Dragon Age II (Classics) reviews

If you liked the transition that Bioware made going from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2, then you'll like Dragon Age 2.

Dragon Age 2 has completely streamlined the Dragon Age game dynamics. Fighting is smoother and faster, very well suited to the console as apposed to the PC, and the quests are detailed and have more depth than before.

But theres more than just a new interface and dynamics, this time the story will really move you; Dragon Age 1 had a decent story, but since then Bioware have really found a way to connect the story to the player. I felt personally crushed with some of the things that happened to my character, I could really relate to them.

If you want a good escape from reality then play this game.

Dragon Age Origins was a masterpiece and this does not let it down. I found the fighting was much more fluid and enjoyable, a huge improvement to the first game.

I enjoyed meeting people from the first game through this game, such as Alistair and the charming Antivan Assassin we have learnt to love, and many more. It was also quite interesting to see how they remember you in the previous game as the Hero of Ferelden (that is if you import your save from dragon age origins).

There is a lot of side quests to get lost in which makes the story drag on a bit but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. The new companions you meet are all beautifully crafted and bring a great flare to the game.

I did find that there was a bit of jolting in some of the cutscenes which didn't affect my gameplay but just annoying sometimes, but luckily it never really lasted long and that may just be my game.

The story is wonderful but I do prefer the story in Dragon Age Origins as this seems like you don't really have much of a purpose, or task to fulfill.

I thought it was quite clever and original of how they make one of your companions telling the story, your story, to a seeker.

I worthwhile buy and hours of gameplay which is enjoyable every single minute.

I heard a lot of criticism about this game when it released, so when I got around to playing it on the Xbox 360, I wasn't expecting much (especially after playing Dragon Age: Origins on its “superior” PC platform).

First thing that hit me was the graphics. They are a huge step up from Origins, with characters looking more unique and realistic. There are also some nice cloth physics.

Then you move on to the gameplay, which is the most controversial change from Dragon Age: Origins to Dragon Age 2. While it took me a while to get used to, I think the new combat system is great. You have more control over your character, and not needing to have to pause every 5–10 seconds adds some much needed pace to combat that was non-existent in Origins.

Conversations, too, lacked pace in Origins and I was happy to see this has been fixed for Dragon Age 2. In Origins, it seems characters would drone on and on and on monotonously, but DA2 seems much more “to the point” and sped up. This is also helped by the ability to hear your player-character's voice which removes some of the moral ambiguity from the first game.

The tradeoff of having a voiced player character, however, is only being able to play as a human, with a set background (in Origins you could play as one of three races and select from several backgrounds)

The story which, in a RPG, is one of the most important factors in the game is slightly lacking for much of the game. That said, when the main story really kicks in in Act 3, it really grips you. Throughout the game, there are some very emotional sequences and some interesting companions to gather which are far more unique than their Origins counterparts. Although none, IMO, can match Alastair as a fighting buddy!

There are quests galore and everywhere you go will add miscellaneous tasks to your journal. While much of the game is set during Kirkwall (day and night), you can also explore the exterior coastline. This makes for a nice change, but I would have loved to visit other cities and dive deeper into the Free Marches. One real niggle I have is the recycling of dungeons, which are cut+pasted many times and really breaks the immersion!

All in all, I loved this game from start to finish. It impacted me emotionally in a way Dragon Age: Origins could not, and the fast-paced combat, interesting quests and fun dialogue sequences kept my attention for the whole ~30 hours.

Despite all the criticism, this is, in my opinion, another Bioware masterpiece.

5/5

I pre ordered this game because I had really enjoyed the first one and was relying on the second one to be equally as enjoyable. Sorry guys, its nothing like the first one..... ITS WAY BETTER. First of all the fighting is more developed and fun to use. Second: Your character now has a voice and its awesome to express yourselves with that. I could go on for hours listing all the cool features with the game but just buy it here, they price is far cheaper than in stores. Enjoy guys.

