Dragon Age II

 PC
User Score
4.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5052 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,397 out of 5052
  2. Mixed: 1,198 out of 5052
  3. Negative: 2,457 out of 5052
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  1. AgentLvi
    Jun 18, 2023
    8
    Great game. The story is decent. The scoring is great, visual is really amazing, the voice & sound is also amazing
  2. TianLong1
    Mar 31, 2023
    8
    Better graphics and more stylish fights than in Dragon Age origins, but you cant really move around the world like you did before because you are stuck in one city. The fight system is more action-focused and the animations are very cool, every hit feels impactful so i can see what the devs were going for. The relationship and romance system are still in the game and they can have anBetter graphics and more stylish fights than in Dragon Age origins, but you cant really move around the world like you did before because you are stuck in one city. The fight system is more action-focused and the animations are very cool, every hit feels impactful so i can see what the devs were going for. The relationship and romance system are still in the game and they can have an impact later on, the story is rather compelling because it makes you want to take side one way or the other.… Expand
  3. cheerful_dirge
    Dec 21, 2022
    8
    The game doesn't deserve so much hate. It's still a good game despite the small game world. The atmosphere, plot and companions are excellent.
  4. Hochbichler
    Jul 28, 2022
    8
    Dragon Age II is a second installment in the classic fantasy RPG series Dragon Age. It is set after the blight, in a different part of the world, you play a different character than in Dragon Age: Origins, but the overall Dragon Age atmosphere is still here. I want to start with the negatives this times. The most important one for me is pretty general. Several major game aspects areDragon Age II is a second installment in the classic fantasy RPG series Dragon Age. It is set after the blight, in a different part of the world, you play a different character than in Dragon Age: Origins, but the overall Dragon Age atmosphere is still here. I want to start with the negatives this times. The most important one for me is pretty general. Several major game aspects are simplified versions from the DA:O. Companions no longer have armor slots, only weapons and trinkets, that does not make any sense to me at all. The tactical view is mostly gone, AOE ridiculously sticks to targets, which will make your life hell. The intro/tutorial in the Ferelden mountains look terribly bleak, I remember I could not believe that this was supposed to be an improvement of DA:O the first time I played this game. All the dungeons and caves use the same model, just some doors are sometimes blocked. That also seems like a very amateurish idea. All in all, the developers rushed this game, developed it in a little over year and it shows. However it does not make the game bad, far from it. The companions are again great and you really built strong friendships and rivalries and romantic relationships with them, that is easily the strongest aspect of the game for me. I do not hate the idea that the game is set within one city, but I would expect more parts of the city to be explorable. The story happens over 6 years and deals mostly with the good old story of mages vs. templars. There is a number of well written and interesting side quests, which present you with the typical vast array of choices, some of which are pretty harsh. I really enjoyed that part. The enemies lack greater diversity and the fights can get repetitive. The game font sucks, should be replaced with DA:O font from a mod. The difficulty seems to be pretty balanced for an RPG. Also the very end does not make much sense and feels very forced if you side with the templars all the time. This game has plenty of Horse Armor type microtransactions, no SJW politics. I played on Nightmare difficulty. Total playtime with both major DLCs: 82 hours.

    DLCs: Many, many Horse Armor DLCs. Only major ones are:

    Legacy - A nice little dark excursion underground and foreshadowing for the Inquisition. This should have been the story of Corypheus. Final boss fight is by far the longest in the game.

    Mark of the Assassin - Qunari spy game in Orlais. This whole story seemed a little far-fetched and the she-elf is very annoying. Contains the most difficult fight in the entire game (for me) - sky cult arcane horror.

    The Exiled Prince - Adds a companion with an interesting backstory. Honestly, not anyone's favorite, but plays well into your anti-mage setup or as (poor) Varric substitution.

