Bioware’s epic dark fantasy RPG is back this week in its second installment. Dragon Age: Origins put gamers in the boots of a Grey Warden, an ancient order bent on repelling the evil darkspawn back to the bowels of the Deep Roads. Unlike that other Bioware RPG series, Dragon Age II won’t be continuing the story of your warden any further. You are a silent protagonist no more.
This time around you will be playing the role of a human named Hawke. While it is disappointing that we can no longer choose our race or name, it will be nice having a fully voiced hero. You will still be able to choose your gender and class with your dialogue choices will ultimately shape Hawke’s personality. This will feel a little more like Mass Effect, but your choices will still affect your individual relationships rather than making you “good” or “bad.”
Hawk is a survivor of the Darkspawn attack on Lothering, a city that was destroyed in Dragon Age: Origins. Because this adventure is parallel to that of Origins and the Awakening DLC, you will be able to import your saved games which will help shape the world. The story on Dragon Age II is being told by one of your companions in a non-linear framed narrative that will span 10 years. The game will chronicle the rise of Hawke from refugee to the Champion of the Free Marches. It will also chronicle Hawke’s romances. Hawke’s dirty, dirty romances. I’m not sure how your friend knows all about those…
One change that will bring about mixed feelings is the renovations to the combat system. Console gamers will enjoy a more action centric system better suited for a controller than the complex battle system of Dragon Age: Origins. Actions will be taken instantly rather than pushing a button and waiting for a character to get in position before they decide to carry out your command. PC gamers will also get this change, although they will still be able to zoom out, pause and issue commands. The renovation is a clear win for console gamers and hopefully the PC crowd won’t feel too slighted.
Dragon Age‘s world is interesting in its depth and complexity. Just as in the real world, no one thinks they are evil and everyone has a reason behind their motives. It will be exciting to jump back into this world with a protagonist with a voice. Hawke won’t just experience the world, but actually be a part of it.
Popularity: 2% [?]
4 comments