Dragon Age: Origins

 PC
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4891 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,221 out of 4891
  2. Mixed: 414 out of 4891
  3. Negative: 256 out of 4891
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  1. Lone
    Nov 17, 2009
    6
    To start the rating of "6" does not equate to the typical failure associated with gamer site 60%. "5" would be fair, so in this case I felt DAO was overall a good game with some important flaws. This review is after a complete finish at about 58 hours with only about half a dozen minor courier-like quests not completed. Pros: Bioware continues to set the bar for role playing and character To start the rating of "6" does not equate to the typical failure associated with gamer site 60%. "5" would be fair, so in this case I felt DAO was overall a good game with some important flaws. This review is after a complete finish at about 58 hours with only about half a dozen minor courier-like quests not completed. Pros: Bioware continues to set the bar for role playing and character building. DAO has a great variety of characters, both player related and NPC. You are supplied with a wide variety of skills to build around and the game is designed as such that by the end you've created a uniquely competent group of adventurers with a lot of backstory. The majority of the voice acting is excellent and fit the character speaking very well. The environment and level design is engaging and well fleshed out. The Dwarven city and its related content was often beautiful in its scope. And while your path to a goal is fairly linear, as is with Bioware RPG releases, there is enough freedom, action, and circumstance that you dont feel confined by its design. Many locations are logical and you're ok with point A to B because its accomplishing a reasonable goal. Cons: Game play wise, there is a severe lean towards an 'A' team, the optimally grouping of classes and skills you need to use to progress. And forbid you run off or deny a key character into the fold because you may end up with a game breaking lack that others cant fill. For all the customization you do in the beginning, your own character just ends up as a cog that only a few NPCs fit to whether or not you like their personality or want to use them. Some battles are so overwhelming in their balance problems or the difficulty curve suddenly spikes that you play the reload dance until you get it just right (and the load times, even on a high-end PC, can be oppressive in that situation). At times you can hit literal soft walls where you've been led to believe by past experience that you're at level for that area but find yourself in an encounter (it could be the last 99% or even the zone start) that says "No, you cant do this now. Walk away and try again later". There were points Id experienced where I knew Id already completed a more difficult zone or fight and that I wasn't facing a harder challenge but just bad design. You begin to question if being let off the linear leash, even a little, was a good idea compared to this punch in your immersive gut. The story and world of DAO is straightforward fantasy. Do not expect to be introduced to much of anything outside of the typical Tolkien guide book. There is some twist of course and just enough to set it apart. None of that is really a con because it is so often done well. There is some debate about the constant attempts to get your notice of "premium" paid downloaded content. And there is some blatantly in-game deception that is forced on you based on your lack of familiarity in that specific circumstance. I can appreciate the attempt to introduce it in an organic way but not the length to which your led along the crumb trail. Ive played through a large portion of Bioware's RPG library; from Baulders Gate 2, NWN 1 & 2, to the Star Wars KOTOR franchise and Mass Effect. And while Ill repeat that they've continued to raise the RPG bar with DAO again in some respects some important elements gotten left at the wayside. I am a good gamer with a lot of experience and dont expect things to be perfect. What I do not like is pay out $50 (not an easy amount for me to dole out often) to be frustrated and denied a reasonable experience. I pay to be challenged and have an engaging, enjoyable one. By the very end of DAO Id stopped caring about loot or the story. All the past accomplishment, including the rush of a drawn out dragon encounter, just felt empty and I just forced it to be done. By the end I'd really liked to have seen some of that 50 back in my pocket and was curious how much of nearly 60 hours was really wasted on avoidable issues and watching a tribal tattoo spin in circles.… Expand
  2. Jet
    Nov 17, 2009
    10
    Just stopping by to say that DA rocks! If you love old BG series and the witcher, you'll bathe in sunlight in this latest title from Bioware.
  3. ThomasA
    Nov 16, 2009
    6
    Beautifully made, though I do not like the location based map setup much. An open world would have benefitted the game a lot. It has a bit of a "Quake level" type feeling to it. The story is good, though I can't say it really caught on. But that might just be me. Risk/reward ratio is screwy. After four hours of gameplay I have found two or three useful items. I found a thief Beautifully made, though I do not like the location based map setup much. An open world would have benefitted the game a lot. It has a bit of a "Quake level" type feeling to it. The story is good, though I can't say it really caught on. But that might just be me. Risk/reward ratio is screwy. After four hours of gameplay I have found two or three useful items. I found a thief character, I added to the party, but her skill has been too low for most chests so far. Currently my party has been outleved at every encouter for a while now, so that combat becomes very tedious micro management, especially in light of the usually non-existent rewards. It does not feel like accomplishment, but a fight for survival even on random encounters. Another big turn off for me is the bad AI. Actually, there isn't really an AI. Allowing the player to define NPC behavior was a good idea. Requiring the sacrifice of other character skills to improve said NPC behavior must rank among the worst ideas in gaming history. That and the limited selection of engagement options make difficult battles impossible without micro managing every party member. All in all I'm going to delete it after four hours of which only the first two had been fun. This game looks like it has potential, but at least with the path I took (which I think wasn't out of the ordinary) it fails to motivate me due to the aforemention risk/reward imbalance. If you have a lot of time and patience, go for it! If you are looking for some casual gaming fun, stay way! P.S.: No, I am not a n00b. ;-) I did not spent a whole lot of time trying to understand the inner working of the game, but I think if I cannot casually play a game successfully with over 20 years of gaming experience, then it's safe to say this is a game for hardcore gamers with a lot of time on their hands. Yeah, I know, it's my fault I got a job. ;-)… Expand
  4. N.Ja
    Nov 15, 2009
    10
    That game was so fun to play. It brings out again the good game I loved to play Baldur's gate but with nice graphics. Nice history and long play time. it's also nice to be able to play again.
  5. KevinH
    Nov 15, 2009
    9
    It's true there are very few boundaries broken, and the persistent gore is a little silly (but you can turn it off) But it is HUGE - and - polished, there are only a very few glitches in well over 80 hours gameplay. Most of all, nearly all of that 80 hours is a lot of fun, there's not much "filler" (except perhaps the sloth demon level, it's several hours in a blurred It's true there are very few boundaries broken, and the persistent gore is a little silly (but you can turn it off) But it is HUGE - and - polished, there are only a very few glitches in well over 80 hours gameplay. Most of all, nearly all of that 80 hours is a lot of fun, there's not much "filler" (except perhaps the sloth demon level, it's several hours in a blurred "dreamscape", which is a little tedious and is excesively hard on the eye, it almost make me begrduge scoring it a 9) There are only a couple of minor frustrating moments, and in the age of google these are only fleeting. A truly impressive achievement - I hope the DLC lives up to the original game !… Expand
  6. sam
    Nov 15, 2009
    10
    Dragon Age Origins captures the audience with a compelling storyline that triggers the emotions. A combat strategy that puts players in full control and rewards attention to detail. Electronic Arts and Bioware show their experience with one of the best RPG's of the decade!
