Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Xbox

Screenwise Verdict

Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of the best RPGs of its generation—rich world-building, complex characters, and moral choices that stick with you. But it's definitely an adult game.

The violence is graphic (blood sprays, decapitations), the language is salty (f-bombs drop regularly), and the optional romance scenes include nudity and implied sex. This isn't a game you hand to a 13-year-old, no matter how mature they think they are.

For older teens (17+) and adults who love deep fantasy, political intrigue, and tactical combat, this is exceptional. The storytelling is BioWare at its peak, exploring themes of power, faith, prejudice, and sacrifice with nuance. The world feels alive, your choices matter, and the characters are memorable.

Just know what you're getting: a mature, complex, time-intensive RPG that demands both strategic thinking and emotional maturity. If your teen is ready for that, it's a fantastic experience. If not, there are plenty of other fantasy games to explore first.

Age Fit

This is squarely for older teens (17+) and adults. The M rating is earned—graphic violence, sexual content, and strong language make it inappropriate for younger players. If your 17-year-old is into deep RPGs and can handle mature themes, this is a masterclass in storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

M-rated RPG with optional romance paths that include nudity and sexual content, frequent strong profanity (f-bombs, sh*t), and graphic bloody combat. The game does offer meaningful moral choices and explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and political intrigue, but the mature content—violence, language, and sexual elements—make it decidedly adult-oriented. Not emotionally harmful, but definitely not wholesome in tone or content for younger audiences.

Imaginative

88

Richly detailed open-world fantasy RPG set in the expansive continent of Thedas. Deep character customization (race, class, appearance, specializations), branching narrative with meaningful choices, political intrigue, and romance options. Players build and lead the Inquisition, making strategic decisions that shape the world. BioWare's storytelling and world-building are top-tier, inviting exploration of moral gray areas and complex relationships. The tactical combat and party management add strategic depth.

Safe

35

ESRB M 17+ for Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, and Strong Language. Common Sense Media recommends 18+. Combat is graphically violent with blood effects, profanity is frequent throughout dialogue, and optional romance scenes include nudity and implied sex. Online interactions are unrated by ESRB. No predatory monetization (no IAP or loot boxes), but the mature content itself—extreme violence, explicit language, sexual content—makes this unsafe for children and young teens.

Enriching

82

Acclaimed for deep storytelling, complex characters, and meaningful moral choices that explore themes of power, leadership, faith, prejudice, and sacrifice. Players navigate political intrigue, manage resources, and make decisions with real consequences. The game rewards strategic thinking, empathy, and understanding of different perspectives. Steep learning curve builds problem-solving skills. However, the enrichment is geared toward mature players who can process adult themes and ethical complexity.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

BioWare's storytelling at its finest: deep characters, branching narratives, and choices that actually matter
Massive open world to explore with tactical combat, party management, and strategic depth
Explores complex themes like leadership, prejudice, faith, and the cost of power—great for older teens ready for moral gray areas
Character customization and romance options let players shape their own story and relationships
No predatory monetization—this is a complete, single-player experience without IAP or loot boxes

⚠

What to Watch For

M-rated for good reason: graphic bloody combat, frequent strong profanity, and optional romance scenes with nudity and implied sex
Steep learning curve and complex systems may frustrate younger or less experienced gamers
Long playtime (60+ hours) requires commitment and sustained attention
Political intrigue and moral ambiguity demand mature thinking—not suitable for kids who need clear heroes and villains

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about the Inquisitor's decision to [specific choice]? Would you have done the same thing?"
"How do you balance what's right with what's practical when leading the Inquisition?"
"Which companion's backstory resonated with you most, and why?"
"The game shows different groups (mages, templars, elves) in conflict—how do you think real-world prejudice works similarly?"
"What does the game say about the cost of power and leadership?"

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