BioWare just released a brand new preview of its upcoming dark fantasy RPG Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Following on from 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition, the developers have shared a cutscene from the upcoming game that, while brief, has huge implications for the series.
With its release in 2023, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, also known as Dragon Age 4, could be among the best RPGs of all time if the developers play their cards right. The developers are said to be in very good shape, but fans are expecting great things from this latest installment. It’s been just over eight years since Dragon Age’s last major release – that’s a long time to be hungry for dark fantasy.
However, while it lasts less than a minute, this new teaser suggests that Dreadwolf will greatly shake up the Dragon Age saga while carrying the legacy of the game’s predecessors. While it may not seem like much at first glance, rest assured that the cutscene is full of tips and trivia.
As you can see, there’s a lot to unpack here. First, let’s talk about the Veil; a barrier between magic and reality that will apparently play a key role in the plot of Dreadwolf. It’s a tried and tested fantasy trope that Warhammer 40,000 and The Witcher use generously.
However, the twist is that the titular Dread Wolf looks determined to tear down that barrier (he put it up first). The Void, the magical realm of the Dragon Age, is full of raw emotions and terrifying demonic forces. While Dragon Age: Inquisition toyed with the idea of breaking reality, completely tearing down the barriers between magic and reality could take the game into some weird and interesting places.
The trailer also begs the question of whether such a demolition would be a bad thing at all. Is Dragon Age: Inquisition squad member and legendary elf god Solas the Dreadwolf a tyrant or a freedom fighter? In typical BioWare style, the trailer encourages you to answer this question yourself.
You may also recognize the sweet tone of Varric Tethras, a fan favorite from Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. In addition to giving us the chance to swoon at the sight of his velvety voice, the choice of Varric as the narrator suggests that while Dreadwolf is determined to go to bold new places, it will still be based on the existing continuity that fans of the series know and love.
Mass Effect Andromeda, the fourth installment in the Mass Effect series, received a lukewarm reception, not only because of bugs and animation issues, but also because of the way it broke away from the saga’s established plot. Perhaps by sticking to core characters like Varric and Solas, and building on the series’ past, Dreadwolf will avoid this particular pitfall and deliver something that will please both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