  7. BradH
    Nov 15, 2009
    10
    Im on my first charachter. Started on hard mode and have made it to level 12 ( out of 16 levels?) but not wwithout getting completely schooled by the tougher charachters. You cannot let your guard down. I stop to read every scrap of storyline and it is very interesting indeed. The information that you get from readin the story will help your results. They accomplished to take a tired Im on my first charachter. Started on hard mode and have made it to level 12 ( out of 16 levels?) but not wwithout getting completely schooled by the tougher charachters. You cannot let your guard down. I stop to read every scrap of storyline and it is very interesting indeed. The information that you get from readin the story will help your results. They accomplished to take a tired genre and make it amazing. Hats off to the creative team. Also very few bugs imho.… Expand
  8. MK
    Nov 15, 2009
    9
    Ok, I ve been playing the game for 8-9 hours straight. The first impression is that it is a solid, well thought out, with good graphics and a very (very) interesting story with many turns in the plot old school RPG. I haven't been this exhilarated with an RPG since BGII almost a decade ago. Some say about the graphics that are dated, in my opinion there is no such issue. I find them Ok, I ve been playing the game for 8-9 hours straight. The first impression is that it is a solid, well thought out, with good graphics and a very (very) interesting story with many turns in the plot old school RPG. I haven't been this exhilarated with an RPG since BGII almost a decade ago. Some say about the graphics that are dated, in my opinion there is no such issue. I find them way better than most recent RPGs out there. Innovations, there are a couple (one is the use of tactics and tactic slots) but not many to make the game a breakthrough in the genre. The gameplay is one of the bes with, old Bioware-Activision top notch dialogues, a very helpful and immersive CODEX (a kind of encyclopedia), almost real characters and a very helpful UI and intuitive interaction menus. All in all, for me, a great and classic game.… Expand
  9. JanX
    Nov 14, 2009
    10
    I was a bit sceptical when I learned that they weren't getting a license for the D&D universe this time, but what BioWare has provided us with here simply blows my mind. I've played every BioWare rpg from Planescape Torment on and the experience of Dragon Age surpasses even Baldur's Gate 2 for me. Yes, it is pretty linear and sometimes I thought to myself "okay, this would I was a bit sceptical when I learned that they weren't getting a license for the D&D universe this time, but what BioWare has provided us with here simply blows my mind. I've played every BioWare rpg from Planescape Torment on and the experience of Dragon Age surpasses even Baldur's Gate 2 for me. Yes, it is pretty linear and sometimes I thought to myself "okay, this would have worked differently without EA" - but the world they created is so vivid and believable you instantly become immersed in it and want to play it again several times with different characters, because it will be a whole different experience depending on your race, class and good/evil alignment.… Expand
  10. sdOK
    Nov 14, 2009
    10
    Simply spectacular. I get very easily bored of tolkienesque generic fantasy settings. And this game is very much in that genre. But Dragon Age is just so superbly executed any minor quibbles are rendered irrelevant. If you like epic fantasy; this is it. Mature, intelligent and exciting. I dont think I have ever been moved by the characters in a game so much. And I would also say as an Simply spectacular. I get very easily bored of tolkienesque generic fantasy settings. And this game is very much in that genre. But Dragon Age is just so superbly executed any minor quibbles are rendered irrelevant. If you like epic fantasy; this is it. Mature, intelligent and exciting. I dont think I have ever been moved by the characters in a game so much. And I would also say as an avid and voracious reader of scifi/fantasy fiction this is the first time that I would say a game could rival a decent fantasy novel. Plus after playing the game to the conclusion with some very long sessions the game ran like a dream. Absolutely no bugs or crashes. 10/10… Expand
  11. RyanC
    Nov 14, 2009
    9
    It certainly sucks you in and never lets go, but I personally never felt the strong attachment to the characters like I did while playing Mass Effect. It's still a fantastic game, and in terms of the actual RPG elements, very likely the best of its kind ever created. It's nothing we haven't seen before, but it's everything that we're used to injected with a new It certainly sucks you in and never lets go, but I personally never felt the strong attachment to the characters like I did while playing Mass Effect. It's still a fantastic game, and in terms of the actual RPG elements, very likely the best of its kind ever created. It's nothing we haven't seen before, but it's everything that we're used to injected with a new life. What could have been a drab, outdated fantasy setting was turned into a fully new and realized world and should absolutely not be missed by any fans of RPGs or good games in general. In a world where Call of Duty and Madden steal the spotlight, it's a breath of fresh air to see a finely-crafted and well-tuned epic appeal to so many.… Expand
  12. TravisRoot
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    Being one of the most addictive rpg's from story alone created an amazing game, adding on to that with extremely satisfying gameplay i can play this game for hours. Plus the toolset that comes as a free seprate download. this game is a perfect value.
  13. NotImportant......
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    WoW. i gotta say this game is one of its kind. I have actually never tried an RPG before so this is my first and i gotta say its freaking AWSOM. Iv always Liked Fps games much more than the boring RPG games like Kotor. Iv played it for 5 days almost and Iv only gotten 25% of the game and i usally play 2 hours or something like that. I Recomend this game to everyone even the Fps players :D
  14. ironmike
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    A game that doesn't "go with the flow": it's very long, difficult and with a story and characters well made...casual players please stay away.
  15. TomB.
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    An incredible game. At the end of the third decade of PC gaming, a near perfect role playing game was delivered to us gamers. Superb and intuitive game controls (on the PC) combined with a way to tell the stories that I am surprised again and again.
