Dragon Age 2

[Cuda1447]

I didn't see a thread (post release) for this game yet. There is one in PC Gaming, but this is Console gaming bitches, where's our thread?!?


Anyways, I was a huge fan of the original. One of a few games I've actually beaten in my time. Gameplay was fun, story was entertaining, just an all around very good game. I just recently started Dragon Age 2 and am thoroughly enjoying it. Very similar to the first, except the combat. It is different, but not in a bad way. I know the thread in PC Gaming is ragging on the game, but for 360, I think its excellent.

Anyone else getting a lot of enjoyment out of this game?

 

[smartpatrol]

I'm enjoying it as well. IMO a lot of the criticism is overblown. I love the faster-paced combat and the new character progression system. The cast of characters and the writing are top notch just like you'd expect from Bioware.

I honestly don't care so much about it being "dumbed down". My biggest gripe definitely is with the re-used environments and just the boring environments in general. They tried to invest so much into the city's "character" but it still feels so lifeless.

 

[Cuda1447]

I'm enjoying it as well. IMO a lot of the criticism is overblown. I love the faster-paced combat and the new character progression system. The cast of characters and the writing are top notch just like you'd expect from Bioware.

I honestly don't care so much about it being "dumbed down". My biggest gripe definitely is with the re-used environments and just the boring environments in general. They tried to invest so much into the city's "character" but it still feels so lifeless.

Yea, I was thinking that a lot of the areas looked very familiar. I suppose its because they are reused! All in all, it is just a little bit to similar, even though I realize it takes place at the same time as the first one in similar areas. But that isn't really limiting my enjoyment.

 

[BD2003]

Let me guess, you're only a few hours in? Right now, it's all still new to you. The combat is much improved, the dialogue is fairly interesting. But there's this feeling that the game hasn't really started yet, that you're just picking up characters and learning the ropes. You're doing a lot of fetch quests, leading up to this deep roads expedition. That's where the game really kicks off, right?

Wrong.

The deep roads are cool. Youll be so glad to finally leave kirkwall behind. And then when you finally emerge to the daylight you're...back in fucking Kirkwall? That's right, not only do they reuse caves, but you've already seen pretty much all the game has to offer. Youll be in that god forsaken city for the next 40 hours doing fetch quests. Your leveling will slow down, and you've already got a full arsenal of skills by level 10 anyway. There's barely any interesting loot to keep you going.

You're not going on a meaningful quest across a continent, meeting interesting people, trying to save the world. You're just some dude trying to solve some squabble in some run down lifeless city. It doesn't get better as it goes, it gets worse. I haven't finished the game, which is a rarity for me. I just endure another 20 hours in fucking Kirkwall. It's not a failure of game design, the underlying game is good, but it's just a rush job full of filler. No thanks.

What a let down this game was. I hope mass effect 3 doesn't suffer the same fate.

 

[Anneka]

Compared to the 1st this is a downfall;
But on the other hand if you liked the 1st you will love this "add-on" to

 

[Garou24]

Let me guess, you're only a few hours in? Right now, it's all still new to you. The combat is much improved, the dialogue is fairly interesting. But there's this feeling that the game hasn't really started yet, that you're just picking up characters and learning the ropes. You're doing a lot of fetch quests, leading up to this deep roads expedition. That's where the game really kicks off, right?

Wrong.

The deep roads are cool. Youll be so glad to finally leave kirkwall behind. And then when you finally emerge to the daylight you're...back in fucking Kirkwall? That's right, not only do they reuse caves, but you've already seen pretty much all the game has to offer. Youll be in that god forsaken city for the next 40 hours doing fetch quests. Your leveling will slow down, and you've already got a full arsenal of skills by level 10 anyway. There's barely any interesting loot to keep you going.

You're not going on a meaningful quest across a continent, meeting interesting people, trying to save the world. You're just some dude trying to solve some squabble in some run down lifeless city. It doesn't get better as it goes, it gets worse. I haven't finished the game, which is a rarity for me. I just endure another 20 hours in fucking Kirkwall. It's not a failure of game design, the underlying game is good, but it's just a rush job full of filler. No thanks.

What a let down this game was. I hope mass effect 3 doesn't suffer the same fate.

This.

