Here Be Dragons - The Dragon Age: Origins Discussion Thread

[IrishWarrior_]

Dragon Age Origins looks absolutely amazing. Are you getting it when it is released tomorrow?

The previews have been awesome, especially the Warden one.

[LORDJUJU]

Yes, grabing it tomorrow along with Lego RB. Bioware kicks ass.

[Wolfbeckett]

Getting it tomorrow no. Getting it soon yes. Hopefully in the next few weeks, but I also need to find money for Lego RB and Nana box set 2 at the end of the month.

[DrifterUK]

I want it, but with MW2 coming out, and my plans to order a few more bandmates, I cant see me getting it any time before Christmas

[Blackjack041277]

I plan on getting it, just not in a huge hurry to.

[Runesmith]

Absolutely. If there was any justice in this world people would forget about MW2 and just get this instead.

;)

[CJHobbes]

Oh yeah, I'm picking it up from Best Buy tomorrow along with LRB.

A friend of mine had his copy of DAO arrive this morning, the lucky punk. XD (he ordered from the EA store)

[Der_Lex]

Absolutely. It's the most anticipated release of the year for me (I'm a huge Baldur's Gate/Neverwinter Nights fan and played and thoroughly enjoyed the DA:O demo at Gamescom).

I was planning on buying it myself, but instead my wife preordered it for me as a birthday gift, so now I just need to be patient until it comes out for the PS3 over here at the end of the month. I'll probably pick up the DLC for it straight away too.

The only thing I'm torn about is what origin I'll pick for my first play-through. I'm currently undecided between Mage, Dwarven Noble and Human Noble.

For those who intend to get it, what origin will you play?

[kiggidykev]

Sarah's getting it for her birthday this week, even though she played it last week and said the character creation wasn't as deep as she hoped it would be.

[FloodOne]

Absolutely. It's the most anticipated release of the year for me (I'm a huge Baldur's Gate/Neverwinter Nights fan and played and thoroughly enjoyed the DA:O demo at Gamescom).

I was planning on buying it myself, but instead my wife preordered it for me as a birthday gift, so now I just need to be patient until it comes out for the PS3 over here at the end of the month. I'll probably pick up the DLC for it straight away too.

The only thing I'm torn about is what origin I'll pick for my first play-through. I'm currently undecided between Mage, Dwarven Noble and Human Noble.

For those who intend to get it, what origin will you play?

I'm picking it up after work tomorrow, and I'll probably be a City Elf.

[Xzyliac]

Yes because:

A) It's Bioware
B) Unlockable Mass Effect 2 armor

I won't lie I know nothing else about this game.

[dady5000]

Have I started a new "Are You Getting It?" topic type? But I'm probably not going to get it despite how much I like Bioware.

[back_blows]

Is the demo out yet?

[Jordanfre]

No, but I can't wait for Bioware's other upcoming RPG, Mass Effect 2.

[Transbrak]

I want this, but have not had much time for games lately other than rock band. The first weekend I'm sitting around doing nothing I have a feeling I'll end up getting it.

[FloodOne]

I picked it up for ps3, but my wife is sick as hell, so I'll be tending to her until the weekend.

[Cubecubed]

i was when i thought it was a cool looking hack and slash type game,but Tactical Rpgs are not my bag,so i prolly wont be picking it up,especially when i have Borderlands.

[FloodOne]

i was when i thought it was a cool looking hack and slash type game,but Tactical Rpgs are not my bag,so i prolly wont be picking it up,especially when i have Borderlands.

It's not a tactical RPG like FF Tactics or Disgaea is. If a demo comes out, you should at least give it a shot.

[Cubecubed]

It's not a tactical RPG like FF Tactics or Disgaea is. If a demo comes out, you should at least give it a shot.

i saw a review of it,and the gameplay reminded me of almost World of Warcraft,and they called it a "Pause and Command" RPG. im more of a Fable or oblivion type of guy.

[FloodOne]

i saw a review of it,and the gameplay reminded me of almost World of Warcraft,and they called it a "Pause and Command" RPG. im more of a Fable or oblivion type of guy.

Right on. Yeah, this may not be the game for you.

[Der_Lex]

Supposedly the combat system is slightly less 'pause and command'-y on the console versions because of the slightly different controls, though.
I actually think that's a bit of a shame, and almost regret not being able to get the PC version because my graphics card is hopelessly outdated. I really should get a new one. Or even a new PC for that matter. I can write it off as a company expense anyway, and Diablo 3 is coming up as well... :D

[FloodOne]

Supposedly the combat system is slightly less 'pause and command'-y on the console versions because of the slightly different controls, though.
I actually think that's a bit of a shame, and almost regret not being able to get the PC version because my graphics card is hopelessly outdated. I really should get a new one. Or even a new PC for that matter. I can write it off as a company expense anyway, and Diablo 3 is coming up as well... :D

Yes, but I was checking the strategy guide, and the "Tactics" feature looks amazingly deep. Like a more polished and realized gambit system.

[Der_Lex]

Yes, but I was checking the strategy guide, and the "Tactics" feature looks amazingly deep. Like a more polished and realized gambit system.

Maybe, but I didn't like the gambit system much, and played 'pause and plan' rpgs such as Baldur's Gate and Planescape:Torment religiously, so I'll probably still find myself pausing the game at the start of every combat and whenever I want one of my spellcasters to actually do something. :D

I also read somewhere that 'area spells hurt allies too' is turned off on normal difficulty on the consoles, whereas it's turned on in the pc version. With the different point of view and interface on the consoles, this might actually be a good thing, even though it makes the game slightly easier.

In the meantime, I've pretty much decided on playing a human mage for my first run. Now the long wait for November 20th begins...

[maitee1]

Supposedly the combat system is slightly less 'pause and command'-y on the console versions because of the slightly different controls, though.
I actually think that's a bit of a shame, and almost regret not being able to get the PC version because my graphics card is hopelessly outdated. I really should get a new one. Or even a new PC for that matter. I can write it off as a company expense anyway, and Diablo 3 is coming up as well... :D

I can see it now...

"why do you need a $10,000 falcon northwest rig for work?" asks the auditor.

Lex responds, "Uh yeah...I like to work really hard..."

[kiggidykev]

Ohh man this game is so good, people in Belgium are missing out!

(I kid, we haven't even opened our copy yet :p)

[Der_Lex]

Ohh man this game is so good, people in Belgium are missing out!

(I kid, we haven't even opened our copy yet :p)

Good thing you already gave me something to drink away the pain you cause me. That's either the sign of a real friend or of a really well prepared sadist. Possibly both.

[kiggidykev]

I kid because I love :p

Gamespot just gave Dragon Age a 9.5. I wasn't expecting such a high score, so I'm excited to play the game when Sarah's done :)

[Lady Siara]

Nah. I was only interested in it because I thought it was four player co-op.

Otherwise, it's just another Bioware rpg. I say that really enjoying Bioware rpgs, but I get the concept.

[FloodOne]

Maybe, but I didn't like the gambit system much, and played 'pause and plan' rpgs such as Baldur's Gate and Planescape:Torment religiously, so I'll probably still find myself pausing the game at the start of every combat and whenever I want one of my spellcasters to actually do something. :D

I also read somewhere that 'area spells hurt allies too' is turned off on normal difficulty on the consoles, whereas it's turned on in the pc version. With the different point of view and interface on the consoles, this might actually be a good thing, even though it makes the game slightly easier.

In the meantime, I've pretty much decided on playing a human mage for my first run. Now the long wait for November 20th begins...

See, I was in love with the gambit system, so I'll feel right at home here, but I do understand the need to micromanage every action.

[Transbrak]

Are there any pros or cons to either of the console versions.

My want for this game seems to be growing by the second.

[FloodOne]

Are there any pros or cons to either of the console versions.

My want for this game seems to be growing by the second.

Allegedly, the ps3 version looks better and runs smoother than the 360 version. I don't know, I don't buy two different versions of the same game, but that seems to be the buzz on the internet.

The PC version is the definitive purchase, and if you have the option, go with the PC copy.

[Cpt. Overkill]

I want this, but it's a heated debate between this, MW2, and L4D2.

[Transbrak]

Allegedly, the ps3 version looks better and runs smoother than the 360 version. I don't know, I don't buy two different versions of the same game, but that seems to be the buzz on the internet.

The PC version is the definitive purchase, and if you have the option, go with the PC copy.

My PC is a joke when it comes to gaming and my laptops not much better so that option is out.

I would rather the 360 version but if the graphics are much better or extra content (like batman) then I'll get the PS3 version.

[Oscar-Rio]

I picked this up for my 360 yesterday, but haven't popped it in yet. I will later tonight and give my initial reactions at some point.

[Der_Lex]

My PC is a joke when it comes to gaming and my laptops not much better so that option is out.

I would rather the 360 version but if the graphics are much better or extra content (like batman) then I'll get the PS3 version.

Supposedly the framerate is slightly better on the 360, but the visuals are slightly better on the PS3. Content is the same on both platforms.

[FloodOne]

Supposedly the framerate is slightly better on the 360, but the visuals are slightly better on the PS3. Content is the same on both platforms.

That's why I said allegedly, I don't know firsthand.

And yes, the content is the same across all three platforms. Go with whatever system you want to play this on, just make sure you play it.