    Dragon Age II has plenty faults when compared to its predecessor, but strangely I still have a very good feeling from this playthrough. This is not the one that ruined Dragon Age. Final Verdict: 84 %    … Expand
  5. xboy1024
    Jul 19, 2022
    8
    Pros
    +Story
    +Gameplay

    Neutral
    Graphics

    Cons
    -Just a few locations
    -The same 2-3 cave and room types are used repeatedly
  6. hyoputer
    May 7, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story of Kirkwell was better than just saving world story. and I loved friendly/rivalry system. Dialogue words were still ambiguous, it's not good, I couldn't expect how Hawke said. And using same maps was very disappointed. But, It was great sequel of DAO.… Expand
  7. ANTtheKNEEEE
    Dec 6, 2021
    8
    Really not as bad as people make it out to be. It's only because of how good the first one is. It is definitely a downgrade but in my opinion, the combat is more fun, and the great lore and story are still there. The bads are just the limitations to the map/game world.
  8. Woolee
    Sep 29, 2021
    8
    Going into this game, I had extremely high hopes, most of which were smashed against the cliffs of mediocrity. Dragon Age II is nothing more than a half-hearted attempt to cash in on the incredible success that was Dragon Age: Origins. That said, the game has both positive and negative features that one must take into account.
  9. Asp_klg40
    Aug 10, 2021
    8
    The main plus in this game is that this is one of the few RPGs where you don't need to save the world. We play as an ordinary person with simple desires (status, money, position in society, love). This is what is lacking in RPG games - the ability to play as a human character and not just another superman. As for the minuses, enough has been written about them, I will not repeat myself
    ...
  10. zodak
    May 24, 2021
    8
    well, i completed DA2 yesterday and I can actually say for the most of the time I enjoyed it. maybe that's because I can overlook weaknesses. i know it has issues. you've seen one dungeon, you've seen them all. it's not as good as DAO, but the hard truth is, I still liked it nonetheless and that's all that matters to me. still has nice characters and let's be honest; who wouldn't reload awell, i completed DA2 yesterday and I can actually say for the most of the time I enjoyed it. maybe that's because I can overlook weaknesses. i know it has issues. you've seen one dungeon, you've seen them all. it's not as good as DAO, but the hard truth is, I still liked it nonetheless and that's all that matters to me. still has nice characters and let's be honest; who wouldn't reload a lot of times just to start a romance with Isabela.… Expand
  11. Topfpflanze
    Apr 21, 2021
    8
    Perhaps surprisingly, I find this game immersive and beautiful. Yet the story is so linear that every decision made by the player basically leads to the same result indiscriminately. Many scenes are cheaply made: copies of their predecessors, some well-known corridors taped shut, others opened. But it's all told in such a rousing way that it's still fun to play. Until, at the end, thePerhaps surprisingly, I find this game immersive and beautiful. Yet the story is so linear that every decision made by the player basically leads to the same result indiscriminately. Many scenes are cheaply made: copies of their predecessors, some well-known corridors taped shut, others opened. But it's all told in such a rousing way that it's still fun to play. Until, at the end, the difficulty level suddenly increases from "beginner" to "advanced". Maybe it's not a good role-playing game, but it's a great story told.… Expand
  12. gotterpotter56
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    Игра оказалась не так уж и плохой, как говорят другие. Из минусов: однообразные локации, тонны врагов (для меня это показалось минусом). Из плюсов : сюжет, красочная боевка, прописанные персонажи (это всегда был главный козырь bioware). В общем мне игра понравилась!Игра оказалась не так уж и плохой, как говорят другие. Из минусов: однообразные локации, тонны врагов (для меня это показалось минусом). Из плюсов : сюжет, красочная боевка, прописанные персонажи (это всегда был главный козырь bioware). В общем мне игра понравилась!
  13. TudorPopescu
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    Dragon Age: Origins was a stellar RPG and there were very high expectations for its sequel. So is Dragon Age II as good or even better than Origins? No, but I still think it's a competent RPG who deserves a chance. However, if you're expecting Dragon Age: Origins 2, then you'll probably be a bit disappointed by this one.

