But what about the story?

The first (and only) Bioware game I have played is DA:O.  I enjoyed the combat of that game, but I am not so invested in it that I can't see it change.  BUT the thing that I really loved and made me play DA:O mulitple times was the story and the characters.  I had never played a game with such engrossing companions before.  So what I want to know is if the story and companions in DA:2 are as good as in DA:O.  I've heard a lot about all of the changes that were made to the combat and inventory systems, but I have not heard much about whether the story and companions are worthwhile. 

So, are they?