I loved Dragon Age and I really wanted to love Dragon Age 2. But the story never really picks up like in the first game and the simple quests and reused zones gets old very fast. It reminded me of an MMO, where I start off at first level and the NPC wants me to go collect a shipment or go kill 6 wolves..... except I am this might hero of legend, but yet I continue to run simple meaningless odd jobs for people. Some Quests were fun and tied in with the characters. But the full story seems to just be a collection of quest archs that different people wrote. I missed the grand epic feel of the story from the first game. Add in the terrible reuse of zones and the game starts to lose its luster.

Combat was fun and I enjoyed the talents... but after it was all said and done I am kinda disappointed. After the first game I expected more, and I feel that this game didn't even meet the level of the first game. It seemed a big step backwards. And really scares me for the future of Mass Effect 3.

 

[Drako]

I've played it through twice, and I have to say it's really a mixed bag.

My biggest complaint, as with pretty much everyone else I've talked to about the game is the level reuse. You will visit the same areas over and over again. And even if they aren't the same areas, they will seem that way becuase they used the exact same level design with minor changes, like certain doors not opening, etc.

All in all a good game, but not nearly as epic as the first one.

 

[smartpatrol]

Let me guess, you're only a few hours in? Right now, it's all still new to you. The combat is much improved, the dialogue is fairly interesting. But there's this feeling that the game hasn't really started yet, that you're just picking up characters and learning the ropes. You're doing a lot of fetch quests, leading up to this deep roads expedition. That's where the game really kicks off, right?

Wrong.

The deep roads are cool. Youll be so glad to finally leave kirkwall behind. And then when you finally emerge to the daylight you're...back in fucking Kirkwall? That's right, not only do they reuse caves, but you've already seen pretty much all the game has to offer. Youll be in that god forsaken city for the next 40 hours doing fetch quests. Your leveling will slow down, and you've already got a full arsenal of skills by level 10 anyway. There's barely any interesting loot to keep you going.

You're not going on a meaningful quest across a continent, meeting interesting people, trying to save the world. You're just some dude trying to solve some squabble in some run down lifeless city. It doesn't get better as it goes, it gets worse. I haven't finished the game, which is a rarity for me. I just endure another 20 hours in fucking Kirkwall. It's not a failure of game design, the underlying game is good, but it's just a rush job full of filler. No thanks.

What a let down this game was. I hope mass effect 3 doesn't suffer the same fate.

Damn. I just got back from the deep roads expedition. I couldn't believe how short it was. This is supposed to be some enormous network of tunnels that has existed for many centuries, yet your "quest" is like 30 minutes of exploring maybe 5-6 rooms. It's about as far from "epic" as possible.

What a joke. The more I play, the less impressed I am with Bioware. Dragon Age 2 is an obvious rush job. The sad thing is, Bioware has been cranking out hit after hit. There was absolutely NO reason for them to rush DA2 out the door in this state. It's not like they needed to make a quick buck.

Oh well, I guess we can add Bioware to the LONG list of great gaming studios that EA has systematically destroyed.

 

[American Gunner]

Damn. I just got back from the deep roads expedition. I couldn't believe how short it was. This is supposed to be some enormous network of tunnels that has existed for many centuries, yet your "quest" is like 30 minutes of exploring maybe 5-6 rooms. It's about as far from "epic" as possible.

What a joke. The more I play, the less impressed I am with Bioware. Dragon Age 2 is an obvious rush job. The sad thing is, Bioware has been cranking out hit after hit. There was absolutely NO reason for them to rush DA2 out the door in this state. It's not like they needed to make a quick buck.

Oh well, I guess we can add Bioware to the LONG list of great gaming studios that EA has systematically destroyed.

Sorry, but they have one game that has issues, and they have been destroyed? Mass Effect 2 is still better than most games being released this year. I will wait to pass judgement on a studio until I see that it is a habitual problem.

 

[Cuda1447]

Damn. I just got back from the deep roads expedition. I couldn't believe how short it was. This is supposed to be some enormous network of tunnels that has existed for many centuries, yet your "quest" is like 30 minutes of exploring maybe 5-6 rooms. It's about as far from "epic" as possible.

What a joke. The more I play, the less impressed I am with Bioware. Dragon Age 2 is an obvious rush job. The sad thing is, Bioware has been cranking out hit after hit. There was absolutely NO reason for them to rush DA2 out the door in this state. It's not like they needed to make a quick buck.

Oh well, I guess we can add Bioware to the LONG list of great gaming studios that EA has systematically destroyed.

Yea, I just finished Deep Roads as well. I actually took me time getting there thinking, ok, this is where the game really kicks off. I'm not coming back to Kirkwall for awhile and I want to make sure I'm strong enough. Was it even 30 minutes down there? I'm not sure. Now that I'm out I'm eager to get on with the 'real' game and stop doing side quests... is there a real game?

