While still an enjoyable and epic quest, I feel obligated to warn my peers about this game and its shortcomings.
First though, a little background on myself. The first Bioware game I ever played was the first Knights of the Old Republic game. Though I was a little skeptical prior to playing it (being used to more flashy JRPGs), but I instantly fell in love with it and lost two weeks of my life running straight through the game twice. Needless to say, the same thing happened to me when KOTOR II came out...and when Jade Empire came out...and ofcourse when Mass Effect came out (can't wait for the sequal!). Very few games enthrall me and utterly absorb me like the masterworks of Bioware succeed in doing every time. So as you could probably ascertain, it was no surprise when I went out and nabbed the console version of Dragon Age Origins upon release.
I saw in reviews that the PC version was clearly superior, but I didn't think anything of it, as I've always regarded PC gamers as presumptuous elitists and this didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. Personally, I've never been able to get into PC RPGs. Tried many times, but never could, I like being reclined on a sofa and regard gaming as a relaxing off time. Huddling over a PC and peering into a small screen never did it for me. Thus, I've never played the PC classics of Bioware and it was a no decision what version of the game I was picking up. I picked up the PS3 version because that is my favorite console at the moment and reviews stated this version superior to the 360.
With that in mind, I'm probably going to have to concede this one as well to the upity PC gaming race. Sadly, Bioware has released an unfinished inferior console product when compared to the options of its PC counterpart. However, I feel this game is lacking in all versions when compared to previous titles from Bioware. Now keep in mind, that I'll still probably beat this game a couple times and enjoy the heck out it, but that doesn't mean its shortcomings aren't worth noting. And really there are no excuse for them, as they are areas Bioware excelled in previous games. They simply had to retain their strengths, but apparently that was just too much for the new team of EA (curse you...) and Bioware. If you'd like to find out what I'm talking about please read on and you'll get an honest unbiased opinion on what to expect from this game.
I decided to right this review in a similar form to a Q&A FAQ, as it seemed to fit my purpose for writing the review. Enjoy.
"Why is PC version of Dragon Age: Origins superior?"
Well, I haven't played the PC version yet, but this needs to be addressed clearly.
A) Less Glitchy given a satisfactory PC
B) More control over battlefield tactics
"Less Glitchy!? A PC game...you can't be serious?"
It really upsets me that this is the case, but it is. In the past, console games are way less glitchy than PC games. I mean, that was there main claim to fame over PCs. You can buy a fixed price console and be insured a fixed price quality gaming experience (on a tv ofcourse...). Where as PC gamers constantly have to upgrade and deal with the ups and downs of PC gaming. In this case, I don't have a good explanation as to why things are the way they are. To me, it just looks like more effort was put into the PC version of this game and the console versions were released for Dollar Bills $$ (thanks again EA....).
"Ok, I'll play along, why do you have more strategic control over battles in the PC version?"
The PC version of this game has a battle system similar to Baldur's Gate where you can pause the game and assign skills/moves in advance and then unpause and let your teams wreak the havoc of your undoubtedly genius strategery (thank you Mr. "W" Bush for that word). In my opinion, this simple real time battle system with the option to pause and select moves is the best RPG battle system every created. And it was present in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, except in this Bioware console classic the camera was closer to the character instead of zoomed out. Sound familiar? Well it should...this is the essential difference between the PC and console versions of this game as well. However, unlike KOTOR, you CAN'T SELECT SKILLS WHEN COMBAT IS PAUSED! And worse, to pause the game during combat to administer first aid or assess the situation you have to deal with this option wheel similar to the one in Mass Effect, except not as useful.
It just makes no sense to me. And since they didn't decide to include the option to pause the game and select your teams attacks and skills in the console version, the battle system feels more like an action RPG than a strategic RPG. You can switch characters during combat, but you can only activate skills of whom you control when unpaused. Battles move too quickly to attempt to control your whole team, so the best idea is to set your team mates AI and choose one character to control. This is still fun and superior to most games in my opinion as battles are fast, furious, and exciting. However, it is a big step backwards and thus disappointing.
"Hmm, well this is a PS3 game, I'm sure the graphics are stellar...right?"
I think it is time for a little reality check. We live in a materialistic society (this is a video game review...) and game producers have realized that they can slack in the graphics departments as they are 'good enough' and people will buy the game anyways. Unfortunately, they are right and this is a cycle that most products undergo in our capitalistic society. And most savvy gamers know EA is the master of this. I'm afraid their taint has touched Bioware, and may never go away.
The rendering and backgrounds in this game are simple, outdated, and were lazily slapped together. I personally feel original Xbox games from Bioware such as KOTOR I & II and Jade Empire did a better job...and I'm serious. While this isn't something that destroys the gaming experience, it is disappointing as the one of the main reasons I prefer an RPG over a good book are the beautiful aesthetics. They do matter, and while it may not affect sales right now, over time gamers will start to take note...mark my words EA.
