Taking A Look At Dragon Age Origins

With the new Dragon Age : Inquisition having come out, I decided to give its previous editions a try. I have never played any of the Dragon Age games before so I felt lucky when I found it on a Steam sale.

The first thing I found out was how in-depth the character system was. You’re character can pick from a few different personal histories, each giving your character unique traits. When talking to people you are given a few options of what to say, which can change the outcome of that conversation and change how the person views you. Each action you make also changes how your party views you as well.

I was happily impressed with the way they did the skill and item system as well. Both of these tie into the character development system flawlessly. Except that the person who deals the killing blow to an enemy is the only one who gets the exp, which can cause level ranges in your party that can really hinder your progress.

A look at the skill menu, not spells but personal stats that each character in your party has. You can customize each one to fit a specific need.

Each member of your four person team can be unique in what they specialize in. The backgrounds of each character that you meet throughout the game is rather deep and intertwined with other characters that they have met and that you will meet through the entire game. You’re even given the options of never meeting them again by going down a different path or just flat-out killing them instead. Doing so can reflect negatively or positively on your character depending on who you have on your team at the time.

Selecting three members of your party to target a single target, while having your forth one target a second target is completely possible. Each member of your party can be selected and directed towards their own target.
Selecting three members of your party to target a single target while having your forth one target a second target is completely possible. Each member of your party can be selected and directed towards their own target.

The animations for the spells or moves you have on each individual character is done pretty well and flows seamlessly. Depending on which spell or move you use, it can impact how fast your character can react to counter a move. The physics in this game are rather impressive. If an attack would knock you back with an explosion then your character really will be knocked back and can also take more damage if you hit a wall or another surface. I would suggest watching some playthrough of some fights and quests just to get an idea on how the game works.

The overall way you play the game is rather pleasing to my inner gamer. The fact that not every playthrough of the game will be the same because of the different outcomes that you can choose at each section changes your path dramatically. They did this through detailed dialogue between your character and all the others you meet in the game. For my personal taste, there seemed to be way to much dialogue that went rather slowly because of what they were trying to achieve in the story. I didn’t want to mess up and have to restart from the beginning. I loved the game and how it felt, but the lengthy dialogue killed it for me. If you don’t mind the super detailed and lengthy reading then this game will be perfect for you!

Anthony Buck Sig

Love it or hate it, let me know!