc, but the best thing you could do is watch some cutscenes from DA:2, and then play DA:I. It's not nearly as necessary as in ME3.
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Yeah, I think I'd be OK with the mentions to lore and events, I'm just wondering if it's as directly connected as the ME series was. Like playing ME3 without playing the others would be shit because you don't have the connection with those characters. Are the characters in Inquisition the same as those in the other games?
 
FullMetalx117 said:
I actually heard, if anything, the second one is more important to the story of the Inquisition than the first one is.
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It is...second one was basically a set-up game for the events of Inquisition. The things you do in DA2 basically change the world of DA and the consequences of that play out in DA:I
 
bananafactory said:
I don't need the story from the second one at all?
Click to expand...

Dragon Age 2 is just plain a lousy game with a nonsense story. It has moments, but it's story is not something I'd say you go should go out of your way to experience. The main story can be adequately summarized in either five minutes of exposition or from a short forum paragraph.

The story of the DA: 2 sets up Inquisition in a important way I imagine, but Inquisition probably summarizes DA:2 in it's intro.
 
bananafactory said:
Yeah, I think I'd be OK with the mentions to lore and events, I'm just wondering if it's as directly connected as the ME series was. Like playing ME3 without playing the others would be shit because you don't have the connection with those characters. Are the characters in Inquisition the same as those in the other games?
Click to expand...

Oh you're looking for character development? Skip da2 then because theres barely any of that. I think the only companion that carries over from da2 is Varric and hes the same guy he was from the second game.
 
I'm still super early into the game but so far DA: I feels like the third game in the Dragon Age universe while ME3 felt like the culmination of a trilogy. I'd recommend reading the plot synopsis of the first two then jumping into DA: I.
 
bananafactory said:
Yeah, I think I'd be OK with the mentions to lore and events, I'm just wondering if it's as directly connected as the ME series was. Like playing ME3 without playing the others would be shit because you don't have the connection with those characters. Are the characters in Inquisition the same as those in the other games?
Click to expand...

Some of them are returning characters, but unless you're interested in their backstory, you wont miss that much going straight to DA:I.
 
bananafactory said:
Yeah, I think I'd be OK with the mentions to lore and events, I'm just wondering if it's as directly connected as the ME series was. Like playing ME3 without playing the others would be shit because you don't have the connection with those characters. Are the characters in Inquisition the same as those in the other games?
Click to expand...

It's not as connected as ME. You play a different character in each DA game (and potentially from DA:Origins to it's expansion Awakening). The main thing you miss out on by not playing the others is background lore and stuff. Things like knowing the purpose of the Templers and how Mages are kept in "circles" and what the Chantry is. You can looks that stuff up in a wiki or the codex though.

There are some returning characters from the previous games but it's fine as you can talk about their past and learn about them from the perspective of a character who doesn't know them or has only heard of them.
 
DAO is a good way to get a feel for the world. DA2 is a step down in pretty much every way, but some people enjoy it well enough.

If you do plan to skip DA2, at least you can get a recap with Dragon Age Keep.
 
It would be perfect if you could play both, but another alternative is to use Dragon Age Keep. It is more direct and you'd have to read about the side quests, but it's the solution if you don't have much time.
 
FullMetalx117 said:
I actually heard, if anything, the second one is more important to the story of Inquisition than the first one is.
Click to expand...

It is. That's not going to stop DA2 hyperbole however.

It's weird too, because in addition to the fact it's years old now, it's so commonly cheap it's not worth dissuading people from giving it an honest try. There's plenty there that's worth merit anyway.
 
bananafactory said:
Yeah, I think I'd be OK with the mentions to lore and events, I'm just wondering if it's as directly connected as the ME series was. Like playing ME3 without playing the others would be shit because you don't have the connection with those characters. Are the characters in Inquisition the same as those in the other games?
Click to expand...
I'd say it's more like playing KotOR 2 without playing KotOR than it is like jumping into ME3 without playing the first two. There's a few characters that come over, but since you're playing a new character to the series it doesn't feel like your character has had an ongoing relationship with any of them like Shepard would in ME2/ME3.

I say jump in, visit DragonAgeKeep.com to fill out your settings for DA1 & DA2, and read the codex or a wiki if you want more details on events from the previous games.
 
Yes, play Dragon Age II. You can set it on easy and play it like an Action RPG and focus on the sidequests and character you want. It does play a role in Inquisition, and it can help set up some, "OK, that's neat of you BioWare" type moments. For $15 (I'm assuming that is how cheap you can find it), I think it's worth it. Plus, with low expectations and entry cost you might actually really like DAII for what it is.
 
I really would like to play at least the first one again. I got very close to the end and I remember loving it and the story. There's just too many fucking games right now to make time to play through it all. Might just wait until next year when there's a bit of a lull and replay through DAO and maybe DA2 if I can find it on the cheap.

I really hate playing a game and not having all the backstory. Never played a sequel before without playing it's predecessors.
 
Inorigo said:
It is. That's not going to stop DA2 hyperbole however.

