I wish to start this article as I mean to go on, so I say to anyone who disagrees with what I’m about to say: you’re fundamentally wrong. Far too many Dragon Age fans sing the praises of Morrigan, Alister or even Solas (the vile betrayer), but few people speak highly of the sublime selection of companions available to you inDragon Age 2.
Even if you don’t like the narrative of the sequel, which, again, would be incorrect, it isn’t fair to judge the allies you meet along the way as harshly as you do the plot. Not only do I believeXbox Game Pass’Dragon Age 2has a fantastic story, but I also believe that the companions are the best the franchise has to offer.
Speaking of Dragon Age, have you watched theDragon Age: Dreadwolftrailer?
I have my own favourites within this elite group, namely Anders and Fenris. I know that Anders is a controversial choice because he essentially lights the fuse that triggersDA: Inquisition, but his character goes through such an emotional journey, one that builds uponDA: OriginsDLC; it makes for an extremely satisfying narrative arc. Everyone goes on about the betrayal of Solas, but Anders invented such casually cruel actions in the name of “loyalty” and “honesty”.
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Then we have Fenris, a tortured soul who’s as complex as his lyrium tattoos. He’s brooding, difficult to read, and sometimes hugely problematic, but in true “I can fix him” sentiment, he draws you in with that elven beauty. Plus, he has a pretty intense story arc that really dives into the dark underbelly of his origins, which, again, further reaffirms him as a fantastic companion.
As for Isabela, Merrill, Aveline, Bethany or Carver, Varric and, yes, even Sebastian, all add such depth to the story, to the point that you feel connected to them despite any issues you may have. For example, my Hawke and Carver never got along, yet the way Carver’s story is woven makes for really interesting viewing, especially when Carver has to admit that he’s been an ass. It’s rare but itdoeshappen. Another favourite companion development is Aveline’s, with the strong warrior finding a new way in life after such a devastating loss at the beginning of the game – there’s heart, there’s drama, there’s action, and there’s closure.
Another poor excuse that silly fans use is that the relationships grow too rapidly, with the relationships feeling too well-established despite the short space of time we actually play. This is inaccurate, though. Between each of the three acts, years pass, with a lot of unseen content playing into the relationships developed with each companion. To say things feel rushed just because we can’t see it is a lame excuse, as well as one that diminishes the lore that the game establishes both on and off-screen.
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I don’t care that it’s an unpopular take, it doesn’t make it any less credible; theDA2companions are the best of the franchise. If you want to discover their might for yourselves, you can play the game, and the other two instalments, onXboxGame Pass.
Topics:Dragon Age,Bioware,PC,Xbox,Xbox Game Pass,Xbox One,Xbox Series S,Xbox Series X,Microsoft,EA
