User Reviews

1. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   Dragon Age: Origins is a very fun and immersive game. It is not perfect but it is as close to it as you can get in today's dilluted game market for the masses. I completed the game on Xbox 360 (a total playthrough of 69 hours without doing all the side quests but most of them# and then went back from 3/4's of the game through on a saved game to see a different ending. That should tell you the amount of content and entertainment for your buck that you get. And that doesn't even count different origin starting points. The games' strenghs are it's engaging main stories (in plural b/c the main story is very simple but gathering your armies are actually separate stories), openness to decisions and varying consequences, engagement with companions (they vary but most are well done and belieavable within the world) and overall mood. The weaknesses of the game are the graphics (they are not up to current standards), some lagging in cut scene transition on Xbox 360, and awkward controls during combat. I recently also bought the PC version b/c I heard that these weaknesses were diminished and I am in my first playthrough with the PC version (different origin of course and making different decisions, so still very fresh). I must say that the PC version (if you have the PC to manage it) eliminates the weaknesses mentioned: in PC version you get an overhead camera that can make battle planning and controls much easier and intuitive; graphics are much better and my computer has had absolutely no lagging [AMD Athlon X2 7580 @ 3.3Ghz, 4GB DDR2 ram, Saphire Radeon HD 4870 with 1GB RAM]. So my final veredict is that this game is VERY GOOD on the Xbox 360 and EXCELLENT on the PC. I recommend getting the PC version if you have a good PC and it suits your playing style. However, if you are strictly a console gamer by choice or circumstance (old PC etc.) the Xbox version I think is still a must have. The depth, entertainment and fun to be had with the game is well worth the money and time you will invest in it (and I assure you, you will invest tons of time b/c it is very addictive). This is a unique experience for the Xbox 360 offerings if you are an RPG fan, and a fresh and recent addition to a PC catalogue that follows the tradition of Baldur's Gate I and II (Better than Dragon's Age in terms of story, depth and play) and Neverwinter Nights I and II (which I consider not as good as Dragon Age in some respect and better in others).
   
   User: Edgardo Ruiz
   Rating:
   Summary: Very Good on Xbox 360, Great on PC
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

2. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   Welcome, ye adventurers! Dragon Age is out of control fantastic. If you've enjoyed Bioware's previous games, and you like fantasy role-playing games in general, then Dragon Age is a no-brainer. Here are some key points and highlights:
   
   -- Gameplay --
   Bioware uses many familiar elements, some taken from various games, to create a strong and flavorful interface for the game. You'll notice some Mass Effect, Knights of the Old Republic, and even some old-school Baldur's Gate thrown in for good measure. The control scheme takes some getting used to, but it's not too bad; once you get the hang of it, you won't even notice you're doing it. From what I've read, the PC has more options and configurations pertaining to game controls, but that's to be expected. The 360 version is slick: once you're used to it, it becomes background to the great story.
   
   -- Graphics & Sound --
   There's been some mud slung around about the "shoddy textures" and sub-par graphics of Dragon Age; even on [...], they didn't care for the graphics. Well, someone needs to chill out and stop comparing everything Call of Duty Modern Warfare, or whatever other eye-popping, ocular-drooling game they hold up as the pinnacle of visual presentation. Dragon Age looks great: the characters animate nicely, the backgrounds and textures are fine. Please, please, please... If you're critical of graphics, take into account that Dragon Age is huge: it's a massive world with hundreds of characters, monsters, treasures, etc, etc... I'll take immense gameplay over 10.0 graphics any day, all day. I love watching and looking as I run through the world. I challenge you to go through the opening battle at Ostagar and tell me the graphics aren't awesome.
   
   Audio is mesmerizing. There aren't too many games that compare to Dragon Age in music and sound quality. I suppose your taste may dictate how you feel, but I can't see anyone being disappointed. The title screen music is just plain enchanting. I sat and listened for a few minutes, it's that good. The in-game music and sound effects are incredible, well-arranged, and fitting to the scene. If you dig on good voice-acting, then Dragon Age will leave you more than satisfied. Every person I've met in the game has a few things to say: even people hanging out on the street have a couple of different lines. If you've played previous Bioware titles, expect no less.
   
   -- Story & Value --
   What good is a fantasy game without a story? Bioware is the poster child for immersive video-game storytelling, and they don't disappoint with Dragon Age. If you're looking for a wide-open world like Oblivion or Fallout, you may be turned off. Dragon Age allows you to move to different regions in no particular order, but the story is guided: you have a set goal to accomplish and quests to complete. It is flexible, not free-form. Again, if you've played Mass Effect or KOTOR, you already understand how Bioware works with story progression. I enjoy the flexibility of a guided story in a big world: sometimes just wandering around looking for stuff isn't as fun as knowing what you're looking for. There are hundreds of tidbits of lore to find and read; uncovering the history and details of the world is highly engaging. The story itself is fantastic; if you like dark, heroic fantasy like the Elric books or even a little Conan, you'll dig the Dragon Age story. I won't give out any details, you'll have to play it.
   
