#I'm sure you can thank the shapeshifter spec for the shapeshifting fade sequence. had to get a return on that investment

[sapphim]

I think that Dragon Age has just never quite figured out what to do with its rogues, which is why the only rogue specialization that has made an appearance in every installment is the Assassin. Origins got off to a real rough start with like, animal summons? And a Bard spec with mechanics lifted wholesale from D&D (not unusual) and yet no connection to Dragon Age lore (extremely unfortunate). And I don't think that void has ever quite been filled to its fullest potential.

Other classes have specs which have been much more successful at tapping into the specific flavor of the setting. Some are thoroughly explored in the lore (Templar, Blood Mage, Spirit Healer) although they have come with their fair share of ludonarrative dissonance, while others are extremely flavorful but have left a lot on the table that could stand to be explored further (Reaver, Spirit Warrior, Shapeshifter, Keeper, for a few examples).

Combat has generally been a weak point of the series. And if I'd like to see anything out of the combat overhaul for DAV it would be for them to have finally realized the potential of getting their story and gameplay teams on the same page.