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[Dale]

I discovered DAO after I finished playing Mass Effect-3 (mid 2014).   At that time I was stunned at the abomination of such an ending in ME3 so I went to the very first Origin forum post of ME3 to see what folks were saying back then.   There, numerous folks were making GOOD references to DAO and how much more intelligently written the story was.

 

Likely others have said similar things on this forum – so here goes anyway:   According to the release dates:

 

2010-Jan: Mass Effect2

2010-Nov:DAO

2011-Mar:Mass Effect3

 

Looks like lots overlap going on in Bioware then.   I’m truly blown away at the one-for-one similarities that DAO has with ME2 + ME3.   Looks like one is a clone of the other – with some differences but with the same main themes.    However, in my opinion, there is a BIG difference between the two: 

 

The protagonist in ME developed some solid relationships with most ALL his 12+ team members OVER THE YEARS.   Alternatively in DAO, I didn’t see that happen – other than perhaps romancing one teammate -- and somewhat shallow at that.  Contrast that with FEMshep & Garrus dancing the tango & other romantic conversations & being alone together.  In short, the bottom line (for me) is that it wouldn’t matter if Aedan perished in the end for such a “noble” cause.   Same for Deus Ex1 and other stand-alone games that you play in a week or two.    Emotional?   Irrelevant.

 

It’s quite another story altogether when folks develop an emotional bond over the YEARS from ME1 to ME2 to ME3.   To kill off the hero (transform, synthesize, whatever) after that much time -- was a backfire Biroware didn’t count on.   The repercussions of such -- are not just “I’m not going to patronize Bioware again” – but active & aggressive hate campaigns.   Hopefully the gaming industry has noticed the fasted devalued game in history (ME3).  It could have easily been a 98 metascore & game of the year.  My analogy: a Rolls Royce without a muffler.  800 million opinions on how it should have “ended”.   Any "ending" opinions here with DAO?

 

From what I’ve read on the forum (Origin & Steam), I probably will NOT purchase the sequels of Dragon Age.   I think DAO is a FINE game with splendid graphics, attention to detail, superb voice acting, various choices given to the player, great music & things that spark the imagination.   I’m quite fond of it.

 

I won’t soil this note with the unrealistic puzzles.  I’ve played Myst1,2,3 and those are strictly puzzle games.   I’ve only been stuck ONCE in those games – however the puzzles in DAO are not intuitive (IMO) and some with 5x5x5 combinations is not intelligent.   I have better things to do than try 125 combinations to a so-called puzzle.   Likely some of you are more wonderful & wise than I.

 

I romanced Morrigan – I wondered if she was really human – however she did not betray me in the end as I expected.   I saw her struggle with her new-found emotions for the first time.  Her “ice queen” attitude was obviously a defensive shell to the threat of Templars (Alistair) and Chantry (Leliana).  It was fun to see them argue.  Voice for this character was just excellent.   Reminds me of Miranda.

 

My next playthrough will romance Leliana – she’s a real sweetheart if there ever was one (IMO)   – like Kelly (in ME2).    I’ve not assessed her accent.  Not British.   Might be Aussie or Kiwi.

 

Alistair needs a spanking for having a tantrum because I voted him to sit on the throne & marry the lovely queen.   What a fantasy:  they both get to do what they want to do.  She governs; he travels.  It would have been nice to see Alistair’s sister (reconciled) at the coronation.

 

More than just the story of the game -- are the varied OPINIONS of the players on this forum.   Since I’m somewhat well-versed in brain psychology, I can clearly see those who fall into the upper-left, lower-left, upper-right, & lower-right brain dominance.  

 

For example the thread of “Should Loghain Live or Die? ” is an interesting read.   For upper-left brained, the OBJECTIVE is the only thing that matters.   Alternatively, for lower-right: “this satan must die!”.   Lower-left: “if this character if left to live – he will certainly stab us in the back the first opportunity he gets as you can’t change the spots on a leopard”.

 

I was hoping for a Nexus mod that shows a SLO-MO vid of my sword going through both Howe’s & Loghain’s necks – as their heads slowly fly through the air to the other side of the room…and the option to replay it in a LOOP.   Guess what brain dominance I am…

 

Loghain’s rebuttal at the Landmeeting (about slavery) was “there must be some sacrifices”.      This reminds me of some politicians (in REAL life) that have mastered the art of SPIN.   But then, drill down deeper:  guess where they LEARNED the art of spin?   I'll let you connect the dots.   The voice & animation on this character are superb!     I could go on – but most folks don’t care to read more than 2 lines of a post.

