I've been re-playing Dragon Age: Origins and I was shocked how much things changed in writing in such a short period of time.
It's not the plot but the characters. Flemeth appears intelligent and commands respect without being a girl boss, even Morrigan does not appear as a girl boss despite her jabs at Alister - being voiced by Claudia Black does help.
It is also a lot grimmer, the 2 that die during the ritual to become wardens are made to be liked, the guy that was newly wed with a baby is killed by Duncan because he was afraid. The mages being turned tranquil or killed if they fail a test. You understand why but it is incredibly dark.
The writing is totally incompatible with what ever the DA: Vailguard is. in Origins we understand that killing an innocent father is ok in order to protect the world but in Vailguard it is a problem if you use the wrong pronouns?
I know all the woke leftist crap but did they ever read books or played games written before 2015?
Back in that era a game like DA:O inspired a certain amount of awe where I found it hard to fathom how much time and effort went into producing that kind of otherworldly experience. Nowadays I can usually see the man behind the curtain.
They really don't make them like they used to.
I like to compare the original Mass Effect with Andromeda. The latter's writing is so ham-fisted and amateurish it doesn't even feel like the same universe. Of course that doesn't even broach the technical issues with the game.
"My face is tired"
“Whom. And your god damn father…”
Delivered with all the enthusiasm of one of those bitches on the view having to read a legal notice 😒
That game was ass.
I've had the same feeling for a while now, I thought I was just getting old. Fantasy worlds and stories are not convincing anymore, there's less suspension of disbelief. I'm glad some recent exceptions like Rogue Trader and Baldur's Gate 3 exist though.
Same though if the writing is on point you can eventually lose yourself nevertheless.
Recently started Baldurs gate 3. I’m only barely off the ship though. Most of my gaming time goes to modded Skyrim
Can't stop coming back to your comment. Seeing man behind the curtain is the sign of innocence lost, immersion broken, real world casting shadow on the fantasy.