Electronic Arts 217719101 Reviews

Good Game.

Dragon age 2 is a good game, granted it may not be as long or deep as the previous game. Characters are likeable and the story is good. Many people didnt give it a chance just because Bioware changed alot of things. Should they have changed so much no, But at least give the game a chance.

Review by IZV12 (09/01/2011 00:24).

Not thrilled with gameplay...

After playing Dragon Age Origins five times (Yes, I'm an achievement hog!), I was quite disappointed with Dragon Age 2. You cannot customize your character. Along with the fact that you can't share looted or bought armor with your companions. ..very frustrating that runes are destroyed when replaced. Once familiar with the menu from Origins, it was such a pain to get used to the D.A.2 menu.. Also, wasn't real thrilled with the Mass Effect style conversations..

Review by XboxGamer73 (08/11/2011 06:56).

Many impovements, but a few steps back

To me dragon age 2 was a fun game. Not necessarily the most polished graphics, not the most smooth combat, but good dialouge and characters that had me playing for hours on end. The changes from Dragon Age: Origins are apparent from the start (assumig you played that game) the combat doesnt require as many tactical options, the graphics have gotten an overhall, and the story missions are organized like a messy bowl of spaghetti. These changes dont make the experience worse in some cases but instead can heighten the experience depending on your preferences. With two different playthroughs my average playtime was around the 40 hour range and I didnt explore every single crevice even with a total of about 80 hours under my belt, with a different playstyle someone can get something a little different in terms of combat and dialouge every time. However what you cant escape is how repetitive the enviroments get since they are used constantly it wasnt that much of a bother to me, but if you enjoy wide deserts, tropical jungles, and a variety of citys to throw in the mix you wont find it in this game. What kept me coming back in the end was the incredible dialogue and cast of characters, they were all so expertly written and voiced that I found each one of them interesting and comical in their own aspects. Although the story seems to be toned down a bit it still has plenty of moments that are worthy of acclaim. In all Bioware has crafted a game much different than their usual norms but that might not be so much of a bad thing in the future.

Review by EL1TE (05/07/2011 06:58).

pros and cons

While the game play and ease of use have been greatly improved the great story telling from the first Dragon Age has gone down.

Review by Kronk1694 (04/09/2011 10:29).

Kirkwall is Full

Picked this game up right on launch day and just got done with it today. Dragon Age II is an average game to me, yes the graphics are better and the combat is more fluid and faster, but mainly taking place in one location was somewhat of a bother to me. Sure you can leave Kirkwall and explore the surrounding areas, but the areas are limited, meaning the locations are reused constantly during your quest which means you wont see much new stuff. There are LOTS of side quests, secondary quests, and companion quests to keep you busy for a while. The decision wheel is a lot like Mass Effect, indicating rather the action you highlight is good or evil, romance etc. The main character is fully voice this time around, and all other voice acting is well done. However, if you're expecting or looking for an open world RPG, Dragon Age II is not one, but if you're a hardcore fan of the saga, by all means pick this up.

Review by DayNY (03/15/2011 21:37).

More like another Origins DLC than a new game

This game is nothing like Dragon Age: Origins. A player looking for a similar experience will find themselves sorely disappointed as they play through a game which is more akin to another, larger, Dragon Age: Origins down loadable content (DLC), pushing the story towards another game rather than being a game in itself. -The graphics have been changed drastically, every character looking more cartoon-ish than they were in Origins. Not to mention the poorly make character models which causes a large portion of a character's neck to stick out every time the head is turned. -The only word I can think of to describe the story is HORRIBLE. You will spend 3/4 of the game running around doing menial tasks, unsure who your fighting and why. When you finally realize who the enemy is, the game abruptly ends...no elaborate end scene like Origins, its just over. -The story lacks the luster of Dragon Age: Origins. In Origins, there were comedic moments spread throughout, but this game has, by far, more morbid, 'Saw'-esque moments than funny moments. -The overall layout of the land that you are confined to is WAY too small. You will find yourself exploring about 10 locations in the same city for hours on end, every dungeon looking exactly the same to the one before. There is little variety in the locations of this game. If you pre-ordered this game, like I did, I feel for you. If you have yet to purchase it, wait until the price drops and buy it closer to the release of the 3rd game...if they make one, because this game clearly is meant to only serve as a stepping stone to the next title in the series.