  16. BoBek
    Nov 12, 2009
    8
    This is some crazy shit! You'll need two lives to play this game full and twice, or even more times. Graphic is shitty but - Man! Im playing this about 27 hours and its like 23%!!!!!!!11one The biggest and only for hardcores RRPG
  17. DanielB
    Nov 12, 2009
    10
    This is a real return to form for Bioware. It's hugely reminiscent of Baldur's Gate in gameplay, although I could see it being confusing for people who weren't fans of the genre back then. It's not a simple game, by any means. I really don't understand what people are talking about when they say it's like last gen's graphics; i've got the settings This is a real return to form for Bioware. It's hugely reminiscent of Baldur's Gate in gameplay, although I could see it being confusing for people who weren't fans of the genre back then. It's not a simple game, by any means. I really don't understand what people are talking about when they say it's like last gen's graphics; i've got the settings maxed out on my pc and honestly, it's pretty stunning. Voice acting is really well done, and party members bounce off one another superbly. There have been some lines that made me laugh out loud while playing. Keeping everybody happy is proving to be quite a challenge too, much more so than Mass Effect of KOTOR were. I welcome the challenge; it makes you really consider everything you do much more carefully. Speaking of which, I've been moaning for years the polarity of 'morality choices' in these games. I applauded the initiative to make choices matter, but found the execution lacking. Everything was always 'be good' or 'be evil', with no interesting choices. Bioware have really nailed it in this game. So far, at around 30 hours into the game, I've encountered situations where there is no good or bad choice; rather I've found myself confronted by agonising decisions where there are no right answers, and every choice could conceivably have disasterous outcomes for all involved. The major decisions in this game carry a lot of weight, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how they play out through the rest of the campaign. This is the most engaging RPG i've played in nearly a decade, and although it's not perfect, and definitely not for everyone, it's a comfortable 10 from me.… Expand
  18. LueDine
    Nov 12, 2009
    9
    The story is pretty good, the graphics are nice to look at and overall the game is pretty darn entertaining, infact, I'd say it is almost as good as baldurs gate 2 wich clearly is one of the best story RPGs ever. Clearly a 9 altho the DLCs doesnt belong on the PC, and definitly not when released on the same day as the game is released..
  19. AppleOrange
    Nov 12, 2009
    10
    First on metacritic, but I have to point out some of these reviews are being completely unfair. This game held me attention from beggining to end, it wasn't a game where I EVER felt tired to play. From the gameplay to graphics to story, the game Bioware created is top notch, and will join the league of great games that were created by them. It is definately a must buy. Fans of RPGs First on metacritic, but I have to point out some of these reviews are being completely unfair. This game held me attention from beggining to end, it wasn't a game where I EVER felt tired to play. From the gameplay to graphics to story, the game Bioware created is top notch, and will join the league of great games that were created by them. It is definately a must buy. Fans of RPGs and strategy will extremely enjoy this game.… Expand
  20. DennisB
    Nov 12, 2009
    10
    If you like RPG's buy it! This game is just awesome. At the beginning, i wasn't sure if i should play this game, but the story and atmosphere was that great that i couldn't stop playing this!
  21. Beef
    Nov 12, 2009
    9
    Exceptional scope, writing and character development make this a must own game for any fan of RPGs. The graphics are at times a little lackluster, the difficulty can spike unpredictably and the core gameplay itself offers little innovation but this is more than offset by the experience as a whole. After 30 hours of playing, I have barely managed to complete 1 third of the game.
  22. RandyP
    Nov 12, 2009
    8
    Negatives: Crashes, really long loading screens, and some very trite, tedious quests. Positive: Gripping gameplay, intriguing history and plot. Neutral: Digital actors are well done. Some of them are so well done but annoying you want to kill them, sacrificing the approval rating of your whole party!
  23. JoelC
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    Great game and i am hardly through it! i laugh reading some of the user reviews here like complaining about the autosave system and how they fail at the simple process of claiming the DLC's. Pay no heed to them, this IS a good game!
  24. BenF
    Nov 11, 2009
    6
    DA:O is technically impressive, but the story falls flat. The writing is lackluster, the story never grabbed me (Played until lv.7) and... I just expected sooo much more. When playing, one gets the distinct impression that it is actually a tech demo for Bioware's newest RPG engine. The spells are flashy, but boring, the difficulty is wildly inconsistent, and the dialog seems stifled. DA:O is technically impressive, but the story falls flat. The writing is lackluster, the story never grabbed me (Played until lv.7) and... I just expected sooo much more. When playing, one gets the distinct impression that it is actually a tech demo for Bioware's newest RPG engine. The spells are flashy, but boring, the difficulty is wildly inconsistent, and the dialog seems stifled. Here's to hoping MassEffect 2 will be an order of magnitude better!… Expand
  25. Volcano
    Nov 11, 2009
    5
    Brian S summarized it best, its a good machinimia, excuse me but when do i start playing, feels like im just guiding a bot through places so he can have fun... utter dissapointment.... btw pausing the game= pausing the fun... this is a good game for ppl who dont enjoy any type of active playing... FAIL
  26. MikeC
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    Simply the best party based RPG combat ever made, the gameplay is very fun, tactical and challenging (I played on hard difficulty). Combined with excellent characters and a good story, this is one hell of an RPG. The best game Bioware has ever made, even surpassing Baldurs Gate 2 thanks to the improvements in gameplay, and surely one of the best RPGs around.
  27. EricG
    Nov 11, 2009
    9
    DA:O is another great game created by Bioware. The game is rather difficult in the start but as u get use to the tactics and spells it starts to get easier, but once it gets too easy jack the difficulty up and u get back to the challenges u faced back in the beginning. The graphics may not be too great, but the dialogue, gameplay, and storyline make this game a must get for those who love DA:O is another great game created by Bioware. The game is rather difficult in the start but as u get use to the tactics and spells it starts to get easier, but once it gets too easy jack the difficulty up and u get back to the challenges u faced back in the beginning. The graphics may not be too great, but the dialogue, gameplay, and storyline make this game a must get for those who love to play RPGs.… Expand
  28. ChrisB
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    This game is astounding in every fashion. If you find one things wrong, there are 20 very RIGHT things to counter it. Get this game, and don't listen to the nay-sayers.