When Mass Effect 2 was released, there were huge issues with the “dumbing down” of the game, there were a lot less RPG elements (leveling up and the like) in it than there was in Mass Effect 1, the game became very much a third person action shooter. They however made up for this with an epic continuation of the story, deep NPC interaction, and no 2 environments were the same.

Bioware have turned Dragon Age II into a hack n' slash title that should “Dungeons & Dragons” slapped across the title. Where in Origins you were tactical in combat, spent hours micro-managing tactics of each team mate, talking to them, keeping them happy, playing in a huge amount of varied environments with a truly epic story, in Dragon Age II, you now run in, mashing the A button, hoping for the best.

The game attempts to tie in with Origins, but does so only in the slightest, almost all caves and “dungeons” are carbon copies of one another, just with different enemies and when you aren't in these copy & paste dungeons, you are roaming around the city for 20 hours plus, mashing the A button, hoping for the best. I pre-ordered only this because I loved Origins and I even managed to pick up a Signature Copy from Mighty Ape after that promotion expired.

A pity Bioware could not deliver so well…

A better more strategy based version of the first. Basically like playing a medieval version of Mass Effect. A definite must for all keen RPG gamers.

Do not get me wrong this game is good but it does not live up to the first. The game does feel more like a buch of side quests put together, although the missions are fun you can't help but think where is the plot in all of this- The graphics are good and I do really like the new combat system. The dialog is great, what you would expect from a bio-ware game and I really like how the main charcter now talks. But overall this does not beat the first one in my books. If you have not played number one i recommend you play that one first there's a reason why it was game of the year 2009 plus 50 winning awards..

The game play of Dragon Age II is pretty much the same as Dragon Age: Origins, but there really isn't a main story line to get your character involved in. The whole game just feels like one side quest after another. The world is a lot smaller too, with nearly all the missions taking place in the city of Kirkwall. The graphics on the characters is much better than Origins, but considering the small amount of locations, the visuals aren't much improved for the landscapes.

BioWare have really done a poor job on testing this game, it feels rushed and unfinished. There are many, many bugs that directly affect the game play.

The game will be better after some updates have been released to fix all the bugs, but they should have been fixed before release. Shame on you BioWare.

I like this game but liked dragon age 1 better for the reason that in dragon age 2 no matter what class you chose its still the same story and that you can only be human.but this game has the best graphics I have ever seen. This game is also lacking the cool party members like the ones in dragon age 1 but still if you liked dragon age 1 you got to play this

Dragon Age Origins is still one of my favourite games of all time.

Dragon Age 2 is a brilliant game and has a great story. Good follow up to the first

New combat system and better graphics, it's a must for the DA community!

The first Dragon Age had a lot of problems however the way Bioware/EA have handled this is by dumbing down virtually everything.

• Gameplay is pretty much like The Witcher now except not as smooth imo,
• I didn't care about any of the characters really except Varric and Bethany due to what seemed like minimal character developement,
• The maps are very linear and repeated as often as possible it seems,
• They've removed a lot of the customisation features, and
• Long loading times,
• The storyline(s) leaves a lot to be desired.

Bioware has just become another off-shoot of EA and that appears to be getting reflected in its creativity and over all game result. To sum up- Another generic, boring game from Bioware. Have a go if you get it dirt cheap.

There is a lot of internet hate for this game – and sadly that has influenced many to not play it or misunderstand the strong connection in story to what is happening in Thedas.

I had heard that there was no freedom of movement in this game, that you are tied to one character in a single location, that the story didn't match the genius of the first one, that the writers hate gaming, that the combat was all wrong and other such negativity.

However, when I picked up the game and started playing I was pleased my character had a voice with 3 different emotional ranges that were well acted.

The combat is different and took a while for me to work out but once I located the pause (left trigger) and could give different commands to my party I had no problems – well actually as a rogue I spent most of my first play through getting knocked out halfway through each battle and having to rely on controlling my party to survive (my mage is doing way better).

The city is pretty big and you spend a lot of time running through its streets – it reminded me a little of Tatooine or one of the Cities in SWTOR – something vaguely familiar about it in any case.

