22 réponses à ce sujet

[Heisenburg_16]

I just came close to finishing Dragon Age: Origins, but I honestly don't like it as much, as when I started out. That was the second chance that I gave the game. I think I could enjoy Dragon Age 2 more. Please hear me out. I don't expect everyone to agree with my ideas or opinions, but please respect them, and I will respect your opinions. I don't want to start any flame wars.

 

Dragon Age: Origins had a great start, but over time, it devolved into repetitive, boring, fetch-quests, that lasted hours. I didn't feel like a Hero-Warden. I felt like a choreboy, or servant to everyone. The combat was decent, but later turns into repetitive and frustrating button-mashing. I felt like whether I won or lost battles was largely random, and/or luck-based. Numbers, multipliers, and stats, became more imporant than weapons or skill. Weapons and powers, across all different character classes and specializations, just did not feel very helpful to me. I just felt like I was playing horde mode and fetch-quests constantly, just with different areas and scenarios. Yes, most of the game was relatively easy to me (I played on Casual difficulty), but the cheap and frustrating bosses ruined the game for me. I did everything in my power, and prepared in everyway that people told me to. But nothing worked.

 

The characters, to me, almost all felt like stereotypes. I established somewhat of a connection to them, but I just felt like they were either all stuck-up jerks, selfish/evil, whiners, and/or cannon fodder. I understand making the characters more realistic and grounded than most games, but I think this was a step-too far. I could not find a single character or ally that I truly bonded with or trusted, unless you count my protagonist's dog, Bruce, who I couldn't even use very often, since he was one of the least useful characters, at least to me. I even romanced Morrigan, but I didn't like her THAT much. She reminded me a little too much of my ex. I would rather not go into detail on that.

 

I've heard about the bad things that people say about Dragon Age 2, but honestly, it still sounds like a more fun and interesting game to me, than Origins. Inevitiably, I have some questions.

 

I want to start on Casual or Normal difficulty. If I had trouble with Origins on Casual, could I still enjoy this game? I've heard it is easier and more simplistic than Origins. I can testify to that, since I played it for a few hours, and it was more fun and easier, to me.

 

Also, which class should I use? I'm not positive, but I am leaning toward Warrior or Mage. Whatever makes the game the easiest. 

 

I know some arguments people could form against me:  "You problably just suck". You know, that could be true. But I don't want to give up on the Dragon Age series. It has so much potential, and I don't want to abandon it. I'm willing to play on the easiest difficulty, and I don't normally like to do that!

 

"You problably just aren't meant for RPG's in general". Again, maybe true. But, I have enjoyed several RPG's, and spent hundreds of hours playing them, mainly Skyrim, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Borderlands 1 and 2, and dozens upon dozens of game, with heavy RPG elements.

 

Besides, I want to beat at LEAST 1 Dragon Age game, before I think about getting Dragon Age: Inquisition.

 

Before I start, is there any other advice, tips, or pointers, that you people can give me? Again, thank you all so much. I really do appreciate your help.

[Elhanan]

Normal for the first run should be sufficient; it is the planned default.

Mages and Rogues are my fave classes for DA2, but Warriors are improved over their predecessors, IMO. Between the two I recommend, I have the easier time as a Mage.

Personally, I avoid Nightmare difficulty due to arbitrary Immunities given to opponents. While I do not mind Friendly Fire being included, the idea that one group (eg; dogs) is always Immune to some elemental form is not agreeable to me.

And the minor fetch quests are optional; skip them if you wish. However, Codex entries can greatly increase the background lore to make the storyline more relevant and believable, IMO; recommended.

[Magdalena11]

I recommend giving it a try.  Both games are fun in different ways.  If you've read all the negative publicity on DA2, you've read it's got a lot of button mashing.  Combat is a lot faster paced and the moves are more spectacular.  Warriors are more fun to play in DA2 than DAO.  Rogues got a tremendous power boost between the games and archers are a viable option in DA2.  Mage spells are a bit more balanced.

 

I'd start out on casual.  You can increase the difficulty at any time (including mid-combat) by calling up the options menu.  Get a feel for it and you'll know where to go from there.

 

The only advice I can think of otherwise is spoilerific.

[AlanC9]

 

I want to start on Casual or Normal difficulty. If I had trouble with Origins on Casual, could I still enjoy this game? I've heard it is easier and more simplistic than Origins. I can testify to that, since I played it for a few hours, and it was more fun and easier, to me.

