Ok, last "first impression" posting...23 hours into the game is not really "first" but at least I am getting sorted out.
With all that time invested I have only cleared 1/3 of the first adventure area "the hinterlands." I have recruited some extra people to the inquistion and gone to val royale. I am at lvl 6. I'm also slow to do things so take that into account. There is no reason not to go to val royale as soon as you can, basically it unlocks 2 new inquisition members and opens up two other story elements.
The combat system and me have had our ups and downs. I play in tactical mode...and here it is ok-ish. I have friendly fire turned on but that is a major difficulty increase as the AI doesn't seem to realize that detail and so lobs explosive arrows into the scrum regardless of if the two warriors are there or not. Regen potions are well worth it, better in the long run then a healing potion. The barrier, and guard system works but I'm not convinced it really was necessary to remove the heal spell. In DA2 with the long cooldown and the short combat durations it was one use anyway. Here you have periodically return to camp to restock. I fought againts lvl 8 bears (5xxxx hitpoints) and higher level outlaws. This really requires thinking about what is going on. Your sword and shield warriors have to taunt then go into shield block mode to build guard. The major damage is being done with the ranged party members, and then you have to alternate who is guarding and who is hitting (in my case I had two sword and shield warriors) by getting them on opposite sides (of the bear for example) and then timing when you come out of block and go on the offensive. Basically sword and shield spends most of their time just playing a target. The good thing is that they can survive with low hit points so long as barriers and guard are consistantly kept on them. This is important as the number of normal healing potions drop.
Barrier is a necessity in a mage. Not playing a mage I can't comment on other things but so far they have been doing lots of damage. The bow armed rogues are also doing good damage with their abilities.
The story is well done. There are lots of chances to talk to people and get information, some I'd seen before some new. The war table is a fun diversion and it is worth keeping up with the various missions. The concept of power is also good. It gives you a bit of control on how the story progresses.
I'm a bit underwelmed with the weapons at the momment as the sword I am using lacks a hilt. The armour "defender coat" I have a reciepe for it is ok...but seems to be influence by the Wheel of Time in that it is coat ontop of a coat of plates which looks odd. The current colour is a bit off. Anyway so far as I can see the rogues get the best looking outfits.
I am still being called "my lady" and I can only hope that doesn't mess up the romances. Hard to say if they have anything in the mix for straight female characters, looks like you have a choice between Cullen and Blackwell unless there is another male in the future.
The party banter and the ambient background is also well done. Leveling is rather slow-ish, 23 hours and only lvl 6. I have 18 quests on going in the hinterlands. I haven't been checking how much XP and such you get, combat it is pretty small per kill though. Influence is your other XP bar and that is what goes up as you complete quests. Currently I'm nearly to lvl 2 there. Each level gives you a perk point. And there are lots of different ways to spend them.
The character system is based on what passive skills you take. Each passive skill seems to do something plus give you bonuses to characteristics. This means your warrior isn't going to get cunning since warrior skills seem to only give strength and constitution. Compared to the excellent system of DA:O it is disapointing. The abilities themselves are ok so far I have only basic attack, war cry and shield block (plus strong blow but that needs a two handed weapon)...not sure if I messed something up in character creation but I have been concentrating more on passives, or the second tier. It is a workable but hardly inspiring character system, about the only thing I can say is that I guess it prevents "bad builds" (do these really exist?) and stops "min-maxing" (to the extent that min-maxing isn't what you are doing because basically all your points are limited to certain characteristics anyway).
Loot, has never interested me and so I can only say you get it and so far it is mostly un-inspiring. Crafting stuff is more fun in my view. Oh built in obscelence exists, that is to me several unprintable obscenities. You have to keep upgrading armour and weapons. I hate this in games, though I gather there are people who can't handle a game without the gear grind/loot chase stuff. I want it to look good firstly...and well I'm underwhelmed by a lot of the gear so far in that regards.
Ok...that is all from me. If others wish to toss their views in feel free. I'll answer questions if people have any as well...just no spoilers.