On a positive note, the character models are still very good. A step backwards from Mass Effect, but not a huge one. Since you have to stare at plenty of character close ups throughout this game, detailed characters were definitely a must, and in this department, they did deliver...or at least they did enough not to fail.
And an a even more positive note. Menu's, loading screens, and cut scenes all look outstanding. All part of the EA formula, draw the masses in with flash. While I don't approve of the distribution of effort, I'm glad to see it did go somewhere.
"Bioware has always had beautiful musical scores, no change here I'm assuming, right?"
The music is fantastic, again....not as good as previous Bioware titles, but way ahead of most other games. I found the intense music eerily similar to Lord of the Rings and the battle music was appropriately gritty matching the mid evil atmosphere.
"Well, you're quite a nitpicker, you have anything else about this game you want to put down?"
Inevitably, you're noticing a theme that I made no attempt to hide from the beginning of the review. It is clear less effort was put into this game and it's nuances than other Bioware entries. And not only that, they omitted great ideas implemented in previous Bioware titles.
The most disappointing omission has to be that of the 'good or evil' mechanic prominent in every Bioware console release. Conversations seem to play out in the same manner allowing you to take the role of being good, evil, indifferent, or just plain greedy, but there isn't a system in place to motivate you to be pure good or pure evil...thus leaving you with indifferent or greedy bastard. I really enjoyed taking the black and white roles and the impact this had on your gameplay. So while some people may enjoy to not have it there, I don't.
The other shortcomings are primarily in comparison to the other most recent 'next gen' Bioware release in Mass Effect. Mass Effect had stellar additions in an informational codex that was fully voice acted and a revolutionary conversation mechanic (making conversations flow more naturally). Dragon Age shares the codex, but it is no longer voice acted, a touch I appreciated. And the conversation mechanic has gone back to the old school method. While it is one of the most of enjoyable parts of the game still, why not try to take some piece of Mass Effects conversation mechanic and implement it in this game. It just doesn't make sense, if you're not going to make an attempt to move forward at least try not to fall backwards.
"Huh, are you trying to say that I shouldn't play this game then? Cause that's kind of what it sounds like so far..."
My goal of this review was simply to keep peoples expectations realistic going into this game. While I'm very disappointed for the aforementioned reasons, I'm still enjoying the game a lot. Bioware does a better job than anyone at immersing you in a detailed universe and storyline and maintaining your constant attention with humor, romance, and a since of importance. Completing even the smallest side quest comes with an incredibly high level of satisfaction.
The story in Dragon Age borrows elements from Lord of the Rings, The Song of Fire and Ice Series, and Wheel of Time Series (all books). While it may be a bit cliched, I don't think that takes at all away from the world created, or the story interwoven into it. The characters are brought to life wonderfully over the course of this tale, and make this wonderfully executed plot a joy to experience.
You can play the game starting from several different origins (thus lending its name to the game). To be specific, as a noble or common human, noble or common elf, as a noble or common dwarf, or as a mage in training (human or elf). That is seven different perspectives, eight if you count both human and elf mages. Each perspective provides a different experience on your quest, especially in the beginning. With the extensive length of this game, that provides a ton of replay value.
I'm a huge fan of the fast pace of battles and more importantly the lack of downtime between fights. You regenerate health fast and downed characters get up instantly once a fight is over. It is always annoying to have to spend more time recovering from fights than actually fighting. The three classes (rogue, warrior, and mage) all have a variety of useful and satisfying techniques and many different ways to build and specialize in each class. This alone gives a lot of replay value to the game.
"Good to hear it's still a fun game, any closing comments?"
I went into this game expecting the same experience I got from the previous entries in the Bioware console releases I've come to expect. Unfortunately, this is simply an inferior release to the game that was made for the PC as a ode to Baldur's Gate. Aside from that, this game took many other steps backward and simply exuded laziness in production values compared to other games and the previously exemplary Bioware work.
That aside, this is still an enjoyably game that puts you in a universe that can be described as nothing less than immersive and addictive. Combat is face paced and if you aren't too off put by the shortcomings there is hours and hours of gameplay to be enjoyed and reasons to enjoy it over and over again. I might not be able to stomach its shortcomings over multiple playthroughs, but even one playthrough could run you over 50 hours.
With tempered expectation and an open mind, this is still a game I'd recommend to my friends. And I have a feeling they'll release a patch to help fix the console versions shortcomings when compared to the PC version. But the taint of EA is already starting to show and it is disconcerting. With that said, I'll repeat what I said earlier. Maybe people haven't caught on yet, but eventually people will and it will come back to haunt you EA.
'The Rundown'
Gameplay: 7.5
Graphics: 7.0
Sound: 8.5
Story: 9.0
Replay Value: 9.5
Intangibles: 7.5
Final Verdict: 8.0