Dragon Age: Origins Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I think most gamers are already aware of BioWare's pedigree, and they have stated that Dragon Age is the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate." Myself, the only thing I was worried about was EA's heavy hand in BW's back pocket, fortunately, this definitely does NOT seem to be the case.

Dragon Age: Origins is a very well thought out and then realized fantasy world. You start by making a choice... male or female and then - one of five different races (there are actually only three races, but elves and dwarves come in two different varieties each), one of three different classes (warrior, mage, or rogue) that will eventually branch off into one of four different specialties. Each choice has it's "Origins" in the form of a specific story line unique to each race with each class, obviously, taking a different approach to that story. I first played the human noble origin, and am now on the elves, then I'll do the dwarves... I'll take the race that I like playing the best and that will be my main character. (Seeming as there's an achievement for each Origin, it's rewarding to take this approach as well).

The graphics are incredible and the sound is just as incredible, I'm not actually sure that there is a way to play this game and *not* get immersed, no - lost, in it. I also like the controller scheme, it proved to be very intuitive once I spent a few minutes with it. There's only one action button (A) the other three are skill or talent specific with (RT) acting as a shift so you can get 2 sets of three commands (all mapable on the fly). On the other side (LT) pulls up a radial menu that lets you access most of your different commands - similar to how Mass Effect used radial menu's but this one is staked, after you select from the main tree you get a second radial to pick your specific action, and just like ME the radial menu pauses the game. I will do a full review when I get done with my first playthrough.

What I wanted to comment specificaly on was the collector's edition. Is the CE worth the extra money? To me it absolutely was. It's all packaged really nice in a metal case with a map and an extra DVD with a lot of content. On the DVD besides the gratuitous "Making of..." videos, game art, and other comentaries there is also a video strategy guide --by the lead designer at BioWare-- and it's really informative. Besides giving some sage advise on different character builds and play styles he also drops some hints as to where to find some of the most powerful items in the game for each class. My favorite part of the Collector's Edition, however, is the extra in-game content. For opting with the CE you get 3 special items: a book, a staff, and a helmet (all heavily enchanted, of course), and you also get the 'Blood Dragon' armor that will also be useable in Mass Effect 2 (how cool is that?) and it tops off with the 'Stone Prisoner' quest - please note that this quest is available for purchase seperately as DLC on BioWare's server, but it's not cheap. All in all I am very happy with the CE and I would recommend it over the standard version any day.

**edit 11/15/2009**
I have finished every origin plot line and opted for a female human rogue for my first playthrough. I'm maybe 1/3 of the way through it, I don't have a lot of time to play right now and when I do play I'm trying to cover all ground possible before I move on. I don't want to get too specific in case of spoilers, but I will say the only thing that I can find to complain about so far is a slight lack of depth as far as tactics that are offered and too many talents available compared to how many points you get to spend on them. I will say that BioWare has a good amount of possible tactics to apply to whichever character, BUT in order to get enough slots to make it really worthwhile you have to spend your talent points on tactics.

Personally, I am currently of the mind that there are way too many skills and talents and not enough points available to even end up with 1/3 of them by the end of leveling (it appears there is a level 20 cap *3.15*>there is no cap, level 20 is considered the first mature character level* but skills and talents could still use some an update). Then they make it not just individual talents to focus on, but in trees of four - this makes for some hard decisions when you level. This is a detraction for me because I'll end up micro-analyzing which skill/talent I should get instead of playing the game! Mages have it worst. They have a considerably larger spell tree than the warrior or rogue have for skill trees. Being that this is the only thing I have found thus far to have a serious gripe about I still contend that this is by far one of the better games to come along in a while.