 

DAO: excellent work there Bioware.  

[mousestalker]

I enjoyed reading your reactions. Thank you. Enjoy your upcoming romance with Leliana. There is more to her than meets the eye.

[sylvanaerie]

Leliana is Ferelden by birth, Orlesian by upbringing (which is loosely based off France), and her voice actress is Corinne Kempa, who is a French actress.  And I agree, she's adorable.

 

http://dragonage.wik...i/Corinne_Kempa

[caradoc2000]

2010-Nov:DAO

DAO was released in Nov 2009.

[Monica21]

Great observations, and I agree about Leliana. (But not about Loghain. )

 

If you happen to catch a sale, I think it's worth giving DA2 a try. Despite the dialogue wheel issues I think it actually has some very good writing and storytelling. The painful thing for me is that it's fairly clear that this was not the product Bioware wanted to release, whatever they might say. It was obviously rushed, to its detriment, and could have made for a truly great game. There are a lot of unanswered questions that lead you into Inquisition.

 

Thedas is a big world. There's a lot going on.

[Dale]

Leliana is Ferelden by birth, Orlesian by upbringing (which is loosely based off France), and her voice actress is Corinne Kempa, who is a French actress.  And I agree, she's adorable.

 

http://dragonage.wik...i/Corinne_Kempa

Thank you sylvanaerie.  The more I hear her speak (and pronounce French words with "regular" ease)  -- the more I got the feeling she was raised French -- and learned English at an early age.   So there is a "taint" of a French accent.  

 

Even though I implemented a "gorgeous" mod -- it doesn't look like her.   I think I'll disable it. 

 

Speaking of "adorable" -- when Dagna asked me to speak to the Circle of Mages for her application -- well -- perhaps it's the father figure in me -- but Dagna just melted me all over the floor -- then immediately followed by Leliana's statement "She's [Dagna] is just adorable".     It guess it takes one to recognize one...and I'm such a pushover.

[Dale]

DAO was released in Nov 2009.

Yes caradoc2000.   The original version is as you indicated.   Since I purchased this on Steam, it shows 2010-Oct for the DAO Ultimate version (which I have).

 

In my humble expert opinion, GREAT games are eternal.  So how old they are (to me) is not an issue & I don't care about the price of a game -- however I wait a year or two (or 3) for good reasons:  (1) fixes (2) DLCs (3) mods.    I've bought about 8-9 games that I've not even played yet.  Next will be Skyrim.   My older brother has played that 9 times.  I'm trying to get him to play ME.  

 

A game I think the forum readers here might be interested in is Dishonored.  Of some 150+ games I've played, this blew me away.  For those not familiar, it allows you to think in 3D with the ability to "blink" (instantly transport) short distances (rooftops, balconies) -- and depending on other abilities, see thru walls & with those abilities come commensurate challenges.   Ultimate stealth.   If you like Sam Fisher, you'll like Dishonored.  Alternatively, if you like to shoot everything that moves, then you won't.  Make sure to get the 3 DLCs & play on INSANE.  After a LONG time -- when you think the game is over --- well, you're only half-way through.

 

I was tempted to play nothing but that 900 times (like some folks do here).   But then, I would have missed out on great games like DAO and ME.

[mousestalker]

Yes caradoc2000.   The original version is as you indicated.   Since I purchased this on Steam, it shows 2010-Oct for the DAO Ultimate version (which I have).
 
In my humble expert opinion, GREAT games are eternal.  So how old they are (to me) is not an issue & I don't care about the price of a game -- however I wait a year or two (or 3) for good reasons:  (1) fixes (2) DLCs (3) mods.    I've bought about 8-9 games that I've not even played yet.  Next will be Skyrim.   My older brother has played that 9 times.  I'm trying to get him to play ME.  
 
A game I think the forum readers here might be interested in is Dishonored.  Of some 150+ games I've played, this blew me away.  For those not familiar, it allows you to think in 3D with the ability to "blink" (instantly transport) short distances (rooftops, balconies) -- and depending on other abilities, see thru walls & with those abilities come commensurate challenges.   Ultimate stealth.   If you like Sam Fisher, you'll like Dishonored.  Alternatively, if you like to shoot everything that moves, then you won't.  Make sure to get the 3 DLCs & play on INSANE.  After a LONG time -- when you think the game is over --- well, you're only half-way through.
 