    The biggest change in Dragon Age II is the combat system. It's    Dragon Age: Origins was a stellar RPG and there were very high expectations for its sequel. So is Dragon Age II as good or even better than Origins? No, but I still think it's a competent RPG who deserves a chance. However, if you're expecting Dragon Age: Origins 2, then you'll probably be a bit disappointed by this one.

    The biggest change in Dragon Age II is the combat system. It's more fast-paced, less tactical, and more streamlined. The main character is also voiced now. These aren't inherently bad things, they're just different. Personally, I don't mind them.

    The new companions are easily the best thing in Dragon Age II. They're very interesting. I enjoyed building up my relationship with them and finding out more about them.

    What I didn't like was the fact there isn't a lot of geographic diversity. Pretty much the entire game takes place in one city. But to its credit, that does make sense in the context of the story.

    Dragon Age II is a good RPG. I had fun playing it. Most of the negative reactions are from people who wanted more Dragon Age: Origins. Dragon Age II isn't Origins. It's different. And not as good. But people are way too harsh on it. Give it a chance.    … Expand
  14. GVB
    Oct 30, 2020
    8
    So many bad critics for a great game... ok, i get it: it is not so good as DA: Origins, but it has a much more interesting main questline, and a much more focused story. So... an 8, maybe? The development of the game was rushed. And the companions are not as interesting/lovable as Origins or, of course, Inquisition, but even with that... It has some things that are brilliant.
  15. kabskannar12
    Apr 19, 2020
    8
    Despite being overshadowed by the first game, I find Dragon Age 2 as much fun as it is. Despite everything, this game is good and I definitely like to try it. It does not deserve all of the bad comments written about it.
  16. Hawk0
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Мне игра понравилась, довольно простой сюжет. Геимлей могло быть и лучше, за-то за ним интересно смотреть.
  17. Daggerrim
    Mar 19, 2019
    8
    The things I like and dislike about DA2
    Like 1. Great story
    Like 2. Great companions
    Like 3. Great level-up system

    Dislike 1. Gameplay
    Dislike 2. Cannot change armor for companions
    Dislike 3. Money is to easy to get and you never really spend it
  18. Ensaabahnur
    Mar 8, 2019
    8
    Good sequel to Dragon Age Origins but it feel more like a side story than a true sequel, but i still enjoyed it greatly. A bit annoying is the constant reuse of locations but i got over it.
  19. asunder
    Feb 28, 2019
    10
    Real fun playing as a mage, just bunch them up and roast 'em with firestorm & tempest, or auto atk with haste. Took about 30+ hrs ingame
  20. Karoli
    Aug 25, 2018
    8
    I was very disappointed the first time I tried this game. Then it grows on me after a while. To enjoy this game, you need to let go of Dragon Age: Origin and have 0 expectation, because it is different from the first game. You also need to correct some of its flaws with mods. The story is pretty good and the characters are very interesting. Far from being as memorable as the first one,I was very disappointed the first time I tried this game. Then it grows on me after a while. To enjoy this game, you need to let go of Dragon Age: Origin and have 0 expectation, because it is different from the first game. You also need to correct some of its flaws with mods. The story is pretty good and the characters are very interesting. Far from being as memorable as the first one, but decent if you take it for what it is. Still a shame that this game seems to be a rush job because it could have been a real masterpiece with a little more love...… Expand
  21. worshipthesquid
    Apr 20, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dragon Age II has a strong story, a decent combat system and an atmosphere and personality that endures in both characters and, despite its continuously recycled areas, setting. Moving from darkspawn to the threats of mage-Chantry conflict and international tensions played out on a local level was a good move that builds on the brilliant political elements of the first game and its DLC, allowing you to stick around for the effects of your actions on ordinary people by dint of more or less being one. Unfortunately, Dragon Age II doesn't take the opportunity to create more varied grinding combat encounters - and unlike the first game and its darkspawn, no theme of a huge, swarming, identical enemy is served by the repeated street thug encounters; crime in the city isn't even necessarily your enemy, story-wise. The written quests are generally good and story-contributing, though, the lore is conveyed engagingly through gameplay, and the main story and companion quests and story arcs are fun to play, well written and well acted. Perhaps most impressively, the game pulls off a story with themes - of the mage-templar issue, forgiveness and belonging - that seem complex rather than muddled while retaining a significant player influence on individual character arcs and direction.