  29. AlF
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    This game certainly has a lot going for it. Between the multiple starting points (Something which I have had a hard time finding in other RPGs), the awesome storyline, and superb work on the gameplay mechanics, I find this game to just be great. However, I will also freely admit that this game does have a few flaws, including some poor, outdated graphics, in particular the first This game certainly has a lot going for it. Between the multiple starting points (Something which I have had a hard time finding in other RPGs), the awesome storyline, and superb work on the gameplay mechanics, I find this game to just be great. However, I will also freely admit that this game does have a few flaws, including some poor, outdated graphics, in particular the first non-background area, and the lack of different types of weapons (I am excluding materials in this case), but then I am just nitpicking. This is a game for all those who miss the good old days of BG and NWN1. If your looking for a good old fashioned turn-based RPG, this is the game for you.… Expand
  30. AlexJ
    Nov 11, 2009
    6
    I deleted this game after 10 hours of playing without any plans on coming back to it, and I seriously fail to realize what makes it so special for everyone. The story is generic BioWare fantasy - you are part of an elite force set out to stop a great evil, and while all the world powers are wasting time on trivial scuffles you are the one that gets to slap some sense into them. Replace I deleted this game after 10 hours of playing without any plans on coming back to it, and I seriously fail to realize what makes it so special for everyone. The story is generic BioWare fantasy - you are part of an elite force set out to stop a great evil, and while all the world powers are wasting time on trivial scuffles you are the one that gets to slap some sense into them. Replace the demons with AI and you got Mass Effect. "Every decision you make effects the story" is cool, but hardly new. The combat system is boring and at times unbalanced... I don't enjoy stunlocking 20 wolves to death. One positive thing about the whole game though is the atmosphere! Like nothing I've seen in any other game... too bad everything else is mediocre.… Expand
  31. jamess
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    the game is brilliant, every character is well developed, well voiced and great to talk and listen to. the party banter is some of the best in any RPG. the combat is tactical and challenging, with kick ass death animations. the role playing is deep and multifaceted. the levelling system makes you really think carefully about the choices you make. this is the best RPG since baldur's the game is brilliant, every character is well developed, well voiced and great to talk and listen to. the party banter is some of the best in any RPG. the combat is tactical and challenging, with kick ass death animations. the role playing is deep and multifaceted. the levelling system makes you really think carefully about the choices you make. this is the best RPG since baldur's gate 2. the only thing disappointing about it is the fact that you only have a 4 member party, the characters are just too good to only have 4. morrigan is one of the best female characters in a game for a long time aswell. this people is how RPG's should be.… Expand
  32. MarkS
    Nov 11, 2009
    9
    Actually I'd like to rate this at a 9.5, but I can't give it a 10. This, from what I've read is old school type of RPG. This is different from Oblivion, which for newcomers to the RPG type game, was very easy to pick up. Dragon Age: Origins (DAO) has a different mechanic than that of Oblivion and Fallout 3. At first I found it intimidating, but now with more than just a few Actually I'd like to rate this at a 9.5, but I can't give it a 10. This, from what I've read is old school type of RPG. This is different from Oblivion, which for newcomers to the RPG type game, was very easy to pick up. Dragon Age: Origins (DAO) has a different mechanic than that of Oblivion and Fallout 3. At first I found it intimidating, but now with more than just a few hours under my belt, I'm really into this game. The quests come in fast and furious and the main story line and voice acting are excellent. The combat is fun as well, once you get a handle on the controls, and setting up your party. I guess you could blow through the campaign just to get to the end as fast as you can, but I'm enjoying the atmosphere of the game. The dialoge between your party members while you walk adds to the community feeling within a single player game. A tutorial would have been nice, but thankfully both my sons are old pros at these games and I now no longer need their help (errr. . .for the basics. . .) A really good game and I highly recommend it to even non-RPG players. Put an effort into learning the game mechanics, and you may enjoy it more than Oblivion… Expand
  33. GraemeS
    Nov 11, 2009
    7
    Nothing special here... tons of B grade text scripts and C grade voice acting to suffer through. Story was written for 10 year olds. This fantasy setting is been done to death... cant they come up with something new? The zones are all story based so there is no adventuring to be done...might as well be reading a book...zones are small... Combat is a joke... monster placement makes no Nothing special here... tons of B grade text scripts and C grade voice acting to suffer through. Story was written for 10 year olds. This fantasy setting is been done to death... cant they come up with something new? The zones are all story based so there is no adventuring to be done...might as well be reading a book...zones are small... Combat is a joke... monster placement makes no sense... rooms are full of eye candy that you cant interact with... Damn i have finish the thing because i paid good money for it... … Expand
  34. johndoe
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    awesome RPG with lots of things to do this includes sex,chopping of the limbs off,slaying dragons and a good story! def a buy if you like RPGs.
  35. Ryan
    Nov 10, 2009
    6
    Fun game dont get me wrong, but i dont see stocking up on thousands of potions and relying on pure luck for ANY of youre melee characters to hit ( i have 100+ attack at 14 on all of them and the best hit % i have is my tank with 65%) as strategic, youre team will generally do whatever the hell they want even with the tatics system you'll find yourself yelling at your screen when a Fun game dont get me wrong, but i dont see stocking up on thousands of potions and relying on pure luck for ANY of youre melee characters to hit ( i have 100+ attack at 14 on all of them and the best hit % i have is my tank with 65%) as strategic, youre team will generally do whatever the hell they want even with the tatics system you'll find yourself yelling at your screen when a tank holding two mobs will for no reason with no "tatics" programming run off to their death chasing god knows what. The difficulty curve in this game is a right angle, you go from able to down enemies to having to suck down 10+ potions (with a healer mage mind you) to even survive a simple battle. AI, hit rating, the challange of simple fights, and aggro managment is in desperate need of repair before i can give this game anything better than a 6… Expand
  36. Markusf
    Nov 10, 2009
    9
    need a little more options in conversation, more freedom, its too much main story driven, but the game is very good, skills could have gained a little more working too...
  37. JamesW
    Nov 10, 2009
    9
    Delightfully addictive, even for the most jaded gamer, despite a few minor flaws. I confess that recently I've been thinking about DA:O tactics and adventure when I should have been listening to my wife. . . apparently.
  38. Navarre
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    Nearly perfect. I am immersed, totally engrossed, and having a lot of fun w/ this game. However, I would prefer a completely open world with no instancing and less pathing restrictions plus the ability to jump, etc. Clicking a location on a map and auto-traveling there takes away from the immersion. I much prefer Oblivion's take minus the insta-horse routes. They also need to add a Nearly perfect. I am immersed, totally engrossed, and having a lot of fun w/ this game. However, I would prefer a completely open world with no instancing and less pathing restrictions plus the ability to jump, etc. Clicking a location on a map and auto-traveling there takes away from the immersion. I much prefer Oblivion's take minus the insta-horse routes. They also need to add a Helmet toggle so you can wear a helmet and not see it on your characters. (cut scenes do this regardless of weather or not your characters are wearing helmets) All in all a mighty fine game... 9.5+ so I gave it a 10.… Expand
  39. JaysonL
    Nov 10, 2009
    9
    Although the character/races/backgrounds are not really trying anything new the story is excellent and feels very real. The game is addictive because you are always left wondering what could happen next. You are also called upon to make very difficult decisions. Ive put in over 40 hours thus far and i feel i have about 40 more to go.