Personally I was grateful it wasn't as long as DAO – I thought Bioware tightened up the pacing, it isn't a huge time sink and didn't drag on as I felt part of DAO did (Orzammar and the Deep Roads come to mind).

There are plenty of side-quests and tons of loot drops – you don't need to buy any gear when you keep finding it in a chest.

The conversation takes some getting used to – your party can make some stupid selfish choices and its up to you to either agree with them or set them straight. Like any Bioware party they can bicker or tease each other on the road.

The story is really setting the scene for DA Inquisition and I'm glad some of the characters I played with in DA2 will be in that game too.

Once I finished the game I immediately restarted with a different class – for me that's the sign of good game entertainment.

Look the game definitely isn't perfect, the dungeons are copy pasted, some of the art work is bland, but personally I can't see what all the fuss was about this game.

I had a blast and will play it again and again until Inquisition comes out.

This is a damn good game .. If you played the first one then this is a must have for your collection .. Really had fun playing this game ..

As this is the first Dragon Age game I have played, i was very impressed. The styling of the game and the combat sequences are very engaging. One let down though…I didn't really have the urge to play again.

despite the complaints ive seen from dragon age fans i found this still a great game,it is very different from DA:Origins but this is not exactly a bad thing. It is Quite better in the graphics department the game world does seem a little smaller at times but the areas are well made and unique for the most part.

the combat is a little different it is more fast paced and easier to come to grips with i think alot less micromanaging of spells,talents and teammates needed to be successful.

the story characters and npcs are all well done and you will find yourself developing attachments to certain characters as you progress through the story and explore their individual personalities.

Overall a great game i very much enjoyed and defenitely worth a look for fans of DA or this genre. 5/5

Mighty Ape gives everyone a privelege to buy games w/ unbelievable price which really hard to find anywhere else. I bought this product and enjoyed playing it. Will buy even more games, its really worth it!!!

Enjoyed the game alot, very good value for money, Thanks mighty ape!!

If you are a fan of rpg games this game is for you with so many choices o make with each one affecting how the game plays out although i was dissapointed with the fact that you can ony be human unlike dragon age 1 where you can be dwaf , elf ect. i give it a 4 out 5 for the reasson you can only be human other wise i would of gave it a 5 out of 5

(Note: Thanks Mighty Ape for a great deal as normal and really fast postage :) )

Great game, good storyline,

its a really good game you can make your own dude r dudet if that's what you please you can decide so much in the game only thing that made me dislike the game and not want to play is if you do not have a flat screen that's big you may want to sit real close to your tv but if you do have a good tv or a big tv this game is perfect:D

Dragon Age 2 is another great game, different from the first, but it's still awesome in it's own unique way.

The good:

• Nicer gameplay with easier controls

The bad:

• about a total of 5 maps. IDENTICAL maps. The only difference being some areas are closed off during some quests.
• Unlike the first game, you feel unimportant, as if your actions don't really matter in a whole

The Verdict: Buy the game. You know you want to. Even after the bad parts the game is still fun to play.

Exactly what I wanted. It met my expectations well after playing Dragon Age: Origins, before it. Great game.

This game is long, fun and generally awesome.

Good mix of action and adventure, best rpg since fable.

Everything was outstanding.a pleasure to trade with

First things first this title is nothing like Origins so don't think it will be. You play as Hawk starting from when the blyte has more or less just kicked off the classess you get to pick from are Rouge, Warrior and Mage don't matter which you pick or if you go male or female you are Hawk. You and your family are trying to get away from the darkspawn from the start of the game once you do that it's just a lot of questing trying to reclaim your families name and wealth.

Now that the moaning is out of the way.

Overall this is a good title the battle style is smoother than in Origins and the graphics are good. Storyline you are a refugee excaping the blyte with your mother, brother and sister. Depending on what class you take things will happen to members of your family, won't say what, play it and find out.

Weapons – Much like Origins you get swords for your rouge and warrior and staffs for your mage oh and bows that go to your rouge if you have the stats and talents for it, you can also equip these to any of your party members unless they are named for one person.

