Customer Reviews

Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and game on....

Deluxe edition stuff at the very end.

If you don't want to read my retarded ode to Bioware, please skip ahead to where it says, "Actual Review!".

Ah, Bioware. You're like an old girlfriend. The one who defined love for me (1). Then you hurt me (2). I still loved you, but I didn't understand; why did you have to do that?

You went your way and I went mine. Eventually I learned to forget. I met new people; sometimes I'd fall in love, but it was never quite the same (3).

We'd see each other every couple years, and we'd have a lot of fun for a night or two (4). But other times I thought to myself, "What are you doing with your life? We could be happy together! Why are you doing this? (5). After these ultimately disappointing hookups I'd always dig up our old photos and go through them (6). I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little.

You always told me you were searching for something. Learning who you were, and how to be.

Then, one day in early November, you called me. You said, "I know now; I know who I am. I know where I belong: with you." And then you came back home to me.

Then it all became so clear; you HAD been learning. It was the old you, but a new version! Everything past was prologue to this; the version of you I always knew was there. I just needed to have faith, and you'd see it too, and we could get back what we had, what we'd always known was us.

I love you Bioware. I realize now I've always loved you. Thank you for being in my life.

Answer Key!

1. Baldur's Gate I and II, the infinity engine that led to Icewind Dale, Fallout, and Planescape

2. Neverwinter Nights

3. The Elder Scrolls, Neverwinter Nights 2, FFX, FFXII

4. KOTOR, Mass Effect

5. Jade Empire, Sonic RPG

6. all those replays of BGII

ACTUAL REVIEW!

This is the best cRPG experience I've had in ten years. It becomes very clear within the first few minutes of your Origin story that you're experiencing gaming history. Not the revolutionary, innovative, awesome new mechanic kind of gaming history. This is analogous to a new album from your favorite artist that's been doing experimental side-projects for the last few years, and now comes out with a solid, deep, meaningful effort in a well-established form.

All the old ingredients are here: rich, meaningful character relationships; deep, tactically challenging combat; well written, thought-provoking dialogue trees. In short, everything you knew Bioware was capable of, but hasn't been fully present in any of their games since BGII.

Don't get me wrong; I've liked almost all of their games since then (Jade Empire and the Sonic RPG being the exceptions). It's just that none have fully satisfied me, or they've left me with the nagging feeling that something's just not quite right (re: KOTOR and Mass Effect feel slightly underdone).

This game is an instant classic, from a master of the genre. It's the kind of game that will be added to the roster of eminently replayable games (BGII, Fallout 1+2, Morrowind, Final Fantasy [pick your favorite], etc.). It's as good as or better than all of those.

Now, those of you that have NOT played Baldur's Gate, Fallout, Icewind Dale, NWN2, beware.

As evidenced by the very few negative reviews, the ad campaign for this game is not very representative of the content. This is a true western RPG, especially if you're getting it on the PC. Combat is challenging on every difficulty mode but easy.

IT IS BY NO MEANS a hack-and-slash or action RPG!!!

I still recommend it, but be prepared to open your mind to a new experience.

For those of you trying to decide on which version to get, here are some things:

If you played and loved Baldur's Gate, and got it because you bought into the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate" thing, get it for the PC, no question.

On the console, the camera is locked in behind the character in the style of Knights of the Old Republic or Mass Effect. This is fine for those who fell in love with Bioware since their console years began, but not if you want to play it for full tactical enjoyment.

Also, if you have a capable PC, the graphics are far superior to the consoles, which is often the case.

360 vs. PS3?

PS3 looks better, 360 moves smoother. 6 of 1.

Don't hesitate. Buy this game.
Learn it,
Live it,
Love it:

Bioware is Back.

P.S. For those of you getting the Deluxe Edition, the added content is completely worth it. You don't have to feel cheated; they did it right. Worth every last penny.

