I was reading through the interview with David Gaider and one of the things that interested me the most, parlty because I didnt expect it, was that your class specialization would have a greater story impact than it had in Dao or Da2. I've been thinking about this and personaly I think it sounds awesome. Like if you are a templar or a blood mage and people recognize you as one and act upon this. For example, say that Da3 will focus on the mage templar war, you chose the templar specialization and you aproach a group of rebel mages, they freak out and react to you as they would with any other templar. Also, one thing I think would be awesome would be if your specialization had an impact on your character, like if you were a blood mage and you could confront a templar saying something like "I am a blood mage and I will now torture you to death! Mwahahahaha!" (I know not all blood mages are evil so dont make an issue out of that) I just think it would be really cool even if it meant you would only be limited to one specialization. In fact I think it would make more sense to only have one specialization and I only choose one anyway since I think it defines a part of my characters personality, but in Da3 we might actualy see that with a greater impact.
What do you think? Would it be good or bad to make your class specialization have a greater impact on the story? Blighter (talk) 20:05, April 19, 2012 (UTC)
I'd love that. Many players are raging about blood mages, but I would be a happy gamer if DA3 recognized that I'm a spirit healer. Because it could have some impact on the story, right? Asherinka (talk) 20:18, April 19, 2012 (UTC)
- I'm not sure if I'd like to have say, the Templar specialization be recognized in-game; because I think alot of Mage character would freak right the **ck out when they saw you. As for say Blood Mage or Reaver, the Templars/Seekers would kill the crap out of you... It's not a bad idea, but as with all things Dragon Age; I fear what they may screw up along the way. EzzyD (talk) 20:24, April 19, 2012 (UTC)
What would give you that idea? I think DA:O and DA2 pulled off a lot of things very well. Rathian Warrior (talk) 21:47, April 19, 2012 (UTC)
I'm inclined to think, that all this "class spec impacting the story" is a marketing ploy for tricking people into pre-ordering DA3. In the game itself it would be implemented somewhere in the ending as "*insert protagonist here* was the next most important person in Thedas ever, and also an *insert class spec here*, who saved the day. Buy DLCs and play the multiplayer!" What, you're having high hopes?-Algol- (talk) 23:51, April 19, 2012 (UTC)
That's certainly an extremely cynical and pessimistic view of things, but to each their own. I was thinking more along the lines of unique dialogue and possibly a small quest or two. Rathian Warrior (talk) 04:00, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
Oh, I completely disgree with Algol there. The way Gaider spoke about it, he seemed very tired himself of specializations having no impact, and he seems to honestly want to make the games make more sense, as far as those choices go. He said something in the like that in the new game, if you cast in front of the wrong group of people or in the wrong place, you WILL create an effect, probably undesirable, and especially so if it's recognized that what you sued was blood magic. It seems like he really intends to improve the mechanics of the franchise. I'm really eager to see what they come up with, personally. TheodoricEichen (talk) 04:07, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
I think this is an excellent idea, and in fact it's already been partially implemented. During DA:II there is a quest that recognizes if you are a Spirit Healer. If you aren't, then Anders is recognized as one. If you are not a Spirit Healer and Anders if not there, someone (minor) dies.
Also, it shouldn't just be class that impacts story. Skill should as well. I recall that in DA:O there were two quests in Lothering, one about poisons and one about traps, where you could only complete the quests if you had high enough skill in Poison-making and Trap-making. That was a pretty neat feature that I'd like to return. Whocares65 (talk) 04:11, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- Except that there was no skill system to speak of in DA2. Don't know if they'll go back to that in a future installment. I don't think so. TheodoricEichen (talk) 04:12, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- Of course, you're right. I'm hoping they pull a Mass Effect 3 (oh God, not the ending bit) and bring back some extra customizations. Whocares65 (talk) 04:15, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- I'm not talking about the length of games. It's no secret that ME games have always been shorter than the DA games. The point is that ME:3 reintroduces some stats and customizations that had been stripped from ME:2, which is what I'd like to see happen in DA:III. Whocares65 (talk) 19:57, April 21, 2012 (UTC)
Does Gaider talk about class recognition as if it was some wondrous novelty or it's just you guys never encountered that? Because NWN2 does class recognition (albeit mostly flavour, still). VtM: Bloodlines does heavy class recognition. Fallout 1&2 and to extent New Vegas do stats recognition. And every old school RPG does skills recognition because it's part of the fucking gameplay. Even in the story-lite party-based fighty RPGs like IWD you ain't sending your INT 2, CHA 1 barbarian to do heavy shmoozing because that's a job for your bard. Dorquemada (talk) 07:27, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- Just to compare: in DA2 a rogue can throw a dagger in Feynriel's captor, a mage can break Idunna's hold without companion's aid and a warrior can do something too, I don't remember what. Once in a game, freaking once. And people tend to view this crap as a revolutionary breakthrough in game design. Why? Oh wait, the "broader audience", now I get it.-Algol- (talk) 11:51, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- What year do you think we're in, Dorquemada? It'll be a long time, until the calendar rolls back around to 1985, when such ground-breaking game mechanics were possible in more than a cursory way. Злой "futonrevolution" мальчик (talk) 16:14, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