It's weird too, because in addition to the fact it's years old now, it's so commonly cheap it's not worth dissuading people from giving it an honest try. There's plenty there that's worth merit anyway.
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It is but there isn't some special details that are tied to dragon age 2 that you can't learn by simply reading a plot summary of the game. Its not like dragon age origins where you affect the world around you with your choices. DA2 is basically a self contained story about Hawke for the most part and a few choices that he makes. Choices which are pretty much tied to a few npcs that arent integral to DA:I as far as I know. Yes a big event happens that continues into DA:I but you can easily look that up. Even the whole "mages vs templar" thing doesn't officially start till the very last part of the game.
 
Play em both if u want, second one isn't that bad it's just a different type of game.

Otherwise, just read the plot points and enjoy inquisition.
 
If you want to get the most out of Inquisition you should play both Origins and 2.

As some have mentioned, the plot from 2 has a pretty profound impact on Inquisition to the point were I feel like it's almost required to play 2. There are several references to Origins as well but it doesn't tie directly into the plot nearly as much. Regardless, there are enough references and cameos made that I'd recommend playing both games first.
 
People saying ignore the second game are ridiculous. So much of the story in Inquisition is literally built on the foundations of the event, characters, and lore from DA2.

You can certainly play Inq without playing the others I suppose, but the game is so much more satisfying when you understand references and know the ins-and-outs of the game universe.
 
It's not as continuous of a story as Mass Effect but it does rely heavily on lore knowledge, especially early on. I haven't come accross any events that would be shaped by previous games' decisions as much as Mass Effect besides some cameos.
 
It isn't necessary to play the first two, the story is self contained unlike Mass Effect where you're playing the same character with many of the same team mates. Some characters do carry over, but since every game you play an entirely different hero, you're building a new relationship with them anyway. You'll just miss out on all the references. I for example never played the DLC to 2(Barely managed to get through the original game...), which puts me at a disadvantage but I feel like it explained it well enough in DAI.

I do still recommend you play Origins though. If only because it's a fantastic game.
 
You can get all of the necessary plot and background information to enjoy DA:I from a two paragraph synopsis of the Dragon Age universe. I would not recommend playing a 40-60 hour RPG just to serve as a prelude to DA:I.
 
Here is the synopsis of important information:

There is an alternate existence called The Fade where people go to dream every night. It is also where demons and spirits live. Mages draw on power from the fade, but sometimes risk getting possessed by spirits from there. Possessed mages are called "abominations". Mages are sent to live in controlled environments during their magical training. There is an order of holy knights called Templars who police Mage society.

In DA1, the characters dealt with "the blight". This is a buildup of darkspawn, who are monsters allegedly created when mages from the old empire tried to invade "heaven" and were cast out. They are led by dragons known as "archdemons". In DA2, a bunch of mostly meaningless shit happened, but which eventually culminated in the Mages around the land rebelling against their Templar watchers and initiating a sort of civil war.

That's basically what you need to get you going. Even most of that will get filled in by certain characters if you ask.
 
ThoseDeafMutes said:
You can get all of the necessary plot and background information to enjoy DA:I from a two paragraph synopsis of the Dragon Age universe. I would not recommend playing a 40-60 hour RPG just to serve as a prelude to DA:I.
Click to expand...

ThoseDeafMutes said:
Here is the synopsis of important information:

There is an alternate existence called The Fade where people go to dream every night. It is also where demons and spirits live. Mages draw on power from the fade, but sometimes risk getting possessed by spirits from there. Possessed mages are called "abominations". Mages are sent to live in controlled environments during their magical training. There is an order of holy knights called Templars who police Mage society.

In DA1, the characters dealt with "the blight". This is a buildup of darkspawn, who are monsters allegedly created when mages from the old empire tried to invade "heaven" and were cast out. They are led by dragons known as "archdemons". In DA2, a bunch of mostly meaningless shit happened, but which eventually culminated in the Mages around the land rebelling against their Templar watchers and initiating a sort of civil war.

That's basically what you need to get you going. Even most of that will get filled in by certain characters if you ask.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I'd been lurking this thread and I hated playing Origins. This helps out.
 
Having never played the series, I was asking myself the same question when I saw all those awesome Inquisition impressions.

Now I'm playing through Origins (on pc) for the first time to get a feel of the world and characters. Sure, I could read about the blight and the mages, but you don't get the same understanding and attachment from just reading summaries.

I think it's worth it, because Origins is still a great game. Not going to play DA2 though, I want to get to Inquisition.
 
Wiki the second game or watch a lets play/cutscenes.

As someone who went and finished it due to Dragon Age Inquisition being release I really regret wasting so much time on it and I think it was only 15 hours but it felt like a complete slog.

I thought I'd go back and find it wasn't so bad but it is legitimately terrible. Within hour it becomes so repetitive and boring I don't know if different classes might spice it up (was female warrior Hawke.)

I would suggest just reading a plot synopsis. I had to anyway because I wouldn't shell put for the DLC which can cost more than the purchase of the game on origin.
 