**edited 03.15.10**
I have finished a thorough playthrough on the X360 and am about 1/3 through a PC playthrough. I maintain most of my original enthusiasm for this title. If I could revote I would make it a 4-star rating, but this is still a very solid addition to the rpg game realm. There is some definite shortcomings with the whole "tactics" style gameplay, which is almost surprising considering how much Bioware seems to have put into it - but its there. Mainly, as far as tactics go there's really only one option and that's have your warriors charge in and take'em downand leave spellcasters in the rear of the battlefield. You **as in the character you're controlling** can attempt to flank, but that's about it. Sadly there's no attempt at a stealthier style of gameplay and combat. Even so, battles can stil be enjoyable but it definitely leaves a hole in the combat system. My main complaint about DA:O is that **everything** is scripted, just try to surprise attack any enemy -- can-not be done. This is because combat is only initiated through the conversation options; unless its an attack on the map screen while traveling. You can't just attack somebody because you want to and this is almost unforgivable. Hopefully with the sequel to this they will change that. Currently I am waiting to play Awakenings and Return to Ostagar, I decided to wait to play RtO until Awakenings came out and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I have enjoyed this title mostly, except for the combat hangups which I really hope they fix.

Bethesda's current stance is that they have become a publishing house and wont be making games anymore - Fallout's next game has gone to another designer (Obsidian) and there is reportedly *not* going to be an Elder Scrolls 5 (I was completely floored by this). This is going to leave a huge gap in the fantasy rpg genre which Dragon Age could definitely make a grab for the gold at, but for me they really need to re-address their whole combat system to allow you to attack or not when you want to and have better control of your party and actually have some tactical options: flanking, 2nd wave, surprise attacks, etc. Without a new TES I will definitely be paying attention to what Bioware does with this title.

**edited 05.23.10**
***CHANGED 5STAR RATING TO 4STAR RATING***

^^^^Great news about the previous comment block^^^^ Pete Hines and Todd Howard were being misquoted (check out the forums at Bethsoft if you're interested), there will definitely be a TESV by Bethesda Game Studios - they are just not even going to speculate on its arrival or any multi-player games.

I definitely want to see where Bioware takes Dragon-Age though - what they did with Mass Effect was simply incredible and revolutionary (I am not aware of any other sequel that lets you port your previous character into it). I am thoroughly intrigued by Morrigan (voice acting by Claudia Black definitely sends it over the top) and what it seems like she's up to, in fact the whole plot of the DA story rests on her lovely shoulders now - IMO.

Return to Ostagar was OK, but definitely *not* worth the wait - it was originally slated for a "just in time for the holidays" late Nov./early Dec.'09 release date. It doesn't seem like enemies scale with player progression either. I blazed through Ostagar with a level 23 rogue and darkspawn were bouncing off me, I guess after defeating the arch-demon on hardest very little else will seem challenging.

I am about 1/2 way through Awakenings with mixed-emotions, not that anything about it has been bad -- I just can't seem to 'get into it' as much as I did with Origins, although there's a new *play as the darkspawn* (can't remember what they named it) mod out now so maybe I can get back into it.

**edit 05.23.10** addendum to the addendum, changed star rating (was 5, now 4)
**edit 03.15.10** final review addendum
**edit 11.21.09** grammatical correction

Thanks for reading and game on....

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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.
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3 classes and 3 races to play as.
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Stunning 3D environments.
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Spell combining abilities.
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Party-based combat using NPCs.
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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 (NPCs). 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.

Bonus Items Included with Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition for Xbox 360:

Tin case.
Bonus DVD including:

A making of documentary
Soundtrack
Trailers
Wallpaper
Concept art video
Strategy tips

Cloth map.
3 pieces of exclusive in-game content:

Bergen's Honor: A massive helmet made out of dragonbone (+2 to armor, +25 physical resistance, +6 to attack).
Grimoire of the Frozen Wates: A special book that adds +3 to all attributes when read.
Final Reason: A magical staff of immense power (adds to damage, spell power, and fire damage).

"The Stone Prisoner" unlockable bonus quest and unlockable character, Shale.
Exclusive in-game item for use in the upcoming title Mass Effect 2.

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