The Power Within Dragon Age: Inquisition

[@purplethinkingcap9800]

I’ve always thought of the dragon age games as an extended meditation on heroism. No game teases the question “who are you when you have power?” Quite like inquisition. It falls short sometimes, but your video talks about the exact reasons why I love this game! Subscribed for sure!

[@RokkoFonso]

Thank you so much for your comment and subscription :)

[@Emitlium]

I once saw a video about Dishonored, also went along the lines of "who are you when no one can stop you", which I thought was quite fitting and how it plays out. It is very different game than Dragon age, but if this concept is interesting to you, I would advise to give it a try :)

[@randyjax09]

It’s surprising that more people haven’t talked about this. Inquisition has always had a special place in my heart because not only does it give you personal power, it also gives you political power. Your choices have so much weight, and the cause & effect aspects are on a whole other level. Love it!

[@pastafarian7]

My favorite thing about inquisition (which I did not realize at first), was the way the game left the possibility of the maker actually existing open without confirming it. He never like appears before you and sends you on a quest, but the game has some debatable “miracles” in it, like when we see the spirit of the leader of the chantry who helps us against the nightmare demon, or the inquisitor getting the mark in the first place, or assembling/finding our team, or corypheus’s eventual defeat. It is possible and consistent with the story that you are the chosen of the maker (but maybe not).

[@RokkoFonso]

Yeah, that’s very interesting, and really applicable to our reality :) Thank you so much for your comment!

[@roiking2740]

And than Dragon age Veil-guard came...

[@PlanetaryPluto]

How'd you walk away with these interpretations... I feel like recovering your memories in the fade was the nail in the coffin on whether or not the inquisitor was divinely chosen, and the answer was squarely a no. Andraste didn't save you. You are, in fact, not her herald. The mark on your hand also isn't from the maker; you stumbled on a ritual and picked up a glowing ball. Actually, Corypheus told you as much when he showed up in haven to retrieve it.

[@pastafarian7]

@ that’s like an atheist interpretation. A lot of things happen at the right time and place though. Maybe that’s a coincidence, but maybe it’s an act of god? Especially the chantry spirit you meet in the fade, even if it’s not literally andraste. There is a logical explanation for everything if you’re looking for one, but there is also a divine one. Neither are proven or disproven imo.

[@circulus_vitiosus]

My favorite thing about all Dragon age games is Duncan's line at the beginning of the Origins: "Maker, help us all". After that, we go to the character selection screen. Duncan asks the Maker, and we make our first choice - the Hero choice. Powerful. Perfect

[@bowichan2407]

After the veilguard's release i decided to replay the inquisition. While not objectively best game in the series it's my favourite precicely for the reasons you've mentioned. Sometimes the game clearly favours one decision over the other but you still have a choice. I spend a lot of time thinking about every little decision because... It feels so important. This game truly makes me feel the weight behind my character's words and actions. I like to truly immerse myself in a character i'm playng and think about how their background would make them act even if their actions don't align with my own moral compass. And tbh i geniunely feel bad about hurting my companions with bad decisions so i'm usually being nice anyways. But i do it because i want to, because they are charming and loveable, not because i have no choice... And another little thing - despite many people call the world of DAI empty, i think quite the opposite - it feels alive. The npcs in Skyhold and major cities talk with enough variation to their lines and do a lot of actions like training and stuff, so places feel lived in. Not to mention the quests and tasks at war table that humanize your forces. Refugees need blankets. Your army needs a water source. The soldiers are people and they have friends and family and their own little dramas. Yeah the sheer amount of those side quests makes even me sick but i admire the way it makes your whole organisation believable. I'd like to quote a note that makes me tear up a litle every time i see it. This.. This is what Inqusition is about. "Maker, give me strength. When the darkspawn came to Denerim, I wept so hard that I could not see, but still I fought for You. When demons poured from the sky where the Temple of Sacred Ashes used to stand, my hands shook so badly that I could not aim my bow, but still I fought for You. When Corypheus and his Archdemon destroyed Haven and killed my friends, I screamed until I had no voice, but still I fought for You. They are sending me to attack Adamant. They say that the fortress is defended by an army of demons, and the odds are grim. We cannot win, but our distraction, our sacrifice may give the important people the chance to do what is necessary. My stomach is knotted, and I see dead friends from old battles reaching out for me every time I close my eyes. I am so afraid, Maker. But still, I will fight for You."