[Rock_Band_Over]

I like how the "Casual" difficulty makes this accessible even to people like me (i.e., people that gave up on Oblivion in the first hour). Being able to traipse about and not have to worry about dying while letting the other characters do all the heavy lifting is totally what I'm all about (attacking/casting/using abilities in real-time is way too complicated and laborious for me).

I find the rude/wiseass response choices hilarious sometimes, although they don't seem to manage to irk anyone as much as they probably should (I am pretty much going with the what-would-Cartman-choose? option whenever possible).

A few questions for the expert panel here (based on your general knowledge of these games):

Are you supposed to just wait around in these games for corpses to produce loot (the delay is pretty long)? Is there a way to speed it up or just have characters automatically collect it?

I've come across dozens of chests and doors that I couldn't open because no one can pick a lock. Is this going to be an issue?

Am I supposed to be saving before every major decision just in case it turns out to be a really bad one?

Thanks!

[Oscar-Rio]

Can't really answer your questions seeing as the game's only been out not even 48 hours.

I've been playing for 90 minutes and haven't even seen any outdoor environments yet. It's pretty cool, and I really hope that my Mage will be able to learn the ability to pick locks.

[Der_Lex]

Are you supposed to just wait around in these games for corpses to produce loot (the delay is pretty long)? Is there a way to speed it up or just have characters automatically collect it?

In previous Bioware games, you could click on a corpse to see what loot it had. Doesn't that still work?


I've come across dozens of chests and doors that I couldn't open because no one can pick a lock. Is this going to be an issue?

And the old D&D wisdom is still true in this game, it seems: always, always bring a rogue. As far as I've read, they're the only ones who can pick locks.


Am I supposed to be saving before every major decision just in case it turns out to be a really bad one?

Definitely not. There are no 'bad' decisions in games like this. If you wonder how things would have been if you had chosen path B, just play through the game again. :D

[Oscar-Rio]

And the old D&D wisdom is still true in this game, it seems: always, always bring a rogue. As far as I've read, they're the only ones who can pick locks.

When choosing my character and upgrading abilities i've noticed that a lot of them appear to be most beneficial for the Rogues. I assume they are the most well rounded choice. But yes, if you have a Rogue in your party you can just switch the control over to them and pick the locks that way. I assume. I haven't reached any part like that this early in the game.

[Rock_Band_Over]

In previous Bioware games, you could click on a corpse to see what loot it had. Doesn't that still work?



And the old D&D wisdom is still true in this game, it seems: always, always bring a rogue. As far as I've read, they're the only ones who can pick locks.



Definitely not. There are no 'bad' decisions in games like this. If you wonder how things would have been if you had chosen path B, just play through the game again. :D

Thanks!

I should have specified I'm on the PS3... the loot just seems to materialize a while after the battle has ended. I've ended up just going back to the site of the previous battle after finishing the next one (usually just the adjacent room) and by then there will be loot laying around on the corpses. Not a big deal (inventory fills up too quickly, anyway), just wish the process were easier because I also often end up accidentally triggering convos with allies that are standing around me when I'm trying to grab loot.

You're right about the Rogues picking locks... but I'm not that far and I think you could only have one at this point if that's the character you created. I don't mind missing out on $ and items, but if I am going to have to backtrack to certain locked entrances just to progress in the game, I might as well start over now with a Rogue (but it doesn't seem that will be the case).

@Oscar-Rio

I think I've logged around 5 hours and explored 12% but have just been zipping through things (being on the easiest difficulty). I haven't needed to grind at all... but am actually looking for a place where I can, just to get someone's stats high enough to be able to wear the Blood Armor that came with the game.

[Transbrak]

Just saw the Black Friday ad on Kotaku for Kmart.

It's going to be 39.99 on both consoles, if I can hold out that long I will defiantly go pick it up for that price.

[Oscar-Rio]

@Oscar-Rio

I think I've logged around 5 hours and explored 12% but have just been zipping through things (being on the easiest difficulty). I haven't needed to grind at all... but am actually looking for a place where I can, just to get someone's stats high enough to be able to wear the Blood Armor that came with the game.

Awesome, i've been in need of a game that's going to need a lot of hours invested. Too many short story games lately.

Blood Armor?:confused:

The insert in my case says it says I got "Shale" some kind of legendary warrior blah blah blah.

[Rock_Band_Over]

Awesome, i've been in need of a game that's going to need a lot of hours invested. Too many short story games lately.

Blood Armor?:confused:

The insert in my case says it says I got "Shale" some kind of legendary warrior blah blah blah.

I think the other side of that card with "Shale" has the code for the "Blood Armor". I believe it's included with every new copy of the game, pre-order or not.

I wonder how they plan to 'sell' any "Shale DLC" if it's 14.99, and a new copy of the game that includes it can be found for as low as $40. Maybe it's just to encourage people to get a new copy, which I recommend, anyway!

[Rock_Starman]

The Stone Prisoner only comes free with the Special Edition but really just negates the extra cost of it. That's the one I got.

This game is so sufficiently metal that even though I started with a human I have the constant urge to stop playing that and go make a dwarf named Dio.

[FloodOne]

I think the other side of that card with "Shale" has the code for the "Blood Armor". I believe it's included with every new copy of the game, pre-order or not.

I wonder how they plan to 'sell' any "Shale DLC" if it's 14.99, and a new copy of the game that includes it can be found for as low as $40. Maybe it's just to encourage people to get a new copy, which I recommend, anyway!

It's a way to cut into the used game market, a tactic I thoroughly support because the consumer benefits from it.

[Oscar-Rio]

Is there any way to change your character's hair style throughout the game?

[Sarge51]

I honestly don't even know what this game is about. I've only seen like three pictures and one video. But those were just enough to make me want this game.

[Onslaught_fei]

God yes. This game is pure win.

[topperharley]

Just saw the Black Friday ad on Kotaku for Kmart. It's going to be 39.99 on both consoles.

That's a nice deal.

[citric_bullets]

Borrowing it from my friend once he gets his fill. I'm hoping he'll be at that point by the time he comes home from college for Thanksgiving :D

[Oscar-Rio]

Sigh, there's no way to change the look of your character in this game. You can't change the haircut or any other physical aspect of them. I'm probably going to be starting over now.

Another thing bothering me is that the AI background characters only have one task. They will stand there day and night around a fire and talk to each other ceaselessly without stopping to do anything.

Facial expressions, sincerity and believability seem to always get sorely overlooked in so many games.

[HaloQueen]

Looks prety awesome, I definately want it.

[Der_Lex]

The Stone Prisoner only comes free with the Special Edition but really just negates the extra cost of it. That's the one I got.

No, The Stone Prisoner and the Blood Dragon Armor come free with each retail copy of the game, so with both the special edition and the regular edition. The Special Edition gets some other freebies (some equipment and possible Warden's Keep, not sure... they don't sell it over here).

[Flawless]

I was originally going to because I'm so damn hungry for RPGs this generation, but after seeing the game in action and hearing from friends that it's tedious rather than fun I don't think I will.

It's a shame too, figured this was going to be awesome (I hear it is in general, just doesn't play like my cup of tea.).

[Sargehalo51]

I will probably be getting it at some point. My major complaint with the game is that it isn't multiplayer/co-op available. Now, I loved Mass Effect, so I will probably enjoy this game. But, most of my gaming is done with a group of friends (such as...RB1+2, TB:RB, COD series, HALO series, and most recently Borderlands), so a single player game gets moved a bit further down on the want list.

[Bullseye]

Looks good. I'm hoping maybe Santa will come through.

[kiggidykev]

I watched Sarah play her game for a bit. Her elf looks quite a bit like her, so the character creator is pretty well done. The dialogue choices were nice and varied, but I couldn't help but feel that most of the characters looked dreary and dull.

I did like that the dog could pee on things, though.

[Wolfbeckett]

I do want this game but I don't like the part where an NPC tells you about the quest and then says "Oh you have to purchase the DLC though". I play Rock Band, I am obviously not against DLC, but I AM against being pitched that DLC while I am playing the game. RPG's are about immersion and I can't think of anything that would break immersion faster. Unless the programmers made the game flash "LOL YOU ARE PLAYING A GAME LOL" at the top of the screen, that would be a bit worse I guess.

[kiggidykev]

Oh yeah, the DLC pitch mid-conversation with some characters irritated me as well.

[Wolfbeckett]

To put it in Rock Band terms, this would be like purchasing Rock Band 3, seeing a song you really like, going to play it only to have the game say "Oh haha that is a DLC song, you don't have it yet, you can click here to buy it though!" If I don't have the goddamn DLC, then don't make the NPC even show the quest :/.

[kiggidykev]

I'm with you, Wolf. It's certainly proactive marketing in that it gets the word out very efficiently to most players that DLC exists, but I really hope it doesn't become a new standard for other games to promote DLC.

[CrazyIvan]

I'm with you, Wolf. It's certainly proactive marketing in that it gets the word out very efficiently to most players that DLC exists, but I really hope it doesn't become a new standard for other games to promote DLC.

Agreed. I hated the bits in Crackdown and Fable 2 that did this.

"Here this super-duper awesome adventure!!! Wanna' take part? Just press 'A'!".... that takes you to the frickin' marketplace for the game. Pissed me off.

I haven't bought DA:O yet, but I'm glad I know this about the game ahead of time. Bummer.

