Review: Dragon Age: Origins – worthy of Baldur’s Gate’s shadow?
Dragon Age: Origins is Bioware’s latest epic RPG title out currently. As indicated by Bioware on several occasions, this is definitely the spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate. However, the question remains – does Dragon Age: Origins have what it takes to make a name for itself?
Story
Dragon Age: Origins has an epic story that will have you coming back for more. In the beginning you must decide what type of character you would like to play by selecting from six unique origin stories. Once you pick your origin you then decide upon your class (mage, warrior and rouge). After a lengthy customization section you will be thrown into the origin story of your character.
In the story you will come to learn of a personal conflict as well as the overarching main story plot of the blight. Ferelden, the world within the game, is under its first blight in 400 years. During the blight, demons called darkspawn crawl up from under the ground. The darkspawns are lead by an archdemon which is an all powerful dragon inhabited by an evil being.
As you are thrust into the ongoing war between the people of Ferelden and the darkspawns, you are quickly initiated into a class of protectors called the Grey Wardens. The Grey Wardens are the protectors of Ferelden from the onslaught from the darkspawn. As part of the initiation process into the Grey Wardens you must endure a life threatening initiation process called the joining, which could kill you or give you the sight of darkspawn.
You will be tasked with the seemingly impossible quest of building an army to fight the darkspawn initially. However, gamers will find themselves entrenched in completing local story arcs before being able to take on the main overarching story.
All in all, the story is extremely deep and epic. The fact that each decision you make could impact the story makes it addictive to play.
Controls
The controls with Dragon Age: Origins might be one of the most discussed aspects of the game. The game came out on three platforms the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Each platform version is a bit different from each other. However, the PC version is drastically different from the console versions.
The PC version allows players to employee a strategic isometric view similar to that of Baldur’s Gate or Frozen Throne. Also, all of the skills and abilities are displayed at the bottom for quick selection on the fly. Considering the fact that Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t play like a hack-n-slasher but more like a traditional turn-based RPG, the strategic view does give the PC version the edge. Players will be able to look at the battlefield from an eagles view and assign commands on the fly while pausing the action.
The console versions feel a bit more limiting in that the game has been modified to play more like an action orientated game despite the fact it’s really not. Players will get an over the shoulder view focusing on the selected main character. It does feel like the NPCs or members of your party are a bit more capable of handling battles on their own on the console versions. Selecting your skills in a complex multi-faceted wheel can be challenging with your thumbs on the analog sticks while holding a shoulder button on the console versions.
Overall, I would say Bioware did a decent job porting Bioware’s PC controls to work with the consoles.
Visuals/Design
The visuals in Dragon Age: Origins are decent but not too impressive. The game clearly focuses on story depth and ambience more than graphical prowess. Its understandable since the game was truly built to be played from an isometric view where textures look much better far away than up close. The PC version looks the best with the capability to set the resolution high.
The console versions do look a bit rougher around the edges but not enough to take you out of the game. The console versions do seem to have some framerate issues especially when there are a high number of darkspawns on screen attacking your party. Framerate stutters also seem to happen at random as well, when mages cast magic on multiple enemies. It can also seem odd when the framerate stutters for no obvious reason.
Playing both console versions, the most easily discernable difference was that the PS3 version did have noticeably higher quality textures and less load time than the Xbox 360 version. This may be due to the blu-ray storage size difference, allowing less texture compression.
The unique hook going for Dragon Age: Origins is the “origins†stories. Rarely do RPG games have dedicated fleshed out stories for each of the characters you select. The developers made some smart design choices here with the origins allowing an insane amount of replayability. I estimate that to fully play through all origin stories and side quests, it would take approximately 350 hours total. Literally, this could be the one RPG game that lasts you for about a year.
The game offers extensive customizations even within the classes. Out of the three unique classes (mage, warrior and mage), the game offers sub-class customizations as well. There are also hundreds of different skill tree paths that can be taken. Advancements in the character progression will allow you to build traps and mix potions.
The game is missing the awesome morality meter found in Mass Effect, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any moral decisions you have to make in the game. The decisions are just a bit more grey and without immediate consequence on the character’s stats.
There is a relationship meter that indicates how much the party member likes or dislikes the main character. Progressing high on this meter can lead to romances with guys and gals within the game. These party members can easily leave your party if they do not agree with your decisions. For example, by recruiting a certain dislikable character into your party, another party member may leave without warning.
The voice acting in the game is superb, just like in Mass Effect. However, the decision to leave the main character voiceless is a mood breaking point. Dialogs often feel one sided breaking the immersion of the experience.