Review by Dae0 (03/11/2011 21:32).

Not as good as DA-O

I'm 28 years old and any RPG that has a storyline that pulls you in is a great RPG to me. I first started with playing Amulets & Armor, FF7 and Falout1 . Its not the best RPG ever but the story is good Pros : So far Dragon Age2 is like playing Mass Effect 2 Voices and audio care crisp and clear. The main charector has a voice now but I would have liked to have been able to pick the voice like in DA-O Graphics are modern. Same as ME2 The game is more like a Hack&Slash/RPG game now. Update: The Sustained skills now remain active even when changing maps which I think is a great change they made. So you don't have to reactivate them everytime the map changes. They brought back some of the characters from DA-O which is nice to see. Awsome story line with Justice :) Your hound is now an ingame skill summon instead of a companion Not the best RPG game I've ever played but I still think it is worth 4 stars and $60.00 because of the time your able to play and an ok story. Cons: They took out the Pickpocketing. You can't CHANGE your other party members armor. They don't let you import you previous char from DragonAge Origins. The only thing the import does is choose your beging story They took away the race's you can choose for your charector. You can only be Human male/female Update: You don't get the same feeling of companionship with your followers in DA-2 as you did in DA-O. There is no warmth or feeling when you open a conversation up with them. There seems to be alot more running around in this game. They use the exact same maps for alot of the side quests sadly which makes the quests somewhat boring. The same maps are used constantly and I am starting to dread having to do side quests. The Skill Tree is a joke. Whoever designed it should be shot. Each one is a big circle and it doesnt matter pretty much which skill you want becuase they make you choose pretty much every skill in it in order to upgrade or unlock better skills. Example: There are normally 4-6 main skills in a tree. In order to get an upgrade for the skill or choose a higher skill it says you have to have 5 points in that skill tree . Which means you have to put 5 points into the skills or other upgrades in that skill tree before you can get the upgrade for the skill you want. The games feels like im playing a hack and slash game like Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core

Review by natem25 (03/11/2011 17:40).

A must get if you liked Origins

I played Dragon Age Origins, and the Awakening Expansion, and loved them. If you remotely liked them, then you will enjoy Dragon Age II. Just about everything has been improved. Better graphics, sound quality, faster and more diverse fighting sequences, dialogue, decision options, everything. I've played about 4 hours of the game so far, and can already tell that it's just as massive as the first. Length could be endless depending on how many classes you play, and which side quests you choose to do. You can even load your old game's outcomes to influence DAII's. I haven't ever gotten into the super tactical computer RPG's, so for me the faster fighting style is the best upgrade. The cinemas are great, and I can already feel myself getting enveloped in the story line. If you've played the demo, most of the improvements I've mentioned you already know. If you liked it, go get the game, you will not be disappointed.

Review by Tadrick (03/09/2011 13:36).

I didn't give an overall rating on my last review

5 Star all around. Bioware has many settings of difficulty in Dragon Age, so this is a no brainer. From what I have learned about the game and the places you go and other side quests that you can cover it does fit right in with a great epic RPG. I will also state from playing the demo, with the differences that each character class has and the fun it was to play each one, as far as length.... well I am sure this one will be played many times especially due to way Bioware made the game, Each time could have an unique and great experience playing it. Graphics are upgraded and very nice. I am going with the console version to start off... it might not be quite as detailed as the PC but I just had to much fun with the faster pace than the PC version plus the graphics were superb anyway; I am sure there will be plenty of times when tactical play will be needed when encountering bosses and large battles, which you can do on both versions. What can you say about the sound.... how about 10 Stars.... the composer is one of the best in the business period. As far as fun, well when you play each character class several times over on a demo and still love it each and every time.... enough said.

Review by kirrentas (03/08/2011 02:44).

Love the demo have to get the game

Played the Demo for this game last night. All I can say is AWESOME!!!! Could not stop play had to try all three classes. Male or Female is you like RPG's you have to get this game. This game will be making a run at GOTY.

Review by AJ33 (03/02/2011 09:17).