Dragon Age has become one of the leading franchises in the RPG genre. Known for its vivid story telling, deep characterization, and detailed world, the series has mesmerized fans and provided countless hours for players to dive into.
As a BioWare property, the driving force behind the story and game progression is of course the diverse and complex cast of characters. These characters each come with their own convincing background and personal motivations that make their interaction and role in the story feel alive. Each of these characters has their own unique design and look, which admittedly for some, were better in the concept process, as opposed to what actually made it in the game.
10 Morrigan
Let's start off with one of the most controversially designed characters in recent gaming memory, Morrigan. BioWare was heavily criticized for what many took as the unnecessary sexualization of one of its leading female characters. Had they chosen to go with this much more concealing design from the concept process, this controversy would have been completely avoided. Her complex personality and moral ambiguity already gives her star power without having to show any extra skin.
9 Solas
The design team clearly was debating going into several different directions with Solas. The concept with hair seems to be the most interesting and complex. It suits the complicated elf with a dark past better, and makes his more darker intentions believable than the hairless design that made it in game. The Solas that did pass the design concept looks to be a peaceful monk of some sorts, while this Solas appears to be a power hungry and ambitious entity.
8 Wynne
In the game, Wynne appears much more unassuming and less powerful than in her concept art. The design team seems to have intended to take her into a more caring and innocent direction. However, the original concept seems to be more flattering of her abilities and powers than what made it in game. Unfortunately, the final product Wynne seems to be relegated to the role of a caring elderly figure.
7 Iron Bull
Iron Bull is a fan favorite among the Dragon Age community. As one of the games most detailed and emotionally deep characters, it's no wonder why. Had the concept art been followed, Iron Bull could have been even more interesting. At some point in the design process, Iron Bull was to have a cannon for an arm. This would have been an extremely unique angle to add to the character, and may have even had some gameplay implications.
6 Fenris
In terms of most dramatic difference between the concept, and what actually made it in game, this one takes the cake. The disparity between concept Fenris, and in-game Fenris is major, they don't even look relatively alike. Admittedly, the concept Fenris looks more battle ready and aggressive. The original design may have better conveyed this memorable character's bravery.
5 Flemeth
When discussing female representation in gaming, the conversation tends to focus on protagonists, but a proper female villain is just as important. Flemeth, as one of the strongest women in the Dragon Age franchise, surely did not have an easy design process.
The design team most likely had difficulty between balancing her strength and evilness. The concept Flemeth appears much more sinister when compared to her in game counterpart.
4 Zevran
The concept Zevran certainly had more of a fantasy flare to his character than what made it in the game. It appears the design team chose a more down-to-earth direction. However, the concept Zevran would have served to emphasize some of Dragon Age's more overt fantasy themes.
3 Merrill
It seems the design team took a complete 360 with this one. Concept Merrill looks like she could be the main antagonist as opposed to one of the player's companions. In-game Merrill on the other hand looks something more akin to what you would see in a Disney movie. Despite her unassuming appearance in-game, Merrill is a blood mage who partakes in some seriously dark stuff. The concept design would have done a better job at conveying this shady aspect of Merrill's.
2 Vivienne
The differences between concept Vivienne and in-game Vivienne are subtle, though they are noticeable. In the concept Vivienne seems to carry an air of authority around here, which, while certainly present in-game, seemed to be lacking, and even negatively effected her character development. A shame really, considering Vivienne had the potential to truly steal the show, yet failed to shine in the shadow of other companion mages such as Solas.
1 Dorian
Dorian is a character that embodies what it means to be a fan favorite. This incredibly deep and beloved character is filled with intrigue, charisma, and exposition. While not many complaints can be filed against the final product, the concept Dorian seems incredibly interesting, the different hair styles certainly would have given Dorian more diversity as a character. Something to consider for future games could be dynamic character designs that change based on the environment and story progression.