[Rock_Band_Over]

Is anyone getting the guide as well for this?

I wanted to avoid it because I didn't want to wait for it to arrive and because I thought I would get too bogged down into getting/doing everything it suggests is useful.

But a dozen hours in, I'm getting really lost. I've literally forgotten what I'm supposed to do because I keep encountering new missions that just keep branching out.

It also doesn't help the confusion that every other person I meet is a red-haired guy with a mustache named Arr-Enn, give or take a few letters.

Still, having a lot of fun. I doubt this is any kind of spoiler but anyway... I thought it was hilarious that if you tell the DLC Golem Shale he's useless and unwanted he literally does bail on you. What a diva! :p I went to try and find him again but got so sidetracked I eventually just gave up and went back to a save from 2 hours earlier. Normally, I'd be annoyed but I oddly appreciated that the game actually had given me the option of telling him to take a hike instead of forcing him in the party.

[CrazyIvan]

Is anyone getting the guide as well for this?

I wanted to avoid it because I didn't want to wait for it to arrive and because I thought I would get too bogged down into getting/doing everything it suggests is useful.

Just a quick warning... I've read on a couple other sites that the guide has HUGE spoilers on every page. Even some of the bios in the front reveal the end story for a bunch of the characters. Some dude on GameFAQ's was saying that he cracked open the guide because he was stuck on one of the first sidequests and literally found out how the game ends by mistake. Pissed him off to no end.

So... yeah. Just wanted to pass along what I've heard about the guide.

[DJPooka]

Just a quick warning... I've read on a couple other sites that the guide has HUGE spoilers on every page. Even some of the bios in the front reveal the end story for a bunch of the characters. Some dude on GameFAQ's was saying that he cracked open the guide because he was stuck on one of the first sidequests and literally found out how the game ends by mistake. Pissed him off to no end.

So... yeah. Just wanted to pass along what I've heard about the guide.

Sometimes I'm glad I'm one of those old fashioned RPG players who will refuse point blank to get any guides, read any walkthroughs or ask for any help, even if I have to keep at a game for hours longer than necessary to find the right convo.... (I'm looking at you, Lost Odyssey :p)

[kiggidykev]

I started as a warrior but was disappointed that I couldn't open any chests, so I started over as a thief.

Also, I watched all the "romance" videos on Youtube. yow yow!

[FloodOne]

I'm a level 6 warrior focusing on weapon and shield training.

I don't need to open beginning game chests, the loot probably isn't even that good.

[kiggidykev]

These romance scenes are awesome. I'm going to save a special file right before earning each one.

Also, I'm going to start over AGAIN as a warrior. I don't like how my thief-guy does so little damage, and Sarah tells me I can get a thief for the group pretty soon in anyway.

[DJPooka]

I'm currently playing as a thief and looking to switch to duellist when I can specialize, that should help with the damage side of things...

[Oscar-Rio]

I'm getting frustrated with lack of places to grind out and level up any of my characters. Also having your measly 4 units trying to take on a small army of enemies with archer support is getting super piss-me-off worthy. And the point in the story I'm at has really left me wondering what i'm supposed to be doing. It seems to be losing its direction by giving the player too much freedom in path determination.

[Runesmith]

These romance scenes are awesome. I'm going to save a special file right before earning each one.

Also, I'm going to start over AGAIN as a warrior. I don't like how my thief-guy does so little damage, and Sarah tells me I can get a thief for the group pretty soon in anyway.

I agree.

You have no idea how happy I am that Bioware apparently got over their homophobia and allowed characters to have same-sex romances. Hell, even Fallout 2 gave you this option (sorta), and that was released in the mid-1990s.

[Oscar-Rio]

Are there places other than Fereldon?

[supernova1324]

After seeing a couple of gameplay vids, I'm intrigued. It makes me think of what would happen if Oblivion met Warcraft.

[FloodOne]

Are there places other than Fereldon?

Not that I'm aware of.

I'm surprised that you're having trouble keeping your quests in order. The codex does a pretty solid job of keeping it all organized. I do wish there was a map indicator similar to Fallout 3, instead of the mess they have going on in this game.

[Oscar-Rio]

Not that I'm aware of.


that sucks. So there's only a handful of towns/villages that we'll be running in circles back and forth between for a game with a 70-80 story line?

lol, does anyone else get their asses handed to them on a frequent basis? Just about every battle I go into it takes 3 or 4 tries to get past it. Kinda puts a real damper on a lot of the action parts. Even worse that there's no real spots to just go fight arbitrary enemies to level up a few levels.

[kiggidykev]

I like how people turn into bones like 10 seconds after dying.

[Oscar-Rio]

This game's shortcoming are really starting to irk me. The lack of shared experience is really annoying. As a mage you use all your mana and spells weakening enemies only to have one of your front line allies swing the killing blow and stealing the full experience for the kill, and you're left with nothing.

Enemies simply running past all your other units to attack you as a mage is starting to get on my nerves. My teammates just stand around like fools while i'm left to defend my un-armored self against 4-6 enemies. I rarely, if ever, survive.

The so few locations on the map are making me a little nervous that i'm going to be doing a lot of backtracking back and forth between the same few locations for the entire game. I really don't like not being able to actually explore the world, you're just stuck to waypoints and pre-determined locations. For instance, traveling to The Pearl you don't actually get to travel there, you just select your destination and then it's all fast travel, and then you don't even get to see the outside or surrounding neighborhood. So much for environmental immersion.

It also seems like the difficulty curve for this game is outrageous. Only level 10 and I have one hell of a time killing, surviving and leveling up during battles. If these setbacks continue on the way they are I probably won't be finishing this game.

[FloodOne]

This game's shortcoming are really starting to irk me. The lack of shared experience is really annoying. As a mage you use all your mana and spells weakening enemies only to have one of your front line allies swing the killing blow and stealing the full experience for the kill, and you're left with nothing.

Enemies simply running past all your other units to attack you as a mage is starting to get on my nerves. My teammates just stand around like fools while i'm left to defend my un-armored self against 4-6 enemies. I rarely, if ever, survive.

The so few locations on the map are making me a little nervous that i'm going to be doing a lot of backtracking back and forth between the same few locations for the entire game. I really don't like not being able to actually explore the world, you're just stuck to waypoints and pre-determined locations. For instance, traveling to The Pearl you don't actually get to travel there, you just select your destination and then it's all fast travel, and then you don't even get to see the outside or surrounding neighborhood. So much for environmental immersion.

It also seems like the difficulty curve for this game is outrageous. Only level 10 and I have one hell of a time killing, surviving and leveling up during battles. If these setbacks continue on the way they are I probably won't be finishing this game.

You might want to look into applying a new set of tactics on your AI team mates.

I do agree that the lack of shared XP is a bone. It doesn't affect me too much, I'm a Tank so I claim most of the kills, but it sounds like playing a mage is a serious pain in the ass.

[SteveoKnievo]

You might want to look into applying a new set of tactics on your AI team mates.

The tactics are extremely important, especially for you tanks and healers. Make sure your tank(s) are set to taunt enemies that are attacking mages. And make sure you mage(s) are set to heal anyone that is below a certain health (mine are set to heal anyone who is below 50%). I'm playing a mage and I'm usually doing damage, but in the bigger fights i will conserve my mana. Also, set your tactics so that if anyone is below 25% health or mana have the drink a poultice. Also make sure that at least on of your mages has some aoe and or crowd control spells. The cone of cold is particularly effective.

Hopefully that is helpful to someone and I wasn't just blabbering :)

/endrant

[Oscar-Rio]

You might want to look into applying a new set of tactics on your AI team mates.

it sounds like playing a mage is a serious pain in the ass.

I guess i'll have to go back and mess around with it.


i'm learning about the annoyance of that now.

[Der_Lex]

I guess i'll have to go back and mess around with it.


i'm learning about the annoyance of that now.

The alternative is micromanaging every character in every battle.

It was good enough for us in the old days, darn it, and it's good enough for you now!

(all joking aside, I'll totally be playing this way when it gets released over here on the 20th)

[topperharley]

Hm, after reading this thread, I think I may pass on this one.

[Oscar-Rio]

The alternative is micromanaging every character in every battle.

It was good enough for us in the old days, darn it, and it's good enough for you now!

(all joking aside, I'll totally be playing this way when it gets released over here on the 20th)


I would be all for it, and was when I gamed on PC, but now that i'm mouse-free the micromanaging becomes even more of a chore than it normally is. Good luck with the micro, i've been trying but it's so hard. I'm going to have to really modify my tactics.

[FloodOne]

I would be all for it, and was when I gamed on PC, but now that i'm mouse-free the micromanaging becomes even more of a chore than it normally is. Good luck with the micro, i've been trying but it's so hard. I'm going to have to really modify my tactics.

Pretty much.

Let us know how the micromanagement works out for you Lex.

[gosox333]

How's the gameplay for this? Is there any sort of hack-n-slash involved?

I'm interested because of the enormity of the game, but I (usually) can't stand standard RPG systems.

[kiggidykev]

It's more like you press a button, the character runs over and start hitting/casting/shooting until the enemy dies or you tell them to do a special move.

[gosox333]

It's more like you press a button, the character runs over and start hitting/casting/shooting until the enemy dies or you tell them to do a special move.
I think I can handle that. I'll rent this and see for myself.