  40. MarkG
    Nov 10, 2009
    6
    The main problem with this game is that it isn
  41. AndrewQ
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    This game is getting high scores for a reason. It is revolutionary in its class system, and improves upon previous bioware combat systems in its new Eclipse engine. The graphics, although not top notch, are detailed, and subtly add much to the world that is Dragon Age: Origins. While your character is silent, there is a great opportunity to develop your main character, as well as others. This game is getting high scores for a reason. It is revolutionary in its class system, and improves upon previous bioware combat systems in its new Eclipse engine. The graphics, although not top notch, are detailed, and subtly add much to the world that is Dragon Age: Origins. While your character is silent, there is a great opportunity to develop your main character, as well as others. Your choices have many unseen consequences, which is quite possibly my favorite part of the whole game. Sometimes doing what is right, or what you think is right, will make a character you really like (in my case, Allistair) will dislike it. You really have to work to keep all your characters happy, (which is something I have come to believe is actually impossible). This game should come with a huge recommendation for all RPG fans.… Expand
  42. TimothyK
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    This game will suck you in and will not let go. It's the kind of game that gets more and more deeper as you go on. At first you are presented with a rather small collection of things to do. The game looks simple enough. But then you start finding things, talking to your party members, exploring new lands, and discovering rare artifacts. There is so much to do in this game. IT will This game will suck you in and will not let go. It's the kind of game that gets more and more deeper as you go on. At first you are presented with a rather small collection of things to do. The game looks simple enough. But then you start finding things, talking to your party members, exploring new lands, and discovering rare artifacts. There is so much to do in this game. IT will not leave you wanting for more. My biggest gripe is the lack of voiceacting for the main character. This was a welcome feature in Mass Effect that was missing in Dragon Age. I can see why they didn't add it. The rest of the voiceacting is phenomenal. Fantastic game. Must-have. I cannot praise it enough.… Expand
  43. RutgerV
    Nov 10, 2009
    9
    Been playing this for a few days now and I got the same rare captivating magic feeling as I did with The Witcher, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout3. What an excellently detailed game in every aspect. This game breathes developer's dedication. Nice work EA/Bioware. Worth every cent.
  44. PeterM
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    Best game at the moment!. Im at 36% in the game and the characters and story is so far very thrilling. Combat system and tactical overview nice done and made. Great quest variety. Nice graphics and cut scens. Basiclly very hard to let go when you start playing it as the story drives you forward and you just have to know more about the world and evolve your character.
  45. CarlosF
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    Excellent narrative. Very interesting tactical battles that you can't sleep through (be wary of magic users). May be my new favourite RPG
  46. KianL
    Nov 10, 2009
    7
    I don't get it, how can you score a game with 9 or even 10 when the AI is so severely broken and the pathfinding laughable. The absolute only reason why nightmare is hard is because of the pathetic AI, ironically enough it's also why it's so damn easy. The graphics are weird and take time to get used to, while animations are above average. They also added "sweet" killing I don't get it, how can you score a game with 9 or even 10 when the AI is so severely broken and the pathfinding laughable. The absolute only reason why nightmare is hard is because of the pathetic AI, ironically enough it's also why it's so damn easy. The graphics are weird and take time to get used to, while animations are above average. They also added "sweet" killing moves, which not only locks your character in that stupid animation but it also slows down the game to a still, and you can't even turn them off. Great animations help with immersion but not if they ruin gameplay. The game tells me that I've played through 51% of the game, but it seems that the calculation is based on the amount of points you have from achievements. It took me 40 hours, did over 75% of sidequests, was invulnerable, killed last-boss solo, with auto-attack(no healing), and this was on normal. (Mages? Slighty overpowered. *rolls eyes*) So all that with the insane lack of useful skills/spells and copypaste of the Lord of The Rings story leaves you with a big pile of poo. Honestly, don't buy into the hype, I didn't, and I enjoyed myself because I expected a mediocre game, and that's what I got.… Expand
  47. ChinaZ
    Nov 10, 2009
    8
    Well optimized, the quality of the game is 9, good job QA(except for the limited faces in-game(i often find lookalikes)). But the desing is 8.. and i always care about the content. It could have been more.. but the limited options in-game destroy the nice dialogues. And the lore, bleah, it's weak in parts.
  48. NielsB
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    Got this game 3 days ago and while i expected it wouldnt run on my dualcore 2,66, i couldnt wait for a computer upgrade and installed it anyway. I couldn't believe how smooth it ran on high settings for 90% of the time, so 3 days later i'm 10 hours into the game with my human noble warrior. Being a bioware/black isle fan for a long time and having played from baldurs gate 1and Got this game 3 days ago and while i expected it wouldnt run on my dualcore 2,66, i couldnt wait for a computer upgrade and installed it anyway. I couldn't believe how smooth it ran on high settings for 90% of the time, so 3 days later i'm 10 hours into the game with my human noble warrior. Being a bioware/black isle fan for a long time and having played from baldurs gate 1and 2, planescape torment, icewind dale 1 and 2, neverwinter nights 1 and 2, fallout 1,2,3 mass effect and about all other games from them i can say this is another epic gem. The graphics aren't the best we seen this year, but the models are all high textured and have some of the best animations i have seen in a rpg. Some reviewers called the biggest downside of DAO the combat system, but to me it's 1 of the most satisfying of this genre. Bioware did a good move by creating his own combat system rather than a computer version of the D&D rules... the DAO combat system is actualy quite simmilair to that of a MMORPG(especialy WoW) Powerfull spells have cooldowns, and lesser spells can be spammed. Also a nice touch is bringing back friendly fire which is something that was lost after the baldur's gate days, which makes positioning and planning your most powerfull spells more important than just spamming your fireballs into the melee's The warrior class has different skills to specialize into, ranging from 2handed weapons, dualwielding, sword and shield to bows. Again quite like WoW you can learn skills like shieldwall and shieldslams as a tanking warrior to powerfull blows and various damage skills as damage warrior. Overall the combat is very satisfying and requires constant atention rather than grinding groups of lesser mobs, and again thanks to the excelent animations the fights where really cool to watch. Outside the combat there was a amazing story to be told and interesting characters to meet. Too keep it short, this is THE game you want to buy if you enjoyed old bioware/black isle games.… Expand
  49. JonL
    Nov 9, 2009
    8
    The plot is one big cliche and the characters are paper thin and inconsistently written, but who cares? Merely competent writing is actually a pretty decent achievement given the terrible dialogue and plotting that dominate gaming. In terms of mechanics the game is nothing new but it doesn't have to be--it's old school gaming at its best. The bottom line is that despite the The plot is one big cliche and the characters are paper thin and inconsistently written, but who cares? Merely competent writing is actually a pretty decent achievement given the terrible dialogue and plotting that dominate gaming. In terms of mechanics the game is nothing new but it doesn't have to be--it's old school gaming at its best. The bottom line is that despite the game's flaws and shortcomings I'm having fun playing it.… Expand
  50. NoahL
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    An awe-inspiring adventure game that truely tests the player's tactical skills and sets forth a new standard for RPGs, and the story reaches new bounds.