Wrap-up
Overall, Bioware’s truly hardcore RPG harkens back to the days of real RPGs where battle systems and turn-based strategies mattered. Its refreshing to see Bioware sticking to its roots instead of following the pack or trend of dumbing RPGs down. Fable 2 is one “RPG†that I harshly chastised for catering to the lowest (dumbed-down) denominator.
I know there are many gamers out there that have been waiting for a Baldur’s Gate like experience and it looks like Bioware has been treating this project with care to deliver on this promise. For those looking for a deep and complex RPG that offers a satisfying experience, look no further than Dragon Age: Origins.
Score
4.5/5
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47 Responses to “Review: Dragon Age: Origins – worthy of Baldur’s Gate’s shadow?”
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December 16th, 2009
A little late to the party for a DA: O review? Great game on a good PC, graphically depressing on the consoles, not to mention the severe camera limitations in comparison.
December 16th, 2009
Yea, DA: O is massive in size and scope and it did take a while for me to fully review it. I ended up playing multiple origins and playing other versions. Also, I received my copy a little later than others as well.
“Great game on a good PC, graphically depressing on the consoles, not to mention the severe camera limitations in comparison.”
As I mentioned in my review, Bioware did a great job in customizing the game for the consoles by changing the feel of the game entirely. The game feels more like The Witcher sans the hack-n-slash, on the consoles. Different, but still good.
I guess what I am trying to say is its not really a camera limitation, but a design change decision.
December 16th, 2009
I’m loving it. I’m making my way through Orzammar now, about 70+ hours in.
I really like the battle sytem. I tend to micromanage almost every move that my team makes, so it does have a turn based feel to it. I’m only playing it on normal, but some of the battles can still be pretty tough.
Warden’s Keep was a bit of a let down. The content was great, but wtf do they not let you switch in/out party members after you beat it? It would make using the item box so much more user friendly. Instead I need to go back to the camp, put the character in the party, then go back.
Also ironically enough, while playing thought the Warden’s Keep DLC I ran out of room in my inventory. I left what I couldn’t carry (really good stuff) thinking I could go back later and pick it up… NO!
After you beat it, the Keep closes for good. So I had to reload a file and lose close to 3 hours.
All that and $7, just for an item box… Makers breath!
December 16th, 2009
My “wtf” – is supposed to be WHY the f..
December 16th, 2009
Banned me again Dave? Arrrrrg YOU SORELY TEST MY PATIENCE!!!!
December 16th, 2009
Sega whats your PSN name?
December 16th, 2009
BJ
you actually bought Warden’s Keep DLC? are you support that kind of BS DLC. I though Capcom’s DLC were bad but Bioware forced it
December 16th, 2009
Yeah I broke down and bought it. I’m not exactaly proud of it. I agree – selling the item box as day one DLC was THE most sleazy DLC ever in the history of DLC.
The cramped inventory becomes an issue only a short few hours into the game. I had all sorts of great armor, weapons, etc, but I couldn’t equip them just yet and needed to hold on to them.
I was wasting so much time driving myself crazy fretting over everything I was carrying. The item box as made my life a lot easier.
Oh and I only bought the game for $35. So spending an extra $7 wasn’t so bad… well that’s what I told myself at least.
December 16th, 2009
I hate when they do that…you are basically force to buy (because you have no other option) just like the new Street Fighter Game, you have to buy it if you want to play the new characters because they wont release them via DLCs.
I just noticed im going to have to wait on some early 2010 games. I checked what I have pre-order and they are all coming around the same time
-MAG
-Darksiders
-Battlefield: Bad Company 2
-Dante’s Inferno [Devine Edition]
-Bioshock 2
-White Knight Chronicles
-Heavy Rain
-God of War 3
-Final Fantasy 13
-3D dot Heroes
-Gran Turismo 5
Hoping MAG, Darksiders and Dante’s Inferno live up the hype, that’s at least 10 games in a matter of 3-4 months.
so I will probably wait on a few on them, probably on Dante’s Inferno, Bioshock 2 and I will have to decide which game I will like to play first MAG or B:BC2 or which of the two my friends are going to be playing more.
December 16th, 2009
I know what you mean Roca, so much coming in the new year. I am focusing on MAG, then Heavy Rain and WKC, then GoW3 and GT5, and FF13.
3d Dot heroes won’t be landing till may, so that should be right around the time I will be finishing my priorites, heh. BBC2, Bio2, and Dante will be titles I pick up as I find them for cheap used online. After the pile I spent on my computer in the past couple months, my total gaming budget is a little dented, heh. It helps that I am not going to rebuild my rig from scratch, saving me some dough, but it is still a $hitload of titles that I am eager about.