[SteveoKnievo]

How's the gameplay for this? Is there any sort of hack-n-slash involved?

I'm interested because of the enormity of the game, but I (usually) can't stand standard RPG systems.

It's like KOTOR, but without the Star Wars.

[Der_Lex]

Now that the PS3 Euro release is coming up: have any of you bought the Warden's Keep DLC? If so, is it worth it?

[FloodOne]

Now that the PS3 Euro release is coming up: have any of you bought the Warden's Keep DLC? If so, is it worth it?

My buddy got it with his PC special edition and all it really is, is a quest that when finished gives you a place to stash loot. I can see the benefits, but to me it doesn't seem worth the $7.

[Oscar-Rio]

Now that the PS3 Euro release is coming up: have any of you bought the Warden's Keep DLC? If so, is it worth it?

I got it, but it's really hard for the level that i'm currently at. Have you checked out the quest/location creator the PC version gets?

[Der_Lex]

I got it, but it's really hard for the level that i'm currently at. Have you checked out the quest/location creator the PC version gets?

Since I'm getting it on the PS3 for now (My outdated PC graphics card can't even handle the character generator demo), I'm trying to steer clear of all the nifty perks the PC version might get, since it will only depress me. :D

[Oscar-Rio]

Since I'm getting it on the PS3 for now (My outdated PC graphics card can't even handle the character generator demo), I'm trying to steer clear of all the nifty perks the PC version might get, since it will only depress me. :D

I was was really pumped when i saw the creator listed on the official site not knowing its limited offering, and was utterly peeved to find it was restricted to the PC. It looks like all sorts of badassery that would give this game infinite replay on top of its already very generous offering of distinct multiple play-throughs.

[instantdeath999]

I haven't really kept up with video games, and just really noticed this one. Highly considering getting it, since I tend to like a lot of RPGs, assuming I ever finish them. How's the story, without spoiling anything?

[Oscar-Rio]

The story is pretty big and long, but nothing that's not already been in a game before, however. It's still fairly immersive, which is one of the biggest draws for me to any RPG game. It starts off a tad bit slow, but once you really get into the knowledge of the world and all that's going on the story really starts to take shape and breath believability into the world.

[instantdeath999]

The story is pretty big and long, but nothing that's not already been in a game before, however. It's still fairly immersive, which is one of the biggest draws for me to any RPG game. It starts off a tad bit slow, but once you really get into the knowledge of the world and all that's going on the story really starts to take shape and breath believability into the world.

Yeah, honestly, when I say a good story, I don't even need the story to be particularly good, as long as it's enough to suck you in. I found it really hard to get through Blue Dragon (haven't gotten past the first disc, though), because I just didn't give two ****s about the characters.

[Oscar-Rio]

Well if you're looking for Final Fantasy type characters don't get your hopes up too high. The characters are cool, but perhaps it's the dialogue system that stymies the character development from reaching its full potential.

Nearly all story/quest dialogue occurs only between your main character and the AI characters. Your other party characters will chime in as your "devil/angel" operatives from time to time, but in order to learn about them you need to initiate your discovery yourself. It's not written into any of the story sequences but rather you get to know them through casual, optional, conversation at your group's encampment.

[instantdeath999]

That sounds alright, I suppose. I'm not a fan of RPGs that are basically excuses to grind and level up, and from what I've seen, this doesn't look like one of them at all.

[FloodOne]

Well if you're looking for Final Fantasy type characters don't get your hopes up too high. The characters are cool, but perhaps it's the dialogue system that stymies the character development from reaching its full potential.

Nearly all story/quest dialogue occurs only between your main character and the AI characters. Your other party characters will chime in as your "devil/angel" operatives from time to time, but in order to learn about them you need to initiate your discovery yourself. It's not written into any of the story sequences but rather you get to know them through casual, optional, conversation at your group's encampment.

Also, sometimes your party will just strike up conversation with each other while your walking. It breathes another layer into the characters and the world as well.

I just wish they had taken the Mass Effect approach, and given the main character a damn voice. The silent protagonist wasn't cool in Chrono Trigger, it's not going to be suddenly cool now.

[SteveoKnievo]

Just go buy the game :D

Edit: I was just on Amazon and they have the game for $49.99

[instantdeath999]

Just go buy the game :D

Edit: I was just on Amazon and they have the game for $49.99

Sold

[Oscar-Rio]

Damn, i can't believe how long this game is. 31 hours into the story and only 30% completed and 50% of the world explored. Talk about bang for your buck.

[FloodOne]

Damn, i can't believe how long this game is. 31 hours into the story and only 30% completed and 50% of the world explored. Talk about bang for your buck.

The devs did say that the main quest clocked in at about 80 hours or so.

[kiggidykev]

80 hours? Holy cow

I'd better not start over anymore. I'm only like one hour in, tops

[FloodOne]

80 hours? Holy cow

I'd better not start over anymore. I'm only like one hour in, tops

I wouldn't recommend it.

[Oscar-Rio]

grrr, i just found out you can only have two specializations on your character. And playing as a mage being a Shapeshifter is utterly useless, and now i can't go back and change myself to arcane mage instead.

[instantdeath999]

Damn, i can't believe how long this game is. 31 hours into the story and only 30% completed and 50% of the world explored. Talk about bang for your buck.

Wow. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing... hopefully it's engaging enough so I finish it.

I think I'm putting this game above others, though Assassins Creed might be up there

[jeccaneko]

I'm too busy with other games right now. I'll wait for Dragon Age to drop in price. I'd rather wait for Mass Effect 2. Got the collector's edition (360 version) pre-ordered.

[kiggidykev]

I keep wanting to go back and play this game some more, but there's just no hook for me to do so. It feels too much like Knights of the Old Republic story-wise but set in D&D instead of space, and all the "Jedi" changed into "Grey Wardens"

[FloodOne]

RAWR!!! :mad:

I just lost three hours of work because I didn't freakin save.....

[SteveoKnievo]

RAWR!!! :mad:

I just lost three hours of work because I didn't freakin save.....

I've gotten to the point where I save every five minutes. It's funny how the game autosaves before the places where you are likely to have your ass handed to you.

[Oscar-Rio]

RAWR!!! :mad:

I just lost three hours of work because I didn't freakin save.....

I lost about 4 hours of play because i reloaded an old save file so i could become an Arcane Warrior instead of the useless Shapeshifter. I'm back to where i was now though, so it's all gravy babay.

Anyone else that's been to Orzammar feel that the design and esthetic of that city doesn't really fit the world too cohesively?

[Gowienczyk]

Anyone else that's been to Orzammar feel that the design and esthetic of that city doesn't really fit the world too cohesively?

Late on this, but; no, it completely fits in the world. It looks like a dwarven city should and would.

[FloodOne]

I need to come back to this game, but Madden and God of War won't let me go.

[Der_Lex]

After over 60 hours of gameplay, I'm about to head to the area of the game where the final battle will take place. And I already catch myself thinking of what origin/class/specialization combo I'll try in the next playthrough (which will take place after Assassin's Creed 2, though).

I love this game.

[DH22295]

I already have it.amazing video game GO BUY IT

[back_blows]

After about 20 hours of gameplay, I'll give Dragon Age an 8/10. It has a fairly boring storyline, but the replay value is decent.

[Der_Lex]

The main storyline is pretty generic, but I'm looking forward to see how some of the choices I've made in the game turn out to affect the game world. Especially some of the rather self-serving ones, like poisoning a certain sacred relic in order to be allowed to drink a dragon's blood (hey, no blood mage worth his salt would turn that offer down). I also like the overall game world, especially since it has the kind of political backstabbing and intrigue that I miss in most RPGs. The codex entries make for pretty fun reading too.

[Oscar-Rio]

The main storyline is pretty generic, but I'm looking forward to see how some of the choices I've made in the game turn out to affect the game world. Especially some of the rather self-serving ones, like poisoning a certain sacred relic in order to be allowed to drink a dragon's blood (hey, no blood mage worth his salt would turn that offer down). I also like the overall game world, especially since it has the kind of political backstabbing and intrigue that I miss in most RPGs. The codex entries make for pretty fun reading too.

The codex was indeed enjoyable, but if you weren't staying on top of it it was so easy to just kill an hour and a half with solid reading. I'm currently on my 2nd play through now playing as a Rogue, and being a dual-weapon-wielding-ass-kicking maniac is great.

I can't help but feel, however, that this game seems to be very geared towards being a Mage. I keep finding myself switching to my mages during a battle to better micro their spells while I just leave my main character tearing through everything in sight. Morrigan has all of the Entropy spells and it so great using the spell combinations (http://www.waukster.com/dragon-age-origins-spell-combos-mage/) for Nightmare and Entropic Death.

[back_blows]

Mages are pretty dominant in the game. On my first run as a Warrior I struggled, but playing as a Mage I easily swept through it. I haven't tried playing as an Arcane Warrior, but I imagine that would be the one of most powerful classes in the game.

[supernova1324]

I'm planning on making my current mage into either an arcane warrior or a blood mage. Just barely finished my origin story.

[back_blows]

Why not both?

[instantdeath999]

So, I finally got the game.

I'm thinking for my first run through I"m gonna be the super cliche Human Warrior. Any comment/warnings about that? I fully intend to play the game twice (although it will probably take me two years), so I'm considering being something more interesting the second time around. Of course, I could just jump into that.

