IndiraLightfoot

Nepenthe: I hear you. However, I'm afraid I'll deplete my adult points before X-Mas, all because of this very game.

At a workplace, you can potentially get into heated arguments, and very harsh words can get exchanged due to all sorts of reasons. However, this is different. The person used a number of harsh words and proclaimed them from the housetops, including a death threat in affect. And that game dev was under Valve's umbrella. You don't bite the hand that feeds you - you just don't. That's beyond stupid - it's totally irresponsible to everyone involved, including himself, of course.

What types of tasks can you carry out from the war table? There are over 300 missions and operations available on the war table, and they can change depending on your previous choices and actions in the game. There's a range of types: scouting missions to establish the first camp in a new area you'd like to explore, building missions to raise structures in the areas you've being exploring, recruitment missions to bring expertise into the inquisition, treaties, resource-gathering, political assassinations, and many, many more. When it comes to expanding your Inquisition, you need to track three different resources. The first is influence, which is effectively like your Inquisition’s XP, and it grows as you adventure and complete tasks. When the Inquisition reaches a new level, you can spend points on global upgrades like the ability to carry more potions or the chance to harvest extra crafting materials. The second resource is power. While influence constantly grows, power is more of a currency that you earn and spend down. Power is used to advance the main story, but also to unlock optional areas at the war table. The third resource is time. The Inquisitor doesn’t handle every problem personally, so special missions called operations (also unlocked with power) allow you to send agents to finish them in real time. After a set amount of time passes (some operations can take a full day or more), the mission is complete and you get your reward. Some operations are even multi-part affairs that require input from the Inquisitor on how situations should be resolved once the dust settles. Earning and expending these three resources forms the core of Inquisition's structure. Whether you're completing sidequests, gathering crafting materials, or exploring different zones, everything you accomplish feeds into your overall progress. How will players gain influence and power for the Inquisition? You earn influence and power as you explore, overcome enemies, bring stability to regions, complete quests, and close rifts between the world and the Fade. You spend that influence and power at the war table when you send your agents on an operation or begin a new major story plot. What do you get from completing operations through the war table? Operations will give you different rewards such as gold, rare crafting materials, weapons and equipment, new recruits, and even the ability to rebuild structures you've seen on your adventures. Will the advisors have different opinions on the best way to complete an operation? Each of your advisors will want to approach an operation in a different way, which will help determine the outcome and rewards for completing the operation and can potentially affect any follow-up operations. Influence gives you inquisition perks, those are divided into four types: Forces, Secrets, Connections and Inquisition. The first three perks are tied to the advisors. Inquisition Perks Four Types of Perks Forces - Endurance training fit for a soldier Secrets - Developing keen eyes and an inquisitive mind Connections - Training in the Fine Arts of persuasion Inquisition - Improved coordination and infrastructure Forces - Perks Underworld KnowledgeDetailed study of underworld customs and their brutal but practical applications. Opens up new dialogue options related to criminal activities and grants +50% XP for each codex entry unlocked. Massache's MethodA methodology developed by an Orlesian blademaster and used by chevaliers to analyze their own performance in combat. Grants a 5% increase in XP earned from killing foes. Rider's PostureTraining in proper weight distribution during hard riding significantly increases resistance to being unseated. Antivan-Stitched SaddleProper tack of fine Antivan leather, custom-fitted to both horse and rider, significantly increases resistance to being unseated. Advanced FocusIncrease maximum focus from 100 to 200. Second- tier Focus effect for abilities can now be triggered. Master FocusIncrease maximum focus for all party members from 200 to 300. Third-tier focus effect for abilities can now be triggered. True GritHarsh environment training can be dangerous, but will harden anyone into a survivor. All party members gain a 10% increase to all defenses. More Healing PotionsIncrease the maximum number of potions the party can carry by 4. Mage SchematicsMany mages from all over Thedas have joined the Inquisition, hoping for some degree of order and protection. Reverse engineering their robes and staves will provide new, rare schematics. Rogue SchematicsMany of Leliana's new agents bring gear from their previous employers. Gathering their collective gains will provide new, rare schematics. Warrior Schematics Secrets - Perks Arcane KnowledgeA detailed study of magic and the places and creatures that interact with it. Opens up new dialogue options related to the Fade or Arcane studies. Grants +50% XP for each codex entry unlocked. Optimal CuttingDetailed studies show how to get the maximum useable harvest from each plant. Grants a 10% chance to receive extra herbs with each harvest. Eagle-EyedTraining in spotting where the pattern breaks, in nature or in civilization. Grants a significant increase to the discovery range of the searching action. Enhanced StudiesBolster the number of researchers working to study those who stand against the Inquisition. Grants an additional +50% for each foe studied, including those already completed (applied retroactively). Deft Hands, Fine ToolsThe training, gear, and experience working with Master locksmiths needed to tackle the toughest and most ingenious locking mechanisms. Allows all rogues in the party to open masterwork locks. Forward ScoutsWith access to a forward training camp, the Inquisition's scouts can receive training to cover a wider area and identify items of interest to the Inquisitor. Reveals additional landmarks and points of interest on the maps of every area. Trainee HerbalistsGain a collection of Tier 1 herbs. Veteran HerbalistsSurvival and harsh environment training will push Inquisition herbalists to gather more exotic and rare plants. As part of the training push, a large collection of uncommon herbs will be delivered for personal use. Master HerbalistsCombat training, top-line equipment, and experience in both allows Inquisition herbalists to find the rarest specimens. A large collection of rare herbs will be delivered for personal use. Inquisition - Perks History KnowledgeDetailed study of Thedas's past. Opens up new dialogue options related to history and the Chantry. Grants an additional +50% XP for each codex entry found. Antivan TailoringAntivan tailors are famed for their ability to hide pockets seamlessly in garments. A few words to the Inquisition's friends to the north, and its forces can carry more items in the field. Increases inventory capacity by 15. Imperial Court TailoringThe best tailors of Val Royeaux, experienced in the intracies of the Grand Game, can add hidden compartments to armor and clothing, allowing even more items to be carried at once. Increases inventory capacity by 15. Tempered Glass FlasksBetter techniques in glassworking make more durable flasks, allowing more potions to be carried safely at one time. Adds one more potion slot for all party members. Exclusive TrainingGain 1 combat ability point, for the Inquisitor only.