  51. RickA.
    Nov 9, 2009
    9
    Not very innovative but the essence of old school rpg gaming; not to be missed but bring some tolerance for failing and retry.
  52. Rottencore
    Nov 9, 2009
    9
    I am so blinded by love that it is hard for me to even read a bad review. Teletext Gamecentral's opinion of 'Weak Graphics' is absolutely laughable, World of Warcraft has weak graphics and it is huge. If you play a game for graphics, go play Crisis. This is a game for fans of this genre.
  53. PeterW
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    This is my first on metacritic, but I have found this game to be so entirely amazing, I felt compelled. I am a huge rpg fan, finding them to be multiple times more stimulating than any fps. And this is the best Game I have played for a long time! The characters are diverse and intriguing, the combat is exciting and keeps it from becoming tedious due to having to think about tactics- each This is my first on metacritic, but I have found this game to be so entirely amazing, I felt compelled. I am a huge rpg fan, finding them to be multiple times more stimulating than any fps. And this is the best Game I have played for a long time! The characters are diverse and intriguing, the combat is exciting and keeps it from becoming tedious due to having to think about tactics- each fight is a real push! I haven't been this addicted to a game for a very long time! It seems that peoples only trouble is the extent to which it is an original game? My argument is that the fantasy genre has been done so many times that its hard to innovate. There is the danger of being so bogged down in doing something new that it ruins the game, the storyline becoming too convulated and weak. The game play becomes complicated in its innovation, and it becomes tedious to play. The only problem with a lack of originality is that because you have seen it all before it doesn't stimulate you. However dragon age origins doesn't have this probowm beauase it is the top pf the genre. All in all get this game you won't regret it!… Expand
  54. AlexG.
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Though I do not believe this game to be flawless, I hold it's score much nearer 10 than 9. Engaging storyline, captivating characters, fantastic moral decisions, etc etc. Put simply, everyone who loves, or even just likes RPGs should play Dragon Age: Origins.
  55. ChuckS
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Others here have done a great job at describing game mechanics. I started with a female wizard. After only the introductory scenario I was blown away by the scripted events that follow. Dark fantasy indeed. Then soon afterward I was treated to another video interlude that was the most spectacular, soul stirring two minutes I have experienced in my long gaming life. I restored the game so Others here have done a great job at describing game mechanics. I started with a female wizard. After only the introductory scenario I was blown away by the scripted events that follow. Dark fantasy indeed. Then soon afterward I was treated to another video interlude that was the most spectacular, soul stirring two minutes I have experienced in my long gaming life. I restored the game so I could save and replay that moment again. If this is what I get in the first day of play, I lick my chops at the prospect of what follows.… Expand
  56. EdgarL
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Think Mass Effect meets the Witcher. Although not without any missteps, BioWare have shown they can reach new levels of quality with each of their games. From its witty writing, lovable quirky characters and its fully fleshed-out folklore to the game-changing moral choices, Dragon Age oozes quality: and boy, does it SO NOT lack quantity. Anyone doing at least a portion of side-quests will Think Mass Effect meets the Witcher. Although not without any missteps, BioWare have shown they can reach new levels of quality with each of their games. From its witty writing, lovable quirky characters and its fully fleshed-out folklore to the game-changing moral choices, Dragon Age oozes quality: and boy, does it SO NOT lack quantity. Anyone doing at least a portion of side-quests will easily clock at least 100 hours: mind you, this is not due to repetitiveness of side-quests (nor quests), or having to travel a lot; it's because the game isn't very easy, even on Easy. And make no mistake, if there's a tough fight, you'll definitely be pausing the game A LOT to micro-manage your troops. Not that it's very hard once you get the hang of it: around level 10 your party of 4 should start having very little trouble dispatching groups of up to 10 enemies. However, up till the point where you manage to find the right choice of spells and skills to utilize in action, the Normal difficulty level can provide considerable challenge. As far as eye-candy goes, even if the visuals aren't as crisp as in most other so called "next-gen" AAA titles, that's because BioWare has definitely managed to optimize their use of Unreal Engine since Mass Effect. Rest assured, the game will run even on low-end machines. If you liked any of previous BioWare games, any of the KotOR games, The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3, you'll probably like this one.… Expand
  57. AndyP.
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    I've spent 36 hours on this game in the last three days. (And, by the way, I think I'm only about a third of the way through the story). If that simple fact is not recommendation enough, allow me to expand on that... although the world of Dragon Age is hardly revolutionary in its setting, it is consistent, believable and convincing. The plot and story are engrossing, the I've spent 36 hours on this game in the last three days. (And, by the way, I think I'm only about a third of the way through the story). If that simple fact is not recommendation enough, allow me to expand on that... although the world of Dragon Age is hardly revolutionary in its setting, it is consistent, believable and convincing. The plot and story are engrossing, the background is interesting, the characters (some likeable, some not) are all, well, characterful and the battle system is excellent. The interface is extremely well polished and so far I've only encountered two minor bugs. This game is polished to the nth degree. I am loving playing it and expect to be spending time on it for a while to come. I cannot recommend this game enough.… Expand
  58. KyleA
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Can't get enough! This is perhaps the best title ever released by Bioware and that is saying a great deal. Deep, intricate and sometimes funny dialog with all characters, challenging fights and excellent battlefield control, engaging and intricate storyline, gorgeous graphics and landscapes ... the list of great qualities is a long one. I have not beaten the game yet but a good 40+ Can't get enough! This is perhaps the best title ever released by Bioware and that is saying a great deal. Deep, intricate and sometimes funny dialog with all characters, challenging fights and excellent battlefield control, engaging and intricate storyline, gorgeous graphics and landscapes ... the list of great qualities is a long one. I have not beaten the game yet but a good 40+ hours in so any quick thrills would have faded by now. This game really delivers on every level a good solid strategy and/or RPG fan can really ask for and after playing through Neverwinter Nights 1 and 2, Mass Effect, Baulder's Gate 1 and 2, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment ... Dragon Age: Origins is, thus far, the best written, conceived, designed, and implemented strategic RPG I have played any any system including PC.… Expand
  59. Duncan
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    Been playing this all night and now it's 7 in the morning. Probably not very wise, but very enjoyable. One of the most epic, funny, moving, fun, intelligent games I have had the pleasure of playing. I love Bioware's stuff, loved KOTOR, Mass Effect, but this, I think, is something else. They've captured something truly epic here. I'll just say the word epic again, but Been playing this all night and now it's 7 in the morning. Probably not very wise, but very enjoyable. One of the most epic, funny, moving, fun, intelligent games I have had the pleasure of playing. I love Bioware's stuff, loved KOTOR, Mass Effect, but this, I think, is something else. They've captured something truly epic here. I'll just say the word epic again, but in caps: EPIC. It's like being in the lord of the rings.… Expand
