Released on November 3, 2009 for the PC, Playstation 3 and X-Box 360, Dragon Age: Origins is the latest role-playing work of art from BioWare. The game has received 9/10 from Game Informer and a 9.5/10 from GameSpot, while Game Pro reviews the game saying, “BioWare has once again struck RPG gold.” Dragon Age: Origins has over 100 hours of game play and is a must-have for an true RPG fan. It has an engrossing story, complex moral decisions and choices, unique battle system, and an unforgettable cast. This game is highly recommended for adults and is targeted more towards RPG players than the casual gamer.
Prices and Rating
Dragon Age: Origins can be bought for the Playstation 3 and the X-Box 360 for $59.99. There is also a Playstation 3 Collector’s Edition sold for $74.99 that comes with a steel case, bonus DVD, cloth map, and three pieces of in-game exclusive content that otherwise must be bought separately and downloaded. The game is available for the PC at the price of $49.99 or the Digital Deluxe Edition can be downloaded for the price of $64.99. This version comes with three pieces of armor and weaponry as well as the three in-game exclusive content pieces sold in the Collector’s Edition for the PS3. Dragon Age: Origins is rated M for Mature, for blood, intense violence, language, partial nudity, and sexual content. Due to its heavy graphics, the game has received the highest ratings on the PC version, followed by the Playstation 3 and lastly the X-Box, with claims that the graphics are too tightly compressed and the color has been washed out.
The Story
This dark, heroic fantasy role-playing game follows the journey of your created character. Recruited into a group known as the Grey Wardens, your character is tasked with the job of saving the world from an unstoppable evil that is known only as the Darkspawn. The game begins with the player choosing one of six origin stories for their character, each game beginning different and several hours in length. Players can choose between humans, elves and dwarfs and depending on the character, NPCs will react differently. For example, an elf is often viewed as second class by humans. As the story advances, your character can take on many side quests, given by your own team as well as townsfolk met throughout the journey.
The Cast
The game has an extensive and unique cast of characters that can join the war against Darkspawn. There are human mages, an elf, dwarf, a stone golem, and even a war dog. Each character contributes something different and useful in combat and can be rotated through, depending on the needs of the situation. NPCs also talk to one another while your group is traveling, which often makes for humorous moments, such as your fellow Grey Warden, Alistair, talking with the war dog. How you chose to interact with your team also effects their future, as for example, if they become upset enough times they will leave your side, or in some cases you can even forbid one from joining your cause. Dragon Age: Origins also deals with romance. Whether you are playing a male or female character, there are several choices, including an elf named Zevren, who is a romantic option, regardless of the gender you choose.
The Battle System
Players can choose between three classes, that of warrior, mage and rogue, each offering different fighting styles, spells and weapon uses. These include dual swords, archery, two handed weapons, sword and shield, elemental based abilities, as well as restorative ones. The battles themselves can be handled in a number of different fashions. The player can pause, zoom the map out and make each action for every character, down to which enemy they attack or which ability or item is used. Another choice is to utilize the pre-set characteristics, where character 1 will use X attack when threatened by Y enemy. The strategy to battle is very complex and engaging and when fights are won, they feel very gratifying.