I've played the game for some twenty hours now, bear in mind I thought the original dragon age was one of the better RPGs released, but am judging the sequel on its own merits. I'm playing on the PC, keep in mind this is just my humble opinion.
Visual design.
First off I enjoyed most of the art design, from Kirkwall to the Qunari. I thought the faster paced combat was fun to watch but did not seem to be internally consistent with the lore: you find a tome early on in the game explaining how teleportation is impossible, but warriors closing in on enemies, backstabbing rogues, enemy mages, mabari warhounds and enemy reinforcements had no problem appearing out of nowhere.
Combat.
I enjoyed the new abilities and cross-class combos, I enjoyed the more dynamic boss fights and how it was less grounded in dice rolls. Overall though, I thought the combat was trying to be both an action RPG and both a tactical RPG while lacking the fidelity, animations and precision to be the former and the isometric camera and tactical depth to be the latter. I found the camera during combat quite cumbersome to control and felt the lack of an isometric view prevented me from targeting some spells and abilities how I wanted.
I thought the lack of friendly fire on lower difficulties and the lack of interruptable spells for your mages was detrimental to the depth of the combat, especially since this could have been implemented with proper ability balance. I thought the design decision of enemy waves was a poor one: used once or twice during important fights it would've worked but here all it does is make it impossible to plan your mana/stamina use. I would've enjoyed fewer but better designed encounters.
Gameplay.
I think the game has a huge pacing issue, it feels like it's made up of a series of unrelated extremely short quests that all take place in the same environnments. The entire game feels like grinding sidequests, with no long sequences of exposition or exploration. I have not encountered any long, well designed dungeons yet as all the combat areas I've scoured felt very small and re-used, even most of those related to a main quest. The game feels linear: like there's one path wherein some minor details may change.
There seem to be much too few conversations for a Bioware title, there's a also a much higher "single line of speech instead of full conversation' ratio than in previous Bioware games. This issue along with the lack of exploration and exposition make the world feel very static.
I liked the conversation wheel and voiced protagonist. I didnt mind how you couldnt talk to your companions in dungeons, but didnt understand why this also applied to their homes and peaceful parts of town. I thought being able to talk to them only when prompted felt very jarring and arbitrary.
I liked how some conversations were more cinematic but would have preffered to have more conversations.
I didnt understand why I couldnt equip my party members, I found it frustrating to be forced to sell hoards of unusable loot because of this arbitrary restriction.
I enjoyed how the game threw some difficult choices in there, but overall felt the writing wasnt up to par with Bioware standards. Maybe because there seems to be less of it, or maybe because there is a change of tone but it feels a lot more juvenile to me compared to the previous entry in the series.
Overall I felt disappointed by this game, and would rate it around 6/10. Not a bad game, but certainly not great.
Your Dragon Age II Review *NO SPOILERS PLEASE*
Débuté par
javierabegazo
, mars 08 2011 04:02
Retour en haut
#1202
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 02:32
isdngirl
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omg what I have done 
why did I buy this I agree with everything Princess_Peach said above except even the dialog from my character annoyed me - DA:O I dont think i put down for 5 minutes to stop playing - this I am having a hard time enjoying it and cant stay focused because there is no great story. Its really not fun to have a mainstream game where you cant change your friends clothes , the ears on the elf got turned into a tree branch and your 'companions' only converse with you in specific locations. Its like going to the office and nobody talking - you want to talk but everyone is deathly quiet until 6pm party time - then they all want to talk (sure bodes well for the rpg feeling). I didn't like DA:A so much but I think this is far far worse - maybe its better in the non sig edition?
why did I buy this I agree with everything Princess_Peach said above except even the dialog from my character annoyed me - DA:O I dont think i put down for 5 minutes to stop playing - this I am having a hard time enjoying it and cant stay focused because there is no great story. Its really not fun to have a mainstream game where you cant change your friends clothes , the ears on the elf got turned into a tree branch and your 'companions' only converse with you in specific locations. Its like going to the office and nobody talking - you want to talk but everyone is deathly quiet until 6pm party time - then they all want to talk (sure bodes well for the rpg feeling). I didn't like DA:A so much but I think this is far far worse - maybe its better in the non sig edition?
#1203
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 02:51
Thy Bleed
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I like it very much so far.
Pro: Story is much stronger and have better resonance than DA:O. While it isn't broader than DAO it is more focused and detailed for centralizing a specific area and character within the world.
Gameplay is a step in the right direction as well. A system where both PC and Console gamers can agree for cohesion.
Makes a big interaction for the character to have a voice. Excellent choice in doing this.
Graphics are richer, crisper and more detailed than in DAO and it shows. It's like everything is consistently brighter and the window was cleaned with windex.
Con: Did not like the fact that the world seemed smaller and more confined than in DA:O. You can make a more interesting story and characters without sacrificing the granduer of the lore and world Bioware. Confining the game to a central location is the down fall here.
Did not like the variety in choices for the squad members. <_<
Pro: Story is much stronger and have better resonance than DA:O. While it isn't broader than DAO it is more focused and detailed for centralizing a specific area and character within the world.
Gameplay is a step in the right direction as well. A system where both PC and Console gamers can agree for cohesion.
Makes a big interaction for the character to have a voice. Excellent choice in doing this.
Graphics are richer, crisper and more detailed than in DAO and it shows. It's like everything is consistently brighter and the window was cleaned with windex.
Con: Did not like the fact that the world seemed smaller and more confined than in DA:O. You can make a more interesting story and characters without sacrificing the granduer of the lore and world Bioware. Confining the game to a central location is the down fall here.
Did not like the variety in choices for the squad members. <_<
Modifié par Thy Bleed, 11 mars 2011 - 03:01 .
#1204
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 02:58
Literateminority
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isdngirl wrote...
I didn't like DA:A so much but I think this is far far worse - maybe its better in the non sig edition?
The game would probably be a lot better in the "Non-EA Edition". But I seriously doubt that such a version of the game will ever be produced, let alone released.
#1205
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:03
8limbscientist
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The character customiztion and advancement is so dumbed down im not even enjoying leveling up. I appreciate the faster combat and responsiveness (its amazing in fact but there should still be auto attack) but it was made to the point of being power rangers corny (excessive twirling...roundhousing a smoke bomb?!). Every rpg ever ive played a rogue with a main sword and secondary short sword, u guys even took that away from me. Potential item finds seem shallow nowadays, instead you need to preorder and buy things to get extra in game stuff. I could understand not customizing armour of your companions in me2 but in the 'spiritual successor to baldurs gate'? I love how the game looks kirkwall is probably your greatest aesthetic achievement to date, BUT IT IS THE ONLY TOWN, there is NO adventure. Im very uninterested in the story, I bought this game 3 days ago and have played it for about 2 hours. I do love the graphical engine and I think the character creator is bang on, except for hawkes annoying and awkward british voice. Out of all this I have one simple request, can you implement a switch weapons slot button (like cntrl+x) so my rogue can go from dual blades to the bow on the fly? It would add allot of depth and enjoyment to my gameplay i think. Im still one of your biggest fans but i am so dissapointed, I will still give this game a 7 out of 10, maybe a 6.5. Up until now everything you have done has been a 9 at lowest. Personally I think this is the influence of the anti talent from mythic, have any of you guys played warhammer online?