This was a Christmas present for my dad. He and I have been huge fans of Bioware ever since Knights Of The Old Republic came out in 2003. This is one of his favorite games. He has played and beaten it at least five times, with no signs of boredom. I've also played it a bit. In my opinion, it's pretty good. I believe he is extremely happy with this purchase!

At first I didn't realize what I was getting into until when I picked up this game and when it first came out, but when I got half way into it and I broke free from the learning curve, I became in sync with the RPG! The story was like non I experienced! I fell in love with the lure and this was the 2nd RPG I have ever tried playing making Mass Effect the 1st RPG I ever played! You better get into this series before its to late!! I warn you!!

Dragon Age Origin is the best game ever in my opinion. It offers lots of variables, characters and variations. If you like role playing games Dragon Age should be on you list of games. My son got me to play this game, he played it first; now the whole family is playing it.

This is a fantastic game! One of EA and Biowares finest, a must have for any RPG fan.
The game has increadable dialog, a heart felt and intense story. A game with well over 70hrs worth of play.

First of all, this is a great example of what the gaming world is missing. A throwback to the days of Baldur's Gate, only now it's all dark and grown up with sex, more violence, and blood...lots of blood. A lot of people complain about the graphics, but I hardly felt they detracted from the story, which is epic. The game took me a good 60 hours on first playthrough and I intend to give it another run. Also, there is already dlc out and more to come.
Now for the cons. The lip sync could have been better. Some of the cut scenes are prerendered and grainy for some reason. Why not just use the in game engine? It looks pretty rough some times, but still doesn't bring the game down that much. There are a few graphical glitches that pop up. Examples would be things popping in and out of frame, the screen being entirely black during a dialog scene because the camera is in the wrong place.
Overall, I'd recommend this game to anyone who likes fantasy games.

Finally EA has entered the RPG world with Dragon Age and has done so with a class all its own. If you like open ended decision making role playing games, than look no further! The Collecters Edition is a true gem if you can snag one. The graphics and voice-overs are first rate and the story line is deep... look no further for adventure in this series of game playing! Buy this game!

If you've played the game, I don't think I need to tell you all how fun Dragon Age is. If you haven't and you like RPGs in ANY way shape or form, go play it now. It's deep, immersive, you actually care about the characters and story, the different endings and ways that quests can be handled keeps you coming back for more, it's all great. With the recently released expansion Awakenings, it's the best time to get what was easily the best RPG of 2009. I won't actually spoil anything about the game itself by giving it a review, just know you should pick it up (even if as a rental first) and give it a try yourself, you won't be sorry.

Now that being said, the extra's with the special edition were pretty good in their own rights. For those who own Mass Effect 2 (another GREAT RPG) it comes with the special crossover blood dragon armor for both games as DLC, as well as three items of varying usage; the helmet being the best and ring the worst, and shale's; who is a much-needed addition to the team as a "tank" character and crowd-control comes free as well (as opposed to the 1500 or so points to buy her). One small caveat though: the terry-cloth map of Ferelden frays easily along the edges. Take care of it and it should be fine, but this small nuisance could easily have been remedied I believe.

After reading reviews i purchased the collectors PC version. I beat the game once and went on to play other things. When I purchased my xbox and found that there weren't many RPGS out for it I picked up the collectors edition (if only for the cool case and bonus items) for XBOX 360. Boy was I surprised. All the reviews said how substandard the graphics were compared to the PC version. Yes, the textures are a bit better, and yes, if you have a great video card you can pump the resolution up. But where this game shines are the controls. I would get so tired sitting up at my PC clicking constantly. The Xbox controller lends itself extremely well to the game, and in many ways better. Considering this is a game I have already put 60+ hours in on my PC...it's so much better to kick back on my couch and play. I also think the controls are very well thought out. After getting used to them this game plays better with a controller...especially as a Melee class, since it feels more like an action/rpg hybrid, whereas the PC version is a lot more clicking and strategy, which really is not needed. A definite plus, and pick it up if u like RPGS!