    Overall: the gameplay (especially in combat) could fit the story better, and the repetitive environments generally fail to capitalise on the major theme of belonging and citizenship and the opportunities presented by a mostly static city setting by creating a strong sense of place, though the day/night map division is a step in the right direction. Maybe looting the same cave o' bandits ten times... reinforces... a sense of familiarity with your surroundings? Ugh no it's bad. But what comes out is a game that, impossibly, does a creditable job of not just continuing or repeating Origins' story but creating a new story that manages to keep and develop the down-to-earth, muddy feeling of the first game without sacrificing all of the far-reaching consequences and broader international story. Along with combat changes and the shift from a frequently traversed Ferelden-sized map to a game that takes place mostly in one city, this change from the first game's epic save-the-world scope to a smaller-scale, save-some-people-in-your-city story is probably responsible for a lot of disappointment with Dragon Age II, but for me it ultimately holds up well both as a sequel and as an individual game. I'm glad they put effort into making a markedly different game rather than capitalising on the success of the original by repeating a similar story.    … Expand
  22. RagingPoet
    Feb 6, 2018
    8
    Yes, it is worse than original Dragon Age, but it doesn't make it a bad game. It is still a good RPG but with smaller game world and less epic story.
  23. OberiousLocke
    Dec 14, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A sound improvement over 1st game. Graphical quality vastly improved despite being on the same engine. The terrain doesn't look so funky anymore, the armor is nice and varied (though this is mostly due to Allies having their own outfits that you can just upgrade with things instead)

    The gameplay is buttery smooth compared to Origins, so that you can now land more than one hit every hour or two as a warrior or rogue. Excellent, easily lovable characters, a fairly simple but well-written story that had me begging to slice up some Templar zealots by the end of it.

    I very much like how it did away with the black/white approval system from the first game, and how it actually remembers my personality choices (Sarcastic Hawke is best Hawke) and instead gives the Friend/Rival system where unless you go around murdering babies you don't really have to risk losing a team member, which is nice considering I successfully managed to lose my healer in Origins.

    They've still got the stat system, which I was never too keen on but it's been a bit simplified so if you want, you can just focus on the main stats for your class (Dexterity for rogue, for instance) but you'll probably have a bad time if you don't invest in stamina as a warrior or cunning as a rogue. On the upside the talent system just as good with different sets and playstyles to pick from. As a rogue you can play the silent killer brandishing daggers, the expert marksman with a bow, or one of the above augmented with stuns and smoke bombs.

    It does have some down sides when compared to the first game. You're still given 3 classes to pick from, but are locked into being a human instead of a elf or dwarf. It takes place in a relatively small area of the world of Thedas, in the Free March city of Kirkwall and the surrounding area. The thing about this is (and what some people seem to forget) that Origins was essentially just a bunch of prefab area's assembled in a few varied layouts, much like the original Mass Effect, so 2 still wins out over Origins for me. DA2 is still guilty of this, but to a lesser extent I feel like. I also feel that Kirkwall is a very engrossing place. Lowtown actually feels like a slum, Hightown actually feels like a rich snob's district. Given that part of the prologue and the first act, you are one of the people living in Lowtown, it really fits. I do feel like it's a bit easy to trivialize even the greatest of enemies, my rogue having knocked out a high dragon in about 30 seconds or less. There are also a few balance issues. I may have been building them wrong but both warrior and mages feel really wimpy, where in the first game both were perfectly overpowered and rogue was a bit weaker.