#1206
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:13
JediHealerCosmin
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Gonna share my impressions after a lenghty 20-30 hours that represented my first playthrough.
The Good
1. The story itself was very engaging and incredibly beautiful. It represented a somewhat tragic and overall artistic presentation, and one that I greatly respect. The Champion's tale had a lot of great elements, and the theme of family was well done. The companions were great, each in their own way, and there were quite a few scenes which either made me feel warm, sad and made me laugh.
The writers deserve a cookie to go with the best story award later this year (to which I'm sure they'll receive).
2. The soundtrack is outstanding without any question. The music was right for each scene, except for the final battle. In my oppinion, another theme and/or song could have been used during the final boss encounter.
"Destiny of Love" is my favorite.
3. The voice acting - a really good performance by the actors, especially from the protagonists. Their tones and accents match the great dialogue created for the game.
4. Gameplay - much more satisfying than in Origins. Not just the speed, but the fact that it feels way better than the first instalment. The boss fights are epic and a real challenge. Seriously, I don't think I will be able to beat this game on Nightmare for quite some time. Strategies need to be applied while the encounter advances, which make everything much more fun.
The final boss fight was amazing, if not maybe a bit exagerated. It takes some time to complete, but it's wild fun very satisfying. But, like I've mentioned above, the music used during this encounter could have been better.
The Bad
1. The ending... seriously. I understand that this choice was based on the fact that certain adventures aren't over yet, be it that you guys wish to take advantage of DLC or have some interesting ideas for the next instalment. But I still expected something better from BioWare. We'll see what happens next I suppose.
2. The setting - I understand that the story mostly took place in Kirkwall and its surroundings, but the constant use of the same places and maps didn't do good for the overall experience.
3. The camera - not beeing able to stretch out to get a better view of the situation makes things very frustrating. There were a few times in combat when I was rolling the mouse wheel out of reflex trying to get a better fix of the battlefield. I knew nothing was going to happen, but I kept doing it.
4. Companion armor customization - please bring it back.
The Impression
Overall, the experience was very satifying and really fun. I have noticed that there are a lot of negative views regarding this second part. Sometimes I get the impression that this game was more created for those who know how to appreciated a great story, but people have different oppinions
Now... going to start another playthrough
The Good
1. The story itself was very engaging and incredibly beautiful. It represented a somewhat tragic and overall artistic presentation, and one that I greatly respect. The Champion's tale had a lot of great elements, and the theme of family was well done. The companions were great, each in their own way, and there were quite a few scenes which either made me feel warm, sad and made me laugh.
The writers deserve a cookie to go with the best story award later this year (to which I'm sure they'll receive).
2. The soundtrack is outstanding without any question. The music was right for each scene, except for the final battle. In my oppinion, another theme and/or song could have been used during the final boss encounter.
"Destiny of Love" is my favorite.
3. The voice acting - a really good performance by the actors, especially from the protagonists. Their tones and accents match the great dialogue created for the game.
4. Gameplay - much more satisfying than in Origins. Not just the speed, but the fact that it feels way better than the first instalment. The boss fights are epic and a real challenge. Seriously, I don't think I will be able to beat this game on Nightmare for quite some time. Strategies need to be applied while the encounter advances, which make everything much more fun.
The final boss fight was amazing, if not maybe a bit exagerated. It takes some time to complete, but it's wild fun very satisfying. But, like I've mentioned above, the music used during this encounter could have been better.
The Bad
1. The ending... seriously. I understand that this choice was based on the fact that certain adventures aren't over yet, be it that you guys wish to take advantage of DLC or have some interesting ideas for the next instalment. But I still expected something better from BioWare. We'll see what happens next I suppose.
2. The setting - I understand that the story mostly took place in Kirkwall and its surroundings, but the constant use of the same places and maps didn't do good for the overall experience.
3. The camera - not beeing able to stretch out to get a better view of the situation makes things very frustrating. There were a few times in combat when I was rolling the mouse wheel out of reflex trying to get a better fix of the battlefield. I knew nothing was going to happen, but I kept doing it.
4. Companion armor customization - please bring it back.
The Impression
Overall, the experience was very satifying and really fun. I have noticed that there are a lot of negative views regarding this second part. Sometimes I get the impression that this game was more created for those who know how to appreciated a great story, but people have different oppinions
Now... going to start another playthrough
Modifié par JediHealerCosmin, 11 mars 2011 - 03:14 .
#1207
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:23
PlacidDragon
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Not a review as much as a first impression (only played through to Kirkwall on 3 different characters) :
Graphics and visuals are improved, although that carries absolutely no favor with me. I've never cared for graphics and focus a lot more on story, game mechanics and so on.
In regards to story, its nowhere near the quality of DA:O, at least not in the start. This is just something thats tacked on in order to send you on your way, at least that is the feeling im getting.
While the graphics have improved, i'd say that the new art direction (yes, im calling it new) is bad. Actually REALLY bad. Darkspawn looks ridicilous, as does the Ogre. There is absolutely none of the "menace" of DA:O in here.
Camera controls are atrocious, absolutely atrocious. They are permanently "jammed into your butt", even at max zoomout (which isnt much, trust me). Combining the camera controls with the extreme linearity of the game, to even dare call this a role playing game is beyond a joke. Spawning waves of enemies makes it a pure action game, probably designed primarily for consoles.
I cant help but wonder that they fired the entire DA:O staff and hired a bunch of "super 1337 X-BOX kiddies" to make this. This is leagues away from the quality i expect from a Bioware game....
Graphics and visuals are improved, although that carries absolutely no favor with me. I've never cared for graphics and focus a lot more on story, game mechanics and so on.
In regards to story, its nowhere near the quality of DA:O, at least not in the start. This is just something thats tacked on in order to send you on your way, at least that is the feeling im getting.
While the graphics have improved, i'd say that the new art direction (yes, im calling it new) is bad. Actually REALLY bad. Darkspawn looks ridicilous, as does the Ogre. There is absolutely none of the "menace" of DA:O in here.
Camera controls are atrocious, absolutely atrocious. They are permanently "jammed into your butt", even at max zoomout (which isnt much, trust me). Combining the camera controls with the extreme linearity of the game, to even dare call this a role playing game is beyond a joke. Spawning waves of enemies makes it a pure action game, probably designed primarily for consoles.
I cant help but wonder that they fired the entire DA:O staff and hired a bunch of "super 1337 X-BOX kiddies" to make this. This is leagues away from the quality i expect from a Bioware game....
