Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Cabral
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy-fueled video game adaptation has language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dragon Age: Absolution
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on the popular Dragon Age video game franchise, DRAGON AGE: ABSOLUTION tells an original high fantasy tale set between the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition and its sequel Dragon Age: Dreadwolf (scheduled for 2024). While it spins a mostly self-contained action-adventure story, starring new characters -- including Ashly Burch's Qwydion -- Absolution contains a number of direct references and more subtle nods to the larger franchise that'll be familiar to faithful fans of the video games.
Is It Any Good?
Following in the footsteps of Castlevania, Dragon's Dogma, Arcane: League of Legends, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Netflix has another winning animated video game adaptation on its hands. This time the streamer's applied the successful formula to Dragon Age: Absolution, a high fantasy-fueled romp based on the long-running role-playing game series of the same name. Despite being animated -- and inspired by a medium many still consider a teen hobby enjoyed in the parents' basement -- the six episode series offers a mature, nuanced story packed with equally deep characterizations and relationships.
Absolution sets a familiar genre foundation, as misfits join forces to take on a powerful evil force. But while we've seen this premise play out plenty of times before -- as recently as in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves -- the show's layered characters, absorbing world-building, and thoughtful narrative quickly separate it from the sword-swinging, magic-casting pack. Taking place between the events of 2014 game Dragon Age: Inquisition and planned 2024 sequel, Absolution can lean a little too heavily into terms and lore that won't be familiar to newcomers. Still, even if "Blight" and "Archdemon" aren't part of your vernacular, Absolution is a worthy watch for any fantasy fan.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Dragon Age: Absolution. Does the fantasy theme and animated style make the bloody, physical violence less impactful? How does it compare to similar violent scenes in live-action series?
What roles do the various characters play on the team? Are their contributions equally important? Do their individual strengths outweigh their weaknesses?
Do you consider the protagonists heroes? Do their good acts overshadow their more questionable actions? What are their justifications for doing wrong?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 9, 2022
- Cast : Ashly Burch
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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