[@RokkoFonso]

Wow... that quote really hits hard. I totally agree with you. Games are a lot more fun when you put a bit of yourself into them, especially in RPGs, where character-building can go way beyond the game's limits. With a little imagination and commitment, you can add so much more depth to any character. That’s how I play at least, and I bring that mindset to a lot of genres, not just RPGs... one day I'll make a video about it hahha Thanks for the inspiration and for your comment :)

[@Astartes-6969]

Veilguard could've built upon the idea of Power and the responsibility of it or how it corrupts you. But no. We got Le Marvel Dialogue and Characters with Le Swords & Shields and Le Dragons

[@Vinteroffer]

Inquisition is a game where the sum of its parts is far greater than each one individually. There are better combat systems (even within the DA series arguably). There are more interesting companions in the series. It's a good looking game, but there were still better even at the time. It all accumulates to a very deep and unique experience. The sort of "final gasp" of "Old Bioware". I remember being so hyped about the DA Keep. It genuinely saddens me the current group at Bioware don't have near the same level of respect or care for the previous content. I struggled with deciding between the Qunari and the Chargers my first playthrough. Knowing what comes after, the decision is easy, but that first time, before you know the details of the final battles, it feels so important to have Qunari aid. And if you took time in Skyhold you already had so much time to get to know Bull and the Chargers so they're genuinely "friends" by then too. That was just the first example that came to mind.

[@YueAki]

One of the hardest choices on Inquisition for me was deciding who stayed behind and the fate of the wardens. I wish we could see the hero of ferelden also. Mine is still alive in inquisition and seeing them and Alistair would bring me such joy. There is so many choices I would like to see. 😅 Like how is Iron Bull feeling with the whole aantam thing. Talking to Cassandra about Varric accident. Talking to Leliana about how things were. Ugh, I'm sad, I miss those characters so much

[@RokkoFonso]

Well, you’re not alone, I miss them too now :') hahaha Thanks so much for your comment!

[@alessandrogarofalo9951]

THEORICALLY, we should had seen the HoF in DA4, since what we read in a letter to the inquisitor from the HoF him/herself. Saddly, we all know what happened with DA4 😅 Imagine a weisshaupt mission with HoF, Hawke, inquisitor and the new protagonist. As king Cailan once said: GLORIOUS!

[@Alonelythoughts]

@@alessandrogarofalo9951 I read somewhere that the HoF would have appeared for the Grey Warden's mission up to Adamant Fortress, but got scrapped last minute and replaced by Stroud. But yeah, my HoF married Anora and had Alistair as warden, one of the hardest choices in Inquisition

[@YurateYurate]

It's the fact that everyone finds their own joy and meaning in each game that makes them so great. I have always perceived DAI as a game about faith, about the power it gives people literally and figuratively, and what catastrophic consequences it can lead to. This game is about faith that gives hope and purpose, about faith that blinds and deafens, about faith that destroys states, be it Maker, Andraste or elven Creators. This game got me into heated debates with my husband about faith and purpose, even though I'm an atheist. Also, I have never felt such a kinship with the protagonist as in the Inquisition. I literally became my Inquisitor, what an amazing experience. I think haters always have something to complain about in every game, but I don't let it take away the joy of playing it. This applies to the new game too. you can find joy in anything as long as you look for joy and not hate. it was really interesting to see a different perspective, it made me think about the game again, and if something makes you think, it's something good. Thank you very much!