#1208
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:29
akcorr
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Ok I've put in over 15 hours in the game and I think it's great except for these things:
- The re-using of maps and the quest indicator - if your going to bring me back to same map for multiple quests at least make sure the indicator works properly for each quest. It's confusing as hell trying to figure out where I have been and where I have to go between multiple quests!!!!! This is obviously because of the quick turn around from DA:O to DA2. I was suprised as hell when you guys announced the release date so soon. Now I know why. I would have thought you'd alternate release date years between the DA and MA series.
- Taking out the ability to manage your companions weapons and armor - I have all this crap in my invetory just taking up space!!! If you going to make me manage my damn inventory space....MAKE SURE I CAN MAKE USE OF IT ON MY COMPANIONS! Make it work my while!!
#1209
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:34
Chaed13
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Someone had responded to my post stating that you can turn on an automatic attack instead of the constant button mash attack. If that is available I have not seen it on the console version, and I have looked a lot. If anyone knows of a on/off switch for this let me know.
#1210
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:35
rolson00
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even tho i dont like most of it im still getting it just because i love origens so much i'll just have to hope that if they do a numba 3 they make it a mix between 1 &2
Modifié par rolson00, 11 mars 2011 - 03:44 .
#1211
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:42
Aekero
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Things I liked:
Graphics: even on high with 8aa 16af it looks amazing, on max settings it's gorgeous but I'd need to run two cards sli.
Story telling: so far so good, I like the narrative story-like cut scenes
Voice acting: top notch
Combat: I like that it's faster paced, faster sword swings for warrior, closing maneuvers built in etc...I feel like it's an improvement, you still have to think if you play at higher difficulties, but it feels more fluid.
Ability trees: there are so many options it's amazing.
Things I don't like:
They took away top down view...I don't really _want_ to play top-down, but DA 2 suffers from the same problem as origins, in iso view, you can't aoe target very well, i.e. you'll have your target down, then try and move it slightly and your mouse will jump out further instead of just moving.
Choices seem inconsequential so far, most of the choices are A. do this or B. do this but laugh about it... This will probably change but yeah the dialogue wheels for the most part all do the same thing.
The game seems a little rushed, and nothing smacks of this more than the fact that they took away so much customization.
They made it so you can't choose race, and on top of this they made it so you can't give armor to any of your characters besides your main. This means they can effectively not model any of the gear for anyone but human male/female, pretty lame. The other thing that someone else has probably pointed out is that places feel pretty empty because there seems to be less interaction in zones. Maybe just me but places like darktown feel like a whole lot of nothing.
All in all I'd give it a solid B. It really bugs me that you can't give anyone but your main upgrades, I liked being able to gear my whole party.... The targetting thing because of no overheard view is actually borderline game-breaking imo, hopefully they add that for at least pc mode. That being said it's kind of crazy how good the game is for that short of a development time, still very engaging and enjoyable.
Graphics: even on high with 8aa 16af it looks amazing, on max settings it's gorgeous but I'd need to run two cards sli.
Story telling: so far so good, I like the narrative story-like cut scenes
Voice acting: top notch
Combat: I like that it's faster paced, faster sword swings for warrior, closing maneuvers built in etc...I feel like it's an improvement, you still have to think if you play at higher difficulties, but it feels more fluid.
Ability trees: there are so many options it's amazing.
Things I don't like:
They took away top down view...I don't really _want_ to play top-down, but DA 2 suffers from the same problem as origins, in iso view, you can't aoe target very well, i.e. you'll have your target down, then try and move it slightly and your mouse will jump out further instead of just moving.
Choices seem inconsequential so far, most of the choices are A. do this or B. do this but laugh about it... This will probably change but yeah the dialogue wheels for the most part all do the same thing.
The game seems a little rushed, and nothing smacks of this more than the fact that they took away so much customization.
They made it so you can't choose race, and on top of this they made it so you can't give armor to any of your characters besides your main. This means they can effectively not model any of the gear for anyone but human male/female, pretty lame. The other thing that someone else has probably pointed out is that places feel pretty empty because there seems to be less interaction in zones. Maybe just me but places like darktown feel like a whole lot of nothing.
All in all I'd give it a solid B. It really bugs me that you can't give anyone but your main upgrades, I liked being able to gear my whole party.... The targetting thing because of no overheard view is actually borderline game-breaking imo, hopefully they add that for at least pc mode. That being said it's kind of crazy how good the game is for that short of a development time, still very engaging and enjoyable.
#1212
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:44
Maelora
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I feel the same as most of the other negative reviews here. Everything feels scaled down and consolised. I hate the ludicrous sped-up battles with the twitchy animations - weightless anime combat from a bad manga.
I didn't mind my character, but not being able to talk to my companions at will or change their inventory made me feel disconnected.
The plot felt linear like a JRPG. So many important things happened without you having the ability to affect them. I felt like I really shaped the Origins story - here I felt I was just along for the ride.
The companions were mostly good, but your interaction with them is very limited. They seriously dropped the ball with the family aspect. This could have been unique and interesting, but they threw it away for nothing.
The art design is horrible - skeletor hurlocks, weird alien elves and horned qunari?? This is the game I would expect if BW were taken over by another company and they changed everything. Hated the cartoony graphics and the severe changes to established DA lore.
The story wasn't great, lacking any real purpose. I didn't mind the change from 'saving the world', but that doesn't mean BW shouldn't produce a compelling narrative. The non-ending was a ridiculous cop-out, totally insulting.
The only thing I liked was the romances - brave and bold for Bioware to make them all available for your character regardless of gender. This was something I had feared wouldn't happen and I'm delighted this is so.
In summary, an okay game but a lousy sequel. Why did Bioware lose faith in all the things that made Origins great? Ultimately I think they had three goals with DA2:
a) lose the Baldur's Gate PC fans for good,
bring in the console audience
c) try to bring as many DAO fans across while making major changes to the game.
For me, this didn't even feel like Dragon Age. They deliberately made a game for people who disliked the original, the 'action game' fans who wanted more combat and less dialogue. I cannot possible give this more than 2/3 out of 10.
Seeing as it pretty much invalids everything I liked about Origins (Leliana, wtf!!!) I'm just going to assume it takes place in some bizarre alternate universe and it's not part of my personal canon. Welcome to 'the Hawkespawn Chronicles'.
I didn't mind my character, but not being able to talk to my companions at will or change their inventory made me feel disconnected.
The plot felt linear like a JRPG. So many important things happened without you having the ability to affect them. I felt like I really shaped the Origins story - here I felt I was just along for the ride.
The companions were mostly good, but your interaction with them is very limited. They seriously dropped the ball with the family aspect. This could have been unique and interesting, but they threw it away for nothing.
The art design is horrible - skeletor hurlocks, weird alien elves and horned qunari?? This is the game I would expect if BW were taken over by another company and they changed everything. Hated the cartoony graphics and the severe changes to established DA lore.
The story wasn't great, lacking any real purpose. I didn't mind the change from 'saving the world', but that doesn't mean BW shouldn't produce a compelling narrative. The non-ending was a ridiculous cop-out, totally insulting.
The only thing I liked was the romances - brave and bold for Bioware to make them all available for your character regardless of gender. This was something I had feared wouldn't happen and I'm delighted this is so.
