Dragon Age 2

[JPR]

That looks like a Dragon Age game. What was all the fuss about?

Because it's not always looked like a Dragon Age game and when it comes to telling us what the game is like and interacting with people on their forums, BioWare are really awful. Talk of God of War type action and getting away from the classical RPG elements may help on the console, but it's not going to do much for those who got and enjoyed Origins because it was touted as the spiritual successor to Baulder's Gate, it had a tactical approach to combat and loads of stats etc. It may and I hope turn out that this is all still there, but BioWare haven't done a good job of communicating that and they get all pissy on the forums when people keep asking about these type of things.

[Teeohbee]

Well the good news is, there's a listing on Amazon for a Piggyback guide for this! So that's good news!

[RubberJohnny]

Because it's not always looked like a Dragon Age game and when it comes to telling us what the game is like and interacting with people on their forums, BioWare are really awful. Talk of God of War type action and getting away from the classical RPG elements may help on the console, but it's not going to do much for those who got and enjoyed Origins because it was touted as the spiritual successor to Baulder's Gate, it had a tactical approach to combat and loads of stats etc. It may and I hope turn out that this is all still there, but BioWare haven't done a good job of communicating that and they get all pissy on the forums when people keep asking about these type of things.

So "marketing not representative of the finished product" then, like DA:O.

Much of DA:Os success was probably down to making it look like an action game, reminder that Baldurs Gate only sold 100,000 copies. That's hardly a marketing message that's going to resonate with a large audience.

[JPR]

So "marketing not representative of the finished product" then, like DA:O.

Yes, but you knew that was the case with Origins as it was clear what the game was like from the beginning, that's not been the case with 2.

Not sure where you get 100,000 from this has 1 and 2 selling 2million each (not including expansions) and with GOG they're still selling. Obviously no idea how many but it did mean there where many people following the game for years and bought it day 1 such as myself.

[RubberJohnny]

Yes, but you knew that was the case with Origins as it was clear what the game was like from the beginning, that's not been the case with 2.

Not sure where you get 100,000 from this has 1 and 2 selling 2million each (not including expansions) and with GOG they're still selling. Obviously no idea how many but it did mean there where many people following the game for years and bought it day 1 such as myself.

Right, but we could suspect that since it worked out the first time they'd try the same thing again? I mean the SA forum thread has been a full on hatedom since this was announced.

And those sales are impressive, but almost certainly over the years since release. The industry was a much smaller place when those games launched, people don't realise quite how much it expanded with consoles like the Playstation and Playstation 2.

[JPR]

Right, but we could suspect that since it worked out the first time they'd try the same thing again? I mean the SA forum thread has been a full on hatedom since this was announced.

When they're saying things like God of War type combat, moving away from those classical RPG elements and the early pictures looking rubbish, I think it's reasonable to suspect they may be trying something new. Plus it's not exactly unprecedented for a PC developer to move to the console version being the main focus and doing what they think needs to be done to get sales there. Then as I say mixed in with the fact they're rubbish at communicating, not even seen any decent hands on previews with the PC version, a nice hands on session for someone like PCGamer would have been great to see and confirmed peoples fears or put them to rest.

[Sergeant Squid]

I thought this was supposed to look all stylised and cool? Just looks like DA:O to me

[Kevvy Metal]

I bet this will turn out great after all.

For shame, I own both the 360 and PC version's of DA:O and can never completely focus on one and play it all the way from start to finish. I just gravitate far more towards playing my consoles on a TV with a pad etc.

...but is the 360 version really not nearly as good? I'd like to use the save with DA2 and if they're is more of a console focus for the sequel then maybe I should stick with the 360 versions of both...hmm.

[CandyBob]

I bet this will turn out great after all.

For shame, I own both the 360 and PC version's of DA:O and can never completely focus on one and play it all the way from start to finish. I just gravitate far more towards playing my consoles on a TV with a pad etc.

...but is the 360 version really not nearly as good? I'd like to use the save with DA2 and if they're is more of a console focus for the sequel then maybe I should stick with the 360 versions of both...hmm.

The 360 version seemed lacking after I did a second play-through on the PC version (after first completing it on the 360). The fact that the combat sounds similar to DA:O on PC is a no brainer for me.

[Talk Show Host]

Because it's not always looked like a Dragon Age game and when it comes to telling us what the game is like and interacting with people on their forums, BioWare are really awful. Talk of God of War type action and getting away from the classical RPG elements may help on the console, but it's not going to do much for those who got and enjoyed Origins because it was touted as the spiritual successor to Baulder's Gate, it had a tactical approach to combat and loads of stats etc. It may and I hope turn out that this is all still there, but BioWare haven't done a good job of communicating that and they get all pissy on the forums when people keep asking about these type of things.