    Really, it's not as bad as people make it out to be, though. If you really loved Origins, chances are you'll enjoy the second one.    … Expand
  24. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    9
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  25. BilboBaggins123
    Nov 9, 2016
    8
    I dont understand why everyone hates this game. Sure origins is better but i have no regrets after playing this game and encourage everyone to try it.
  26. Azazelll
    Jul 14, 2016
    10
    After Dragon Age Inquisition I realized that Dragon age 2 is very good game. Arcade combat system, a lot of simplification of gameplay, but it is still the era of the dragon, dark, cruel, merciless. In contrast to the anime about a hero with a magic hand.
  27. FishForce
    May 22, 2016
    8
    I have played the entire game, and i have to say that this game is heavily underrated by the users.
    Ok the game starts very very very slow before the real story starts to begin what its really about.
    You wil see a lot of the same locations which is the downside of this game, but the ending story makes this entire game it well worth it... most of the negative users only play a part of the    I have played the entire game, and i have to say that this game is heavily underrated by the users.
    Ok the game starts very very very slow before the real story starts to begin what its really about.
    You wil see a lot of the same locations which is the downside of this game, but the ending story makes this entire game it well worth it... most of the negative users only play a part of the game but never really finish it.This game is no were worth a 0 to 4 ... which some user gave it...    … Expand
  28. moonlight_shado
    Dec 7, 2015
    8
    For me this game is amazing. It is really dark fantasy this time, not like before a cute pinky colors all the time and bad guys with lovely personality . Companions seems to be more realistic and well written. Varricks sense of humor is smashing and for other companions you really care about. In previous DA i didn't particularly like anyone, they all seems to be the same. Combat turn to aFor me this game is amazing. It is really dark fantasy this time, not like before a cute pinky colors all the time and bad guys with lovely personality . Companions seems to be more realistic and well written. Varricks sense of humor is smashing and for other companions you really care about. In previous DA i didn't particularly like anyone, they all seems to be the same. Combat turn to a full time action game which is good thing. Dont get me wrong im not fun of brainless action from slasher kind of game and i really love classics i.ex. BG2 but DA:O wasn't classic in the first place i found the exploration and combat management very unresponsive and scripted so much, so it is better this way where you can handel enemies like in the Witcher games or any proper action rpg game. Bioware tried something different this time and it worked for some people, but not necessary for fanboys who don't even try to see the beauty of this game because it is not Origins 2. Story (in a story :)) is separated from the previous and this time is more local. You are not the chosen one from the very beginning but you help more local folks and your self to begin with, to find a better life in this place of conflict. Im fidingt his part of DA to be deep, exciting and exactly to my liking. It's kinda Mass Effect 2 in the DA world. I only agree with the fact there is not much room for exploration. game looks unfinished and like the real potential is hiding there. One of a few games with very unfair score as it is a brilliant game with extraordinary story and gameplay.… Expand
  29. diaper
    Nov 27, 2015
    10
    A masterpiece. Unlike previous boring Bioware games like Mass Effect 1 and 2 and Dragon Age: Origins this game is actually fun and has fun gameplay. The characters are cool and it is just a great game. Also, it is better than the game Undertale.
  30. XxSoULxMaNxX
    Oct 25, 2015
    9
    The limited environment/game world is a negative. Otherwise, after enhancing just about every enhance-able aspect, who can deny the appeal of strange Merrill, Isabela (who basically forced me to "romance" her), getting the mansion, the Qunari in the city all with the fast-paced, no frills combat - this game is a solid, undeniable 9.
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PC Game of 2011
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Apr 18, 2011
    90
    Moving even further from the classic RPG, strong story and clever combat are nonetheless still found within Dragon Age II. [May 2011, p.52]
  2. Gaming Nexus
    Apr 12, 2011
    58
    Despite some advancement in storytelling approach and liberal borrowing from Bioware's Mass Effect approach to gameplay, Dragon Age 2 on the PC has a lot of bugs and is populated with re-used settings that make this feel like a play performed on a stage with two sets.
    Read full review
  3. CPUGamer
    Apr 11, 2011
    85
    For a rushed product that is still battling bugs, the currently offered product still provides 40 hours of challenging and engaging gameplay. This combines to provide a good, but not great gaming experience.
    Read full review
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