I was tempted to play nothing but that 900 times (like some folks do here).   But then, I would have missed out on great games like DAO and ME.

How is it on plot? And how twitchy is it? Can you pause?

[Dale]

I enjoyed reading your reactions. Thank you. Enjoy your upcoming romance with Leliana. There is more to her than meets the eye.

Gee mousestalker,

for the first response to my first post (here on DAO) -- I was rather delighted with your warm welcome -- and likely from a grand master of the game.  

 

Usually the expected is the crass juvenile attitude of "and don't forget you're a rookie to this game".

 

You have my respect. Thank you.

[mousestalker]

You are very kind, sir.

Most people who post here are friendly and helpful. The antics are mostly reserved for the Off Topic area.

My only claim to expertise in the game is that I think I have made all the mistakes possible at this point.

[Dale]

How is it on plot? And how twitchy is it? Can you pause?

 

For you mousestalker, I'll pause & answer any question.

 

Since this is my 2nd round (currently stuck  -- can't read Banka's Journal) it's a little early to assess & give the appropriate credit.  Also I’m mindful of the experts of this game reading this.   If you'll permit me to ramble, I need to lay some foundation before my answers.  

 

Of my 4+ decades in the technical corporate world, I’ve spent 7 years of that in MARKETING -- and as you know, there are many aspects of that field.  Mine was COMPETITIVE marketing doing original technical research and attending regular technical conferences on the competitors.  As with any buyer, you've got to crawl into their heads and anticipate their concerns, likes, & dislikes.   Note on Youtube, the number of viewers for a particular video -- and note carefully the percentage of those who respond:  especially the PERCENTAGES of thumbs UP vs the thumbs DOWN.    That speaks volumes about human psychology.

 

That said, when investors pour megabucks into a game (note the long list of rolling credits) – that game cannot afford to be mediocre.  Like a doctorate thesis -- it must be excellent.   As I posted on the ME forum, every game developer (and supporting staff) needs a poster on their wall that says "we'll serve no wine before it's time".   Unfortunately with investors tapping their [greedy] foot -- that brings the demise of great games that are rushed.   I’m sure this infuriates all of us & shoots the investor in his own impatient foot.

 

Game marketing research (which now is not esoteric) shows most gamers are no longer gum-chewing cell phone idiots (though some grow up, they haven't wised up).  They have MONEY and are usually in their early 30's.   Plots like Zelda (Ocarina of Time) was fun when I played it -- but we now expect & demand MORE.  

 

There still is a market for those who feel "accomplished" playing king-of-the-hill games but keep in mind the financial aspects of the gaming industry.   I'm told that in 2011, the gaming industry made more bucks than the movie industry.   I instantly got a rebuttal about movie royalties & replay, etc, etc.   I don't care to argue or split hairs over that.   Gaming is BIG business – with the Hollywood Writer’s Guild writing compelling stories instead of computer geeks.

 

Understanding what makes a great game is FIRST understanding a little about ourselves.   I wrote a 2-page article on this on the ME forum with a little help from my older sister who has a PhD in psychology & another PhD in industrial management -- teaches at U of ABQ & Clovis.    From a marketing perspective, you know very well the various opinions (likes & dislikes) of the players as expressed on this forum.   For example there was a thread about LIKING or HATING a certain character.   I responded with “yes, I need to KISS  off every one of her freckles” followed immediately with “no, you need to SHOOT  off every one of those freckles”.   As a story writer, there is a tightrope to walk.

 

The POINT: you obviously will NEVER please everyone so you have to make a [real] calculated marketing decision to reach the MOST buyers -- and keep their loyalty which = $$$$.   Until players get a job & pay bills this note may seem like nonsense to them.   Alternatively, for those of us who do, all this may seem "common sense" but consider what MOST gamers like.   If you push your luck too far (with a plot), then it becomes a Myst1,2,3,4,5  where most folks will lose interest (which means lost $$$). 

 

Alternatively, too shallow, it gets lots of flak from the forum community (as bad writing theory).   Too RUSHED --  they catch hell.   For example, on ME3, I flippantly started a thread entitled “The most absurd statements in the game series”.   I didn’t think much of it … thinking it might get a response or two.  I had a few quotes like:

 

REAPER: we are your salvation through destruction.

Wut?

 

Well, it took off like a shot.  800+ posts and thousands of viewers.   If game research marketing folks do their homework, they STUDY forums like this.   Why so many absurd quotes?   Was the game rushed?   Why did it lack synergy?

