Dragon Age: Origins Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here we go again... Bioware releases another game and I lose another 100+ hours of my life to gaming.After 11 hours of play (completing 8% of the story) I thought I'd share a few thoughts in case you're considering purchasing this game.

What's good:

Bioware RPG's always have great stories with deep background and entertaining character interactions.This one does not disappoint.New for this game are multiple character opening stories-- hence the "origins" in the title.Depending on your class and race, you experience an extended opening that really sets the stage for your character and gives you something to think about.The opening for the mage included two quests to play through and a several difficult decisions to make before it merged with the main story line.

Voice acting is excellent, graphics are good and 1080p (though nothing like Metal Gear Solid or GTA4).Combat is fast, furious, and just a little out of control-- and exciting.

What's bad:

I had hoped to see the next generation of RPG, but the game's architecture feels like reused modules from other Bioware games.Character gen is from Mass Effect, 3rd person view and movement from KOTOR, inventory mechanics and interface much like Baldur's Gate.It's all competently designed, but feels a little worn.But maybe Bioware is suffering from Pixar Syndrome - if it doesn't outdo itself with each new release it seems plain.

My only real complaint is that character attributes and abilities are not sufficiently explained.The small paper manual says things are explained in detail in the in-game help but that is not the case.

Lastly:

Be aware that this game isn't suitable for kids.It's a mature game with some disturbing subject matter-- that's why Bioware calls it a "dark fantasy."Kudos to Bioware for aiming for a serious game, but know what you're buying before putting it on the holiday gift list for your little ones.(Wait until after they're in bed and have an epic time playing it yourself!)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dragon Age: Origins

Product Description:
From BioWare, the makersof Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, andBaldur's Gate comes Dragon Age: Origins. An epic tale of violence,lust, and betrayal, Dragon Age: Origins is a single player role-playinggame (RPG) set in a fantasy game environment, and featuring three playablecharacter classes, accessible in the form of three races. In addition, thegame features extreme character customization, a new game engine, party-basedgameplay utilizing non-player characters and a built-in personal historysystem for each hero character rooted in a variety of possible origin stories.

6 possible hero Origin Stories.
Viewlarger.
3 classes and 3 races to play as.
Viewlarger.
Stunning 3D environments.
Viewlarger.
Spell combining abilities.
Viewlarger. Story
In Dragon Age: Origins the survival of humanity rests in the handsof those chosen by fate. You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancientorder of guardians who have defended the lands on the continent of Thedasthroughout the centuries. Betrayed by a trusted general in a critical battle,you must hunt down the traitor and bring him to justice. As you fight yourway towards the final confrontation with an evil nemesis, you will facemonstrous foes and engage in epic quests to unite the disparate peoplesof a world at war. A romance with a seductive shapeshifter may hold thekey to victory, or she may be a dangerous diversion from the heart of yourmission. To be a leader, you must make ruthless decisions and be willingto sacrifice your friends and loved ones for the greater good.

Gameplay
Dragon Age: Origins is a 3D oriented RPG based in a dark, heroic,fantasy realm where moral choices have a lasting impression on the peopleyou meet, the members of your own party and the world around you. Theinclusion of subtitle "Origins" in the game's title refers to the sixunique origin stories available to new heroes as a new game begins. Eachof these has an impact on the player's motivations and his or her experience,and renders a unique prelude, path, and possible ending(s) to the game.There are many different endings to the game based on the origin storyof the character and the choices you make as you play through the game.The game features three character classes--warrior, mage, and rogue--andthree races of being--Human, Elf or Dwarf--that can assume these classes.Although most game elements, such as weapons, magic, etc., are availableto any character, each class and race has different strengths, abilitiesand affinities which lend themselves to better utilizing different elements.

Dragon Age: Origins is a single player game based on party-basedgameplay and combat where the player can join, control and quest withup to three non-player characters (NPC). Players can also quest aloneif they so choose, but with the chance of survival are slim. ConvincingNPCs to join you, and treating them well may be necessary depending onthe varying sentiments between the player and the NPC, or between theNPC's in the party based on the chosen history written into the originstory accepted at the beginning of the game. This uncertainty allows fora variety of possible dynamics within the party ranging from open hostility,all the way to romance. The game progresses in real-time via a pause-and-playtactical combat system that allows the player to check inventory levels,equip a character, etc. in a slight vacuum. Additional features foundin the game include: a combination of a standard loot system and a currencysystem based on gold silver and copper; advanced character customizationfunctionality; the use of poison, traps and herbalism; dual-wielding skills;and "spell combos," which allow players to chain together different spellsto create a unique effects.

Key Game Features

BioWare's deepest universe to date with over 80 hours of gameplayand more than double the size and scope of Mass Effect.

Travel throughout dozens of environments and fully immerse yourselfin a shattered world that is on the brink of utter annihilation.
An epic story that is completely shaped and reactive to your playstyle.

Complex moral dilemmas offering no easy choices.

Tailor your Dragon Age: Origins experience from the verybeginning by choose from six different origin stories.
Decide how to handle complex issues like murder, genocide, betrayal,and the possession/sacrificing of children without the securityof a good/bad slider to tell you what to do.

Full character customization allowing the player to sculpt a heroin your own image or fantasy.

Elaborate character creator allows you to create your own herounique from anyone else.
Shape your character's personality and morality based on the choicesyou make throughout the game.

Engage in bone-crushing, visceral combat engaging in battle againstmassive and terrifying creatures.

Unleash legendary powers and choose from over 100 different magicalspells and skills.
Experience the adrenaline rush of brutal combat, beheading yourfoes or casting spells that make enemies explode from within.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Dragon Age: Origins now ?