Could Dragon Age II Complaints Bring Changes To Mass Effect 3?

That’s the question posed by Game Rant in a new three-page editorial that points at many of the criticisms being leveled at Dragon Age II as reason to believe that BioWare might take a closer look at the direction they’re taking with Mass Effect 3.

There were many fans of Mass Effect who weren’t upset to see the clunky and awkward inventory and upgrade selection be overhauled for the sequel, even if the complete removal of the system left a much shallower experience. The loss of ammo types, improved weapons, and armor customization for the entire team was certainly missed, but when the alternative is a hot mess, its an understandable design choice.

But for Dragon Age 2, BioWare seemed to have somewhat of a mental disruption. Aside from the fact that Dragon Age: Origins’˜ inventory and upgrade system was extremely smooth and intuitive, the complete removal of valuable loot, advanced armor, and the ability to share items among your party was pointless. The system wasn’t broken, yet BioWare implemented the same indiscriminate culling of content and depth that they had done with Mass Effect 2. Add to that the phenomenon of finding worthless item after worthless item when looting enemies or treasure chests, and RPG fans would undoubtedly be left scratching their heads.

Rather than allowing players to upgrade or specialize their party member skills train one rogue as a deadly assassin, and another as a specialist in traps and explosives combat was given the lion’s share of all upgrades. The result was an experience that was far shallower than it ever had to be, and needlessly limited a player’s experience. For Mass Effect 3, this doesn’t have to be the case.

We’re not saying that BioWare should completely redesign their combat and specialization systems, but why not give players the power to decide if they want to master their own forms of combat, or follow the expected route? They certainly won’t upset any newer fans by giving a completely optional amount of depth, and the reception of Dragon Age 2 is proof positive that RPG fans don’t appreciate a game without it.

Realistically, I don’t think they have time to make any major changes to ME3. If the game gets pushed back until 2012, though, then I’d say the reception to Dragon Age II likely affected its development.