I'm starting to get worried.

 

[smartpatrol]

Yea, I just finished Deep Roads as well. I actually took me time getting there thinking, ok, this is where the game really kicks off. I'm not coming back to Kirkwall for awhile and I want to make sure I'm strong enough. Was it even 30 minutes down there? I'm not sure. Now that I'm out I'm eager to get on with the 'real' game and stop doing side quests... is there a real game?

I'm starting to get worried.

Ugh. There's nothing worse than playing a game hoping to get to the "good part", only to realize that it will never come.

That's how I'm starting to feel with DA2.

 

[BD2003]

Yea, I just finished Deep Roads as well. I actually took me time getting there thinking, ok, this is where the game really kicks off. I'm not coming back to Kirkwall for awhile and I want to make sure I'm strong enough. Was it even 30 minutes down there? I'm not sure. Now that I'm out I'm eager to get on with the 'real' game and stop doing side quests... is there a real game?

I'm starting to get worried.

You've already finished the real game. Get prepared to play it over with a slightly different story. Still fetch quests in the same city and caves. Still using the same spells against the same random mob of dudes. I'll be surprised if you can make it through the rest.

 

[American Gunner]

I loved the first, but I haven't played the second in awhile. I finished the Deep Roads Expedition and got to the next part and was pretty dissappointed myself. Maybe after I finish Uncharted 2 I will jump back on it, but I don't have any interest right now.

 

[BD2003]

Yeah, I mean the only thing that even got me as far as the deep roads was the thought that once it was through, I'd be out of Kirkwall and out into the world, the real game beginning. I already was getting tired at that point. Once I got back to Kirkwall I googled and found out that the rest of the game took place there. I powered through for a few more hours but just lost interest cause I was doing the same ol shit again. I just can't drag myself through this for another 20+ hours. Could have been a solid 15 hour experience, but the filler dilutes it to the point that it's completely a waste.

 

[Dumac]

My biggest disappointment since Oblivion.

 

[Drako]

My biggest disappointment since Oblivion.

Wat?

What was wrong with Oblivion?

 

[Dumac]

Wat?

What was wrong with Oblivion?

Another topic for another thread The feeling of disappointment that many people have with DA2 in regards to DA:O is how I felt with Oblivion in regards of Daggerfall/Morrowind. The feeling was more poignant in regards to Oblivion though, as I had plenty of warning that DA2 was gonna suck so I had time to prepare myself mentally.

 

[Looney]

I love DA2. I love how they've 'Mass Effect' it. Combat is much faster and more fun. I love how they've given more tactics slots, i'm never short on them now and they are so important to how you want your party to act.

I especially like the characters and story. Aveline is an awesome tank. Anders is a bit weak as a healer, wish he had more healing type spells similar to DA1. Bethany could have been a better character, and could certainly have used more dialogue/personal quests. Isabela is awesome, and she looks fantastic. And of course Varric. I wasn't keen on him at first, but him and Bianca kick ass.

I love Bioware games for their characters and dialogue, and they sure lived up to those expectations. I think it was a great idea to 'Mass Effect' the game and given voice to Hawke.

I'm on Hard with a DW scout, and the game is INCREDIBLY easy. I've only had trouble with the rock wraith and the Qun leader (in solo combat), but after a few deaths i figured out the strats and it was easy. I'll go on Nightmare next with a 2H warrior next i think.

Gear has been pretty disappointing though. I just entered ACT 3 and i still haven't found the class BP yet, been wearing the Superior Dwarven Leather, which looks like bland newbie armor.

I've been a fan of Bioware since Baldurs Gate. I've enjoyed NWN, KOTOR, ME, all their games i've touched. And DA2 is no exception. It's just gotten better and better and more refined with each new IP/game.

I do have some complaints, not so much with the game but the 'extra' content. The Emporium is cool, but the prices are far too high IMO. I wish they would make gear cheaper or make money less scarce. Sebastian DLC should have came with the game. I don't mind DLC, and in fact i love them, they keep the game fresh and increases the replay value, but Sebastian should have came with the original game as a key code. It would make the new value of a game more worthwhile than a used copy, similar to how the Stone Prisoner for DA1 was.