I would agree with questions origins: in regards to my characters class effecting the play of the game, but I also think they should dive into some of the deeper issues, like the race relations, in regards to how humans treat Elf's, Dwarfs, and Kossith's. As far as pre-ordering that train has long since left the station so to speak, as since we are Not Going To Be Allowed To Play The Warden/Warden Commander or Hawke, I will simple wait to see what the game looks like before Bio Ware/EA gets one more Penney from ME.--Charlie.look (talk) 15:13, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
Actually, it was Laidlaw who mentioned that classes overall will have more impact on the story, not only class specializations. Which is kinda bust for me, because, ever since I started playing role playing games I was a hybrid. In WoW I was always either druid or shaman. I love to use mods in DAO and DA2 and mix classes so I can get say, battlemage, or a real paladin, with heavy armor and healing spells and such. This will be a bit disappointing and poor, unless they find a way to make huge diversities within the classes themselves.--Markurion (talk) 22:16, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
So here is what I see. Gaider made a suggestion that people are honestly excited about and, considering the epic choices you get to make over the course of DA:O and DA2, could turn out to be an awesome thing to add into the game. And while some people want to be excited about it, others are outright degrading in their responses against the excited players and the developers themselves because it's been done before. Rathian Warrior (talk) 23:09, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- That's BS mate. So what if it was used before, I say. Good things are worth repeating. Right?--Markurion (talk) 23:23, April 20, 2012 (UTC)
- Who said about "done before" was bad? The problem is, that this supposed impact on the story may happen in a completely insignificant way. Or even may not happen at all. BW and trust are incompatible things as of late.
Well I do like purple XD Yash7 (talk) 15:50, April 21, 2012 (UTC)
I'm still dreading if they make a mess of this feature; assuming it's going to be included of course. On one hand it does seem to a metaphorical bone thrown to the fanbase, and the other it seems like a really good implementable (not sure if that's a word :P) feature. Alot of Blood Mage lovers have been squawking about adding more dialogue/plot to recognize this choice, but on that note I dread that if they make one of my favourite Specs (Templar) as a plot item; it might force me into a certain allegiance. By this I mean that should the central plot be the Mage-Templar War (which it most likely WILL be) I'd hate to have my spec define ALL of my choices such as not being able to help the mages etc. EzzyD (talk) 20:20, April 21, 2012 (UTC)
- "On one hand it does seem to a metaphorical bone thrown to the fanbase" <--- That. I'm just glad there isn't going to be a "DA2 Extended Cut"-Algol- (talk) 21:19, April 21, 2012 (UTC)
Ya know when I read that part of the interview my first thought was "well I guess that would shut up those people who complain about being a blood mage and no one reacts to them." I feel the same as Asherinka that I'd like the game to maybe also see I'm a spirit healer. I think DA2 kind of touched on that (if you can call it that) when that elf ran away from the Varterral and then died and Merrill asked my Hawke if he could heal him. Whereas in my warrior play through she asked Anders. I'd like to see it go a step further though, like mentioned, if you're a Templar perhaps a companion wont join the group. or even vise versa, being a Templar grants you specific party members such as a seeker. (easiest example i can think of). One of the cool things I've loved from the franchise, was the fact me, my roommate, and a friend could have all played the same game, but have vastly different stories that unfolded, and I think this would certainly add to that effect. "How did you get (insert name) to join your party!? they wouldnt even speak to me!" Warden Mage: Ferris (talk) 11:59, April 23, 2012 (UTC)
I agree! That would be great for immersion!--Markurion (talk) 15:00, April 23, 2012 (UTC)
Hmm.... class specializations will affect the storyline of the game? Well it's nice, fine with me as Bioware had this sort of thing since the beginning, being observed vividly in BG2 Shadows of Amn and Throne Of bhaal for people around you will likely respond on who or what we are. should also include "character races" into that category if you people know what I mean... And finally should also introduce strongholds to make much of a sense with this class specialization story impact whatever and take advantage to what it has to offer, Just suggesting no harm done... --Seeking Seer 20:46, April 23, 2012 (UTC)
Alot of interesting ideas here but my first reaction when i read this was that it would be like Knights of the Old Republic (a previous bioware game) where you choose one of three classes at the beginning of the game and then later choose a new class that forever alters the one you originally chose. For example, if one chose to be a mage then later in the story they could choose between 3 new classes; one would add rouge elements, one would make you more warrior-like, and one would make you a "super mage". just my thoughts though. User:Warrior Tabris