 

I actually found DA2 somewhat harder - you're punished for not having an optimized build, which isn't as much of a problem in DAO since the game doesn't rely on synergies. OTOH, I don't quite understand why you were having trouble with DAO.

[Beltan]

I actually prefer DA 2 to DAO. I am enjoying the story a bit more, and the combat is much more fun. I'm playing as a mage and it is awesome to stand back and drop fire from the sky.

I like Hawke better since he talks. I don't mind, as much the repetitive backgrounds as others do. My only issue with this is that every tunnel is the same. Otherwise, it makes sense that the hero of Fereldan goes back and forth in the same city.

 

I too got tired of the endless trudging through landscapes in DAO and the silent nature of my warden.

[NextArishok]

DA is not hard by any stretch of the imagination.  It's how you play.  You do have to micro manage your team, you do have to use health potions, what companions you bring changes things there are is a lot of fine tuning that can be done and effects how the gameplay is.

 

Its about the mind set you are in and the type of gamer you are and if you can be bothered to do all of the minor details.  Its for some gamers and its not for others.

[Elhanan]

DA is not hard by any stretch of the imagination.  It's how you play.  You do have to micro manage your team, you do have to use health potions, what companions you bring changes things there are is a lot of fine tuning that can be done and effects how the gameplay is.
 
Its about the mind set you are in and the type of gamer you are and if you can be bothered to do all of the minor details.  Its for some gamers and its not for others.

Decent selection of tactics can restrict the need for micro-mgt; only needed for major Bosses in my experience.

[tirnoney]

I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. I tend to play DA2 on hard or nightmare and it's enjoyable to work out how to do so. All my playthroughs of Origins, and I've not had that many, have been on normal or casual. I just don't enjoy the combat mechanics enough to put in the time and effort required to get good at it. DA2 is I think a lot less about stats and more about how your upgraded talentssynergise with those of your allies. Cross class combos. Working out how to play on the harder difficulties was a more satisfying experience for me in DA2.

If you found some of the characters annoying and whiny in Origins then you'll probably have some of the same issues in DA2. But the feel of the game is quite different and a character's context matters a lot when it comes to their annoying personality traits. You'll only know for sure if you give it a go.

I wouldn't say that any particular class was easier than another combat wise but each requires you to work out how best to make them work. It's worth at least three playthroughs to try each class. Having said all that, being a mage tends to make you feel more involved in the storyline. From an RPG perspective, you're either a mage or not a mage. The story doesn't really distinguish between warriors and rogues.

Without getting too involved in the game mechanics or gear, if you play on casual your companions can finish off most fights for you at least in Act 1 until you get the hang of it.

[Nefla]

If you hate fetch quests, DA2 is probably not the game for you. I felt like I was running Hawke's delivery service. The combat is much easier than DA:O though, I don't know if it's possible to die on casual. The voice acting is nice too. Be prepared to see the same cave and warehouse a million times though.

[Darkly Tranquil]

Decent selection of tactics can restrict the need for micro-mgt; only needed for major Bosses in my experience.

Agreed. A good tactics set up is probably the most important factor in your success in combat in DA, especially if you don't want to micromanage. Unfortunately, the game does a very poor (non-existent) job of actually explaining how the tactics system really works. When you add into that the fact that the tactics system in DAO is buggy without a mod to fix some of the conditions, it makes it quite hard for people who don't know how to set their tactics up. They really need to integrate of a proper tactics tutorial into the game so people understand how it works and how to set it up without having to resort to the forums.

[Elhanan]

Agreed. A good tactics set up is probably the most important factor in your success in combat in DA, especially if you don't want to micromanage. Unfortunately, the game does a very poor (non-existent) job of actually explaining how the tactics system really works. When you add into that the fact that the tactics system in DAO is buggy without a mod to fix some of the conditions, it makes it quite hard for people who don't know how to set their tactics up. They really need to integrate of a proper tactics tutorial into the game so people understand how it works and how to set it up without having to resort to the forums.

Perhaps, but the default types in Tactics are well made for basics and info. A separate Codex entry if desired could be implemented, much like the basic tutorials seen in ME3.

[HTTP 404]

Funny, I thought Origins had a dull start for me after the Origin stories.  I thought the environments were too bland (still think so) and the combat felt awkward for me.  Once I got more into the story and got used to the combat and stop noticing the environments, I started to love the game.  I couldn't put it down towards the end.

 

But each to their own.  I don't expect people to enjoy things the way I enjoy things and vice versa.

[Heisenburg_16]

Well, this is my progress on Dragon Age 2:

 

I've played for about 24 hours, mostly on Normal difficulty. But I have changed it to Casual, at certain points.

