The Original Age of Dragons

User Rating: 9 | Dragon Age: Origins X360
Phew, it's been a long time since I've reviewed a game here on Gamespot, but now let's get right into it. Today, I finally finished Origins after 30-something hours. Let me tell you that it takes way longer to beat if you actually take the time to beat all the sidequests, but I grew impatient trying to find the place to trigger and move on into the sidequest. Anyways, I did try a couple of sidequests and when I say "couple," I don't just mean two. I mean, a few. Let me tell you that it's from the creators of Mass Effect, and that was one of the main reasons for my reason (LOL) of playing this game. The story was immersive and deep. There were so many things to explore and dwell deeper into the story with all of its' rich content. It really did remind me of Mass Effect, aside from the setting and gameplay. Now, let's get into it, shall we?

PROS:
Ah, the content. The greatest thing about RPG's are the content that they provide. As previously stated, this game contains so much rich and filled content that it would take hours upon hours to finish, not that I know. The story, once again, is great. There are three different ways, I believe, to approach the story of the game with three different origins of three different characters. I played as the default warrior and not the Mage or Rogue. So, I wouldn't know how that went out with player, but I will, for sure, check it out. The first few hours showed me more of the story, and I became so amazed by it with all of its' cutscenes especially the memorable recruitment meeting (No Spoilers). Anywho, the combat is something new to the table. So, that's always good and I enjoyed it, even if it wasn't that typical western RPG style of combat. The characters that travel with you will not be a bore. I can assure you of that as they actually have personality and will entertain you throughout with their one-liners or brief conversations between each other. You can also build a relationship with one of the females in your team (TIPS). That romance builds up towards the end, but the big tip is that you honestly don't really need to build a romantic relationship with Morrigan, but I'll leave that non-spoiler with you to figure out. Also, there are so many different races and creatures that it would amaze you. I dare you to open up the menu and look through every entry and read about every single species and location that exists in this game. I know I won't have the time to do that anytime soon, but that's always a plus. I'll let you figure out what difficulty to set this game on from the start. Remember that you can always switch it as the game advances. Although, I'll advise you that this game can be fairly difficult even on Normal and, at times, on Easy, especially if you're not at the proper and appropriate level. The quests are fairly varied, so that it doesn't become a repetitive bore. And I think that pretty much sums it all up for the pros. Now on to the...


CONS:
I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. Alright, I wasn't a big fan of the ending sums my feelings up for the ending (Haha). The ending was quite anti-climactic after such a rich story, but oh well...I'm awaiting Awakening and Dragon Age 2 and the DLC for both games! Honestly, there isn't much to complain about the game. Well, I just wish that they could make the game a little dumbed down. Sometimes, when I ran into trouble, I switched the game to Easy, and I even had trouble with that difficulty. So, it's as simple as it sounds. They should have kept the challenge for the hardcore players on the higher difficulties and a breeze for the casual players to just enter for the story. That's my only complaint, and I think it was a fairly decent game. I don't think it, by any means, surpasses the Mass Effect franchise for sure, but it's close up there, comparing the two stories.


FINAL COMMENTS:

As explained above, I enjoyed this decent game and will, most likely, be returning for the full experience with all the content that remains. I'll be, for sure, buying the DLC, including Awakening and will inform you on that. Other that that, I can't wait to play the second one. Random thought, but if you're the kind of guy that enjoys spending an excessive amount of time into a game, specifically an RPG, and if you're the kind of guy that enjoys going into a game, expecting a rich and deep story, then you should certainly check this one out.