December 16th, 2009
Trust me Roca, with the amount of time you spend here you won’t have time to play even half of those. I know I don’t. There is so much I have missed and I don’t know if I’ll ever get to the back catalouge before the next gerneration comes.
December 16th, 2009
Sony discusses monthly online fees
Sony has once again hinted at plans to charge for online services via the PlayStation Network, specifically mentioning the prospect of monthly fees – although for exactly what products remains unclear.
In an interview with Nikkei Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment executive vice president and chief technology officer Masayuki Chatani was asked how Sony was managing the high costs associated with running a service such as the PlayStation Network.
“We would face difficulties if our business depended solely on the sell-and-forget model. After we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services,” he said.
“We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways,” he added. “In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges.”
Although there was little context to his answer it may be that in terms of monthly fees Chatani was only speaking in reference to specific titles, such as massively multiplayer online games.
However, there have been persistent rumours that Sony may be considering an Xbox Live style subscription model for the PlayStation Network a whole.
Last month Kaz Hirari stated categorically that current services would continue to be offered free of charge, although the company may begin to charge for unspecified new premium content and services – some using a subscription model.
December 16th, 2009
Actually Roca I’ve deleted my PSN account but I’ll create another one on Christmas break and let you know. Man, it’s been a while since I’ve been on here, my PS3, AND my 360. Damn work….If only I were a billionaire I could call my own shots.
Anyways, I still haven’t purchased COD6 yet or Uncharted 2. OH, by the way how do I file a report against the company who made Resistance 2?? That game is STILL priced at $59.99 and I was enraged when I checked it out at Walmart and Best Buy!!
I absolutely REFUSE to purchase that game now unless it drops below 20 bucks before the Spring 2010.
December 16th, 2009
Personally it sounds to me like there will be a subscription fees for premium content. So I’m guessing that if you want DLC you might have to pay a subscription fees to access the service or a subscription fee to download the movies and access Home or something. That’s my take on what it might be.
December 16th, 2009
As long as the premium services do not include online play (Excluding MMOs) I don’t care. I didn’t buy and clothes for my Avatar in Home, I don’t buy themes, I generally don’t spend any money on the PSN, currently, and I have a great gaming experience.
Now, if by Premium services, they are referring to functions like cross-talk, I would be pissed.
December 16th, 2009
@CAD
Yeah, that is what I was thinking as well. Perhaps a monthly fee can be charged for DLC access, Movies and TV show access, assuming that the monthly fee covers the charge that these sort of services currently have, and not just allowing you access to purchase them.
December 16th, 2009
the amount of time I spend here is the same about of time I spend at @ work (with a few post here and there while im at home)
whenever im home im playing my PS3. I have 48 PS3 games and 28 PSN games. right now im working on getting Platinum trophies for U2, GoW Collection and AC2 while also playing PixelJunk Shooters, DA:O, MW2 and Borderlands. I still havent open R+C yet but once im done with GoW Collection or U2 thats the next game I will be spending some time on.
I dont rush trough games. I usually take my time on completing games because during a gaming day I play a game for 3-4 hours then I switch to another game for another 3-4 hour section then I move on to another and so on.
Trust me I can handle playing many games at the same time but this more of a “money” issue for me than a “time” issue
December 16th, 2009
If the PS3 is charged for gameplay, cross-chat, etc., count me out from video gaming for good. I’ve had it with this online “pay to play” crap. I have better things to spend my money on besides fake clothes, avatar upgrades, halo vehicles, master chief edition condoms, cortana underwear, and etc.
Man, this has got to be the WORST video game generation ever….
December 16th, 2009
MW2 gets an AIDS-like virus on XBL
“According to reports, players get “infected” byt unwittingly joining a match hosted by a carrier. They then get hit by the same issue – Unlimited ammo and No reloads – and can pass it on if they end up hosting any games themselves. Allegedly, it’s spreading like an STD”
December 16th, 2009
Lmao at MW2 AIDS.
“Man, this has got to be the WORST video game generation ever….”
I find myself thinking the exact opposite.
I’m really looking forward to 3D gaming. I now have a TV that supports it.
December 16th, 2009
I’m jsut glad that Natal will support the Hardcore first and that it won’t be a onslaught of casual games.
December 16th, 2009
-The Digital Comics service on PSN goes live later today. (might come out for the PS3 later on)
-GT Academy 2010 Launches tomorrow (good luck Jofa)
-FFX is out tomorrow in Japan
December 16th, 2009
Wow paying for cross-chat. I never fathomed that one.