 

I am near the end of Act 2.

I just finished the Legacy dlc. The final boss was very challenging for me. I'm still shocked that I got past it. On Casual difficulty. I feel like I suck at this game. But I still love it.

 

I want to try the Mark of the Assassin dlc next, but I've heard about the annoying puzzle(s), and I mostly dislike puzzles in video games. There is nothing wrong with puzzles, but I play Dragon Age to fight Darkspawn and Dragons, not to solve busywork. How is the final boss for Mark of the Assassin? I'm still in shock at Corypheus for the Legacy dlc. Can I handle the Mark of the Assassin's difficulty? My main party members I used in Legacy, are currently level 15. Hawke, Merrill (who I have romanced) , Varric,  and Aveline.

 

After Mark of the Assassin, I plan to finish up the main story. I'm on the final mission of Act 2.

 

How am I doing?

[Elhanan]

MotA has some of the better Boss fights in the game; much better than those of Legacy and Vanilla, IMO. And while I am nor into puzzles either, the ones in this DLC are fairly well made; not too annoying for those that simply wish to use walkthroughs and breeze thru them.

Did you encounter the secret Boss fight in Legacy? It is more enjoyable than the final one, in case you skipped it.

[Kantr]

Despite it's age Origins is still fun to play (however once you gone through one playthrough the "skip the fade" mod is very very useful)

 

 

The legacy DLC is probably the best. Mark of the Assassin was okay.

 

I didnt waste my money on the Starkhaven one.

[nightscrawl]

I want to start on Casual or Normal difficulty. If I had trouble with Origins on Casual, could I still enjoy this game? I've heard it is easier and more simplistic than Origins. I can testify to that, since I played it for a few hours, and it was more fun and easier, to me.

I think you should try the casual setting. Others in the thread have suggested normal, but why make it harder for yourself when you don't know if that is what will work for you? Start on the easiest setting and then go higher if you want more of a challenge.

I always play a new game on casual/easy. I want to experience the story rather than focus too much on combat, and also learn the various mechanics before moving to higher difficulties. I did play DA2 on casual the first couple of times and then moved to higher difficulties. Stay away from nightmare if you don't want friendly fire from spells and whatnot.

Also, which class should I use? I'm not positive, but I am leaning toward Warrior or Mage. Whatever makes the game the easiest.

I would suggest mage, primarily for the AOE, healing, and buffs. But since all three classes are among your companions you can try them out and see if they're to your liking.

I know some arguments people could form against me:  "You problably just suck". You know, that could be true. But I don't want to give up on the Dragon Age series. It has so much potential, and I don't want to abandon it. I'm willing to play on the easiest difficulty, and I don't normally like to do that!
 
"You problably just aren't meant for RPG's in general". Again, maybe true. But, I have enjoyed several RPG's, and spent hundreds of hours playing them, mainly Skyrim, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Borderlands 1 and 2, and dozens upon dozens of game, with heavy RPG elements.
 
Besides, I want to beat at LEAST 1 Dragon Age game, before I think about getting Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Is there any particular reason you feel this way about Dragon Age? Sure you like RPGs, but they're not all the same. You didn't name another BioWare RPG in your list. Have you played any besides the unfinished DAO? I've noticed that game studios, and even branches within those studios, tend to have their own personalities which are reflected in the games they make. It could just be that the folks at BioWare Edmonton just don't make game that you care for. It happens. You're not a failure as a gamer, or an RPG gamer, if you fail to like or be engaged by the DA games.

Before I start, is there any other advice, tips, or pointers, that you people can give me? Again, thank you all so much. I really do appreciate your help.

Regarding your experiences with DAO, I do want to ask how you are playing the game. Are you an OCD type that feels the need to do every quest, talk to every person, loot every body/chest, and see everything? If so, that may be part of your problem. The games scales mobs to your level, so you certainly don't need to grind out exp by completing quests and/or killing everything. You CAN ignore those fetch quests if you feel they are tedious.

Those types of quests are there for multiple reasons: to give you more exp/gold/gear, to introduce you to more people in the world, to give you avenues to role play your character and establish them as a person, to give you multiple things to aim for when you go into a dungeon like the Deep Roads, and to help the world feel alive with people that need different things and have different problems. But again, you don't need to do them.

DA2 also has fetch quests, and Kirkwall (and the surrounding area) is a much smaller environment to continually go through over three narrative acts, so you may find that tedious in a different way.

It is true that the combat of DA2 is faster paced and you might find it more to your liking, but there are good and bad fights in both games, so you'll just have to play and see.