[Oscar-Rio]

I'm planning on making my current mage into either an arcane warrior or a blood mage. Just barely finished my origin story.

go for arcane warrior. Blood Mage sounds really cool and all, but is a major pain to use efficiently.


So, I finally got the game.

I'm thinking for my first run through I"m gonna be the super cliche Human Warrior. Any comment/warnings about that? I fully intend to play the game twice (although it will probably take me two years), so I'm considering being something more interesting the second time around. Of course, I could just jump into that.

I would say go for the circle of magi quest as soon as you can so that you can acquire the character that is the best for healing and character buff spells.

[FloodOne]

I would say go for the circle of magi quest as soon as you can so that you can acquire the character that is the best for healing and character buff spells.

Yeah, I should've done this too.

I didn't and now I'm limping by as best as I can.

[instantdeath999]

I would say go for the circle of magi quest as soon as you can so that you can acquire the character that is the best for healing and character buff spells.

How do I get it? I've only just now started.

[back_blows]

How do I get it? I've only just now started.

Where are you now exactly?

[Der_Lex]

go for arcane warrior. Blood Mage sounds really cool and all, but is a major pain to use efficiently.

I've combined the blood mage and spirit healer specializations, and that works really well. I start fights with Blood Wound and/or Blood Control on a big critter, and then turn blood magic off and focus on paralysis, vulnerability and healing spells, with the occasional Walking Bomb and Drain Life (the Improved Drain combo rocks) thrown in. I also have Morrigan as a pure elemental mage with me, and that the two of us can easily wipe out just about anything.

I'm looking forward to a bigger challenge as a different class, though. I'll probably play a dual wielding, goody two-shoes Female City Elf Warrior on my next playthrough.

[topperharley]

I'm thinking for my first run through I"m gonna be the super cliche Human Warrior. Any comment/warnings about that?

With the exception of a certain character available through the DLC, your main character will likely be the best tank in the game (although you will still do some pretty big melee damage), so I would recommend sticking to the sword+shield strategy and talents, and ignore the two-handed and duelist talents. The champion and templar specializations are the best for this role.

[instantdeath999]

Do the origins effect the story or your character in any huge ways? I'm looking for the "best" story, and I definitely don't want my character to be a "meathead" type character because I pick him as a warrior.

[Gowienczyk]

Every origins story has its own spin on character occurances and some conversations. Say your family was massacred by bad guy #2; it opens dialogue options with bad guy #2 when you confront him.

[Daemius]

The origin stories were some of the most interesting parts of the game, imo. Excluding the Dalish elf origin, that was just boring and had no resolution. Dalish elves in general suck :p Zathrian is a bastard.







Orzammar forever!

[Gowienczyk]

Orzammar forever!

I agree.

[Fizzeler]

Orzammar forever!

I have yet to play the Dwarf origins, but the Mage one is my current favorite

On my current game (Human Rogue) I am about to fight Flemeth I have tried 6 times always die after she loses about 20% of her health :(

The game is awesome though :D

[Gowienczyk]

Dwarven Noble = Dwarven Commoner = City Elf > Mage > Human Noble >>>>>>>>>>> Dalish Elf


On my current game (Human Rogue) I am about to fight Flemeth I have tried 6 times always die after she loses about 20% of her health

Use custom tactics, add a tactic to your DPS units (warriors, rogues) that makes them use health politices at 50% health. In addition add a similar tactic to your Healer unit (wynne, pref) for mana.

Profit.

[Fizzeler]

Dwarven Noble = Dwarven Commoner = City Elf > Mage > Human Noble >>>>>>>>>>> Dalish Elf

Ugh the Human Noble origin was boring the only plus is you get your dog earlier

[Gowienczyk]

Ugh the Human Noble origin was boring the only plus is you get your dog earlier

The drama in it was predictable and the origin was short, but it was not awful in any shape or form.

[back_blows]

I thought the Mage story was the only decent one.

[topperharley]

On my current game (Human Rogue) I am about to fight Flemeth I have tried 6 times always die after she loses about 20% of her health :(

Shale as tank using Stone Aura + mage healer out of harm's way + DD hacking away from behind = WIN (either manually have mage use lyrium potions or set up a tactic)

[Fizzeler]

The drama in it was predictable and the origin was short, but it was not awful in any shape or form.

Never said it was awful just boring besides I am interested to see the dialogue options when I go kill Arl Howe for it

[Gowienczyk]

Nice spoilers, bro.

[Fizzeler]

Shale as tank using Stone Aura + mage healer out of harm's way + DD hacking away from behind = WIN (either manually have mage use lyrium potions or set up a tactic)
I have yet to get Shale, but I suppose Ogrhen or Alistair could replace him

Nice spoilers, bro.
well it is optional

[instantdeath999]

Dwarven Noble = Dwarven Commoner = City Elf > Mage > Human Noble >>>>>>>>>>> Dalish Elf




Profit.

You've actually played through them all? :eek:


Ugh the Human Noble origin was boring the only plus is you get your dog earlier

I've only had time to play it for five minutes, and so far the climax of my adventures has been killing a bunch of rats :p. Like I said, though, part of the reason why I'm choosing him is because it seems the most boring and ordinary (warriors are typically a pretty boring class, though, IMO).



Never said it was awful just boring besides I am interested to see the dialogue options when I go kill Arl Howe for it

Lol, my fault for reading a thread full of people who have been playing the game a lot longer than I have... oh well, don't really like the guy anyway.

[Fizzeler]

Lol, my fault for reading a thread full of people who have been playing the game a lot longer than I have... oh well, don't really like the guy anyway.

Sorry to ruin it for you man as for being a Warrior what style of fighting are you planning on using?

[instantdeath999]

Sorry to ruin it for you man as for being a Warrior what style of fighting are you planning on using?

Spoilers really aren't enough to ruin a game for me, so no worries. And as of now, I don't have any idea... I don't even know what there is to choose from. I think I'm gonna continue the game later tonight or tomorrow.

[Der_Lex]

I just finished the game. I was a bit disappointed that the epilogue consisted of stills rather than animations, but it was still a lot of fun to read what the consequences of my actions were. Most of them were surprisingly positive.

I'll definitely come back to this game when I'm done with AC2.

[instantdeath999]

I just finished the game. I was a bit disappointed that the epilogue consisted of stills rather than animations, but it was still a lot of fun to read what the consequences of my actions were. Most of them were surprisingly positive.

I'll definitely come back to this game when I'm done with AC2.

What was your approximate hour count?

[Daemius]

You've actually played through them all? :eek:

I have too, I agree with his assessment. Dwarves rock.

I've found customizing your damage dealers/tanks tactics and then controlling your healer yields the best survivability results. Even with a customized Wynne, she still healed below my expectations.

[Gowienczyk]

You've actually played through them all?

I have played through all of the origins, yes. I've finished the City Elf story completely, though. But that's it so far.

[Daemius]

I've finished Mage and Dwarf Commoner all the way through. City Elf I got to the Landsmeet. The rest I just played through to Ostagar. Gonna pick up with my Dwarf Noble once some more DLC comes out.

[Gowienczyk]

Sorry to ruin it for you man as for being a Warrior what style of fighting are you planning on using?

As a human from the Cousland clan, I think he should continue using the sheilded warrior set as the game gives you skills in that from the get go anyway.

[Daemius]

What was your approximate hour count?

Mine was 100 something from game one. Game two was far shorter, only 40 or so hours.

[Der_Lex]

What was your approximate hour count?

70-ish, and that includes all the DLC. I did play a mage, though, which is probably the easiest, combat-wise... especially with another mage in your party.

[Daemius]

I was a hodge-podgley built Archer rogue. Tried a bunch of stuff out, ended up with a very mediocre character that could bust out 400-600 damage Arrows of Slaying every once and while :p

[DrifterUK]

Ive almost finished my first playthrough on DAO

I say almost because I cant actually beat the Archdemon...

[Gowienczyk]

One sentence, Drift'.

Use the balista's.

[DrifterUK]

One sentence, Drift'.

Use the balista's.

Theres balistas?! How the hell did I miss that? That should make it quite a lot easier

Hopefully

[Daemius]

Theres balistas?! How the hell did I miss that? That should make it quite a lot easier

Hopefully

They're on the two corner tower things, I only noticed them the first time because the Archdemon flew out of my melee's range and I went exploring.

[Gowienczyk]

Yeah, there is like five or six of them and you only have to use three of them to win. :p

[DrifterUK]

Ah cool
I never went exploring because I have an archer rogue class, so it never got out of range

[Der_Lex]

I died three times because I didn't notice the ballistae either. Was forced to use them when the damn demon flew out of range.

I thought that the shrieker/hurlock alpha mobs were a bigger worry than the archdemon itself, though.

[DrifterUK]

Those mobs were what kept killing me
Fighting the archdemon on its own wouldve been fine. Getting swamped by 20+ shrieks and hurlocks was too much

[Gowienczyk]

I thought that the shrieker/hurlock alpha mobs were a bigger worry than the archdemon itself, though.

They are, in my opinion a much more drastic threat. I mean I kill elder dragons with ease, personally and the archdemon isn't that far from a elder dragon.

[back_blows]

Are the ballistas automatic? I mean once you attack with them, do they just do their thing without requiring someone to operate it?