   There are few games that I feel comfortable paying more than $25 to get: normally I wait until the game hits the local game store's used shelves. Dragon Age, however, I ordered from Amazon shortly after its release. I'm very pleased with how much game is in this title. I've logged 40 hours or so already and explored about 25% of the world. I expect well over 100 hours of gameplay. That amounts to less than 50 cents an hour. You can't complain about that. I'm sure with all the add-ons, DLC, and so forth this game can be extended another 100 hours. If you take your time and explore everything, complete all the quests, you'll be busy for a very long time.
   
   -- Overall --
   Dragon Age is a must have game. If you like Bioware games (Mass Effect, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate) and you dig fantasy, then you cannot pass on Dragon Age. All the elements are great and the story is highly satisfying. It's easy to get sucked into the game, wondering about characters and their history, reading the hundreds of different pieces of lore, and battling the myriad different monsters in the game. There's a few minor technical glitches, but those are so infrequent and minor that it really doesn't matter. I haven't had any crashes, lock-ups, or other detrimental problems. The game runs smooth on the 360. Perhaps the only complaint is the attention-sucking nature of the game... What else is there to do, anyway?
   
   
   User: M. DiSpirito
   Rating:
   Summary: Slain by Dragon Age
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

3. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   We've all heard the saying "This isn't your father's __________." Well, this actually IS your father's RPG. Dragon Age: Origins is a classic RPG. It is heavily story driven, you can interact with almost every NPC you come in contact with. The combat is turn-based so this isn't a button masher. You set your strategies and the party will follow that unless you interrupt it with a special ability/spell or something which is simple to do with a pull of the trigger and a press of a button. I will say to ignore the trailers and commercials with regards to the graphics of this game as they are average at best. The game is completely emersive and you will find you've played for 3+ hours without even realizing it. If you're looking for action this might not be the game for you. This isn't Fable or Fallout 3 where you are going to encounter danger around every corner. Think Knights of the Old Republic, or Final Fantasy VII. The game is hugely replayable with 6 unique origin stories, and different endings based on your decisions during the game. One more piece of advice that fits for all classic RPGs - SAVE OFTEN.
   
   Pros
   + emersive story
   + outstanding party members
   + morally ambiguous conversation options
   + replayability
   + combat
   
   Cons
   - graphics are dated
   - minor glitches
   
   So overall I'd give 4.5 stars and say if you like classic RPGs I highly recommend this. If you are not sure rent it first.
   
   User: D. Ferrari
   Rating:
   Summary: Know what you are getting...
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

4. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   I loved Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect -- enough that I'll buy any BioWare game. Dragon Age isn't up to the level of those two, but it'll definitely give you your money's worth. The six character-specific openings and multiple quest resolutions actually bring about replay, and side quests are everywhere. I'm about 25 hours in, and feel I've only scratched the surface of the main quest.
   
   A few things to note: Dragon Age has some serious difficulty spikes. I found myself going fine, then died six times in a row on the same battle. This is also part of another issue: Needing to do tons of backtracking. This is the only RPG I know of where health potions aren't readily available. Stores literally sell out of them, making you track down ingredients to make your own. The inventory system is less than ideal, and the graphics are very underwhelming when compared to other 360 games like Fallout 3 or Oblivion.
   
   It's also worth saying that you need to seriously micromanage everyone. Dragon Age's controls make it easy, but it takes time to get used to pausing action every battle to tell each of your four characters who to attack and what skills to use. You have a large variety of AI routines at your disposal, for better or worse. The sooner you'll come to terms with this, the more you'll enjoy Dragon Age.
   
   Despite those faults, I find myself soldiering on, glued to Dragon Age enough to not unwrap my copies of COD:MW2 or Assassin's Creed 2. The writing is good, the gameplay -- once you get accustomed -- is really addicting, and it's a long quest that rarely gets boring. If RPGs are your thing, I suggest you check it out. Buy it new, too, as there is plenty of exclusive, single use goodies in even the standard version of the game. Can't wait for Mass Effect 2!
   
   User: Justin "Violent" Lee
   Rating:
   Summary: BioWare Takes Us On Another Journey
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

5. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   Bioware's Latest, Dragon Age, is a fine addition to their cannon; easily up there with almost everything they've done on the 360. With over 50 hours of gameplay you may still be left wanting more.
   
   Story:
   When it comes to Bioware, you are buying story. In Dragon Age, They pull out all the stops. Mixing Tolkien with Authurian Legend; a dash of vikings and a little ancient Rome all thrown into one. This is a very Western RPG. For the most part, Bioware pulls it off. The main quest is well done; especially given that its the plot to almost every pulp fantasy novel out there. In other words, you defeat the once righteous traitor, unite the kingdom and attack the doom that threatens all. There are times when I felt I was playing another game but those times were few and far between.
   
   Companions:
   The reason this game excels would be your companions. They are all fully developed and each (save maybe Sten) is fun to take out and play with. Dialog, as always, is rich and rewarding. I especially love Shale, the HK-47 of the game.
   
   Then there are the personal quests. Again, Bioware outdid themselves; especially on Ogharen's quest. It may be my favorite personal quest in any Bioware game.
   