It didn't really. The system was quite broken as you could easily beat everything with the right combo. Or if you were a mage.

DA was nothing like Baldur's Gate in that respet. The "spiritual successor" line was just marketing.

I am more dissapointed that they keep rehasing the same old mechanics in this game (like a static world, not day/night cycle, no weather effects, NPCs standing still for the whole game, small play areas, etc) than choosing to make combat a little faster.

[RubberJohnny]

I've got to disagree on the combat system stuff. The system in DA:O seems much more balanced. Early D&D Editions had all sorts of problems, where wizards could just become flying death machines at higher levels, while fighters might be able to match the damage output of one of their spells if they specced themselves completely around that as a concept. They only sorted that out in 4E.

I don't see a problem with a game being focused. Not every fantasy RPG needs to be Oblivion.

[JPR]

It didn't really. The system was quite broken as you could easily beat everything with the right combo. Or if you were a mage.

DA was nothing like Baldur's Gate in that respet. The "spiritual successor" line was just marketing.

There was some tactics to it on the harder difficulty settings with positioning, crowd control and how you prioritise your targets. It could have done with a bit more to it though, I felt one of the main problems was having a fixed spell book. With being able to change your spells in BG it allowed them to have more variety with the enemies and a need to have certain spells to take on different enemy types. Which you couldn't do in DA:O as you could end up with a spell book that can't defeat certain enemies.

I do wish they'd have gone for a more open approach to this, fun to have more variety in the enemies and coming across something that's as nasty as the Mind Flayers, where and force you to change your approach.

[CandyBob]

It didn't really. The system was quite broken as you could easily beat everything with the right combo. Or if you were a mage.

DA was nothing like Baldur's Gate in that respet. The "spiritual successor" line was just marketing.

I am more dissapointed that they keep rehasing the same old mechanics in this game (like a static world, not day/night cycle, no weather effects, NPCs standing still for the whole game, small play areas, etc) than choosing to make combat a little faster.

Baldur's Gate was exactly the same. There were so many ways of trivialising the combat in both BG games if you chose to do so using poor AI, fog of war or certain class types.

The combat in DA felt very much like BG to me, even after playing BGII very recently from GOG.

[Mallet]

Yeah, as much as I enjoyed the BG games when I played them last year I do wonder what people are thinking when they claim those games are tough. In BG2 I felt the game was over once I got Improved haste and some magical weapons.

And as broke as mages are in DA:O it's nothing compared to BG2 were mages are gods that can even stop time.

The truth is you can trivialise the combat in just about any RPG by going for the OP builds and classes, there's always some, or using some exploits. It's your choice whether or not you want to do that and if you simply picked the characters you liked most in DA:O rather than those that were strongest there are plenty of fights in that game that can hand your ass to you on a plate.

Truth be told I always thought DA:O is a harder game that BG2, I think it took me about 5 rounds to kill the end boss in SOA.

[sam16]

Really the only controversial sounding thing there seems like the loss of the character specific rep system for a Mass Effect style "your companions follow your orders" system. The Dragon Age system was a bit mishandled because there was no reason to be a dick really, you just cut yourself off from a huge amount of content and it didn't fit with being the hero that saves the world.

Just to clear things up, the approval system is still in but they've changed a few things.

The approval system now tracks whether you agree with a companion or not ('Friendship' and 'Rivalry') and both paths have different content. So if you disagree with a companion on something, you'll be able to have arguments with them over whatever it is and possibly change their mind on it.

You can still have companions leave you by doing stuff they can't stand, e.g. Leliana and the Ashes, Alistair and Loghain, but that's independent of the approval system.

You'll also be able to start romances from either the 'Friendship' path or the 'Rivalry' path and the romance will be different depending on which path you're on.

[Space Renegade Ulala]

The chilling tales of Ser Isaac of Clarke are a favorite of bards performing in the wee hours of the night. In dank taverns throughout Thedas, these horror-filled stories captivate listeners and bring nightmares to those faint of heart.

Properties:

* Ser Isaac’s Boots

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

* Ser Isaac’s Armor

o Heavy Armor

o Contains a rune slot

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

* Ser Isaac’s Gauntlets

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

* Ser Isaac’s Helm

o Contains a rune slot

o Increases armor

o Critical damage factor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

Purchase Dead Space 2 and get a code to unlock a special set of Isaac Clarke inspired armor for Dragon Age 2.

But the important question is...can you get a STOMP! special move with it and if not, why not?

[Vemsie]

Hopefully it will detect my Dead Space 2 save file so I can use the plasma cutter.

