While being part of the same series,Dragon Age InquisitionandDragon Age Originsare very different games. Despite being so different, we cannot help but compare the two since they are in the same world with even some of the same characters.
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After looking at many forums that already discuss which game is better, most gamers sayOrigins. However, the reasons appear to mostly be matters of taste. Some even sayDragon Age 2is their favorite, and that one is known to be the least popular by critics. So, here are some reasons fans may findInquisitionbetter—and some as to why other fans may seeOriginsas better.
Updated February 12th, 2021 by Meg Pellicio:Dragon Age fans are really excited about the forthcoming release of Dragon Age 4, with Bioware teasing players with snippets of information, teaser trailers, and concept artwork to keep the hype alive. Many fans are replaying the older titles in the series to keep them entertained while they wait for their new adventure in Thedas.
This in turn raises the age-old question of which title is the best in the series, with most fans immediately dismissing Dragon Age 2 as a contender, leaving just Origins and Inquisition in the running. Check out these seven reasons as to why each game is the best Dragon Age game to date.
14Inquisition Gives More Insight into the Wider World
It’s only natural that a more modern game with better technological features is able to offer a lot more in terms of gameplay, and a much larger world, but one of the best things aboutInquisitionis the insight it gives players into the world of Thedas. Though different places and nationalities have been mentioned or represented in previous games, it was great to be able to travel to Orlais and experience the culture first-hand.
Players were also given a glimpse into the ancient elven culture at the Temple of Mythal, and despite not yet visitingthe Tevinter Imperium,Inquisitionalso offered more insight into this culture with Dorian and his side quests, as well as a number of main quests and other side quests.
One of the great things aboutOriginsis that player decision felt far more impactful, especially where the ending was concerned. Though it was a given that players would have to face the Archdemon, the who and how of it can be changed. The Warden can choose to sacrifice themselves, or Alistair or Loghain in their place, and as a result, remove them from appearing in any future titles (all three can appear or is referenced inInquisitiondepending on choices made).
Or, players could do Morrigan’s dark ritual, either impregnating her themselves or usingfaithful companion Alistair, meaning that no one had to die. However, inInquisition,the end was pretty much the same with no real impact other than whether Morrigan fights as a dragon on your behalf, or the Guardian of Mythal does.
12Inquisition Features More Dragons
For a game called “Dragon Age”, there were surprisingly few dragons inOrigins, with the player only really battling three proper dragons in total throughout the game, though there are smaller drake-like enemies.
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However,Dragon Age: Inquisitionreally upped the ante when it came to the legendary beasts and truly lived up to its title by adding in 10optional High Dragon bossesthat players could fight, as well as the dragon battles tied to the main storyline.
11Origins Allows Multiple Romances in One Playthrough
One of the fan-favorite aspects of anyDragon Agegame is being able to romance your companions, but this is something thatOriginsarguably did better than either of its sequels. Here’s why,Originsallowed you to romance more than one character in a single playthrough, though you couldn’t be in a relationship with more than one simultaneously, you could romance one and end it, then move on to the next.
This was ideal for accolade hunters who wanted to get all trophies/achievements as it meant fewer playthroughs were required. However, in subsequentDragon Agetitles, you can only romance and obtain a romance accolade for one character per playthrough.
10Inquisition Has More Romance Options
Having said thatOriginswas better for the digital lotharios out there who have a lot of love to give,Inquisitionultimately offered awider variety of characters to romance. A lot of gamers care a ton about romance in their RPGs. It’s nice to make friends with various characters, but the story often feels enriched when you may know one or a couple more intimately.
InOrigins, you have Zevran, Leliana, Alistair, and Morrigan as romance options. InInquisition, you have Solas, Sera, Cullen, Josephine, Iron Bull, Blackwall, Dorian, and Cassandra. That is nearly double the romance options.
9Origins Has Origin Stories
This aspect ofOriginsis something fans really wanted inInquisitionbut did not get.Depending on what race and what class you picked, you got a personal story that acted as a prologue to the main story.
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It was a spectacular role playing element that really madeOriginsspecial. This allowed you to understand your characters background, culture, and even decide their motivations. It encouraged the role playing element, and it even would change how you saw the main story as you revisit your past later on at various moments in the game.
8Inquisition Has Better Graphics
Though better graphics don’t automatically make for a better game, it is really hard to go back toOriginsafter playingInquisitiondue to the extreme gap in the graphics quality. Just the screenshots we have in this article show the jarring difference between the two games. No matter the opinion of which game is better overall, it is obvious which is visually more stunning.
There areplenty of fan-made modsto help breathe some life back intoOriginsand make it look a little better, but even then, it just can’t compare to the gorgeous graphics ofInquisition.
7Origins Has A Better Big Bad
A major flaw in theDragon Agegames afterOriginsis their villains. The stakes were very high inOrigins, as it was a paranormal army led by basically a zombie dragon. They were un-feeling, powerful, and mysterious.
InInquisition, the main villain is actually someone you already beat inDragon Age 2. It is an individual that is not really explored. Though, to be honest, it may just have served as buildup toInquisition’sbig twist at the end. However, that all means it was just a lead up to the next game which is not satisfying for a single title.
6Inquisition Has More Exploration
The lands ofInquisitionare very big and open. The Hinterlands alone may even have more to explore than the entire game ofOrigins. You could discover little Easter Eggs and tons of random cheeses, which is a bigDragon Agejoke. It was obviously inspired by the open worlds ofElder Scrollgames, and it did come out right afterSkyrim.
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Additionally, it’s not just about the space, but what Bioware did with it. There is so much extra content and lore that players can discover byexploring the world of Thedas, and it’s little secrets and interesting quests that players can discover that really encourages them to explore all the more.
5Origins Has A Better Final Battle
The final battle ofInquisitionwas a major disappointment to its fans. It comes out of nowhere in the villain’s last-ditch effort to kill you. There is little build-up and there is a lack of emotion in it compared to the Battle of Denerim inOrigins.
You say goodbye to each companion, knowing that you or they might die. You have an intense night before the battle too, with Morrigan’s shady offer to do a god-baby ritual. There are armies, dead people, and that weird scene where Sandal somehow kills an entire room of Darkspawn. It is pretty unforgettable.
