As I gear up for an adventurous exploration of the latest installment in the Dragon Age series, I find myself compelled to share some positive thoughts about Dragon Age 2. Yes, I know this might ruffle a few feathers, but I appreciate the charm of this often-misunderstood RPG, even if it does have its flaws.
One aspect that stands out to me is the portrayal of the qunari. While many fans express dissatisfaction with their representation in Inquisition, I believe the qunari in Dragon Age 2 were uniquely compelling. With their imposing size, two pairs of horns, and fierce demeanor, they presented a more striking image than their toned-down successors. This wasn’t a matter of a simple brute force; the qunari embodied a rich, albeit complex, culture that contrasted sharply with the more familiar races of Thedas.
In Dragon Age: Origins, we first encounter Sten, a hornless qunari who, while intriguing, doesn’t fully capture the essence of his species. The later iterations introduced in Dragon Age 2 showed them as fearsome adversaries, complete with war paint and an air of menace that left a lasting impression. Their militant society, a blend of structure and aggression, raised questions about the nature of identity and belonging.
However, with the transition to Inquisition, I feel the qunari lost some of their edge. They became more humanized—still distinctive, but not as visually or thematically striking. The unique design choices that made them memorable in DA2 seem watered down, leading to a more generic appearance. The changes in design appear to prioritize gameplay mechanics over the compelling identity that defined them before.
I worry this trend might continue in The Veilguard, which so far presents a fairly conventional cast. The qunari here look less distinctive than before, and I hope the game hasn’t abandoned the bold creativity that characterized earlier entries in the series. Surprises and unique characters have always been a hallmark of Dragon Age, so I’m holding out hope for unexpected additions.
Ultimately, I’d love to see a return to the qunari’s original design. Bringing back their unique aesthetic could rejuvenate the series and satisfy longtime fans. Until then, I encourage everyone to revisit Dragon Age 2. There’s much to appreciate, and it might just change your perspective.