In the world of Dragon Age, horses are more than just beasts of burden—they have the unique ability to lie. Released in 2009, the fantasy role-playing game and its sequels have enchanted players for more than a decade. In this game, one of the primary methods of transportation is the horse and, over the course of the game, these mounts will tell you some interesting things – if you know where to look.
When you interact with your horse, you’ll often be told things like “I’ve seen you do some amazing things” or “I would follow you anywhere.” These words may sound sincere and heartfelt, but they are simply an AI contrived response. In reality, your horse’s loyalty is based upon its skill level and the quality of its gear. Horses in Dragon Age don’t actually possess the capacity of a real life animal’s emotions, so it’s important to be aware that when your horse says things like this, it’s merely a programmed line.
The horses also have a tendency to boast about their capabilities. They may claim that they can run faster and more gracefully than any other horse, but this is another falsehood. When it comes to speed and agility, the horse’s stats are all the same, no matter its confidence. It is only through training and upgrades that a horse can become more powerful.
In addition to skill level and gear, your relationship with the horse influences how the animal behaves. The more your character bonds with the horse, the more open the horse will be to being ridden, and the more it will obey your commands. But, again, it is important to remember that the loyalty and admiration the horse appears to show is merely a program skill.
The horses in Dragon Age give us a surprisingly accurate glimpse into a world of AI and video game interactions. These horses are dynamic, responsive, and–perhaps most of all—they give us a glimpse of their own internal logic. While they don’t possess the real-life emotions of a real horse, the horses in Dragon Age offer players plenty to experience and explore. So, while they may not be telling the absolute truth, the horses in Dragon Age are still worth taking the time to listen to.