[@RokkoFonso]

First of all, thank you so much for your comment! You bring up a really interesting perspective, and it definitely got me thinking :) I also completely agree with your last point-if someone enjoys something you don’t, there's nothing worse than trying to ruin it for them, especially when it comes to video games, which are meant to make us happy. Thanks again!

[@Quyeningellvar]

Hey just dropping by to say I really agree with & appreciate your last point. Look for the light ❤

[@YurateYurate]

@@Quyeningellvar thank you, kindness is a rare spirit these days

[@claurin284]

I've never gotten in early on a channel that I felt was going to really blow up before. You make some really interesting insights and have great sense of humor to boot!

[@RokkoFonso]

Hey! thank you very much for your comment :) It really makes me want to make more videos hahahha Hope you have a great day!

[@sarawawa8984]

This was such a well thought out and well put together video and analysis of inquisition, and you take a very different angle than most people do when looking at this game. I love it!

[@RokkoFonso]

Really, thank you so much :')

[@Agent789_0]

Inquisition has got to be one of my favorite ideas for an RPG ever. It may not be perfect, but it’s easily one of my personal favorites and it’s tied with Origins for as best in the series.

[@mooddood4570]

inquisition made lived my life now. How i think,how i see things at times without it i wouldn't be here

[@OpticallEffect]

Thank you for capturing the exact reason why I love this game so much. And also why I love Pathfinder: WotR.

[@RokkoFonso]

Thanks for your comment! Hopefully, I'll make a video on WotR someday too... that one’s definitely going to be a long one haha

[@abukanoff]

Thats a quality content my mate. Dont quit, you have the talent to get many more veiwerses

[@RokkoFonso]

Thanks so much for your comment :') it really means a lot!

[@trotskyeraumpicareta4178]

Dragon Age: Inquisition is my favorite game that I never finished. Maybe this time...

[@RokkoFonso]

hahahha best of luck!

[@carlyofearth]

the ending is really good

[@TheDream6842]

You should finish it and don't forget to do the trespasser dlc which is the true ending of the game.

[@AnotherNerdyPerson]

A lovely video essay! Time to subscribe! :)

[@RokkoFonso]

Thanks a ton for your comment and for hitting that subscribe button! :)

[@Clever_viper]

Great video, it captures one of the main themes of Inquisition excellently. Inquisition is to me the best DA game. I just recently finished Veilguard (which I loved - best combat in the series), but it sure doesn’t hit the height of Inquisition in many regards. I also love Origins, which feels like my first love, but among all, I think none has made me feel like Inquisition.

[@RokkoFonso]

Hey! Thanks so much for your comment :')

[@bernova]

Maaan, that was a good video. Will be back!

[@RokkoFonso]

Thanks so much! Hope to see you around for the next video (no idea when that'll be, but it'll happen haha)

[@gemmafire8628]

The plot of Veilguard feels more interested in taking pages from Origin and 2’s books than Inquisition a lot of the time, and that’s fine. They’re both good games that resonated with me. But damn, I hope we someday get another game like Inquisition, especially now that we’re in the north. What would a power like the Inquisition look like with the resources of Tevinter at its fingertips?

[@RokkoFonso]

That's a really interesting premise! and I think it's about time we got a DA game where we can explore the whole world, including Par Vollen... thanks for your comment :)

[@karandullet380]

Inquisition for ne was the best dragon age ever i hope they will fix veilguard but that hope is dwindling day by day

[@annaershis3894]

wait...I came for the content and stayed for the VOICE ❤

[@amberace]

I played the first 3 games and found fun in each one. Might someday play DA Veilguard if its given for free. But DA Vielguard has inspired me to play the other games again.

[@kiddracoify]

Each of these games is good in its own right. Origins had to be good or the series would have died and it can give you a very heroic journey, if you play it that way. DA 2 is rushed, but it is nice to have a game where you try and you can not change a thing, despite attempting. Inquisition has maps, I do not know what they lead to and too many collection quests, but has a great atmosphere and here and there some points, where you had to question yourself. Veilguard has many flaws in its heavy handed writing and the romance plots are a joke ( a joke with huge, massive potential thou), but it is fun and some character and some things add a nice touch. I had not yet the time to play through the dlcs yet, but intent to and adding the element of being able to letting go of power is a nice new aspect.

