SUMMARY
Dragon Age Origins offers a very diverse array of gameplay options with a vast amount of replay value. With plenty of side quests to complete or not, there are several things that you will most likely miss on your first time through. With the differences in the “character origins,” you will be more than intrigued to see the changes.
Bioware is widely considered one of the best action RPG developers in recent years, and the release of Dragon Age Origins does nothing but help those claims. Slide into your chainmail, grab your weapon of choice, and get ready to slice into one of the best RPGs of the next-gen era!
GRAPHICS
Graphically, Dragon Age does leave a bit to be desired. However, the fact that blood spatter from battle remains on your characters face and armor, even after the fight has ended, is a welcome addition to the visuals. You will notice some slight graphical glitches from time to time along with some repetitive scenery, but with the vastly differing landscapes between each village you will not be bored. The biggest complaint, I could find was that my character would somehow “remove” his helmet for some cut-scenes even though it was still equipped.
SOUND
As for the sounds of the game, I actually quite enjoy the chatter of the non-player characters. Sometimes they can even divulge important information that you otherwise may have overlooked. The in-game sound effects aren’t overly amazing, but at the same time they are nothing to complain about either. In all honesty, the non-player chatter is what draws your focus for the majority of gameplay.
GAME PLAY
The options presented in Dragon Age Origins aren’t quite as diverse as what you may find in the character creation modes of some RPGs, but the implications on the storyline of your choices make the customization options quite intriguing. Your choices don’t end there, however, although there is no tracking of your alignment with good or evil, there are definite advantages and disadvantages to the way that you handle each circumstance that you encounter. Handling a situation negatively may even result in the loss of a party member.
As you progress through the game, you will have the option to “upgrade” your character into a specialized class. Options such as the Berserker or Templar for the warrior class, and Shapeshifter or Blood Mage for the mage, give the game an added level of customization to set you apart from the crowd. The obvious abundance of weapons, armor, accessories, and spells also go a long way in helping give the game added replay value.
Control over your party is quite simple. You can either switch characters and control them in real-time or pause and queue their actions instead. This freedom allows for a well balanced attack in and out of battle. The controls are quite simple, yet refined enough to be more than sufficient for even the most in-depth fights. Beginners and RPG-enthusiasts alike shouldn’t experience any issues with the controls in Dragon Age.