   Gameplay:
   Here is where the game has its ups and downs. The basic gameplay is fun; the system is similar to Mass Effect but not as well presented. In my mind, this is still a plus. however then we have the bumps in the road. Combat can go from a ridiculously easy boss fight to an impossible "normal" fight in the blink of an eye. However the unforgivable problem is when you have "Codex updated" or "Quest updated" or "received item". Bioware, please tell me what I just got, or what was updated! Please!
   
   Graphics:
   Yes, this game would look great on an xbox, sadly this is a 360. In any case, yes the graphics aren't great. They are good enough though. I do feel that Bioware should have made this a 2 disc game and maybe that would help?
   
   Overall:
   This may be the best Bioware game since the first "Knights of the Old Republic". It has a ton of real gameplay. The main quest line is, maybe, 80% of the game and its really well done. The other 20% is equally strong. This is unlike Bioware's last game, Mass Effect where 30% of the game (main quest) was awesome whereas the other 70% was redundant. Dragon Age is a great RPG; one that will keep you sleepless for many nights to come. It's the logical successor to Baldur's Gate and that is high praise (now if only we'd see a Planescape Torment 2!)
   
   User: Allison M. Perkel
   Rating:
   Summary: The true heir to Baldur's Gate
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

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Editorial Reviews

From BioWare, the makers of Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Baldur's Gate comes Dragon Age: Origins. An epic tale of violence, lust, and betrayal, Dragon Age: Origins is a single player role-playing game (RPG) set in a fantasy game environment, and featuring three playable character classes, accessible in the form of three races. In addition, the game features extreme character customization, a new game engine, party-based gameplay utilizing non-player characters and a built-in personal history system for each hero character rooted in a variety of possible origin stories. 6 possible hero Origin Stories. View larger. 3 classes and 3 races to play as. View larger. Stunning 3D environments. View larger. Spell combining abilities. View larger. Story In Dragon Age: Origins the survival of humanity rests in the hands of those chosen by fate. You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have defended the lands on the continent of Thedas throughout the centuries. Betrayed by a trusted general in a critical battle, you must hunt down the traitor and bring him to justice. As you fight your way towards the final confrontation with an evil nemesis, you will face monstrous foes and engage in epic quests to unite the disparate peoples of a world at war. A romance with a seductive shapeshifter may hold the key to victory, or she may be a dangerous diversion from the heart of your mission. To be a leader, you must make ruthless decisions and be willing to sacrifice your friends and loved ones for the greater good. Gameplay Dragon Age: Origins is a 3D oriented RPG based in a dark, heroic, fantasy realm where moral choices have a lasting impression on the people you meet, the members of your own party and the world around you. The inclusion of subtitle "Origins" in the game's title refers to the six unique origin stories available to new heroes as a new game begins. Each of these has an impact on the player's motivations and his or her experience, and renders a unique prelude, path, and possible ending(s) to the game. There are many different endings to the game based on the origin story of the character and the choices you make as you play through the game. The game features three character classes--warrior, mage, and rogue--and three races of being--Human, Elf or Dwarf--that can assume these classes. Although most game elements, such as weapons, magic, etc., are available to any character, each class and race has different strengths, abilities and affinities which lend themselves to better utilizing different elements. Dragon Age: Origins is a single player game based on party-based gameplay and combat where the player can join, control and quest with up to three non-player characters (NPCs). Players can also quest alone if they so choose, but with the chance of survival are slim. Convincing NPCs to join you, and treating them well may be necessary depending on the varying sentiments between the player and the NPC, or between the NPC's in the party based on the chosen history written into the origin story accepted at the beginning of the game. This uncertainty allows for a variety of possible dynamics within the party ranging from open hostility, all the way to romance. The game progresses in real-time via a pause-and-play tactical combat system that allows the player to check inventory levels, equip a character, etc. in a slight vacuum. Additional features found in the game include: a combination of a standard loot system and a currency system based on gold silver and copper; advanced character customization functionality; the use of poison, traps and herbalism; dual-wielding skills; and "spell combos," which allow players to chain together different spells to create a unique effects. Key Game Features BioWare’s deepest universe to date with over 80 hours of gameplay and more than double the size and scope of Mass Effect. Travel throughout dozens of environments and fully immerse yourself in a shattered world that is on the brink of utter annihilation. An epic story that is completely shaped and reactive to your play style. Complex moral dilemmas offering no easy choices. Tailor your Dragon Age: Origins experience from the very beginning by choose from six different origin stories. Decide how to handle complex issues like murder, genocide, betrayal, and the possession/sacrificing of children without the security of a good/bad slider to tell you what to do. Full character customization allowing the player to sculpt a hero in your own image or fantasy. Elaborate character creator allows you to create your own hero unique from anyone else. Shape your character’s personality and morality based on the choices you make throughout the game. Engage in bone-crushing, visceral combat engaging in battle against massive and terrifying creatures. Unleash legendary powers and choose from over 100 different magical spells and skills. Experience the adrenaline rush of brutal combat, beheading your foes or casting spells that make enemies explode from within.

Product Details

1. Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
2. 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
3. Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
4. Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
5. At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.