 

[Doppel]

Bought this yesterday for 360 because it's $19.99 at Best Buy right now. I knew IGN liked it a lot, so I bought it. Before opening it I DLed the demo and it was ok (but only played briefly), so I thought ok I'll play. Here are my current thoughts about 2.5 hours in:

1) Playing this AFTER Skyrim was a huge mistake. It feels about 5 years old. The graphics are much worse and in its entirety it feels way less polished
2) It's absurdly linear. I hope that changes.
3) It's not really a game, but rather a sequence of cut scenes. I'd say 60% of it is just dialog. Even if I'm wrong, that's what it seems like. I hope that changes.
4) After the first hour I felt quite bored. A very strange impression after a new game. I then played the next hour or so and instead of playing now I'm watching some crap tv and surfing the net. I hope it gets better and I wonder if I've just read too many negative reviews to enjoy it now.

 

[micrometers]

I almost bought it in the $5 sale, but then I remembered how much I loathed the original. I probably would like DA2 more than DA1, but beyond that the setting and story was lousy. The only good thing about DA1 was Morrigan.

 

[alkemyst]

DA2 was not as good as DA1...for those saying DA1 had a terrible story/interaction, you probably want to stick with real time/FPS type games aka hack and slashes.

 

[micrometers]

Hey, I adored the KOTOR games. They were amazing at the time. It's just that DA's combat is just so damn clunky and slow. And the conversation system is over-wrought and a little too "renaissance faire" for my tastes. And the darkspawn are such a stupid and cliche'd enemy.

 

[BD2003]

Bought this yesterday for 360 because it's $19.99 at Best Buy right now. I knew IGN liked it a lot, so I bought it. Before opening it I DLed the demo and it was ok (but only played briefly), so I thought ok I'll play. Here are my current thoughts about 2.5 hours in:

1) Playing this AFTER Skyrim was a huge mistake. It feels about 5 years old. The graphics are much worse and in its entirety it feels way less polished
2) It's absurdly linear. I hope that changes.
3) It's not really a game, but rather a sequence of cut scenes. I'd say 60% of it is just dialog. Even if I'm wrong, that's what it seems like. I hope that changes.
4) After the first hour I felt quite bored. A very strange impression after a new game. I then played the next hour or so and instead of playing now I'm watching some crap tv and surfing the net. I hope it gets better and I wonder if I've just read too many negative reviews to enjoy it now.

I assure you that it only gets worse. Its not a game that picks up steam.

 

[mOeeOm]

Bought this yesterday for 360 because it's $19.99 at Best Buy right now. I knew IGN liked it a lot, so I bought it. Before opening it I DLed the demo and it was ok (but only played briefly), so I thought ok I'll play. Here are my current thoughts about 2.5 hours in:

1) Playing this AFTER Skyrim was a huge mistake. It feels about 5 years old. The graphics are much worse and in its entirety it feels way less polished
2) It's absurdly linear. I hope that changes.
3) It's not really a game, but rather a sequence of cut scenes. I'd say 60% of it is just dialog. Even if I'm wrong, that's what it seems like. I hope that changes.
4) After the first hour I felt quite bored. A very strange impression after a new game. I then played the next hour or so and instead of playing now I'm watching some crap tv and surfing the net. I hope it gets better and I wonder if I've just read too many negative reviews to enjoy it now.

Just beat it, took me 28 hours to do pretty much 100% with all dlc.

1) Yup
2) Nope, doesnt change. The whole time you are in Kirkwall, it feels like you do a bunch of chores for ppl, then you do chores for higher ranked people to move the main plot.
3) It doesn't, enjoy.
4) If you hated the first hour...I really liked act 1, took me 11 hours. Then I started act 2, and then realized I'm still in Kirkwall. Forced myself to beat it prob give the game a 6.5

 

[Doppel]

Just beat it, took me 28 hours to do pretty much 100% with all dlc.

1) Yup
2) Nope, doesnt change. The whole time you are in Kirkwall, it feels like you do a bunch of chores for ppl, then you do chores for higher ranked people to move the main plot.
3) It doesn't, enjoy.
4) If you hated the first hour...I really liked act 1, took me 11 hours. Then I started act 2, and then realized I'm still in Kirkwall. Forced myself to beat it prob give the game a 6.5

It's been said before and will be again...and I'll give it another hour or so, but damn. What an incredible fail. A friend was going nuts raving about Dragon Age origins that his wife and he were totally addicted to and I thought well DA2 is out now and has been decently rated so I'll get that instead. Oh well... at least it was only $20 and I can sell it for 10 Was a bit of a red flag that a game only 10 months old had already dropped from $60 to $20.