  60. JoshT
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    I've played Oblivion, both Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Fallout 3, Crysis, and many other games (as my basis of comparison). This Dragon Age Origins far exceeded my expectations of what i though the game would be like. All the crappy Youtube and internet videos i watched of the actual gameplay matched nothing towards how nice the graphics were in-game play. Of course, I've played Oblivion, both Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Fallout 3, Crysis, and many other games (as my basis of comparison). This Dragon Age Origins far exceeded my expectations of what i though the game would be like. All the crappy Youtube and internet videos i watched of the actual gameplay matched nothing towards how nice the graphics were in-game play. Of course, we're not looking at Crysis type graphics (which i consider to be the best of any game i played in graphics quality) but i would say the graphics are right around Oblivion graphics quality. I heard that the console versions of the game got the brunt-end version of the game, but its awesome on PC. I love how the combat system is set up. You can pick a class that is suitable as a tank, dps, or healer(mages heal) and play the game since other party members can do the other roles that you don't have on your main character. What makes this game different than any other game that i have played is the seemingly flawless storytelling involved with the NPC characters you interact with. The characters make eye contact, fold their arms, look angry, happy, or sad very realistically when you talk to them. I've played perhaps 20 hours into the game and am hooked for going on for a lot more. This is the most unique game that i have gotten in a while for sure.… Expand
  61. AustinM
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    This is an epic fantasy RPG like we have come to expect from Bio-ware. The combat is fast paced, and depending on the level of difficulty, very tactical. The voice acting is amazing, better then any I have ever heard. The writing is as good as any New York Times bestseller, keeping you at the edge of your swivel chair the whole way through. The only complaints are almost irrelevant, long This is an epic fantasy RPG like we have come to expect from Bio-ware. The combat is fast paced, and depending on the level of difficulty, very tactical. The voice acting is amazing, better then any I have ever heard. The writing is as good as any New York Times bestseller, keeping you at the edge of your swivel chair the whole way through. The only complaints are almost irrelevant, long loading times and somewhat subpar graphics. But honestly, those will matter so little to you as soon as you hear your characters exchange a few pieces of witty dialog (mix and match your party members for some absolutely hilarious exchanges, Alistar and Morigran and Lelina and Sten have particularly funny bits) that they do not impact the game at all. A 9.5 at the least.… Expand
  62. PeterC
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    I am a old school rpg fan. Games like Baldur's Gate 2 (BG2) and Planescape: Torment still sit proudly on my desk waiting to be loaded and played. Sure, other good rpg came and went, like Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion or Mass Effect, but for a rpg junkie like me, nothing really took the edge off till Dragon Age: Origins came along. Initially, I was not overly impressed. Starting as a I am a old school rpg fan. Games like Baldur's Gate 2 (BG2) and Planescape: Torment still sit proudly on my desk waiting to be loaded and played. Sure, other good rpg came and went, like Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion or Mass Effect, but for a rpg junkie like me, nothing really took the edge off till Dragon Age: Origins came along. Initially, I was not overly impressed. Starting as a mage, I felt that the origin introduction could be more fleshed out. The game seems to be rushing to chase me out of the tower. Some conversation tree options do not really make sense and there was an elven mage in the corner who appears to be seated on thin air. Nevertheless I persevered, and by the time I was 10 hours into the game, I was hooked. Combat is challenging, in hard mode, I found myself loading the same battles again and again trying different tactics, trying to prevent my characters from dying. The new combat tactics menu required some time getting used to and a little programming knowledge to master. However, once set up properly, fights will become much easier. Naturally, there are minor flaws that marr the game - the hands are too big, fingers appear as if there was an extra joint; there are no bowstrings on bows - but all in all, I found myself being slowoly absorbed into this rich new gameworld of Thedas through a magical osmosis.… Expand
  63. MikeB
    Nov 8, 2009
    5
    I don't know what game everyone else is playing. This game takes Baldur's Gate 2, removes all interesting dialogue, unique characters, player choices, and exploration, and replaces it with shiny graphics and cutscenes. Any game that plays itself and looks pretty gets 90s and better from this joke of a game reviewing community we have today.
  64. RM
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    I knew I would enjoy Dragon Age Origins, but after playing for about 40 hours, I realized that I wanted to marry this game and make sweet love to it by the campfire while my Mabari War Dog watches. It simply is the best CRPG I've played since Baldur's Gate 2, and in some ways, is even better. The story is engrossing, the characters are wonderful and well fleshed out, and the I knew I would enjoy Dragon Age Origins, but after playing for about 40 hours, I realized that I wanted to marry this game and make sweet love to it by the campfire while my Mabari War Dog watches. It simply is the best CRPG I've played since Baldur's Gate 2, and in some ways, is even better. The story is engrossing, the characters are wonderful and well fleshed out, and the gameplay is challenging and fun. It's been a long time since I've played a game that felt so rewarding and made me jump on for "just a few minutes" before work, or made me skip going out on a Friday night so I could keep playing. Yes, there are slight glitches, and I'm not crazy about the inventory system or the lack or a permanent inventory container, but my overall score is much closer to 10 than 9. Replayability is also not an issue, I can't wait to make my next character and see how different things can be with them.… Expand
  65. DaleF
    Nov 7, 2009
    10
    I worked on this game, playing it as a job for the past year. Once it was released I took it home and played it as a GAME, and it's like I'm playing it for the first time, and I'm completely addicted!
  66. qoobah
    Nov 7, 2009
    9
    A superb RPG experience, but be warned - it's not for everyone. It's easy to succumb to its charms if you remember Candlekeep or running away from Irenicus. If you're more accustomed to quick action, immidiate gratification and "soft cusion", idiot-proof gameplay (which are not bad game traits in their own right - you just won't find them here) then you can be in for a A superb RPG experience, but be warned - it's not for everyone. It's easy to succumb to its charms if you remember Candlekeep or running away from Irenicus. If you're more accustomed to quick action, immidiate gratification and "soft cusion", idiot-proof gameplay (which are not bad game traits in their own right - you just won't find them here) then you can be in for a rough ride. But as far as I'm concerned, it's a ride well worth taking.… Expand
  67. RodrigoQ
    Nov 7, 2009
    10
    Though it feels like the gamecould have easily been MUCH better on the originality side, this is easily the best RPG I have played since BG2 and Planescape:Torment. Although not incredibly polished (yes I´m looking at you, armor-penetrating dwarf beard) I think thegraphics are sometimes just stunning, and beautiful. A truly immersive RPG experience!
