Dragon Age: Dreadwolfhas generated a lot of excitement among us fans of the series, especially aswe’ve been waitingfor so long. Relationships and romance are, naturally, expected to play an important role in Dreadwolf. While the series has always prided itself on compelling romance options, it’s been 10 years since the last entry, so of course we should expect some improvements, especially if the Bioware wants to get back to being the genre pioneer it once was.
It wouldn’t quite be fair on Bioware to say that their romance structure hasn’t improved over the years. I’d argue that the Trespasser DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition is a real high-point in this regard, and a great place to look at areas in which Dragon Age: Dreadwolf can make the romance system even more satisfying and immersive.
Trespasser gave a satisfying conclusion to the romantic relationships that you had developed throughout the game. The Inquisitor’s romance with Cullen is a case in point. During Trespasser, if you romanced Cullen in the main game, your Inquisitor has the option to have a small marriage ceremony with him. The two exchange short, loving vows, as Cullen confesses that fighting for everything felt worth it in the end. He promises to love you for the rest of his days. You even get a Mabari!
One of the most interesting and nuanced additions to Trespasser was the romance between Solas and the female elven Inquisitor. His romance was a gamble for Bioware, as he’d become the main villain and the conflict between him and the Inquisition would eventually come to a head.
‘Solavellan,’ a term coined by an enthusiastic subgroup of Dragon Age fans who love the Solas and Lavellan combo, has become one of the most recognized romances within Trespasser. It’s tinged with tragedy as the final moments between the two culminate with the Inquisitor in agony and both her arm and her heart being ripped apart.
What makes this romance different from the others are the specifics found within it. The other romances, for the most part, feature a far happier ending. It also sets up an interesting story branch, and it’s exciting to think how Dreadwolf will pursue that canonically. How will the developers give a successful and satisfying nod to it, but also move on with new characters, a new plot, and a new customizable protagonist?
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Trespasser provided more opportunities for player agency within the relationships too. In the previous three entries, the romantic relationships felt a bit scripted and predetermined, and there wasn’t much opportunity for you to shape the direction of the relationship. Trespasser, however, created an interesting choice in how fan favorite Ironbull’s romance played out based on decisions you made within the main game.
If you decide to have the burly pansexual Qunari stay faithful to his role within the Qunari hierarchy, he will turn against the party, and you’ll have to fight him. I remember getting a long string of texts from a friend after she experienced his betrayal and was both horrified and ascinated by the outcome. On the other hand, having Ironbull save his company reinforces his more independent state of mind and shows that he truly cares for the Inquisitor.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will not only be Bioware’s chance to reclaim their place in the gaming community as one of the best storytellers within the RPG genre, but a chance to evollve the romance sub-narratives they’ve become famous for. The romantic relationships within the series have been a significant part of its appeal, and they add an emotional resonance that me and other hardcore fans starve for.
Bioware’s diverse, inclusive relationship models have been a trailblazer in helping the gaming industry recognize the importance of diversity and representation. In creating a more nuanced and inclusive romantic system, they’ll bring themselves back to the forefront.