In summary, an okay game but a lousy sequel. Why did Bioware lose faith in all the things that made Origins great? Ultimately I think they had three goals with DA2:
a) lose the Baldur's Gate PC fans for good,
bring in the console audience c) try to bring as many DAO fans across while making major changes to the game.
For me, this didn't even feel like Dragon Age. They deliberately made a game for people who disliked the original, the 'action game' fans who wanted more combat and less dialogue. I cannot possible give this more than 2/3 out of 10.
Seeing as it pretty much invalids everything I liked about Origins (Leliana, wtf!!!) I'm just going to assume it takes place in some bizarre alternate universe and it's not part of my personal canon. Welcome to 'the Hawkespawn Chronicles'.
Modifié par Maelora, 11 mars 2011 - 03:53 .
#1213
Guest_Autolycus_*
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 03:56
Guest_Autolycus_*
Guest_Autolycus_*
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DISLIKES:
Character Creation:
Ok, major sticking point for me here in an RPG. The CC is beyond pointless imo. Jen already posted screens so I won’t bother. It may as well not be there. Let’s hope its modded soon. Secondly, you can’t change starting attributes (origins was same iirc?). I dislike being railroaded into what my stat allocation is. Again, let’s hope this is modded soon.
Audio:
Ok, first thing you need to do imo, is set the audio to FX-7, Voice-10 and music-3 or 4. It is terrible. The music completely overrides anything else it’s annoying. The music itself (so far) is nothing to shout about either, but thats an aside. Voice audio is ‘very’ quiet, FX are louder and the music is deafening (on default settings).
Graphics/Textures:
Even on high (very high requires DX11) and with the texture download (at 1.08gb), Lothering and the start is just shameful. It’s worse than Origins in my opinion.
Still lots of clipping issues prevalent, it’s a huge issue with me. Yes I know the engine amounts to the type of models used and what is capable. I would personally pay double for a game and eliminate it. I can make 3D model animations myself with no clipping issues, cloths, body parts or hair. So from a personal POV, in a AAA game, it’s inexcusable.
Combat:
Uggghhh...where to start? In itself it’s ok, but a major flaw on the PC (unsure of consoles) is that everything is so flashy and in your face, that you can no longer see the curser to target anything. So pretty much after every kill, I have to pause the game to find my curser again. Very annoying.
Animations:
Following on from combat, the animations ‘are’ nice, but they are so ridiculously OTT, and it leads to the curser problem. Also, many times, you just have no god damn idea what’s going on, as there’s a flash here, a spark there, an explosion over yonder....and it’s all chaos....add that to the flying blood and body parts....it becomes a bit of a mess imo. People may like that visual style, and that’s fair enough I guess, but it’s a little too much for me personally (though it is pretty). Hawke now drinks like Shepherd.....which looks dumb In ME....looks just as daft here too.
Start:
Regardless of what was said about how long the game takes place inside Kirkwall, you get there within an hour. There is no ‘getting to Kirkwall’.....pretty much what was in the demo is it. Kill a few things, meet Flemeth, you’re there (after a cut scene and narration). Disappointed personally.
Edit: After Jen’s comment, as she said she was cutting cut scenes, Cassy does still ask if Varric will make it up....but yes Cassy does look even better than she did already (if thats possible)...ahhh.....
Elves:
Ok, only seen 3 so far (first quest I’ve accepted), and well, agree with Jen and another friend of mine. They look off. Main one (you will meet her) looks like Carrie Ann Moss with pointy ears. They just don’t look right....like a stretched human face with pointy long ears.....they also seem strangely tall.
Voice Acting:
This may seem like a small nitpick, but moving to talk to (unnamed person I mentioned earlier), the rabble outside all appear to have been voiced by Brian Glover. Now while I love Mr Glover, the ‘accent’ just seemed to be incredibly out of place to me. It was almost jarring. If there are more accents like this, maybe I will slowly get used to them?
Save Game References:
Body and Sandal......hmmm....mixed reviews on that.
LIKES:
Kirkwall. As I write, I am in the gallows/courtyard section, about to speak to (not giving name) before I even really actually enter the city. I like it. It looks and feels like a big place (though bear in mind I’m not actually inside yet).
Individual Character Animations:
Running is....well...it’s been said before so I won’t go there. But I am in love with FemHawkes and Bethany’s ‘idle’ animations...so cute and...well...girly hehe, she even yawns daintily.....wonderful job Bioware
Graphics/Textures:
Armour is looking much, much better so far. One thing that always irked me in Origins was the painted on armour, buckles, belts, what have you. So far, armour looks like it has real depth, looks real. Some of the lesser characters armours are still a little iffy, but overall a huge improvement imo.
Overall I think the graphics ‘are’ better, but it’s hit and miss. Some places I think Origins was better, some DA2 is far superior. But in the main, the game looks good.
Save Game References:
Reference to Shale (indirectly) is truly hilarious.
Menu System:
Heard lots of complaints on this one, and I actually think overall I like it. Ok, maybe to clean and crisp for a ‘fantasy rpg’ but overall it’s effective, stylish and works.
Story:
Well, so far (12 hours in now), story is interesting enough. Like Jen, not done much with the main quest line, not been to the Dalish yet and only really concentrating on quests I can get done quickly. As Jen said, there does appear to be an awful lot of side quests. Perhaps too many? That said, a lot of them (so far) do seem to tie in nicely with other things, so as annoying as they could be (on subsequent runs), for the first time I actually don’t mind doing them.
Unfortunately, you need to get a certain amount of something to be able to do something else......so doing the myriad of side quests seems to really be obligatory.....
Perhaps one of my favourite things so far, is the rumours. All from Varric so far, and you can’t seem to be able to do anything with them, but seems like they will become further side quests (as he is actively looking for work to earn some coin for us all).
Writing:
Perhaps the best part of the game imo. It is top class, some wicked lines and some truly funny companion comments....
CHARACTERS:
Bethany – Lover her so far...pity I can’t play my favourite class and keep her.
Varric – Like him more than I thought I would so far, for a dwarf heh.
Aveline – Was not sold on her from videos, or the demo. Good tank, but can’t really relate to her in any way.
Fenris – seems interesting so far, unsure how much I’d use him, prefer my tanks/fighters to have a shield...but maybe use him as seems more interesting than Aveline. Maybe LI complications make the decision easier? Down side to Fenris? With his white hair and sword bigger than he is, he looks like he walked off the set of a Final Fantasy game....
Merril – Hmmm....ok...the voice kind of does suit her now I’ve finally got around to picking her up. She certainly mysterious.....interesting tale so far....
Isabela – What can I say....*heart*...plus she damn funny too.
OVERALL:
The game has been very consolised, and to me it seems the DA team were jealous of the success the ME2 team had with ME2. So many 'borrowed' ideas.
Overall, on it's own, under it's own weight, it's a good game (yes I actually said that, as I have been a long time detracter of the game)...as a 'sequel' of sorts to origins, it does not compare.