[Rudi von Starnberg]

God almighty did they not learn from the Blood Dragon armour that no-one wants LEDs on their fantasy RPG clothing? At least this one is more restrained.

[Space Renegade Ulala]

Aw, come now, Rudi, the Blood Dragon set wasn't so bad...you could make Sten look like a Cylon, that's got to count for something.

[Kayin Amoh]

The set looks cool enough, but it seems like it has some odd requirements unless Rogues can wear heavy armour.

[JPR]

That set really is awful the helmet doesn't fit in anyway, not even any effort to be subtle with it. Getting fed up with all these pre-order bonuses and useless rubbish like this, if it's good just put it in the game, if not bugger off, never happen sadly. I wonder if they've at least learnt from Origins and the guy in the camp asking you to buy more stuff. Doubt it, wouldn't be surprised if an npc runs up to slap and scream at me for leaving poor Sebastian Vael out of my group, any true adventurer would go and buy him right now.

[Jasberfloob]

Starting to get very excited about this now!

The screen shots and trailers look lush

Shame the crappy stunt that was pulled with Steam orders and no signature edition - have managed to secure a 360 signature edition though so hopeful that the content will port across to the PC steam version I'll also be picking up like it did with the collectors edition of the first

[Space Renegade Ulala]

Holy moley, someone put together a list of DLC/bonus content available more or less right off the bat.

Unofficial DLC List

1. The Staff of Parlathan- The Staff of Parlathan is a free in game epic weapon that was given away this past summer during the convention season. Magic has always run strongly within the Hawke bloodline. The tales passed down from one generation to the next tell of an ancestor named Parthalan, a mage who long ago helped to unite Ferelden under the rule of King Calenhad. Parthalan eventually vanished into legend, fleeing the persecution of the Chantry, but his legacy remains in the hands of his family - along with his hope that one day, mages would achieve the freedom that King Calenhad intended to bring to all men. It is available here http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/info/parthalan/redeem/

2. Hindsight Belt- Hindsight is a belt possessed of a strange, slow intellect. Whatever would have killed the wearer, does. At that very moment, the belt develops a resistance that would have saved them. No one knows how Thaulid managed this, and at this point, it would be difficult to ask him. It is a Penny Arcade Expo Item available here http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/in...yarcade/redeem/

***The Hindsight belt is currently unavailable on the PS3 under registered promotions, but BioWare is working on a fix***

3. Ser Isaac's Armor- Play Dead Space 2 and get an unlock code for Ser Isaac's armor in Dragon Age 2. The chilling tales of Ser Isaac of Clarke are a favorite of bards performing in the wee hours of the night. In dank taverns throughout Thedas, these horror-filled stories captivate listeners and bring nightmares to those faint of heart.

This armor set can be activated with a one-time use, non-transferable code found in Xbox 360 and PC versions of Dead Space 2, including body armor, boots, gauntlets and a helm, all of which carry extra benefits for you to take on your rise from warrior to legend in Dragon Age II. PlayStation 3 owners can visit http://www.dragonage.com or look at the insert inside Dead Space 2 for detailed instructions on unlocking the Ser Isaac Armor in the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age II.

4. The Black Emporium- Hidden below Kirkwall is the Black Emporium. This mysterious location contains many strange and powerful magics and items. By visiting the Black Emporium, players will be able to use the Mirror of Transformationand change their appearance. They'll be able to find exclusive magic and and crafting stores. And they'll find a whistle allowing them to summon a powerful Mabari Hound in battle. The Black Emporium will be included in all copies of Dragon Age II including the Signature Edition, copies pre-ordered between now and launch, and copies purchased new in stores after launch.

***Found at the Black Emporium are the Mabari War Hound Whistle, allowing you to summon a Mabari in combat but one that goes away after battle, and the Mirror of Transformation, which takes you to the character screen that allows you to change the appearance of your character at will***

5. The Lion of Orlais- A mighty shield that comes with two rune slots as well as granting the player greater health and the ability to earn more XP. The Lion of Orlais shield will be only available to players who pre-order Dragon Age II before launch. It is included in the Signature Edition.

6. Fadeshear- A powerful sword that actually improves as the player gasins levels. It also does extra damage versus demons and the undead. The Fadeshear sword will be only available to players who pre-order Dragon Age II before launch. It is included in the Signature Edition.

7. Evra's Might- (***DA Legends Exclusive Item***) When Evra gained notoriety by defeating the Blood Sisters of Vehnstel, he was wearing his signature ring. Although the massive size of the solid gold ring attracts attention, it served a more practical purpose for Evra: he used it to punch demons in the face, sometimes felling them in a single blow.

8. Evra’s Trophy Belt- (***DA Legends Exclusive Item***) This grisly belt is filled with monstrous teeth, chipped blades, scraps of fur, and armor fragments. Each piece is said to be a trophy collected by Evra during his many adventures.

