Dragon Age 2 Review *Update 2*

Hey guys,

Ok, I know I haven't posted recently and I apologise.  I have been wrapped up in Dragon Age 2, so what I was thinking I might do is instead of reviewing a game from the Steam sales this week, I will do a massive wrap up on DA 2 .  So I will edit this post each day letting you know where I'm up too, if anything is amazing or hopeless, that kind of deal.

First off, the game in general, it has the same feel as origins without being an exact copy with a different storyline, which a lot of sequels seem to do now days  so that alone is a big plus. Some of the similarities between Dragon Age 1 and Dragon age 2 is that there is   still three basic classes, Mage, Warrior and Rogue. And as the norm is these days, they can branch off into specializations Theres. Archer, Healer, Tank, you get the picture. And as expected with a story driven game like Dragon Age 2 ,You can choose every reaction, or dialog during each cut-scene.

One feature that really stood out to me from the start is that when creating your character you had the option to choose a back story to your character. There are three default settings to choose from or you are able to import your game from origins to create the back story.  Now I'm not too sure what is imported as I didn't backup my games from Origins, which I'm regretting now, but it really does show how much thought has gone into making the plot unique for each person.

One other thing that has added the wow factor to this game is the dialogue, now if you have played Origins you know that when you choose a response to something during a cut-scene everyone is able to hear your thoughts, there is no speech from you.  But in DA 2, whichever option you choose your player actually speaks.  Just something I found quite good with the game that is able to envelop  you more into the storyline

That's it for now, I will post some more on it tomorrow so be sure to check it out.

*Update #1*

As promised here is my first update on the review for Dragon Age 2. 

First off, just like Origins, this game is HUGE! There are side quests to the side quests, it's that big (thats what she said). And by no means do I mean it in a bad way either, every quest is different from annihilating a camp of hostiles to helping a friend with their love life, it has everything.  I have been playing this game quite solidly over the weekend and have finished Act One and Two, completely, side quests, companion quests, you name it. Each just as good as the last.

One thing I have noticed are a couple bugs in the game, nothing major like the disaster that was Call Of Duty - Black Ops.  For example there is one quest I'm on that wont complete after completing it.  The other bug I noticed is one of the female (ahem) 'workers' at the Blooming Rose has a males voice,  but now that I think about it, it could be that she/he is supposed to.

My next update will be around the same time tomorrow so please check it out and add your two cents.

*Update #2*

Here is the second instalment for Dragon Age 2.

I finished the game last night, or possibly morning if you wish to split hairs, wow is the only word that comes to mind.  Now I know I said the game was huge, it is defiantly, but it just isn't as big as Origins.  This has good and bad qualities to it, good being that you don't feel like you're making any progress but bad because I want more.  The amazing thing I have found with both DA games is that you can start a new character straight after finishing and do everything differently and it feels like a whole new game, which is what I'm doing at the moment.

Enough about me, let's talk about the graphics.  They look fantastic without the "OMG look at that blade of grass" that you get from Crysis, which I like.  The graphics when you look at things closely aren't as beautiful as they seem, so this game can easily run on your average machine and not have it spewing hot lava at you, always a bonus in my books.  As far I haven't found any texture bugs of things mysteriously going through walls or a character misplacing an arm ten metres back.  It reminds me of a beefed upped version of Origins graphics, Dragon Age 2 has hit the gym.  Compared to Origins you'll notice that many characters make a reappearance, Flemeth to name one (Above Pic), she has also been given a tune up in character design, she now looks cool and dragony.... she's a dragon by the way.  If you haven't played Origins don't worry this game doesn't require knowledge from it but it does make it better.

In update #3, tomorrow I will note down some changes I have found in the story line for playing a second time through.  People you can save or kill, that sort of thing, so check it out.

-AgentBLUE