The game has been very consolised, and all those people who were lambasted for calling it Dragon Effect many months ago, should all get an apology, because that is exactly what it is.
Character Creation:
Ok, major sticking point for me here in an RPG. The CC is beyond pointless imo. Jen already posted screens so I won’t bother. It may as well not be there. Let’s hope its modded soon. Secondly, you can’t change starting attributes (origins was same iirc?). I dislike being railroaded into what my stat allocation is. Again, let’s hope this is modded soon.
Audio:
Ok, first thing you need to do imo, is set the audio to FX-7, Voice-10 and music-3 or 4. It is terrible. The music completely overrides anything else it’s annoying. The music itself (so far) is nothing to shout about either, but thats an aside. Voice audio is ‘very’ quiet, FX are louder and the music is deafening (on default settings).
Graphics/Textures:
Even on high (very high requires DX11) and with the texture download (at 1.08gb), Lothering and the start is just shameful. It’s worse than Origins in my opinion.
Still lots of clipping issues prevalent, it’s a huge issue with me. Yes I know the engine amounts to the type of models used and what is capable. I would personally pay double for a game and eliminate it. I can make 3D model animations myself with no clipping issues, cloths, body parts or hair. So from a personal POV, in a AAA game, it’s inexcusable.
Combat:
Uggghhh...where to start? In itself it’s ok, but a major flaw on the PC (unsure of consoles) is that everything is so flashy and in your face, that you can no longer see the curser to target anything. So pretty much after every kill, I have to pause the game to find my curser again. Very annoying.
Animations:
Following on from combat, the animations ‘are’ nice, but they are so ridiculously OTT, and it leads to the curser problem. Also, many times, you just have no god damn idea what’s going on, as there’s a flash here, a spark there, an explosion over yonder....and it’s all chaos....add that to the flying blood and body parts....it becomes a bit of a mess imo. People may like that visual style, and that’s fair enough I guess, but it’s a little too much for me personally (though it is pretty). Hawke now drinks like Shepherd.....which looks dumb In ME....looks just as daft here too.
Start:
Regardless of what was said about how long the game takes place inside Kirkwall, you get there within an hour. There is no ‘getting to Kirkwall’.....pretty much what was in the demo is it. Kill a few things, meet Flemeth, you’re there (after a cut scene and narration). Disappointed personally.
Edit: After Jen’s comment, as she said she was cutting cut scenes, Cassy does still ask if Varric will make it up....but yes Cassy does look even better than she did already (if thats possible)...ahhh.....
Elves:
Ok, only seen 3 so far (first quest I’ve accepted), and well, agree with Jen and another friend of mine. They look off. Main one (you will meet her) looks like Carrie Ann Moss with pointy ears. They just don’t look right....like a stretched human face with pointy long ears.....they also seem strangely tall.
Voice Acting:
This may seem like a small nitpick, but moving to talk to (unnamed person I mentioned earlier), the rabble outside all appear to have been voiced by Brian Glover. Now while I love Mr Glover, the ‘accent’ just seemed to be incredibly out of place to me. It was almost jarring. If there are more accents like this, maybe I will slowly get used to them?
Save Game References:
Body and Sandal......hmmm....mixed reviews on that.
LIKES:
Kirkwall. As I write, I am in the gallows/courtyard section, about to speak to (not giving name) before I even really actually enter the city. I like it. It looks and feels like a big place (though bear in mind I’m not actually inside yet).
Individual Character Animations:
Running is....well...it’s been said before so I won’t go there. But I am in love with FemHawkes and Bethany’s ‘idle’ animations...so cute and...well...girly hehe, she even yawns daintily.....wonderful job Bioware
Graphics/Textures:
Armour is looking much, much better so far. One thing that always irked me in Origins was the painted on armour, buckles, belts, what have you. So far, armour looks like it has real depth, looks real. Some of the lesser characters armours are still a little iffy, but overall a huge improvement imo.
Overall I think the graphics ‘are’ better, but it’s hit and miss. Some places I think Origins was better, some DA2 is far superior. But in the main, the game looks good.
Save Game References:
Reference to Shale (indirectly) is truly hilarious.
Menu System:
Heard lots of complaints on this one, and I actually think overall I like it. Ok, maybe to clean and crisp for a ‘fantasy rpg’ but overall it’s effective, stylish and works.
Story:
Well, so far (12 hours in now), story is interesting enough. Like Jen, not done much with the main quest line, not been to the Dalish yet and only really concentrating on quests I can get done quickly. As Jen said, there does appear to be an awful lot of side quests. Perhaps too many? That said, a lot of them (so far) do seem to tie in nicely with other things, so as annoying as they could be (on subsequent runs), for the first time I actually don’t mind doing them.
Unfortunately, you need to get a certain amount of something to be able to do something else......so doing the myriad of side quests seems to really be obligatory.....
Perhaps one of my favourite things so far, is the rumours. All from Varric so far, and you can’t seem to be able to do anything with them, but seems like they will become further side quests (as he is actively looking for work to earn some coin for us all).
Writing:
Perhaps the best part of the game imo. It is top class, some wicked lines and some truly funny companion comments....
CHARACTERS:
Bethany – Lover her so far...pity I can’t play my favourite class and keep her.
Varric – Like him more than I thought I would so far, for a dwarf heh.
Aveline – Was not sold on her from videos, or the demo. Good tank, but can’t really relate to her in any way.
Fenris – seems interesting so far, unsure how much I’d use him, prefer my tanks/fighters to have a shield...but maybe use him as seems more interesting than Aveline. Maybe LI complications make the decision easier? Down side to Fenris? With his white hair and sword bigger than he is, he looks like he walked off the set of a Final Fantasy game....
Merril – Hmmm....ok...the voice kind of does suit her now I’ve finally got around to picking her up. She certainly mysterious.....interesting tale so far....
Isabela – What can I say....*heart*...plus she damn funny too.
OVERALL:
The game has been very consolised, and to me it seems the DA team were jealous of the success the ME2 team had with ME2. So many 'borrowed' ideas.
Overall, on it's own, under it's own weight, it's a good game (yes I actually said that, as I have been a long time detracter of the game)...as a 'sequel' of sorts to origins, it does not compare.
The game has been very consolised, and all those people who were lambasted for calling it Dragon Effect many months ago, should all get an apology, because that is exactly what it is.
#1214
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:09
helifax
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- Members
- 55 messages
For one I like that Bioware tries new stuff ...rather then "keep the old formula because it works". Some "new" changes I like Some I dislike. The new trading/buying windows are BAAAAAAAAAAAAD like stated earlier. The skill window I like and dislike...somehow it is very....empty..maybe a few "new" skilles should be poped there. I hate the copy paste of the caverns ( that look like mines). At least a random map generator should be there..but not copy-paste. What I dislike is that all the quests seems to "MIX" up to a point that if you are not focuse you loose the narative line of a quest...which is BAAD! I want to upload my profile online just like i used to do with DA:O and it seems I can't:(
The DX10-DX11 version of the game offers TERIBBLE performance...it should be fixed ASAP.