Compiled basic info on classes and specializations, by Marshall Fryman Oct 22 2014: http://www.tradeindetectives.com/news-room/dragon-age-inquisition-choosing-classes-and-specializations-guide-885/ "Dragon Age: Inquisition's Inquisitor begins the game as one of three classes: warrior, rogue, or mage. At the beginning of the game, rogues and warriors may choose their starting equipment loadout to decide between sword-and-shield or two-handed as a warrior, or daggers or archery as a rogue. This decision only determines the Inquisitor's starting equipment and do not lock players into one playstyle. Each of the three starting classes has three specializations that players may choose to unlock later in the game. Players unlock specializations over the course of Dragon Age Inquisition. While players can re-spec to earn talent points back, the Inquisitor's chosen specialization is permanent and cannot be undone. Each companion to the Inquisitor has their own class and specialization that may be unlocked through events in the game. Although companions may have a starting build or focus, they can be built to the Inquisitor's choosing by re-speccing and are not restricted in the type of weapons that they use. In this manner, a defensive-minded shield wearing tank like Cassandra Pentaghast can be crafted into a two-handed weapon damage dealer for the party, while the archer-rogue companion Sera can be made into a dagger rogue. The Mage Specializations Knight Enchanter The Knight Templar is a melee-centric mage class that focuses on close-ranged attacks and abilities that protect the Inquisitor by bestowing temporary invulnerability and defensive buffs. The Inquisitor's companion Vivienne. Necromancer These mages specialize in binding the spirits that are drawn to death. They can put the fear of death into enemies, bring spirits to fight on their behalf, and even cause devastating explosions when their enemies die. The Inquisitor's companion Dorian is a necromancer. Rift Mage These mages draw upon the force of the Fade, either pulling matter from the Fade to attack or twisting the Veil itself into a weapon to stagger or crush their enemies. The Inquisitor's companion Solas is a rift mage. The Rogue Specializations Artificer These specialists control the battlefield with deadly traps. Neither they nor their explosive mines are ever where the enemy expects them to be. The Artificer is a returning specialization from Dragon Age 2. Varric Tethreas is an artificer. Assassin Any rogue can kill a target, but assassins make death into an art form. They specialize in quick, deadly kills that let them slide back into the shadows undetected, or indirect kills that eliminate targets while the assassin is safely away. The Assassin is a returning specialization from Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2. The Inquisitor's companion Cole is an Assassin. The playable multiplayer character Argent is an Assassin. Tempest These unpredictable experts specialize in using alchemical mixtures that wreathe them in frost or flame. Fast, chaotic, and possibly mad, they wade into the fight and dare enemies to face the storm. The Tempest is a returning specialization from Dragon Age 2. The Inquisitor's companion Sera is a Tempest. The Warrior Specializations Champion These powerful defenders protect their allies from harm, standing strong against devastating blows with expert training and fierce determination. Enemies can't kill them—and usually can't survive them. The Champion is a returning specialization from Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2. The Inquisitor's companion Blackwall is a Champion. Reaver As the battle gets bloodier, these vicious and deadly warriors get even more brutal. Hurting them just makes them mad, a mistake most enemies don't live to repeat. The Reaver is a returning specialization from Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2. The Inquisitor's companion Iron Bull is a Reaver. The playable multiplayer character Tamar is a Reaver. Templar These unrelenting warriors specialize in fighting mages and demons. No enemy's magic can withstand them, and they inspire and protect their allies with their righteous power. Cassandra Pentaghast is a Templar."