This is an awesome idea and one I had been hoping for since DAO.203.45.127.20 (talk) 00:38, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
This does sound like a fun idea. I'm not sure if it should have a big impact -- after all, there will likely be a lot of class/specialization combinations, and if this were pervasive it would make a lot of extra work for for the developers, but having your specialization give some extra options in conversation and have some minor impact on NPC interactions would be nice. Perhaps if you're a templar you can threaten to smite some unruly mages in order to bring them into line, or alternately require a few extra lines of dialog if you're trying to sweet-talk them. Or a Duelist Rogue might be able to taunt an adversary into a one-on-one duel, when he might otherwise have brought minions to a fight, or chosen not to fight at all. (There are certainly some villains in the series I'd have loved to duel immediately rather than allow to slip away! Arl Howe, for instance.) Or hey, if they bring back Shapeshifter (not that I ever used it, but still, it might be salvageable), a Shapeshifter mage might be able to slip through a narrow space and open a door from the other side, obviating the need to take the long way around. Diyartifact (talk) 03:54, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
I'm all for this idea! More focus on classes means even more inspiration to replay! RomeoReject (talk) 07:19, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
I'm all for it, that would be awesome to have in the next installment. I would also like to see that you can learn skills from companions or other NPCs depending on your class. Kinda like the specializations in DA:O. Or maybe even teach someone of the same specialization as you a skill they don't have themselves? That's mostly game mechanics, I know. But it would also be nice if your companions mentioned the class you choose. For example that you (warrior) and companion (warrior) talk aout training and what you might can do to improve your own stats (like a mini-game to gain an extra point of strength).
Of course it should be limited, but that you can sort of train yourself in camp or something.--AnjaHaSch (talk) 13:32, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
I remember the other day someone mentioned that some specializations (Templar for example) didn't make sense story wise because certain Lore wasn't acknowledge for them probably (in case of Templars, where does the player get the lyrium for it?) It made me wonder about DA2's specializations, namely how a player could become a Blood Mage without clearly acknowledging demons (such as the Warden sacrificing Connor Guerrin in exchange for advanced blood magic) or even the Templar Hawke could become such without a visible use of lyrium. I hope they change that around a little for DA3 in addition to proper acknowledgement of a player's Specs, the protagonist shouldn't be able to become anything out-of-the-blue. EzzyD (talk) 16:08, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
I see a lot of margin for both success and utter failure in this. The mages waltzing around and bleeding everywhere in the Gallows Courtyard and Cullen just standing there like a tree was obviously a failure, but considering that DA3 would be based on Mage-Templar War (most likely), I might get fed up if people chased my mage character with pitchforks and torches every time I stepped into civilisation. Similarly, the rogue class seems to have societal connotation (I recall Bethany calling my rogue Hawke "scoundrel", despite her being an olive-branch carrier, but that might be the same with warrior class... not sure). The rogues we encounter in the games aren't exactly law-abiding citizens either, and would be aligned as "chaotic" if this was D&D. So would that mean my rogue would get chased by the guards through Val Royeaux?
If this is to be implemented well, it'll require quite a lot of planning out and development time. I'm not sure how EA would react to that. -
19:50, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
- I do think that the context of the mage-templar war will have quite a big effect on DA3, but don't forget that Orlais is also currently going through a civil war of its own. I expect that in big battles, although your blood magic will be frowned at, no one will want to mess with you too much. Who knows? Some people in high places might certainly tolerate it, maybe even encourage you. Anyways, Blood Mage is definitely going to be the first class I'll play in DA3. TheodoricEichen (talk) 21:23, May 25, 2012 (UTC)
Gabrielle, you raise an excellent point. It would be cool in a number of scripted events (See: Quests and dialogue) to have character class implemented, but it would utterly frustrating to be constantly treated as a pariah just because you wanted to try certain specializations. I would like to see things like Assassins be treated with a bit of fear, or Spirit Healers being appreciated by others, or Reavers being distrusted by most. Small details, here and there, to remind you that "Yes, you are an Assassin, you kill people" or "You are a Blood Mage, you consort with demons". It's the little things that make a game! RomeoReject (talk) 07:52, May 26, 2012 (UTC)
- I agree completely, It would get really aggravating pretty fast if in every town we had to worry about being chased down just for our choice in specialization, but if DA3 can simply expand on how characters see your characters specialization that would be awesome. I loved playing as a mage warden in DA:O partly because of how unique it was to have characters recognize you as a mage and even get many unique dialogue options simply for being a mage, if DA3 can extend that to class specializations I will be a very happy person. MrRexfire (talk) 13:01, May 26, 2012 (UTC)