Sound is OK, music is OK. I like the loading screens alot! instead of the classic ( every time the same) one used in DA:O. So far I like all my companions and their story.
Played about 10h in the game will update soon.
OH and BTW: BIOWARE!!! ROCK ARMOR ROCKS!!!! (for the mages) it is actually there!!!! and can be seen! More to come...
The DX10-DX11 version of the game offers TERIBBLE performance...it should be fixed ASAP.
Sound is OK, music is OK. I like the loading screens alot! instead of the classic ( every time the same) one used in DA:O. So far I like all my companions and their story.
Played about 10h in the game will update soon.
OH and BTW: BIOWARE!!! ROCK ARMOR ROCKS!!!! (for the mages) it is actually there!!!! and can be seen! More to come...
#1215
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:09
Quenaelin
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- Members
- 8 messages
I played through M&M Dark Messiah while ago and was looking for similar experience for years, but could not
quite find it until I saw DAO review. Finally game which have whole adventure team and "head cutting" action
both in same game, though it is not first-person action RPG game like Dark Messiah is, but I really can't
remember any other RPG game offering similar gore fest in near past.
I have only played very little of these Dragon Age games, I bought them about same time, first DAO and about
week later I pre-ordered DA2, because DAO was so great game. I like both of them, but I think DAO is generally
better game.
First Impressions on both Dragon Age games:
Dragon Age 2 more action oriented combat is great idea, but combat just don't feel solid, it is too much simplified
button mashing hack'n slash. Dragon Age 2 combat is too much show off combat, in every battle body parts are
flying too easily in unrealistic style like darkspawn has no armor at all? Armor should be bloking some of these
strikes. I am playing in normal difficulty setting in both games. In Dark Messiah you really had to do something
special to get body parts flying and it only happened for finishing move after long action oriented combat. Also
similar feature is in Dragon Age Origins, body parts doesn't fly like that easily and fighting should not be so quick
and easy in normal difficulty setting.
More action oriented combat doesn't have to mean faster combat, there should be also dodging, blocking/parrying
in action oriented combat. In DA2 more action just means more bodies and it doesn't feel right, players are like
formidable heroes, this doesn't create sense of horror and tension which is needed in good RPG, also making
monsters look more friendly doesn't help in making exciting atmosphere.
Dragon Age 2 start setting is very narrow, epic feeling from Origins is lost in somewhere on the way. Other
noticable thing in Kirkwall is that all NPCs even didn't react to you at all, I think this is rude, because we are talking
about RPG after all?
Dragon Age Origins has better feeling and graphics art is more horror style than in Dragon Age 2, therefore
Origins has better and more exciting graphics. DA2 art style isn't horror anymore it is just generic, darkspawn
aren't very dark or horrified anymore they are more like just humans with twisted faces, also in DA2
Ogre looks like friendly brother of Ogre in DAO. In DAO ogre was more horrified looking and I prefer horror style art
in mature rated RPG.
DA2 +in 2H sword combat you can do also area damage, which is good but now there is too much damage
DA2 +action RPG game
DA2 -too easy to cut enemies in half, not realistic -> cutting limbs should be more rare
DA2 -all NPCs doesn't speak to you
DAO +better horror style graphics art
DAO +better exciting athmosphere more like horror RPG game
DAO +more detailed world
DAO -no area damage in sword combat
Both games:
-no first-person view
-can't move sword or aim bow by yourself
That was it so far, I will continue playing these games, they are still great, but if I could choose only one Dragon
Age game, that would be DAO. This is exactly opposite when compared to Bethesda Softwares Morrowind and
Oblivion, I would definetly choose Oblivion first. It looks like BioWare has become a bit backwards when they
release sequel so fast and streamlined game too much for consoles, why not spend little more time to make
even better sequel? Now there is feeling of quickly made sequal.
I would like to play game which is like Dark Messiah with adventure party, with option to let computer to control
your characters in tactical combat view and be able to pause combat to issue orders to your party and then be
able to see how they accomplish those tasks in first-person view in middle of the battle. That would be real action
RPG with combined tactics, I hope to see this kind of game somewhere in the future.
quite find it until I saw DAO review. Finally game which have whole adventure team and "head cutting" action
both in same game, though it is not first-person action RPG game like Dark Messiah is, but I really can't
remember any other RPG game offering similar gore fest in near past.
I have only played very little of these Dragon Age games, I bought them about same time, first DAO and about
week later I pre-ordered DA2, because DAO was so great game. I like both of them, but I think DAO is generally
better game.
First Impressions on both Dragon Age games:
Dragon Age 2 more action oriented combat is great idea, but combat just don't feel solid, it is too much simplified
button mashing hack'n slash. Dragon Age 2 combat is too much show off combat, in every battle body parts are
flying too easily in unrealistic style like darkspawn has no armor at all? Armor should be bloking some of these
strikes. I am playing in normal difficulty setting in both games. In Dark Messiah you really had to do something
special to get body parts flying and it only happened for finishing move after long action oriented combat. Also
similar feature is in Dragon Age Origins, body parts doesn't fly like that easily and fighting should not be so quick
and easy in normal difficulty setting.
More action oriented combat doesn't have to mean faster combat, there should be also dodging, blocking/parrying
in action oriented combat. In DA2 more action just means more bodies and it doesn't feel right, players are like
formidable heroes, this doesn't create sense of horror and tension which is needed in good RPG, also making
monsters look more friendly doesn't help in making exciting atmosphere.
Dragon Age 2 start setting is very narrow, epic feeling from Origins is lost in somewhere on the way. Other
noticable thing in Kirkwall is that all NPCs even didn't react to you at all, I think this is rude, because we are talking
about RPG after all?
Dragon Age Origins has better feeling and graphics art is more horror style than in Dragon Age 2, therefore
Origins has better and more exciting graphics. DA2 art style isn't horror anymore it is just generic, darkspawn
aren't very dark or horrified anymore they are more like just humans with twisted faces, also in DA2
Ogre looks like friendly brother of Ogre in DAO. In DAO ogre was more horrified looking and I prefer horror style art
in mature rated RPG.
DA2 +in 2H sword combat you can do also area damage, which is good but now there is too much damage
DA2 +action RPG game
DA2 -too easy to cut enemies in half, not realistic -> cutting limbs should be more rare
DA2 -all NPCs doesn't speak to you
DAO +better horror style graphics art
DAO +better exciting athmosphere more like horror RPG game
DAO +more detailed world
DAO -no area damage in sword combat
Both games:
-no first-person view
-can't move sword or aim bow by yourself
That was it so far, I will continue playing these games, they are still great, but if I could choose only one Dragon
Age game, that would be DAO. This is exactly opposite when compared to Bethesda Softwares Morrowind and
Oblivion, I would definetly choose Oblivion first. It looks like BioWare has become a bit backwards when they
release sequel so fast and streamlined game too much for consoles, why not spend little more time to make
even better sequel? Now there is feeling of quickly made sequal.