December 16th, 2009
I believe they are talking about the movies subscription and possibly their own rental service via psn. Only time will tell though.
December 16th, 2009
“Wow paying for cross-chat. I never fathomed that one.”
Why not?????? you’re doing that now.
December 16th, 2009
All I’m saying is that if DLC becomes part of this monthly pay service I know all of you will start paying for this premium service. WOw, Brilliant Sony, you won’t charge to play online but you’ll get them with the DLC. If this happens I suggest not coming back to Blorge because you won’t want to hear what all the Xboxts will say.
December 16th, 2009
“Natal and Wii will have trouble matching Sony motion control
John Koller, Sony’s head of PlayStation marketing, has said that family, shooting and sports games will be central to the success of its upcoming motion controller, and that Project Natal and Wii will struggle to compete with it in those genres”
I agree with you CAD
December 16th, 2009
“All I’m saying is that if DLC becomes part of this monthly pay service I know all of you will start paying for this premium service”
I am only interested in PSN games/Movies premiun service (rental)
who gives a shit about DLC. I have downloaded like 3 or 4 DLCs. not enough to justified a premuin service
I will never pay for online play, thats for sure
December 16th, 2009
where did you get the news about paying for cross chat and DLCs btw?
December 16th, 2009
Roca it’s not my article I just put it out there. Considering that there is no difference between the Wii Motion Control and the PS3 Wand that statement is obviously Rubish. And Believe me Natal will be the defacto Motion Control when it all launches. Honestly 2010 might be a good year to own both consoles.
December 16th, 2009
ummmm… you already have to pay for DLC.
Maybe in the premium service the DLC would be included whether you DL it or not. Just speculating though.
December 16th, 2009
I was refering to what Sega said
December 16th, 2009
Oh and the article if from Game Industry dot Biz
December 16th, 2009
“I am only interested in PSN games/Movies premiun service (rental)”
So Roca if that becomes part of the Premium service then yes I guess you will pay for that service Right?
December 16th, 2009
CAD
You forgot that the PS Eye can sense body montion, face expression and so on and it also has a Mic for voice commands just like Natal.
Natal will be playing catch up with the Wand and the Wii because The Wand is coming out in a matter of months and just because of Sony’s first party alone the Wand has a big advantage over Natal.
December 16th, 2009
“So Roca if that becomes part of the Premium service then yes I guess you will pay for that service Right?”
yes I will it will be cheaper than purchasing them serparetly. where are you trying to get?
December 16th, 2009
What makes you think that you won’t have to pay for the subscription as well as the purchase of whatever movie. It’s all speculation so lets just wait and see.
December 16th, 2009
As long as the wand is supported better than eye toy and playstation eye I’ll be happy. The support for those was god awful. Eye of Judgement and Eye pet. One which isn’t even out yet.
December 16th, 2009
What makes you think that you won’t have to pay for the subscription as well as the purchase of whatever movie”
whats the point of the subscription then?
December 16th, 2009
It’s called levels of Service Roca. Much like Xbox Silver and Gold Memberships.
December 16th, 2009
As it is now CAD, just like Live, people on PSN have to pay to download movies.
I think what most people here are hoping the subscription service will entail is a Netflix like pay one price and have all the movie and TV shows downloads you can watch in that given month.
If they have something similar to a gamefly service for rentals of full and psn games that would just be stellar as well.
As long as what remains free right now continues to be free when the service hots (free to play online games) Then me, like most people, will be happy.
December 16th, 2009
It appears that a Xbox user is just unhappy because he has to pay to play on line and PS3 users don’t.
December 17th, 2009
@CAD,
*Posts deleted
Don’t post other peoples articles in the comments section.
December 17th, 2009
Nintendo Trademakrs Zii, Cii, Bii, Oii & Yii
so if you wondering what is the next nintendo console is going to be called…there you have it guys
December 17th, 2009
Nintendo wins my worst publisher of 2009. Activision came close, but at least they are not stuck in the early 90s.
Nintendo only made 2 game all year. Punch Out – which was basically a port of Super Punch out. And New Super Mario Brothers – which was not new at all, but rather a port of the DS game.
Just when I think Nintendo hits rock bottom, they define the odds and stoop further into the gutter.
December 17th, 2009
@ Mike,
I didn’t see CAD’s posting, however I have seen plenty of others posting other articles in the comments section. Why single CAD out?
December 18th, 2009
I know for a fact that I posted an article about dead space 2 from game informer.
I think the problem here harry was that CAD posted something along the lines of 4 articles in a row. In didn’t quite escape attention.