Air New Zealand's latest safety vid:

*Tongue in (butt) cheek* DAY1 DLC - $6.66 ONLY!! Tongue-shaped throne in sazzy colours

Mounts Red Hart - a mature stag mount. Bog Unicorn - an undead horse with a sword stuck in its skull. Armored Mount - a horse mount equipped with its own set of Inquisition armor. Item packs Flames of the Inquisition Weapons Arsenal DLC, a multi-class weapon pack including:A staff for mages. Daggers and a bow for rogues. A shield, a greatsword and a war hammer for warriors. Flames of the Inquisition Armor - an armor set for the Inquisitor. Other Skyhold Throne - a throne made of dragon bone is made available for the Inquisitor and placed in the Inquisition's headquarters at Skyhold. Digital soundtrack. Additional bonus digital content - Deluxe Edition Multiplayer Chest.

In that very same year I got my first computer as well - and yes, it was a C64. And in 1986, I still recall my love for the silent floppy drive 1541C.

25 GB!? IIRC, DA:I, which is humongous, will be 27GB of HD space.

This was two of my first CRPGs, in 1982, AD&D Cloudy Mountain and then Treasure of Tarmin, cartridges on Mattel's Intellivision, the latter with FP-view, overland maps, D&D, you name it. I was really excited when playing these babies for days and days on end:

The watershed is: Did you play Pong and became mightily impressed by its potential and never since looked back? Semi-watershed: Did you get the "Vectrex is great"-easter egg in WL2?

Just for you, Bruce:

Karakrov: Parts of DA:O and all of DA2 made me extremely sceptical, and I'm one of those people that refused to install EA Origin, but after having watched plenty of vids this autumn, Bioware won me over, especially Laidlaw, so I decided to pre-order it. And no worries - I will use m/kb - and they have actually tailor-made the UI for the pc, complete with a nice action bar, and wheels like ToEE (so I fear, Sensuki would hate that), but I'm really excited about that aspect of the UI. EDIT: And no awful console Skyrim inventory UI on the pc is in sight either.

For us in Europe, it's a month to go now! And meanwhile, on Sep 29, will get a DA Keep to play around with. I'm still pondering over which character to make, so there's plenty of time for that, and even for planning which companions I'd like to bring along (of those published - perhaps there will be surprises or day 1 DLC-ones? )

Karkarov: You and I will most likely agree on the UI as well. However, I've been pretty flexible about it. For instance, in T:ToN, I like that text-centered behemoth that InXile has shown us. And I am well aware of it all being an early beta build. However, there's something about combat that needs to beaded in order to make it exciting and fun and also clear, if you know what I mean, perhaps even with a better flow to it. If OE can get this right, most other things will fall into place. Hopefully.

Jarmo: Please, change the second poll. I can't pick my option "36-40", and the last should read "41+"

Here's part 2 of the Skyhold twitch gameplay from a few hours ago. It's for Xbox One, though. Part 1 was not that interesting, but here you get to see crafting, and half the vid is the dev getting his ass handed to him on hard vs some Rage Demon that affects surrounding wraiths around him. Also, you get to have a nursery, planting seeds and growing exotic plants. I love gardening, so this is just getting better. One thing is worrisome - this may be one of those "good bye work and any social life"-games.

*Hug* This is indeed the basic premise behind my title. This should be the area where PoE shines (apart from the obvious: story and companions).

Here's what I'm hoping: All's well, that ends well. If all this is actually as good as it looks, then I will personally rename DA:I. How about Dragon Age: Redemption?

Guess what's on my HD since like one hour ago? Civ: Beyond Earth. Yay! Thank you, GMG, for releasing the key so early so that I got to preload it before the weekend. The pre-load was 2.7 GB, and it will unlock Sep 25 1 AM CET.

I have the fullest respect for those deeply disliking EA Bioware, or for those disappointed in their games. However, if you do compare DA:I's party-based tactical view it is actually more IE game-like than PoE right now, and this gives at least me some cause of concern.

I can understand that it will upset a lot of people, but given the evidence and the circumstances, I'd say that is a fair verdict too.

PoE is right now between a rock and a hard place. The jist of it all seems to be this: -OE and Josh & Co wanted to do a spiritual successor of the IE games. -It wouldn't be D&D-based - that was a given. -Josh & Co wanted to improve on the CRPG IE formula And somewhere around there, stuff went a bit wrong. As Sensuki has demonstrated, basic functions, for instance, regarding isometric angle, area sizes, combat feedback and markers and stances, weren't even considered or "ported". -Instead, OE did some new MMO-ish CRPG from scratch - hence the sense of "rushedness" or DA combat vibes from the BB -And right now, they are back-tracking, but these footsteps still fall on that new experimental ground. I'd much rather have seen them take everything that worked well in the IE games and then improve them, even embellish them, and make a CRPG of the decade.

Yeah. Want a short and brutally honest description of the weightiest reason behind my posts? I would have loved if PoE was already much closer to those IE games, so there would be no need to move in that direction. PoE should already sit on the shoulders of the IE titans, but it doesn't, and that's very frustrating, since I feel OE has such a great chance to reawaken the greatness of that genre. WL2 certainly has been a brilliant step in that re-awakening, but I want PoE to be the CRPG bomb.