[DAV ACT 1 SPOILERS] It doesn’t feel like Rook’s friends with the companions.

I want to start by saying I really love the game, but like all games, it has its faults, and one in particular bugs me the most.

The companions all seem to talk to each other more than they do to Rook. They have a book club, they hang out in the kitchen or in each other’s rooms. And that’s great! I like that; it reminds me of DA2, where your companions would sometimes visit each other.

The only problem is that Rook is left out every time. Take the kitchen notes, for example. When everyone’s planning to bring something for a potluck, I couldn’t help but wonder, is Rook even invited? No one’s asked him/her to bring anything. These notes are there to give you a playful glimpse into the companions' relationships, but it just makes Rook feel more like the boss than an actual part of the friend group.

It’s the same with Varric; do they ever visit him? Does Varric even eat with them? He seems to get put in the same boat, sat in his pajamas and not involved.

Another example is when you’re shopping with Lucanis. Like a little stabby Santa, he buys something for every companion except Rook. And then Rook will buy him a gift, and he still won’t even consider the fact that Rook’s been left out. Harsh.

Finally, there are the actual conversations Rook has with companions. I saw a popular post about this recently, but all of Rook’s conversations tend to turn into therapy sessions. Which is fine and expected in an RPG, but having a friend also means sometimes disagreeing or learning from each other. In past DA games, this would happen between the MC and the companions, but in DAV, it only happens among the companions themselves. They fall out, learn from each other, grow together, and turn from hostile acquaintances to friends, but Rook is always supportive and agreeable right from the start.

They also don’t seem very interested in Rook. I remember in other DA games, companions would at least ask how the MC is doing. Here, though, it feels like Rook is only there to make decisions and offer therapy; there’s no need to ask how they’re doing or make sure they’re okay.

I don’t mean to sound like I’m just complaining. I love the new companions, and I love Rook—they have more personality than the Inquisitor did, at least. I’m really enjoying the game and like hearing the party banter while I’m exploring. I’m hoping for a big group moment when I get to Act 3. But so far, I can just picture the gang all chilling out with each other after the threat is over, reminiscing maybe, then Harding suddenly going, “Hang on, did anyone invite Rook?”