 

Among the many attributes to the definition of someone being “intelligent” is CURIOUSITY.   If a game has another stupid Judas betrayal theme – well, that might be “gee whiz” to some --  but not much replay value.    Repetition gets old also:  monster falls out of ceiling, shoot monster, repeat 500x (Dead Space2) . 

 

To me, the most annoying part of a game is spending 80% of my time fiddle-farting around acquiring resources, leveling up, upgrading weapons – and 20% actually playing the game story.  Some like this – I don’t.   Granted, there might be some special items found in the game.  I like Splinter Cell.  Sam Fisher doesn’t need to “level up” because he’s already a highly-trained & skilled professional.  Focus 100% on the game story…instead of DUHH looting corpses & boxes & finding some boring place to sell them.

 

However if MYSTERY and INTRIGUE saturate the game, then there is a VARIABLE plot with various endings.  Some expert writers know how to exploit this (and I’m not talking about paragon vs renegade).   One game I played had FOUR (4) paths and 4 endings.

 

Meaningful relationships are VITALLY important too – more than just a teenager rolling in bed.   Developing relationships offer unfolding mystery & intrigue (nested inside the game) as you do different things with your team & as individuals.   On that point -- in all my years of gaming, there has NEVER been a game series like ME.   Nothing has even remotely come close when it comes to some 14 relationships.   IMO, it is so outstanding that I believe it to be a [blessed] mistake since it is unlikely anyone can be THAT brilliant – then it fizzled out at the end due to time-to-market pressures.   Damnation!

 

What DAO and ME have in common is that (in my opinion) we learned absolutely NOTHING about the bad boys -- except they’re coming to wipe us out.  All we did is run around amassing armies & resources to fight that “bad ‘ol puddy tat”.    

 

How about skillfully and stealthily infiltrate their innermost parts (darkspawn or reapers) and discover what is INSIDE of them?   Half the game devoted to just that – unfolding the mysteries within – instead of this double-crossing, back-stabbing [human] “bad boy” that needs a bloody nose (snore).    Instead, use the various knowledge learned from within to defeat them instead of “hot dang there Jethro, hit ‘em with the club!”  -- and feel like you've accomplished something.   Woopie!   If there was a DIALOGUE with the final dragon, I didn’t see it.

 

Some would say “leave it a mystery”.   Well, I’m not fooled with that.   Obviously an attempt at selling another sequel.   Time to end this note.   Hopefuly I didn’t bore you.   As I can expect, no matter what is discussed, there will ALWAYS be someone with a counter opinion.   From Bioware’s perspective, only $$$ speaks.

 

DAO is (and still is) very entertaining to me – but I wonder how much “intrigue” and “discovery” about the enemy is left to discover.   This is the difference between WORK and PLAY.

[sylvanaerie]

Thank you sylvanaerie.  The more I hear her speak (and pronounce French words with "regular" ease)  -- the more I got the feeling she was raised French -- and learned English at an early age.   So there is a "taint" of a French accent.  

 

Even though I implemented a "gorgeous" mod -- it doesn't look like her.   I think I'll disable it. 

 

Speaking of "adorable" -- when Dagna asked me to speak to the Circle of Mages for her application -- well -- perhaps it's the father figure in me -- but Dagna just melted me all over the floor -- then immediately followed by Leliana's statement "She's [Dagna] is just adorable".     It guess it takes one to recognize one...and I'm such a pushover.

 

I agree, Dagna is as adorable as a box of puppies!  When I was still playing Origins, I used her head morph as the basis to make my own dwarven ladies (with toolset).  

 

I did have a Leliana mod I created myself in toolset, but I thought her overall facial structure was gorgeous, so I never altered that.  I did enhance the makeup and eye texture for a more 'realistic' looking face and tinkered with hair from playthrough to playthrough, though she always stayed in shades of red from strawberry blonde to dark auburn.  Every pretty lady deserves to alter her hair every once in a while 

[gottaloveme]

I had never actually played rpg games before. I played DA2 first (not knowing a damn thing about it). Then on the strength of the Alistair cameo as king (default male Cousland HoF storyline) I bought DAO. My initial reactions were all emotional. Wow! OMG! WTF! Did I really just see that? Did I really just hear that?

 

So now I've played since September 2013 or so, gone and played all the ME games and come back to play DAI. Missed Alistair and have started (yet another) play through of Origins. It's all fresh and shiny and wonderful.

 

And yay to all the modders who tweaked and twarked and laboured to make some fab mods.