Armor – Don't go thinking “COOL I CAN EQUIP THE BEST ARMOR TO SOMEONE IN MY PARTY” cause you can't ALL armor can only be equiped by the main chara. You will need to find upgrades for party member outfits.

Leveling – Some what like Origins but your EXP bar is on the HUD so you can see when your about to level. You get 3 stat points to spend and at levels 7 and 14 you get 1 specialty point

Talents/Spells – When you level you will get 1 point for abilities unlike Origins the talent tree is not in 4 parts you will choose a talent or spell and it may or maynot have an upgrade that go's with it that can take the next time you level. Some talents/spells may need 2 abilities to be activated before you can get it, so think before you buy.

Theres a bit to do quest wise and if you play all quests before the main questline gameplay can be about 2–3 days of playing unless you play like me then you will complete it in about a day. So roughly 24 to 36hrs game play

Dragon Age 2 is the sequel to the much loved, and critically acclaimed Bioware RPG Dragon Age Origins. There has been a lot of talk about how DA2 diverges from its predecessor, most of which has been negative. I disagree and would like to try and convince you otherwise:

1. First and foremost combat has been a focus of a lot of the Internet hate directed at DA2. The truth is combat is DA2 is very similar to DA: Origins. Mike Laidlaw the director of both games has gone on record stating that EXACTLY the same stats are crunched during combat in both titles. The differences in DA2 are largely aesthetic in nature and in my opinion make combat more exciting.

Combat is a lot faster, and usually involves a lot more opponents. Console versions of DA2 lack an auto-attack option (something which will be added in the upcoming patch), but having a one to one correspondence between a button press and an on screen attack is preferable to simply pressing attack once to initiate your character's attack. DA2 also affords you more control over your characters and you can finally direct individual members of your group to different parts of the battlefield without having to manually take control of them (which was what you had to do in Origins). This gives you a lot more tactical control over your battles, something that was sorely lacking in Origins.

2. Apart from combat a lot of flack has been directed at the fact that Dragon Age 2 is centered on a single location: Kirkwall. Whilst this does limit the number of environments you get to see, it also means that a greater focus can be placed on the city and the pivotal role it plays in the story.
3. In terms of story, I think that DA2 really does its best to break away from the usual Bioware RPG mold of recruit team members, and save the world from some apocalyptic threat. In DA2 there is no bad guy that you can point to as being the main threat! You do not in fact have to save the world. You do however get to see your character Hawke (who's very capably voiced regardless of gender) and their companions grow over a period of seven years, an especially nice touch when you consider how the various relationships amongst party members change over time. Their relationship to the politics in Kirkwall is central to the story and it's nice to see a DA2 handle social matters like oppression, alienation, and even terrorism in a mature way without conforming to the D & D norms that generally dictate how fantasy CRPGs play out. A special shout out should go to Aveline and Varric for being outstanding and nuanced characters.

Dragon Age 2 is not without its flaws though. In combat, monster closets are a constant threat, with enemies respawning out of thin air mid combat putting a serious damper on your tactical planning. Surely Bioware could think of better ways to make the game challenging (and on hard DA2 is more challenging than Origins was on hard), than something as cheap as monster closets. I was also not impressed with the dreadful amount of environment recycling. Sure Bioware has been guilty of this before (in Mass Effect and in Origins), but never to this extent. I also think Bioware missed out on a great opportunity to have both Kirkwall and your party age physically as time passes. Not many RPGs span 7 years and for there to be no physical change at all was a tad disappointing. Lastly like all ambitious titles, Dragon Age 2 has a number of bugs. A certain optional quest can not be completed, Hawke may get stuck in their battle stance requiring a hard reset, and achievement points for the DLC content still does not work. This is nothing new (Origins is just as guilty of this), but Bioware should really have put more effort into debugging the game before release.

However despite these criticism, I still think DA2 is well worth a go. If you enjoyed Origins, or if you like RPGs in general, there are not too many titles that can compete with DA2.