[DrifterUK]

I think they require someone to fire them

[Gowienczyk]

They require constant firing use, they are not automatic weapons of death, no.

[DrifterUK]

Aside from the archdemon, Ive had no issues fighting anything during the story

Killing 15 hurlocks with one arrow was pretty cool

[Fizzeler]

I wish I saw the ballistas when I fought the demon would have made the battle a whole lot easier

[Der_Lex]

Aside from the archdemon, Ive had no issues fighting anything during the story

Did that include the last fight in Howe's estate? (the one that leads to your capture if you're defeated) Because it took me a few tries to beat that.

[instantdeath999]

The longest game I've completed in recent memory was Lost Odyssey, clocking in at about 55 hours.

[DrifterUK]

Did that include the last fight in Howe's estate? (the one that leads to your capture if you're defeated) Because it took me a few tries to beat that.

I forgot about that bit

[Daemius]

Lol I lasted all of 3 seconds the first time I went through that fight. Was cake with my Blood Mage/Spirit Healer though. Blood Wound is so ridiculously powerful.

[Der_Lex]

Against anything that actually bleeds, yes. Demons and undead pretty much ignore it.

What also helped in that fight is that the archers don't follow you if you back out into the hallway you came from. I opened up with Blood Wound, killed the mage and the fighters, then moved back in the hallway to slaughter the captain (Paralysis should rank as ridiculously powerful as well, good move by Bioware to give Mass Paralysis a longer casting time). Then I cast Death Clouds into the main room from the hallway (you can even cast that baby through closed doors and walls) until all the archers were gone.

[topperharley]

I was hoping that you would get Cauthrien's armor when you finally kill her. That armor looks badass.

[DrifterUK]

I finished it this morning :D

It turns out I completely screwed myself over by not killing the generals. I loaded up an earlier save and went and killed them. So much easier fighting the Archdemon

[Der_Lex]

Wow, I can only imagine how much tougher the last fight is if the generals join in the fray.

[DrifterUK]

I wouldnt reccomend finding out

[Daemius]

Mage has a lot of crazy powerful stuff. Storm of the Century, Blood Wound, Crushing Prison, Force Field, Cone of Cold, Paralyze, etc., etc. My favorite combo was having my tank run into a mass of mobs, use taunt, cast Force Field on him, then as the mobs beat on my invincible wall, charge up Tempest and Blizzard for a nice Storm of the Century wipe :D

The AoEbility of the mage isn't so great for bosses though, Rogues and Warriors shine there.

[Oscar-Rio]

The AoEbility of the mage isn't so great for bosses though, Rogues and Warriors shine there.

Inferno + Tempest on a stationary boss like the giant tentacle creature in orzammar or Flemeth deals huge damage.

[Nickalos N]

I hope to get this soon it looks amazing

[Gowienczyk]

Oh yeah.

Bhelen >>> Harrowmont

[Daemius]

Oh yeah.

Bhelen >>> Harrowmont

For sure. Harrowmont is a wuss.

[Gowienczyk]

For sure. Harrowmont is a wuss.

Not to mention Bhelen has progressive ideas and is much more interesting!

[Fizzeler]

Oh yeah.

Bhelen >>> Harrowmont

it does help you get a nice discount with a shop owner in Orzammar and the ending is a bit more interesting

[Daemius]

Not to mention Bhelen has progressive ideas and is much more interesting!

Yes, although on my Dwarf Noble playthrough I'm going to have to side with Harrowmont, for certain personal reasons :p

Every other origin is Bhelen all the way, he's much better for Orzammar than Harrowmont.

[Gowienczyk]

Every other origin is Bhelen all the way, he's much better for Orzammar than Harrowmont.

Yeah, he's a much stronger (and progressive as I mentioned) king too, although a bit more.... audacious than Harrowmont is.

[Daemius]

Yeah, he's a much stronger (and progressive as I mentioned) king too, although a bit more.... audacious than Harrowmont is.

He kind of has to be, in order to drag a city so stuck in tradition toward modernization. I wonder if we'll see an end to the caste system in future games.

[Gowienczyk]

He kind of has to be, in order to drag a city so stuck in tradition toward modernization. I wonder if we'll see an end to the caste system in future games.

If we supported Bhelen, perhaps the decision will make the caste system abolished in the future.

[Daemius]

If we supported Bhelen, perhaps the decision will make the caste system abolished in the future.

That's what I was thinking, and hoping for. It would be nice if your decisions in previous games really made significant changes in future installments, rather than just a few dialogue changes like in KOTOR.

[Gowienczyk]

That's what I was thinking, and hoping for. It would be nice if your decisions in previous games really made significant changes in future installments, rather than just a few dialogue changes like in KOTOR.


I think with what they are doing with the Mass Effect series this is plenty probable for Dragon Age's own historical choices.

[Daemius]

I'd also like to see the Qunari become a playable race. Sten was one of my favorite characters.

[Gowienczyk]

I'd also like to see a PC voice like in Mass Effect, despite how much coding and time that would take. I just would like to hear my character make the wisecracks and so forth.

[Meatwad555]

I'd also like to see the Qunari become a playable race. Sten was one of my favorite characters.

I hate Sten. There is no way to talk to him.

[back_blows]

I never bothered with Sten or the dog for that matter.

[Daemius]

I'd also like to see a PC voice like in Mass Effect, despite how much coding and time that would take. I just would like to hear my character make the wisecracks and so forth.

That would also be nice, I'm not really into silent protagonists. I can play and enjoy games with them, but I'd prefer a vocal player character.

EDIT: Sten suffers from being initially abrasive and permanently gimped (Only 1 specializations? Really Bioware? :p) but he has some pretty classic moments if you actually take him along. My top three characters would have to be Oghren, Morrigan, and Sten. I like Zevran and Shale a lot as well. I'm not really into the goody two-shoes characters.

[instantdeath999]

I'd also like to see a PC voice like in Mass Effect, despite how much coding and time that would take. I just would like to hear my character make the wisecracks and so forth.

Definitely agreed. Felt like a step back from Mass Effect in that regard. Doesn't ruin the game for me, though, considering I actually liked KOTOR quite a bit more than Mass Effect. Of course, Mass Effect did have its major improvements over KOTOR, and the character voice was certainly one of them. Really blurred the line between traditional "games" and cinematic storytelling.

I wasn't really fond of any of the voices they let you choose in Dragon Age, to be honest, but I don't think I've heard it used once, so I'm fine.

[Gowienczyk]

EDIT: Sten suffers from being initially abrasive and permanently gimped (Only 1 specializations? Really Bioware? ) but he has some pretty classic moments if you actually take him along. My top three characters would have to be Oghren, Morrigan, and Sten. I like Zevran and Shale a lot as well. I'm not really into the goody two-shoes characters.

I play mostly honorable good PC's so the support characters who mirror that are usually no problem for me. All in all, the characters (all of them) are all great in terms of personality and individuality. Though Morrigan and Flemeth reminded me far too much of Kreia from KOTOR2.

My preferred party with my current main (human noble, warrior, female):

Alister (melee DPS)
Lelliana (ranged DPS)
Wynne (healer / support)

[back_blows]

For me:

1) Morrigan
2) Oghren
3) Shale

The rest, I just can't stand. Wynne and Leliana are goody two shoes. Sten is a cold turd. Zevran is a douche. Alistair is just a whiney *****.

[Meatwad555]

For me:

1) Morrigan
2) Oghren
3) Shale

The rest, I just can't stand. Wynne and Leliana are goody two shoes. Sten is a cold turd. Zevran is a douche. Alistair is just a whiney *****.

The dog is pretty awesome though. I haven't gotten Oghren and Shale yet.

[Gowienczyk]

Sten is hardly untalkable, you just got to know how to discuss things with him. Replies like "I'm not here to impress you." and such go well. I disagree with the other derogatory comments about the characters, but I can see how you could say that about them.

[Daemius]

I play mostly honorable good PC's so the support characters who mirror that are usually no problem for me. All in all, the characters (all of them) are all great in terms of personality and individuality. Though Morrigan and Flemeth reminded me far too much of Kreia from KOTOR2.

My preferred party with my current main (human noble, warrior, female):

Alister (melee DPS)
Lelliana (ranged DPS)
Wynne (healer / support)

Wynne has some great conversations with Oghren, she's probably my favorite of the white hat crew. Leliana comes up second, she can be funny as well, but her constant "Maker this, maker that" gets on my nerves. Alistair would be amazing if he didn't remind me of FFX's Tidus at times, making him my least favorite companion.

[Gowienczyk]

They all have great conversations with each other, especially if you have romanced one of them. Oghren has some amazing dirty analogies when talking to Alistair if you have romanced him at least once. All of them fly right over Alistar's head, too, it's hilarious.

[Daemius]

Actually, now that I think of it, there's a certain spolierific companion I like less than Alistair. They just came too late in the game for me to bother getting to know them or have them travel around with the other characters to experience some of the dialogues they'd have with each other.

[Gowienczyk]

What, Sandal? All he says is Enchantment! :p

[Meatwad555]

Morrigan and Alistair's conversations have been the best thus far. I only started playing yesterday so that could change.