OP I got you covered. Open two tabs on your browser. First one, go to Dragon Age Keep. The second one open up the Dragon Age Wikia site. Go through each choice on the Dragon Age Keep site and find keywords (names, locations) so that you can enter them on the Wikia page and find the corresponding quest. Read the summary, read the choices available and the results for each choice. Pick a choice and use it on the Dragon Age Keep site. Then move on to the next one. Sounds complicated but you can go through all the choices in a couple of hours. It will play a video telling the story using your choices once you complete Dragon Age Keep site. Then to make sure, go to YouTube and find one of the videos that catch you up on the story. I think there are a few going around. And I think there is a thread here on GAF for people who haven't played the other games.

I originally played both games but I couldn't remember a lot of the details so this is what I did.

Those choices you make in Dragon Age Keep can be imported into the game to function like a saved game with your choices made.
 
Also Dragon Age Keep seems to have imported exactly 0 of my choices into Dragon Age Inquisition.

So the 'lore' in my game I haven't got an idea about seeing as most of the background picked choices I haven't experienced.

Wish the game would show you the keep info before you start. I got a message saying keep data had been imported but Varric keeps
telling me about the exploits of dude Hawke.
 
bananafactory said:
I really want to pick up Dragon Age: Inquisition, but a friend recently told me that playing it without playing the others is equivalent to playing Mass Effect 3 without playing Mass Effect 1 or 2. As someone who's played through the Mass Effect series, that sounds like a fucking terrible idea and I'd have had no clue what was going on if I did that.

I played 30 hours of Dragon Age Origins but didn't quite finish the story (and that was years ago so I don't even remember what happened), and never touched DA2. Would I really be that lost playing Inquisition? Is this comparison actually accurate?
Click to expand...

Its not exactly like ME where you play one character all the way through and have these choices and relationships with other npcs. You personally may have a relationship with a certain npc but the protagonist is different in all three games. The only real thing that you would need from Origins is the lore (who the templars are, the chantry, the circle of magi, the grey wardens, etc) but you can pick that up by reading the codex in inquisition or reading the wiki. Most of the story is about what happened in DA2 and dlc for DA2 (well one of the dlcs) and the aftermath after that. So you could probably just pick up Inquistion, watch a video that explain the plot of DA2 and read the wiki or codex when something gets brought up when you don't know something.
 
Spacejaws said:
Also Dragon Age Keep seems to have imported exactly 0 of my choices into Dragon Age Inquisition.

So the 'lore' in my game I haven't got an idea about seeing as most of the background picked choices I haven't experienced.

Wish the game would show you the keep info before you start. I got a message saying keep data had been imported but Varric keeps
telling me about the exploits of dude Hawke.
Click to expand...

When you exported your Keep world state it gave you a timestamp.

When you imported the world state in the beginning of the game it told you the timestamp of the imported world state.

Did those match?
 
No it is not like Mass Effect, each DA game is stand alone. If you played Kotor, its more like that in terms of how connected the sequels are. You will not understand everything, but nor will you be stepping into an adventure mid-way. Each DA game has a new main character, mostly new companions, and involves new issues. So just go for it.
 
Finished DA2, never beat DA:O. It does lay the lore on pretty thick but I think it'd be easy enough to catch up. Speaking from the standpoint of being thirty hours in: each party member has a pretty extensive expository conversation about their background, and taken as a whole they can fill in the gaps with regards to the lore of Thedas. That in addition to pretty obvious contextual stuff and the codex will get you up to speed pretty nicely.
 
I've come into it without playing the others and it's not that big a deal. There are quite a few YouTube videos with primers on what happened and there are lots of dialogue trees where characters can fill you in.
 
bombshell said:
When you exported your Keep world state it gave you a timestamp.

When you imported the world state in the beginning of the game it told you the timestamp of the imported world state.

Did those match?
Click to expand...

I think I remember noticing it, I completed the DA keep about 20 mins before starting the game for the first time. I remember seeing the time displayed and thinking that it sounded right. Is there any way to check the timestamp on a current game? I could start a new game but that doesn't tell me if the old game is still running with the right DA keep info.
 
As others have mentioned, Dragon Age has the advantage for newcomers of having a different protaganists and party members each game, so unlike ME you're going to be learning about the world as you're character does. Just take all the optional conversation options, read all the lore you find as you go, do all the side quests and look up anything you find really interesting if you want.

Saying that, these are intensely deep and complicated, narrative driven games, and you would be best off playing the first 2 before Inquisition.

Plus, they're cracking games in their own right. Origins is arguably the best fantasy RPG ever made, and 2 is actually very good dispute being a step down from even the Awakening expansion. Just try and keep Hawke friends with everyone and pick the sarcastic but job option 90% of the time and it's a cracking comedy misadventure game about a group of drinking buddies getting way in over their heads.
 
Make no mistake though, Dragon Age 2 is a chore. It's really tedious and not fun. But knowing the basics, getting familiar with a few of the characters, that can be rewarding for your Inquisition run.
 
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