I would like to play game which is like Dark Messiah with adventure party, with option to let computer to control
your characters in tactical combat view and be able to pause combat to issue orders to your party and then be
able to see how they accomplish those tasks in first-person view in middle of the battle. That would be real action
RPG with combined tactics, I hope to see this kind of game somewhere in the future.
Modifié par Quenaelin, 11 mars 2011 - 04:14 .
#1216
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:13
xsgenefuzz
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- Members
- 47 messages
Xaltar81 wrote...
DA2 has almost completely alienated the audience that DA:O was targeted at, sadly it seems there are not as many of us as one would hope and has picked up a new audience. Bioware used to be the go to company for deep characters, intricate plots, surprising twists and near novel like story. Sadly, people today have become impatient, they want more obvious stories, clear cut characters that are easy to understand and stories that you might expect from a movie rather than a good book. What DA2 felt like to me was a movie based on a book that was DA:O. It leaves out most, if not all the atmospherics, forces you down a path wether you like it or not. Sure my choices had some weight in some reguards but only within the limited margins of the extremely linear plot. Just like a movie based on a book there will be people who hate it and people who like it. There is no middle ground really. DA:O was like a good book, only it seems that the author is dead now and hollywood has baught out the movie rights.
My CRPG days sadly seem to be over, just as well I guess, I won't need to spend upwards of $1000 this year on PC upgrades. EA have baught Bioware, Bioware is dead and exists only in name as EA's tool to rape the unsuspecting fans of the once great studio for thier money. EA are not stupid, they know how to make money. If it is making you feel ill to see people posting how much they love the very elements that made DA2 a comercialized piece of garbage then you can clearly see who EA have targeted here. We, the RPG fans and book readers will have to move on and find another way to get our RPG kicks. Hollywood has take over the show and all we have to look forward to now are crap movies that rely on special effects to wow you.
I agree 100%.
DA:O is to Starship Troopers the novel as DA2 is to the mind-bendingly awful movie that insulted Heinlein fans everywhere by claiming to be a film adaptation of said novel. Telling us to "enjoy it for what it is" or "for its own sake" misses the point entirely.
#1217
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:19
Cancermeat
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- Members
- 925 messages
Has anybody played it on more than one platform? Is there at better version? Ive based all my comments on the pc version.
#1218
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:40
Jackitsu
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- Members
- 17 messages
xsgenefuzz wrote...
Xaltar81 wrote...
DA2 has almost completely alienated the audience that DA:O was targeted at, sadly it seems there are not as many of us as one would hope and has picked up a new audience. Bioware used to be the go to company for deep characters, intricate plots, surprising twists and near novel like story. Sadly, people today have become impatient, they want more obvious stories, clear cut characters that are easy to understand and stories that you might expect from a movie rather than a good book. What DA2 felt like to me was a movie based on a book that was DA:O. It leaves out most, if not all the atmospherics, forces you down a path wether you like it or not. Sure my choices had some weight in some reguards but only within the limited margins of the extremely linear plot. Just like a movie based on a book there will be people who hate it and people who like it. There is no middle ground really. DA:O was like a good book, only it seems that the author is dead now and hollywood has baught out the movie rights.
My CRPG days sadly seem to be over, just as well I guess, I won't need to spend upwards of $1000 this year on PC upgrades. EA have baught Bioware, Bioware is dead and exists only in name as EA's tool to rape the unsuspecting fans of the once great studio for thier money. EA are not stupid, they know how to make money. If it is making you feel ill to see people posting how much they love the very elements that made DA2 a comercialized piece of garbage then you can clearly see who EA have targeted here. We, the RPG fans and book readers will have to move on and find another way to get our RPG kicks. Hollywood has take over the show and all we have to look forward to now are crap movies that rely on special effects to wow you.
I agree 100%.
DA:O is to Starship Troopers the novel as DA2 is to the mind-bendingly awful movie that insulted Heinlein fans everywhere by claiming to be a film adaptation of said novel. Telling us to "enjoy it for what it is" or "for its own sake" misses the point entirely.
I was about to write a long review, but I think you two have summed up the heart of my thoughts so perfectly there's almost no need to go inot detail about it. Went the way of more flash than bang which is what sells in this world. I just wish companies could stay in business serving a what's now become a niche market.
#1219
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:51
xsgenefuzz
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- Members
- 47 messages
Autolycus wrote...
... it seems the DA team were jealous of the success the ME2 team had with ME2. So many 'borrowed' ideas.
I've noticed this, too. But the weirdest sort of cross-universe deja vu moment so far happened when I had my Hawke order a drink at a bar... and the animation of her leaning on the bar, signalling for a drink, drinking, and then pushing away from the bar was EXACTLY the same as Shepard's "drink at the bar" animation in ME2. Right down to the head shake. I don't know if this was consciously implemented as a kind of homage, or perhaps an inside joke of sorts for Bioware fans, but for me it was just... bizarre. It was like the collision of two universerses that never should have been able to interact without anhiliating each other, like matter and anti-matter.
Also, as a female gamer, I have to say that I'm really a bit put off by the over-feminization of the female characters in DA2. Yeah, the women in DA:O walked weirdly, and they definitely ran weirdly, but this is worse. I mean, when my female Hawke and the other female chars are just standing around, they suddenly start doing all this prissy fidgeting stuff that makes them look like they're doing an impression of a stereotyped 8-year old girl in maryjanes and Shirley Temple ringlets. Then they suddenly go back into their "badass chick" at-rest pose. It's completely incongruous. I like my female characters to be feminine. But there is big difference between feminine and "girly."
Another big minus: The sexual humor in this game is just crass. Not funny at all. And for the record, so no one thinks that I'm just a prude, I loved the sexual humor in DA:O. It was mature, it was subtle, it was appropriate to the context... The "lamp post in winter" bit in DA:O made me laugh so hard I was wiping tears out of my eyes. By way of contrast, the male prostitute we encounter in DA2, who is obviously *supposed* to be funny, is just annoying and vulgar. The dialogue alone is bad enough, but the addition of the animated hip thrusts... I mean, really...
The "overly-feminized" female chars and the crass sexual humar just add to the feeling that was written and designed by a bunch of 10-year old boys (as someone else on this forum has said).
Modifié par xsgenefuzz, 11 mars 2011 - 05:04 .
#1220
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 04:56
marcbenigni
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- Members
- 123 messages
Abbbe, great review. I'm still relatively early into this game (I hope!) but your review pretty much nails all of my impressions thus far.
#1221
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 05:02
Ehanly1770
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- Members
- 1 messages
I would love to post a review but the game keeps crashing even on default and below settings. Have a high end PC which should run game easily.Very frustrating!!!
#1222
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 05:03
ZappaF
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- Members
- 14 messages
Csucsuu wrote...
I like that the guys who write the reviews are paid by EA to make it over 90%. Look, they are advertising the game on their site. Money overwrites good taste these times.
