So since I've never actually seen a topic about any Dragon Age game here, I thought I'd post a little Dragon Age 3 anticipation thread. 
 
Just discuss the previous two games, what you liked/disliked and what you want to see in Dragon Age 3!
 
I'll also try to keep this thread up to date with the newest information, taken directly from BSN(http://social.bioware.com...index/14334357). 
 
General Information
The name of the game is Dragon Age 3: Inquisition.

It will run on the Frostbite 2 Engine.

Release Date: In an interview at the MCM Expo in London (http://www.bigredbarrel.com/2012/11/mass-effect-community-commanders-interview/), Chris Priestly mentioned a release date for Dragon Age 3 as Fall of 2013. Not a confirmed or promised street date, obviously, but it does give us a much more general idea of the timeframe.

Other than the small tidbits that are being found, don't expect any major information or details until at least spring of 2013, if not later. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14831123&lf=8)

According to the PAX Panel, they are thinking the game will be longer than DA2, although unsure if it will be longer or shorter than DAO. But there is a focus on not putting too much filler, and instead lengthening the game through story and exploration.

You will be able to import your save(s) from the previous game(s). Exactly how it will be handled is unknown, at this point, but supposedly the feature will be improved upon. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14370204&lf=8)

According to David Gaider (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14597049&lf=8), they are still talking about how, exactly, to handle the epilogue for DA3. Could be text, could be playable, could be voiced. It does seem consideration is being made that it does not potentially conflict with future games, though, so that's happy to hear.
 
Setting
The game takes place during the mage/templar civil war, and likely is directly connected to the events of that war. Based on that, it is likely the game's timeline begins on or around 9:40 Dragon.

At least part of the game will take place in Orlais (as mentioned at the PAX Panel, "somewhere French"), although based on the map shown in this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjexkoGVKlY), it will also include Ferelden, the Free Marches, Nevarra, and the southern areas of both the Tevinter Imperium and Antiva.

As mentioned by Mary Kirby (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14773874#14774012), the Inquisition itself will obviously feature strongly into the plot, and during the start of the game, the protagonist will establish his relationship to the titular Inquisition.
 
Creatures/Monsters/Races
Elves will be tweaked again, falling visually somewhere between DA:O and DA2. (Not just humans with pointy ears, but not quite as far as they were in DA2.) (https://twitter.com/Mike_Laidlaw/statuses/250037789477969920)

There will be at least one new major type of demon. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/15243582&lf=8)
 
Protagonist
It is confirmed that the protagonist will be voiced, and will not likely have the option to turn off the voice.  (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14259672&lf=8)

It has been confirmed at the Edmonton Expo that the main character will be human. However, you will choose a background, which will greatly affect your story and gameplay. The background will not be playable, unlike the origins in DA:O.

It's been assumed, by many, that the protagonist will be an "Inquisitor", but at this point, that is purely speculation and has not been confirmed or denied in any way.

If you were thinking to continue the Amell lineage, think again. You will not have the option to make the DA3 protagonist an Amell. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/15666509&lf=8)

According to David Gaider (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14614580&lf=8), you will NOT be forced to serve the Chantry or express belief in the Maker. They will be attempting to allow you to actively express doubt or belief, if the situation calls for it. 

It has been mentioned in the PAX Panel that they want specializations to be more important. What exactly that will entail remains to be seen. It was mentioned that instead of taking multiple specializations, they may instead being focus on taking just one, and having that one be more story-relevant (such as how it is obtained, and how NPCs react to you).

Also at the PAX Panel, they intend to attempt to make the character feel more like your own character (like DAO), as opposed to a pre-generated character you are controlling (like DA2), through dialogue and conversations.
 
Armor and Gear
Companions will be able to change gear and armor again, but the appearance of the items will change to match their unique style. (http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/13/dacustomization/) Little has been said about how these items will look on the protagonist, however.


Combat
There was talk at this panel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjexkoGVKlY) about combat becoming far more strategic, placing emphasis on elements such as positioning, elevation, chokepoints, and preparation, with a strong focus on teamwork. (Note: He said "strategic", but given the context, it seems the word "tactical" is more likely to be closer to the truth).

One of the goals of the combat team is to have bigger, more interesting combats (and less "trash fights"). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/15257964&lf=8)
 
 
Companions (General Information)
Officially, no information is known about specific companions. In David Gaider's blog, he uses a Grey Warden and a Seeker as examples of a concept, but there is no word on if those were simply examples, or actual companions.

The cast of companions has been "set in stone" as it were, and there will be no modifications to the list. Which companions are on that list is unknown. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14422815&lf=8)

All indicators are that you will not be able to just randomly murder your companions. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14294327&lf=8). That's not to say that companion death will be impossible, just that it would likely be a planned, story-based event (such as Anders in DA2).

Companions will be able to change gear and armor again, but the appearance of the items will change to match their unique style. (http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/13/dacustomization/)

For those concerned, yes, random party banter will be back, as in DAO and DA2 (if not more than before). (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14351939&lf=8)

As for party banter (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/14783512&lf=8), they are experimenting with a system that would allow the player to interject a chosen line into party banter voluntarily. (Similar to Hawke's occasional interjection, but not auto-dialogue). This feature is not confirmed as definite, but it is being considered.

They are removing some of the various "random barking" of party members (such as clicking on them, or random in-combat battle cries). Instead, there will be more dialogue snippets devoted to reacting to events and commands. (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/371/index/15250854&lf=8)

At the Edmonton Expo, it was mentioned that you would be able to customize your followers. Whether this refers to the above-mentioned armor mechanics, or some new unrevealed customization mechanic (such as appearance or personality) is unknown.
 
