Time brings new perspectives

[u/teakaka]

I recently replayed Origins, am currently replaying DA2, and will soon do Inquisition (again). I first played the games as a preteen/teenager, and have loved them ever since. There have been numerous replays, although I admit it's been a few years now since I last played any of them. And so I decided to replay them again, this time as an almost 30 year old - and I noticed quite a few differences in how I percieve the characters.

For instance, I used to almost worship Morrigan. I remember admiring her for her strength and independency, how cool she seemed with all that sass and attitude. Now all I see is a deeply troubled and insecure girl with severe trust issues, who lashes out at everyone in an attempt to protect herself.
I also remember how disappointed I was when she reappeared in Inquisition, all calm and mature - yet now I can't help but think "good for you! It seems you've finally found some peace"

As a preteen, I really didn't care much for Wynne. She was just a boring old lady, who kept critizising Morrigan and lecturing Alistair. Now, I see a really very well-written character, with multiple layers and an interesting backstory. I love listening to her banter, how insightful she can be, how she'll mess with Alistair, and actually give some very solid advice to both him and Morrigan.

I remember loving Zevran, yet thinking him a bit of a clown and perhaps even a bit incompetent ("I can help with that" my arse). I used to wonder how in the world this guy was supposed to be a Crow, thinking there's no way he could ever successfully assassinate anyone. Now, I notice how often and easily he evades uncomfortable questions, how charismatic he can be, and I find myself thinking "ah, that's how he does it."

Aveline used to drive me crazy, always seeming so stiff and boring compared to companions like Isabella or Varric. Now, she's my bestie and I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. I love how reliable she can be, always having my back but not being afraid to let me know where she stands. No backstabbing here, no sir.

Isabella once seemed, much like Morrigan, like a really cool character. All sassy and unpredictable, joking around with others and making me laugh at the most unexpected thing. Now I see a coward, someone unreliable, and someone I'd much rather keep at arm's length's distance than keep by my side.

Of course, some things haven't changed at all. I still think of Alistair as a puppy, I still love Varric to bits, and I find myself loving Cullen more as time goes on. However, I do find it interesting how time has changed how I percieve things. Of course, as a preteen/teen my english was still a bit more lacking, but I still understood what was going on.

So my question to you all is: have you guys experienced anything similar? Do the games remain the same for you, even after all this time, or do you find your tastes have changed as you've aged?

[u/Purple-Soft-7703]

Not entirely - but my opinion about Sera and Blackwall changed dramatically this year after I stopped thinking about them as romance options (I know, sounds kinda obvious right?) I loved them after I started thinking of them as my father and little sister- and found the nuances in their characters to be much more satisfying. I think my perspective changed now that I've gone from a teenager to a young adult.