It's a stripped-down version of Dragon Age Origins, and that will offend some. I was offended, but got over it.
This third time, I tried a wacked-out archer/assassin rouge, something I would have never considered before. It is amazingly fun. So fun that as I approached the end, I paid up for the Legacy and Mark of Assassin upgrades, just to keep this character going.
I said before, this isn't Dragon Age Origins, and that is true. It would be better if you had more choices in the main character's race. But Dragon Age 2's story line is wonderfully complex. (Well, go ahead and try to be on Meredith's side, without up-chucking.) That is probably the one flaw. There is no siding with Meredith. Grrrrr. I would cut her head off right now ... oh sorry, this is a review. The mages deserve dignity, people, and this is coming from an archer assassin! But it is heartfelt. A great game I will play again, this time as a two-hand warrior?
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This isn't Dragon Age Origins, and that is a disappointment. It is stripped down, simplified. At first, that was alarming and annoying. Why? I played Origins through four times and the add-on three times. There was ultimate re-playability, and I seriously doubt that is true of Dragon Age II.
Why? You are limited to a human character (thus no opening story line variations, and infinite reactions later.) Plus, you can't equip armor on your allies, although you can upgrade their armor.)
But ... This is still Dragon Age and it is massively fun. I have played only through Part 1, up to the Deep Roads expedition, and while at first I was annoyed by the new battle system, now I am seeing a lot of reasons to like it.
The quest-management system is 100x improved, so I was able to complete every single quest leading up to the Deep Roads. Thank you.
An initial negative was that battles happen so fast ... yikes. But you can still pause and manage your team, but you better pause a lot. It will be over quick.
Another initial negative that the 'standard play' level is very easy. I think I used about 4 injury kits all they way through Part 1. The original Origins was much harder on the standard level.
Why is it a good game? The questing system keeps you on track and focused. I am always looking forward to starting the game again and picking up. Isn't that the key to great gaming?
Why is it not perfect? The story line is not sensational. Good but not sensational.