 

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There's much more just head to the link I listed up top!


I personally enjoyed both games very much. Origins is vastly superior but I did have a great time with Dragon Age 2(It did get a bit old by Act 3 though). 
 
So who else here is a fan? Which games did you like and what do you want to see in DA3? 

I know what you mean. I feel the same way, except about DA2 combat. It was just too over the top and lacked most of the strategy from DAO. 
 
DAO was very tough the first time around. My third, and most recent, playthrough was of a Dual Weapon Warrior wearing massive armor. I had over 120 defense while wearing Massive Armor and did devastating amounts of damage. Because of this, most boss battles were fairly easy this playthrough.
 
As for DA2, you're right. Much of it was so easy, then you'd get these insanely difficult boss fights. The one in Legacy DLC, at the end, oh man that was awful. 
 
I'm going to update this thread to be more of an information/discussion thread. Give me a minute.

I hear ya. DAO is probably the best RPG I've ever played. It's just so damn good. Awakening is also fantastic. 
I also went crazy over the Origin Stories. They were my favorite part of the game...Something totally new every time you made a new character...No other game offers this. It's just incredible.
 
I don't hate DA2 as much as most people. It's a clear downgrade and doesn't come close to what Origins was, but it was still really cool. 
 
I'm hoping DA3 is amazing and DA2 was more of a 'filler game'. 
It's good to see Bioware is taking actually taking the criticism and owning up to the games faults. 
 
As for your wishes, it's already confirmed there is a set protagonist but I'm sure you'll be able to customize him like the past games. Origins will be back but it's not likely we'll be able to play them.

Yeah I know what you mean about DA2 not feeling like an Origins sequel. It was more like a totally new Dragon Age game. Still, I enjoyed it, but thanks to the set protagonist...I don't have a huge desire to replay it...
 
Haha I have a feeling I'll be gifting people Ultimate Edition often as well. I did get it for boredgunner but he so far refuses to install it. Maybe we need to convince him?
 
I'm excited about Orgins returning in any form honestly. Even if they aren't playable, for people that RP like myself...even simple text Origin descriptions would add tons of replaybility, as long as they affect the game thoroughly. 
I wasn't a big fan of Hawke overall. But having the option to give an origin to our character in DA3 will help out a lot. I'm excited for that.
 
As for the DA2 companions, I feel the same way. Most were incredibly annoying...Especially Merrill and Fenris. Man were they annoying. 
 
I want to see more standard companions and not this EDGY BLOOD MAGE OR SLAVE ESCAPEE ELF crap. It was just annoying. 
I'd rather see a dedicated Grey Warden, Seeker, Circle Mage(like Wynne but maybe a male mage companion for once) and so on. It's not edgy when half your party are fugitives or criminals.

Everyone has personal tastes, but I just didn't like how there was little strategy needed for DA2, and it was just overly flashy. 
I found that boss fights in DA2 consisted of standing there trying to pump the most damage you could into the boss, while in DAO you had to strategize how to defeat this incredibly difficult enemy.
 
I personally loved the party based combat. I loved taking over other characters and playing as them. In my first playthrough I found my self playing as Morrigan quite often. 
Otherwise, you can always edit their tactics and they become quite self sufficient. Especially mages.

I don't mean to interrupt this nerd convention, and truly wish it to continue. But lets just say, look at who is making the game. You have been warned. 

Alcatraz968
I don't mean to interrupt this nerd convention, and truly wish it to continue. But lets just say, look at who is making the game. You have been warned. 

 
The same company who made the first two. What's your point lol. DA2 is the only game from Bioware that I feel was lacking. Baldur's Gate, NWN, KoToR, Jade Empire, MDK2, Mass Effect series (yeah I am one of the few who had no problem with ME3) are all great games. and hell even what I played of Sonic Dark Brotherhood on my brothers DS a couple years ago was ok. Never been into handhelds too much though. All their games are of the highest quality. That's why you don't get two or three from them every year like other companies. Even though I didn't like it as well as Origins, DA2 looked great and sounded great. I wasn't a fan of the story but it was well written, everything fit together, it was just bland compared to Origins. By far their worst game to me, but no company is perfect.

Don't touch anything that has a 3 in the name published from EA.
 
It only holds broken dreams and huge betrayals.

Like raithos, I don't despise Bioware because of ME3(I loved it too). It's not even the same team, the people working on Dragon Age are not responsible for the Mass Effect series.
It's clear they've taken the criticisms of DA2 to heart and hopefully make proper fixes. I won't judge the game when all we have are is a title and a few random details.
 
 
@Seronx, it's actually titled Dragon Age: Inquisition. So there is no 3 in the title.. 

Oh no...How can you LIKE the way the elves look in DA2. I almost puke every time I see one. I stay away from the alienage at all costs. 
 
They're truly hideous. 

So I can assume you're one of those people who overreacted and now say "ME3 ruined the whole series for me!" Despite the fact that ME3 was a fantastic game up until the last 10 mins.
 
Regardless, Bioware is a BIG company. The DA team and ME team are different.

What is this pheonix DLC? I've never heard of it. 
I only know of Levethian, Prothean, and Omega DLC. (but don't spoil any of them, I've only played the Prothean DLC yet)
 
I agree I don't like Biowares DLC system. It's expensive and especially with Mass Effect and DA2, some major parts of the game are put into DLCs. But we can't change that. 
 
If the game is great and the DLC substancial(Which they always are), I will buy them and the DLC.

I will wait until everyone has played it, then make a decision. DA2 was so bad, got about half way through, maybe more, quite proud i made it that far.

Loved origins, completed it with every class.

Mage makes the game the easiest in my opinion, once you hit arcane warrior you will be proper hard.