BioWare has just released a new preview of its upcoming dark fantasy RPG Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. After Dragon Age: Inquisition in 2014, the developers teased an upcoming scene in the game that, while brief, has huge implications for the series. (*4*)
Due for a 2023 release, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, aka Dragon Age 4, may well rank among the best RPGs of all time, if the developers play their cards right. Supposedly in very good shape from the developers, fans are expecting great things from this latest installment. It's been just over eight years since Dragon Age's last mainline release, a long time to yearn for dark fantasy goodness. (*4*)
However, despite being just under a minute long, this new preview suggests that Dreadwolf will shake up the Dragon Age saga in a big way, while maintaining the legacy of the game's predecessors. . (*4*)
As you can see, there is a lot to unpack here. First, let's talk about the Veil; the barrier between magic and reality that will clearly play a key role in Dreadwolf's story. It's a tried-and-true fantasy trope that Warhammer 40,000 and The Witcher make generous use of as well. (*4*)
However, the twist here is that the eponymous Dread Wolf seems determined to tear down this barrier (having erected it himself in the first place). The Fade, the realm of Dragon Age magic, is filled with raw emotions and terrifying demonic forces. Although Dragon Age: Inquisition toyed with the idea of a breach of reality, completely removing the barriers between magic and reality could take the game to interesting and mind-blowing places. (*4*)
The trailer also raises the question of whether such a takedown would necessarily be a bad thing. Is the Dragon Age: Inquisition party member and legendary elven god Solas the Dreadwolf a tyrant or a freedom fighter? In typical BioWare style, the trailer invites you to answer that question for yourself. (*4*)
(*4*)(Image credit: BioWare)
You may also recognize the soft tones of Varric Tethras, a fan-favorite gang member from Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. In addition to giving us a chance to swoon over his velvety voice, the choice to use Varric as the narrator suggests that while Dreadwolf is committed to going to bold new places, he'll still be building on the existing continuity that fans of the series know. . and love. (*4*)
Mass Effect Andromeda, the fourth entry in the Mass Effect series, met with a chilling reception, not only because of bugs and animation issues, but also because of the way it divested from the established story of the series. Perhaps by sticking with core characters like Varric and Solas and rooting in the series' past, Dreadwolf will avoid that particular pitfall and offer something that will satisfy established fans and newcomers alike. (*4*)