9. Air of Confidence- (***DA Legends Exclusive Item***) After averting a disaster at the Circle of Markham, Evra was given this ring by the First Enchanter. Though the Air of Confidence is not as eye-catching as his other famous ring, it is said that Evra always wore it, even when sleeping. The exact magical properties of the Air of Confidence are a subject of much speculation amongst minstrels.

10. Ivo Family Crest- (***DA Legends Exclusive Item***) Evolving over the years, the crest of House Ivo has become much more ornate than Paragon Ivo's original design. This ancient golden amulet bears the original crest. Though the engravings are simple, the stark lines are somehow deeply stirring.

11. Dura's Blue Flame- ***DA Legends Exclusive Item*** This weathered silver amulet has passed through many hands over the years. A deep blue sapphire almost glows in a certain light. Although time has faded its intricate engravings, the amulet has a certain majesty about it.

***DA Legends requires Facebook to play and receive those items exclusive to it***

12. The Irons Belt- (*** EA Store Pre-Order Exclusive Item***) Adds to all elemental resistances, adds to health, adds to constitution. Fashioned from the black steel of Kirkwall's infamous iron foundries, miner's safety harnesses such as these have protected their hearty wearers since the day when the Tevinter Imperium last claimed the City of Chains.

13. Might of the Sten- (***Signature Edition Exclusive***) Will be described in detail as more information is released.

14. Apostate's Courage- (***Signature Edition Exclusive***) Will be described in detail as more information is released.

15. Seeker's Bulwark- (***Signature Edition Exclusive***) Will be described in detail as more information is released.

16. Adder of Antiva- (***Signature Edition Exclusive***) Will be described in detail as more information is released.

17. A Ring- (***Signature Edition Exclusive***) Will be described in detail as more information is released.

(***Items 13-17 are part of the Digital Armory exclusive to those who pre-ordered the Signature Edition before the cut-off date of January 11, 2011***)

That's going to drive the OCD completionist types out of their minds...

[Mr. Gerbik]

17 pieces of DLC available at release is just taking the piss now. That list is ridiculous, we used to make fun of Japanese publishers like Namco for 'not getting' DLC and selling half the game as extra content but Bioware is getting very close to pulling the same shenanigans with the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series.

If only their games weren't so damned good and unmissable!

[Jasberfloob]

If only Dragon Age Legends wasn't on Beta I'd be sadly grinding out those items

Link for the second DLC doesn't seem to be working atm - have managed to grab the other DLC through preorders (apart from Dead space 2 as its really not my thing)

Still getting mega excited though even if they are being a bit mental with the amount of DLC thats being fofered from different sources - shame they can't just put it all on one collectors edition and have done with it

EDIT - link for DLC number 2 - penny arcade belt is http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/info/pennyarcade/ and then the box to the right

[Steven]

Purchase Dead Space 2 and get a code to unlock a special set of Isaac Clarke inspired armor for Dragon Age 2.

Just.....why?

[Talk Show Host]

Purchase Dead Space 2 and get a code to unlock a special set of Isaac Clarke inspired armor for Dragon Age 2.

Just.....why?

Because there are people who will actually play the game wearing the Isaac armor.

True story.

(unfortunately)

[JPR]

Hopefully it will at least provide a nice gold bonus to start the game with as the Blood Dragon Armour. I just hope there will be much more to buy and collect this time as apart from heavy armour Origins was a bit lacking in that department. Apart from the helmet it doesn't look too bad apart from it appearing to be heavy armour for rogues looking at the stats, which is as wrong as wrong can be.

[RubberJohnny]

Yeah I don't know why people moan about cross-game inclusion like this. It's no more out of place than the giant green glowing sword made of Kryptonite I was carrying around for most of Origins.

And the DLC looks like a lot, but if you look at how you get it it's really just as many pieces as other games, the items are just separate items than a cohesive set so you get a list that looks like:

* Lion of Orlais Shield

* Severed head helmet

* Hercules Boots

* Stens Butterfly Sword

* Alistair's Pantaloons

* Fingerless Gloves

rather than one that looks like this:

*Keeper Armour Set

[Talk Show Host]

I just don't like this anymore. It has reached a point where they are actually pressuring us to spend more money in the most blatant and cheap way.

I like my games to be as full as possible, so missing out on these will not make me especially happy, but it seems that there is nothing else I can do.

You have items gained from buying the signature edition, from pre-ordering the signature edition, from pre-ordering the common edition, from playing the facebook game... Just go fuck yourselves you greedy fuckers.

I won't be buying any of your extra shit. You should put it in the final game.