This installment of the Dragon Age games is filled with action.
The problem is that the new style of combat is both good and bad. It's good because it makes fighting more fast-paced than before and gives it more action but bad because it kind of makes you look like you are dancing, especially if you play as a thief or mage.
It has a more action packed combat system but it lacks the lore and storyline that Dragon Age Origins had. The story line is much less important in the history of the game and is not as epic as the first where you fought in the blight, instead you witness the rise from low class to champion of Kirkwall of Hawke.
That been said, this is still a very good game that will grab your attention. I would still recommend Origins before this one though.