[@cionxion]

This video makes me want to play again. I never finished on pc but looks like it’s time to bring out the console lol

[@RokkoFonso]

good luck! :)

[@RealRogalDorn]

Nice video king.

[@MrApoorvaSingh753]

Thanks It's still my favorite game ❤ 😂 and I was sick of grifters talking crap of something they don't know about it.

[@PseronWyrd]

I tried to play Dragon Age: Origins when it came out in 2009 but lost interest and didn't finish it. I didn't bother to play the other games in the series. However, this video makes Inquisition sound intriguing. I might give the game a try. Wonderful analysis!

[@carlyofearth]

the games get better with age and playthroughs in my experience. i fell in love with DAO and DAI on my second playthroughs. DA2 however i adored from the start. by my third playthroughs of all the games (except datv so far) i became an uber fan. they get better each run bc you notice so much more lore and little details and they start to mean a lot to you.

[@RokkoFonso]

They're amazing games, totally worth every second :) I also agree with what carly said... the deeper you dive into the lore, the more fun it gets. Thanks for your comments!

[@carlyofearth]

Great video!! Are you a Solasmancer? AND: will you make a DATV video as well? (pls!)

[@RokkoFonso]

The gameplay I used for this video was the first time I romanced Solas, just because I wanted Trespasser to hit even harder hahha No regrets... it was the best choice. And yeah, I’ll be making a video about DAV :) Not sure how soon though, since I’m taking my time with it and planning to play it more than once so I can add something fresh to the conversation... I feel like just saying it’s the best or the worst doesn’t really add much at this point. Thanks a lot for your comment!

[@unnombrealazar8788]

Neat

[@Haloways]

The REAL POWER comes through the Keeps man! DG:V was a junk ... can't play DA:O right now.

[@RokkoFonso]

A lot of people hated Keep when it first came out, but honestly, I think its a good solution... its even fun to use haha Thanks for your comment!

[@Truekingr6]

Eh. Dragon age is dead to me. Now mass effect is next. What a shame.

[@AndrooUK]

Nope. Still only three games.

[@phantomspectre2984]

A return to form in terms of DAO, DAii is and always will be garbage like veilguard. Maybe greatness skips a generation in dragon age

[@RokkoFonso]

My dad says the same thing about me and my brother haahah thanks for your comment!

[@BodaciousDerb]

Yes 2 is a disappointment but i wouldnt compare it to Veilguard thats an insult i wouldnt wish upon my worst enemy

[@channel45853]

How do you both have bad takes? It's impressive in the sad kind of way.

[@BodaciousDerb]

@channel45853 in what way?

[@phantomspectre2984]

@@channel45853 shill #veilgate

[@AelitaUndomiel]

i miss this game so much, but i don’t feel like having a second playthrough. the first time i played it it was very special for me, i idealized it in my head. i’m disappointed with veilguard, it just doesn’t feel connected to inquisition despite having solas as the “antagonist”. it feels bland. i’ve seen some people saying rook is a more interesting protagonist than the inquisitor, and i don’t agree. they’re different. the inquisitor was thrown into the story, and suddenly had political power and an army. meanwhile, rook is just that guy with friends and contacts. also, veilguard’s companions have the same depth as a plate of soup. it took me half of the game to empathize with them, unlike inquisition. i’m not hating on veilguard, in fact, i’m playing it and spending my time on it for a reason, but i don’t enjoy it as much as inquisition ❤️‍🩹

[@RokkoFonso]

I haven’t finished Veilguard yet, so I can’t really say much hehe but I think I get your point. It’s hard to beat that first time finishing a game, especially if that game is Inquisition. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@AelitaUndomiel]

@ thanks to you for making this video :)