This game has the same universe, but a shallow story and hilarious console combat. It lacks of strategic depth. The graphic is nice on technological level, but the art is lame. DAO had realistic movements and armor, this has japanese bullsh*t. If i wanted that, I would play Devil May Cray, which is better in this.
Dear Bioware! I like your games, especially the older ones (Baldur's gate, Kotor, DAO, ME 1 and 2). I know that you can do better, because these games have proven it. I know that too, that money talks, and EA doesn't allow you to make games as you like. You are the masters of RPG right now, but if you continue like this, you will lose that title. In Mass Effect the changes are acceptable on a degree, but the right path is between 1 and 2.
But in a classic fantasy RPG (DA2 is not an RPG, it is a hack and slash with RPG features), you can't do that. Since EA bought you, your games are more casual and forgiving, which means that they lose depth. The development of DAO began before that and nearly finished when it happened, so it could come out in the form we know it. It was a success, because it was good. You released a true RPG when nobody did, so we,hungry RPG fans, bought it immediately. This means, that right now a good RPG is so rare, that if you make one, it is a success because it has a stable player base. Not as high as COD, just a few millions. But it is more stable and more mature. Right now you can make a fix income with it.
The best example is BF3. DICE aknowledged that the hardcore PC community is strong and its worth to make games for them. They just need higher quality. Now you will have concurrency in form of other console games.
The fact is, that you can make good apples. We like apples. DAO was a great apple too. But whit DA2, you created a banana which wants to be an apple. If I want a banana, I will buy one which aknowledges himself as a banana.
I hope you (especially the EA guys) read this and the other feedbacks from your old playerbase. If you dont hear us, you will lose a lot of us. We are still here. A few million. And if PC sales will be bad, it doesn't mean pirating. It will mean that most of us didn't buy the game, because it didn't fit our taste. I hope that with DA3 you will forget this shame on you and continue where you gave up with DAO and fix it.
Best regards, a fan of quality RPGs.
SIGNED!! GREAT POSTING
#1223
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 05:10
Jackitsu
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- Members
- 17 messages
Maelora wrote...
I feel the same as most of the other negative reviews here. Everything feels scaled down and consolised. I hate the ludicrous sped-up battles with the twitchy animations - weightless anime combat from a bad manga.
I didn't mind my character, but not being able to talk to my companions at will or change their inventory made me feel disconnected.
The plot felt linear like a JRPG. So many important things happened without you having the ability to affect them. I felt like I really shaped the Origins story - here I felt I was just along for the ride.
The companions were mostly good, but your interaction with them is very limited. They seriously dropped the ball with the family aspect. This could have been unique and interesting, but they threw it away for nothing.
The art design is horrible - skeletor hurlocks, weird alien elves and horned qunari?? This is the game I would expect if BW were taken over by another company and they changed everything. Hated the cartoony graphics and the severe changes to established DA lore.
The story wasn't great, lacking any real purpose. I didn't mind the change from 'saving the world', but that doesn't mean BW shouldn't produce a compelling narrative. The non-ending was a ridiculous cop-out, totally insulting.
The only thing I liked was the romances - brave and bold for Bioware to make them all available for your character regardless of gender. This was something I had feared wouldn't happen and I'm delighted this is so.
In summary, an okay game but a lousy sequel. Why did Bioware lose faith in all the things that made Origins great? Ultimately I think they had three goals with DA2:
a) lose the Baldur's Gate PC fans for good,
c) try to bring as many DAO fans across while making major changes to the game.
For me, this didn't even feel like Dragon Age. They deliberately made a game for people who disliked the original, the 'action game' fans who wanted more combat and less dialogue. I cannot possible give this more than 2/3 out of 10.
Seeing as it pretty much invalids everything I liked about Origins (Leliana, wtf!!!) I'm just going to assume it takes place in some bizarre alternate universe and it's not part of my personal canon. Welcome to 'the Hawkespawn Chronicles'.
Quoted for truth. This is all completely true. Okay game, okay in the way that I don't play a console specifically to avoid this type of mediocrity "okayness" and its not at all in league with the original.
Maelora wrote...
This is the game I would expect if BW were taken over by another company and they changed everything.
This is what happens when EA/Bioware isn't a partnership and just EA sucking every last penny out of all the hardcore Bioware fans.
#1224
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 05:11
Jackitsu
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- Members
- 17 messages
Sorry double post. Don't know how to delete it.
Modifié par Jackitsu, 11 mars 2011 - 05:12 .
#1225
Posté 11 mars 2011 - 05:15
Lux
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- Members
- 765 messages
Some final thoughts on the game:
Like
+ Impeccably stable on my PC; not bad at all for an initial release
+ Combat more dynamic
+ Awesome soundtrack
+ Storytelling & voice acting
+ Improved character expressions
+ Day and night settings
+ Junk tab in inventory management
+ Streamlined ingredient gathering & potion/rune making
+ Effective access to healing and stamina/lyrium potions
+ New skill tree
+ Bow push-back feature
+ Quick access to merchant goods (while still being able to interact with them)
+ Mabari hound not occupying companion slot
+ Blade on mage's staves
+ Combating boss dynamic & big creatures
+ Quest listing while overviewing locations
+ Party banter
+ Varied quest acquisition
+ Helmet toggle
+ Companion Rivalry
+ Pop up of new codex entry, enabling reading on the spot
Meh
~ Frame narrative, which fleshes out game linearity
~ Simplistic item icons
~ Less companion interaction
~ Dialogue wheel
~ Static ambiance
Dislike
- No armor customization with companions (lots of wasted gear)
- Excessive re-use of environments; critical lack of variety
- Foes showing up from nowhere, in any direction (alas, more hack and slash & less strategic positioning)
- Too many kill explosions
- Cartoony darkspawn
- Many item names too generic
Like
+ Impeccably stable on my PC; not bad at all for an initial release
+ Combat more dynamic
+ Awesome soundtrack
+ Storytelling & voice acting
+ Improved character expressions
+ Day and night settings
+ Junk tab in inventory management
+ Streamlined ingredient gathering & potion/rune making
+ Effective access to healing and stamina/lyrium potions
+ New skill tree
+ Bow push-back feature
+ Quick access to merchant goods (while still being able to interact with them)
+ Mabari hound not occupying companion slot
+ Blade on mage's staves
+ Combating boss dynamic & big creatures
+ Quest listing while overviewing locations
+ Party banter
+ Varied quest acquisition
+ Helmet toggle
+ Companion Rivalry
+ Pop up of new codex entry, enabling reading on the spot
Meh
~ Frame narrative, which fleshes out game linearity
~ Simplistic item icons
~ Less companion interaction
~ Dialogue wheel
~ Static ambiance
Dislike
- No armor customization with companions (lots of wasted gear)
- Excessive re-use of environments; critical lack of variety
- Foes showing up from nowhere, in any direction (alas, more hack and slash & less strategic positioning)
- Too many kill explosions
- Cartoony darkspawn
- Many item names too generic
Modifié par Merkar, 12 mars 2011 - 03:50 .
