'Dragon Age': Epic win
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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For another review of the game check out this
“Dragon Age: Origins,” for the PC, PS3 and X-Box 360, may very well be the most beautiful piece of epic fantasy literature I’ve ever encountered. On the
surface it’s some good old traditional fun, but it runs so much deeper than that.
Software developer BioWare has brought its proven prowess of enrapturing
storytelling back into a realm of knights, mages and dragons. The world they’ve created is so rich in history and legend that it pulls you in just as well as any novel could.
The people are no different. Every character is very distinct in personality
on the surface, but given a couple well placed dialogue options, you learn that each individual has a past and purpose that is completely unique and highly detailed.
Stunning voice acting is what really brings these characters to the next level of
awesome. From the mysterious, alluring Morrigan (Claudia Black) to the witty yet
soulful Alistair (Steve Valentine), the lines are incredibly well delivered.
The script is so good too. Who doesn’t love hearing lines like, “There’s nothing like a brush with death to make you… not like death very much,” after a hard
earned victory.
Combat plays like a fusion between “Baldur’s Gate” and “Mass Effect.” It’s
tried and true, I guess. You can control each of the four members of your party with the pause and plan technique of BG, but you also have the option of setting specific tactics for your teammates whom you may not want to fiddle with as much. It’s a good time, especially for the strategic-minded. Fortunately, the graphics and camera resemble the quality seen in “Mass Effect.” They’re very pretty.
This goes right down to the complexion of your character. Wrinkles,
beards and makeup are just a few malleable details. The character customization is unreal in both aesthetics and abilities. Skill trees are quite fruitful. No two heroes need ever be alike.
Options are sort of a theme in “Dragon Age: Origins.” Every little choice you make can affect the entire course of the game, and the choices are rather plentiful. It’s improved since “Mass Effect’s” simple options of a positive, neutral or negative response. The game offers you true moral quarrels. It’s one of very few games that I want to play through more than once, if only to see the vastly different outcomes of various choices.
You have to be into exploring a world and having a story told to appreciate
this game. If you love shooters, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if “Final Fantasy” is more your flavor, you will never ever want to go back to that rubbish.
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