[Daemius]

What, Sandal? All he says is Enchantment! :p

I'm still hoping for Dragon Age: The Sandal Experience DLC :p

[mysticneji]

For me:

1) Morrigan
2) Oghren
3) Shale

The rest, I just can't stand. Wynne and Leliana are goody two shoes. Sten is a cold turd. Zevran is a douche. Alistair is just a whiney *****.

I actually like Alistair. He's pretty funny at times, and his conversations with some of the characters make me laugh.

My preferred lineup is

1. Alistair
2. Wynne
3 a tie between either Leliana or Morrigan.

I switch between those two depending on what area I'm going into during the game. If I'm going into an area where I know I'm going to help a lot of people I have Leliana in my party because unlike Morrigan she won't disapprove of it. When it comes down to the fight though I bring Morrigan because she's a good attack mage or Arcane Warrior.

Alistair at times comes in handy as he usually draws in most of the attacks. And Wynne is my main healer both with spells and with making health poultices.

I've loved this game since I've bought it. This is my 3rd time playing through it. And I never start a new game after I've finished an RPG. Usually I have to wait a few years or something before I'm even interested in putting the game back in. But the story and characters for this game are just amazing to me.

[topperharley]

Shale is probably my favorite character, because he's such an awesome tank and because his conversations (both with your character and with your party members) are so damn funny. I love his sarcastic names for everyone -- the swamp witch, the elder mage, the painted elf. Oghren would probably be my second favorite, although as a character more than a party member. His lewd, drunken dialogue cracks me up.

As party makeup went, Shale was pretty much a constant, except for the part near the end where you couldn't use him. Wynne was a constant as well, even though the healing AI drove me crazy way too often. The last spot I rotated among Alistar, Morrigan, and Leliana (and Oghren when I went through the Deep Roads part of the game, because it seemed fitting). I rarely used Zevran (because I already had a rogue I liked better in Leliana), Sten (because Alistar's sword/shield talents seemed more effective than Sten's two-handed talents), and the mabari (who I named Hosehead, as I do whenever a game allows me to name my canine companion).

Also, if any of you frequent gamefaqs.com, Sandal is in the next character battle. :D

[Oscar-Rio]

Sten is hardly untalkable, you just got to know how to discuss things with him. Replies like "I'm not here to impress you." and such go well. I disagree with the other derogatory comments about the characters, but I can see how you could say that about them.

Sten is easy to get on your side. I once had a chat with him that netted me +28 approval points in one conversation.

Also, if you didn't already know, you guys ought to be interested in this:


Dragon Age: Origins' [new] DLC, "Return to Ostagar," isn't too far off now. BioWare has announced a January 5 release date for the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the upcoming add-on, which will set you back $4.99 (400 Microsoft points; 400 BioWare points). A PlayStation 3 release will follow later that month.

What's the skinny on this DLC? Mild spoilers from Dragon Age's main quest follow, so consider yourself warned. The add-on sends players back to Ostagar, the final resting place of the betrayed King Cailan -- not to mention a whole mess of also-dead Grey Wardens. From there you'll be able to investigate the fallen king's secret political agenda, and maybe even reclaim some of his fancy weapons and armor along the way.

No word as of yet on what we can expect from future DLC for Dragon Age, but BioWare has gone on record that they're planning on up to two years of additional content for the game. So if this "Return to Ostagar" business doesn't float your boat, then you're probably safe waiting for something that does.

aaaand this:


We know that EA and BioWare have a long-term plan for Dragon Age: Origins. Even at launch the developer stated that two years worth of of DLC are in the works, and we'll be receiving our first major bit of it next week. But a rumor is circulating today that the plans may be even more ambitious than we realized, with a full packaged expansion planned for March.

Big Download Blog reports on a page from Eurogamer.cz, the Czech gaming site. According to the translated text, the expansion is titled "The Awakening," and will come out on March 19. The suggested price is around 2/3 the price of the original game, which would probably translate to $30-40 U.S. dollars. It's also said to be a full packaged product that would be found in stores, and while only the PC version is mentioned, we expect BioWare would similarly support the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions. The original game is reported to be required, and it will raise the level cap while also creating an entirely new, shorter campaign with a new character. The report states that EA will make the announcement official in early January, so we may see it any day now.

We don't usually see such specificity in a rumor, so it's hard not to think Eurogamer is on to something. Origins was always meant to be the start of a lucrative RPG franchise -- it's even present in the title. Still, until we hear official word from EA, we're going to categorize this strictly as a rumor. We'll keep you posted when, and if, we get more details.

The one slated for March sounds great, but that's right in line with the FFXIII release date, so I'll probably end up saving the DA:O stuff for after the FF interest wains.

[Stew]

My friends got me this for my birthday and I must say it is BADASS! I loved it I plan to play it through again after I beat Mass Effect

[back_blows]

Shale is probably my favorite character, because he's such an awesome tank and because his conversations (both with your character and with your party members) are so damn funny. I love his sarcastic names for everyone -- the swamp witch, the elder mage, the painted elf. Oghren would probably be my second favorite, although as a character more than a party member. His lewd, drunken dialogue cracks me up.



Shale is female.

[Der_Lex]

Shale is female.

I think Topper probably wanted people to find that out for themselves...


Since I was playing a blood mage who put practicality and personal gain over righteousness, I had to avoid the more good-aligned characters unless I wanted a reputation drop. And even that didn't stop Wynne from getting angry at me in camp and leaving the party for ever after a certain something I did with a certain holy relic. ;)

I ended up playing with the same party for the whole game (unless the plot forced certain party members on me), and that group was Shale, Morrigan and Zevran. That still wasn't without its frustration, though. Zevran is very squeamish about you hurting elves in any way, Shale actually turns on you if you pick the wrong side at the Anvil of the Void, and Morrigan disapproves of anything that even remotely reeks of a selfless act, even if that act ultimately benefits you. I really wished for a 'yes, I'm playing nice you silly bint, but only because I get what I want that way and some good PR in the process' reply to her sometimes.

I'll probably go for an Alistair/Wynne/Leilani party on my next playthrough with a more classically good character.

And I really hope that expansion rumor is true. I didn't know DA had a level cap, though. I know I ended up as level 23 or something with my main.

[DrifterUK]

Party wise, on my first play through, my party consisted of Morrigan. I got XP when I did everything myself, and a having a mage was helpful :p

When I needed the extra help, the party consisted of Oghreyn (Sp?), Morrigan and Allistair

[Daemius]

]
And I really hope that expansion rumor is true. I didn't know DA had a level cap, though. I know I ended up as level 23 or something with my main.

I think the level cap is 25 currently.

[DrifterUK]

I know I ended up as level 23 or something with my main.

How did you get that high? I pretty much killed everything I came across on my own with my Rogue, but only got to level 18 or 19

[topperharley]

Shale is _____.

I played the whole game, I think I know that. But...


I think Topper probably wanted people to find that out for themselves...

What Lex said. Thanks for spoiling that reveal for people who haven't gotten that far yet, though. :rolleyes:

[Stew]

I reached level 20 my first play through. I used Morrigan, Shale and switched between Zevran and Alistair.

[Der_Lex]

How did you get that high? I pretty much killed everything I came across on my own with my Rogue, but only got to level 18 or 19

I pretty much did every single side quest in the game and the two DLC packs. Maybe the mage has more events in his origin that give XP or more opponents, but I also know that there are some quests in the Denerim marketplace that only a rogue can do.

Maybe you also missed out on all the quests your party members give you, because you pretty much played solo?

[back_blows]

I played the whole game, I think I know that. But...



What Lex said. Thanks for spoiling that reveal for people who haven't gotten that far yet, though. :rolleyes:

You could have avoided using pronouns altogether.

[DrifterUK]

I pretty much did every single side quest in the game and the two DLC packs. Maybe the mage has more events in his origin that give XP or more opponents, but I also know that there are some quests in the Denerim marketplace that only a rogue can do.

Maybe you also missed out on all the quests your party members give you, because you pretty much played solo?

Possibly
On my current playthrough, Im going to try and be as thorough as possible. I still need to play the free DLC pack too. I never got around to DLing it until after Id finished the story with my main character

[Der_Lex]

Warden's Keep is pretty cool too. It has a fun if kinda short quest, but the storage chest, power of blood abilities and the new gear are worth it. As is the 'Superman' random world map encounter that comes with it (which gets you material for a really neat blade).

Speaking of Easter eggs, the return of the golden pantaloons from BG was very cool, and although 'the cake is a lie' is generally over-used, it's somehow still awesome when Sten says it. :D

[topperharley]

You could have avoided using pronouns altogether.

Possibly. But my post, unlike yours, didn't spoil anything.

[DrifterUK]

Warden's Keep is pretty cool too. It has a fun if kinda short quest, but the storage chest, power of blood abilities and the new gear are worth it. As is the 'Superman' random world map encounter that comes with it (which gets you material for a really neat blade).

Speaking of Easter eggs, the return of the golden pantaloons from BG was very cool, and although 'the cake is a lie' is generally over-used, it's somehow still awesome when Sten says it. :D

Unfortunately I have barely anything in the way of money, so I cant really get any non-free DLC

[Meatwad555]

I need some help. I'm level 19 now and need to fill up half of the bar to get to 20. Will I get enough experience to get to 20 during the final quest?

[topperharley]

If you kill the two generals - and clear out the two areas they are in - before taking on the archdemon, you should be able to.