My final question is about whether you are on console or PC. If on PC did you try using mods to spice up your DAO experience?

[Heisenburg_16]

I just now beat the main story mode for Dragon Age 2! Here are my stats:

 

It took me about 33 hours to do it. I played mostly on Normal difficulty. But on difficult battles, the Legacy dlc, and towards the end of the game, I played on Casual.

 

I skipped the Mark of the Assassin dlc. I played it for about 2 hours, before becoming annoyed with the puzzles, and reloading a save, from right before I started the dlc.

 

At the end of the game, I only had a handful of people, that still stood by me. I sided with the mages, against the Templars.

 

Isabela left during late act-2, stealing the book back, that the Qunari were after.

I can't exactly remember what happened to Sebastian.

I was forced to kill Fenris, when attacked by the Templars.

Carver did side with the Templars originally, but fought alongside me, in the final battle.

I let Anders go, and when he came back, allowed him to fight in the final battle.

 

My 3 companions were Merril, Varric, and Aveline.

 

I'm looking forward to Inquisition even more now. I'm getting the strategy guide, so I may want to play on Nightmare difficulty, since I'm more used to the gameplay, tactics, and micro-managing. But I may also just play on Casual. Or just some combination of switching difficulties. I appreciate that we can change difficulties on the fly, but I don't really like to do that. It makes me feel like I'm cheating, I'm not good enough at the game, I suck, etc.

[Darkly Tranquil]

I am near the end of Act 2.
I just finished the Legacy dlc. The final boss was very challenging for me. I'm still shocked that I got past it. On Casual difficulty. I feel like I suck at this game. But I still love it.

Corypheus is the most horribly designed boss in all of DA. His mechanics are completely unsuitable for a single player controlling four characters (since they go the wrong way in the maze and die in fire if you don't micro manage them) and the fight takes half an hour due to all the stopping and starting as you handhold them through the maze. It would be an excellent fight if you had four players each controlling one character, as would be the case in a WoW dungeon or raid (where a boss like this would be really good), but within the constraints of the DA controls, it's just a giant pain in the ass.

Personally, I didn't find him difficult, just incredibly tedious, but I do heroic raiding in WoW, which makes anything DA can throw at you seem like a joke in comparison.

[tirnoney]

I just now beat the main story mode for Dragon Age 2! Here are my stats:

It took me about 33 hours to do it. I played mostly on Normal difficulty. But on difficult battles, the Legacy dlc, and towards the end of the game, I played on Casual.

I skipped the Mark of the Assassin dlc. I played it for about 2 hours, before becoming annoyed with the puzzles, and reloading a save, from right before I started the dlc.

At the end of the game, I only had a handful of people, that still stood by me. I sided with the mages, against the Templars.

Isabela left during late act-2, stealing the book back, that the Qunari were after.
I can't exactly remember what happened to Sebastian.
I was forced to kill Fenris, when attacked by the Templars.
Carver did side with the Templars originally, but fought alongside me, in the final battle.
I let Anders go, and when he came back, allowed him to fight in the final battle.

My 3 companions were Merril, Varric, and Aveline.

I'm looking forward to Inquisition even more now. I'm getting the strategy guide, so I may want to play on Nightmare difficulty, since I'm more used to the gameplay, tactics, and micro-managing. But I may also just play on Casual. Or just some combination of switching difficulties. I appreciate that we can change difficulties on the fly, but I don't really like to do that. It makes me feel like I'm cheating, I'm not good enough at the game, I suck, etc.

I've never completed the puzzles in Mark of the Assassin. I just look up the solutions on the wiki and move on with the story. But I have a tendency to do that when developers decide to move from RPG to puzzle game for no good reason.

In my experience, Nightmare in DA2 is considerably more challenging than Hard. Like the difference between casual and hard. It requires a completely different playstyle. My first playthrough of Inquisition will probably be on normal so I can concentrate on the story.

[Elhanan]

Nightmare for DA2 adds Friendly Fire (yeah!) and Immunities to many opponents (pass). Personally, I recommend Hard Difficulty.

[WolfScar]

The majority of boss battles on Nightmare difficulty are more tedious than they are difficult. I did it once or twice and that was enough.

[Wafodie.]

I thought Dragon Age 2 had more balanced classes than DA Origins. IMO that made it the better game.

[Riven326]

I'm having a hard time playing through the game right now. There are too many side quests and not enough main quests; the main quests often feel like side quests. Clearing a mine or solving a murder is fine. But that shouldn't be the meat of the game.