[mysticneji]

I need some help. I'm level 19 now and need to fill up half of the bar to get to 20. Will I get enough experience to get to 20 during the final quest?

Yep, there are plenty of Darkspawn to be killed during the last quest. But if you want try doing a lot of quests you haven't done yet (if any), or go around with your rouge unlocking all the chests you haven't yet. Cause you get experience for that as well.

But I think I gained 2 levels during the final battles so if you just want to do that then you'll reach level 20 for sure.

Edit: I have a question myself though. How do you defeat Qax-Kang in the quest Unbound?? Even at level 22 my characters couldn't do it. Is there a certain strategy or something?

[Meatwad555]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'll finish a few side quests first, just to be sure.

[Meatwad555]

Yep, there are plenty of Darkspawn to be killed during the last quest. But if you want try doing a lot of quests you haven't done yet (if any), or go around with your rouge unlocking all the chests you haven't yet. Cause you get experience for that as well.

But I think I gained 2 levels during the final battles so if you just want to do that then you'll reach level 20 for sure.

Edit: I have a question myself though. How do you defeat Qax-Kang in the quest Unbound?? Even at level 22 my characters couldn't do it. Is there a certain strategy or something?

I killed him on Casual difficulty. :p

[Der_Lex]

Edit: I have a question myself though. How do you defeat Qax-Kang in the quest Unbound?? Even at level 22 my characters couldn't do it. Is there a certain strategy or something?

I beat him at level 18 or 19 myself, but it definitely was a long fight. Spells like Vulnerability Hex and Death Hex are useful against him, as they are against every boss, providing they get through his magic resistance. That goes for Paralyze as well, of course. Other than that, just let your warriors and rogues wail on him while your mage keeps everyone healed up. As I said, no special tactics, he just takes a while to take down.

[mysticneji]

I beat him at level 18 or 19 myself, but it definitely was a long fight. Spells like Vulnerability Hex and Death Hex are useful against him, as they are against every boss, providing they get through his magic resistance. That goes for Paralyze as well, of course. Other than that, just let your warriors and rogues wail on him while your mage keeps everyone healed up. As I said, no special tactics, he just takes a while to take down.

You know I've never tried using the Hex spells against any of the bosses. But I will have to try that with him. Thanks for the advice.

[Gowienczyk]

I just beat the game for the second time, this time with my human noble female (warrior).

Will probably go for my dwarven commoner male (rogue) or human mage female (healer) next or start my selfish-personality characters (human male noble or human male mage).

[Daemius]

Did anyone else like the soudtrack a lot? I just downloaded it /nerd :D

[mysticneji]

well I didn't download it but it's not bad.

[Der_Lex]

Except for that 30 Seconds to Mars song I liked it.

[DrifterUK]

I cant say I heard any of the soundtrack
I was too busy listening to the LotR soundtrack while playing :p

[Bonez]

I'm kicking myself for putting this game in my Xbox. Less than a month to go until Mass Effect 2, and Dragon Age has completely absorbed me. I'm such an idiot; I knew this would happen.

And I lost the slip that has the code for the free DLC. :mad:

[Der_Lex]

That's a real shame, Bonez. The Stone Prisoner is absolutely awesome. Speaking of DLC, isn't the new pack due out today on the Xbox? Did anyone get it yet?


Edit: just found out it might be delayed. There's also some good news, though:


BioWare Announces First Official Expansion Pack to the Critically Acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins
"Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening" to Take Fans to the Land of Amaranthine With New Party Members, Spells, Abilities and More in March 2010

EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan 05, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leading video game developer BioWare(TM), a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), announced today Dragon Age(TM): Origins - Awakening, the first official expansion pack to Dragon Age: Origins, the recent recipient of Spike TV's Best RPG and PC Game of 2009, IGN's Best RPG of 2009 and CNN.com's Best RPG of 2009. Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening will be available for the Xbox 360(R) videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and PC on March 16, 2010.

Designed and written by the same team that brought you Dragon Age: Origins, the Awakening expansion pack offers a brand new area of the world to explore known as Amaranthine, featuring an epic story that will allow players to unravel the secrets of the darkspawn - and their true motivations! Players will face a range of horrific and terrifying creatures including an evolved, intelligent breed of darkspawn and other menacing creatures such as the Inferno Golem and Spectral Dragon. Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening provides exciting new ways for players to customize their heroes and party, including the ability to re-spec their character attributes, allowing even greater customization and replayability. Featuring an increased level cap, new spells, abilities, specializations and items, plus five all-new party members, players can continue their adventures from Dragon Age: Origins, or begin with a brand new character.

"Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening shows BioWare's commitment to our fans by delivering new story-driven experiences which enrich the dark heroic fantasy universe our fans have come to know and love," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group, EA, and Co-Founder, BioWare. "The vibrant worldwide community of Dragon Age fans will relish uncovering the secret motivations of the darkspawn, revealing how the darkspawn continue to infest the world despite the defeat of the Archdemon."

Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening, BioWare's next thread in the Dragon Age: Originstapestry, occurs following the events of Dragon Age: Origins and puts players into the role of a Grey Warden Commander entrusted with rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens. In addition to rebuilding the ranks of the Grey Wardens, you will be tasked with uncovering the mystery of how the darkspawn survive after the slaying of the Archdemon. How players choose to rebuild their order, resolve the conflict with the mysterious "Architect," and determine the fate of the darkspawn are just some of the many intriguing moral choices that will shape each player's heroic journey. Players will be able to import their character from Dragon Age: Origins or start out as a new Grey Warden from the neighboring land of Orlais.

Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening will be released March 16, 2010 worldwide on the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 console and PC. Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening will be available for $39.99 on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles in North America and will require Dragon Age: Origins to play. Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening is rated M by the ESRB and 18+ by PEGI.

[Bonez]

Is the Stone Prisoner only available with that code? I know there's two DLC quests in the marketplace (the last time I checked, anyway...I know there's more on the way); is that the less expensive one? I don't remember off the top of my head.

[Der_Lex]

It is one of those two DLC packs, but it's the more expensive one, unfortunately. Probably because it adds an actual party member (and a cool one at that) to your game.

[Bonez]

Ah, figures. I'm hoping it turns up once we throw the tree out and get the living room back in order, but I got a bunch of points for Christmas, so I won't really mind having to pay for it, I suppose. I like the game enough.

[DrifterUK]

I still havent played that DLC. Didnt finish downloading it before finishing my firsst playthrough, and I havent got far enough into my second to play it

[CrazyIvan]

Wow... that Awakenings DLC sounds incredible! I just beat the game the other day for the first time as a dual-wielding city elf warrior. I'm thinking of starting it up again as a mage just for something completely different.

What is everyone's favorite origin story? I have a baby due any day now, so I doubt I'll have the time to really dedicate to the game, but it would be fun to at least get through a different origin tale.

[Der_Lex]

I did both of them as soon as I could roam the world map on my first playthrough. The Stone Prisoner because I wanted Shale in my party, and Warden's Keep because I wanted access to the storage chest. The last two big battles in Warden's Keep are extremely tough for a low-level character, though.

I finished up the mage origin story, which was fun. Mage kind of lends itself more towards, erm, 'morally dubious' playing, since that will get you things like the Blood Mage specialization. I've heard good things about the Dwarven origins too. Human noble's supposed to be a bit bland, and Dalish Elf seems to be the least popular.

Funnily enough, dual-wielding city elf warrior is going to be my next character, once I'm done with AC2. And if I have the time as well, since we're expecting a little hellspawn any day now too. :D

[DrifterUK]

Wow... that Awakenings DLC sounds incredible! I just beat the game the other day for the first time as a dual-wielding city elf warrior. I'm thinking of starting it up again as a mage just for something completely different.

What is everyone's favorite origin story? I have a baby due any day now, so I doubt I'll have the time to really dedicate to the game, but it would be fun to at least get through a different origin tale.

Ive only done the Dalish elf and Human Noble origins so far, but I think I liked the Noble one more. It seemed to add slightly more to the story


I did both of them as soon as I could roam the world map on my first playthrough. The Stone Prisoner because I wanted Shale in my party, and Warden's Keep because I wanted access to the storage chest. The last two big battles in Warden's Keep are extremely tough for a low-level character, though.

Ill play it as soon as I can. So far Ive only got up to Lothering and literally just recruited Leliana

[Bonez]

I only played the Human Noble origin story, but I do think it adds extra fuel to the fire of the main story.

[Der_Lex]

Every origin interweaves with the main storyline nicely. It just differs per origin in which section of the game you notice it most. For the mage, you really notice some extra layers in Redcliffe and the Circle Tower (duh), for example.

[DrifterUK]

The mage is probably the next class Ill play as. So far Ive done rogue and started warrior

[Bonez]

Okay, here's a question. How do you side with the mages in Broken Circle? I really wanted to use the Circle for Redcliffe, but apparently I killed all the mages and ended up siding with the Templars. I didn't mean to.

Also, the fade was awesome.

[DrifterUK]

Okay, here's a question. How do you side with the mages in Broken Circle? I really wanted to use the Circle for Redcliffe, but apparently I killed all the mages and ended up siding with the Templars. I didn't mean to.

Also, the fade was awesome.

I managed to side with the mages, but I dont know how. I need to side with the Templars next time, but again I dont know how