  68. ShawnB
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Very well done. I don't have any complaints at all. Epic in scope, epic in execution. George RR Martin fans are in for a treat.. and everyone else will soon be GRRM fans... you've managed to capture what he created and expand.... bravo Bioware! Standing ovation!
  69. BrianS
    Nov 6, 2009
    7
    Just as a quick summary, this is quite possibly one of the most incredible pieces of machinima ever made. I say machinima...cause thats what it is, its basically a largely interactive movie. And thats not all bad. What is bad unfortunately is the ridiculous amount of micromanagement involved in game play. your "tactics" screen should allow you to pretty much set up your companion Just as a quick summary, this is quite possibly one of the most incredible pieces of machinima ever made. I say machinima...cause thats what it is, its basically a largely interactive movie. And thats not all bad. What is bad unfortunately is the ridiculous amount of micromanagement involved in game play. your "tactics" screen should allow you to pretty much set up your companion characters to run themselves unless theres a specific need for you to switch to one of them but this is not so often the case given some tactics seem to be ignored and NPC AI is so bad that even if you hand develop their characters path a specific direction, if left unattended, regardless of proscribed tactics they will more or less run about willy nilly doing whatever feels best. A rogue character gained as a companion at the early game is quite obviously a bow specialized bard, but if you give her a knife at all, regardless of her proscribed tactics she will switch to melee combat and consistently attempt to be a "rogue" rather than a bow wielding bard, but if you don't give her a melee weapon shes at a severe disadvantage in a close up encounter...which is a lot of the time because depending on the NPC warrior AI's to handle crowd management is laughable and even if the PC is spec'd warrior/champion and running the best agro management talents they can, it doesn't, often, matter as the monsters just swarm past and beat on whoever, or even worse, they do focus on the PC and the healer NPC is too busy shooting enemies with their staff to remember to heal. Overall there is a truly epic RPG here, the storyline itself and the potential for DLC and sequential content is amazing but the combat of the game is what scores this title down from a perfect 10 to a 7. Had they oriented the combat more towards macromanagement and an action RPG feel...I feel this would have been the greatest RPG of all time, but unfortunately given the issues with combat as I see them (I'm aware some people LOVE hitting pause every 10 seconds and fighting in tactical view like an RTS and issuing orders on the micro scale, but theres also people that enjoy self mutilation too, that doesn't mean either is a good thing). Overall, beautiful game, stunning story, superb characters....absolutely mind numbingly stupid gameplay though, PC, Xbox, or PS3.… Expand
  70. MichaelJ
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    To put it simply: Awesome game! Bioware really lived up to their reputation as one of the best RPG developers on the PC and DAO surpasses classic RPG´s like "Baldurs Gate" and Neverwinter nights" in my humble opinion. I gave it a 10 because i couldnt give it 9.7, the reason for that is that it still has some very minor flaws, but those are not gamebreaking flaws but simply a matter To put it simply: Awesome game! Bioware really lived up to their reputation as one of the best RPG developers on the PC and DAO surpasses classic RPG´s like "Baldurs Gate" and Neverwinter nights" in my humble opinion. I gave it a 10 because i couldnt give it 9.7, the reason for that is that it still has some very minor flaws, but those are not gamebreaking flaws but simply a matter of my personal opinion that some things could have been done better, for example i feel like the areas are too small and its not possible to go exploring like in NWN. But this is on of the only games i ever played so much without getting tired of the game, it is one of those games any RPG gamer just HAS to have in his or her collection.… Expand
  71. AndrewK
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Probably the most fun I have had playing any game in the last few years - the perfect balance of combat, cinema, RPG, and delicious choices. Indeed, looking forward to this for 18 months did not get my hopes up nearly high enough! I look forward to playing through the game more and more with different classes and different styles!
  72. sakij
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    As of this post i have been playing for 12 hours, and every minute of the game (the part where you decide just how bushie your characters eyebrows are going to be does not count) had me screaming "BWEST GAME EVAR!", the combat is smart and requires tactic and the story, even the stupid side quests that rpg's are famous for, are incredibly well written and the voice acting is superb, As of this post i have been playing for 12 hours, and every minute of the game (the part where you decide just how bushie your characters eyebrows are going to be does not count) had me screaming "BWEST GAME EVAR!", the combat is smart and requires tactic and the story, even the stupid side quests that rpg's are famous for, are incredibly well written and the voice acting is superb, even if this game removed the combat i would still give it a 9, definitely a must buy for every rpg fan out there, but if your in to straight forward action then you can do better than Dragon Age : Origins. a perfect score from me.… Expand
  73. DaveR
    Nov 6, 2009
    9
    Excellent humour, made me laugh out loud a few times, and some genuinly enthralling starting settings. Very well polished and easy to navigate, use friendly UI...blown away by this when comparing it to the numb boredom of mass effect's beginning.
  74. Zac
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Incredible RPG experience, they story is compelling and the decisions you make effect the outcomes making for a very satisfying experience. Party interactions are very amusing at times, and add to the overall atmosphere of the game, really making it come alive.
  75. DrDrool
    Nov 6, 2009
    7
    Worth playing folks but flawed. Ignore the hype Its good but not great. The good: A triumph of story in telling. Tons of equipment. V looong game The bad: Feels like a 5 year old gfx engine. small environments, massive pop-up, NWN anyone (on steroids.. just)? Traditional Bioware cookie cutter locations. Most building inaccessible. yawn. NPS's stand around like manaquins. I so looked Worth playing folks but flawed. Ignore the hype Its good but not great. The good: A triumph of story in telling. Tons of equipment. V looong game The bad: Feels like a 5 year old gfx engine. small environments, massive pop-up, NWN anyone (on steroids.. just)? Traditional Bioware cookie cutter locations. Most building inaccessible. yawn. NPS's stand around like manaquins. I so looked fwd to this game and really enjoyed the first 3 hrs. Then the joins then start to show.. .Never mind. Maybe next time. Go play the WITCHER (again) or wait for Mass Effect 2 :( oh crap.… Expand
  76. JesseT
    Nov 6, 2009
    5
    Dragon Age is an inexcusably bad game. Comparing it to BG2 is a sacrilege. Even BG2 autosaved before you left zones. If you don't remember to quicksave frequently have fun playing through the same unnecessarily difficult combats over and over. I sure didn't. I also experienced several crashes as I loaded zones. There went an hour down the drain. The look of the game is drab and Dragon Age is an inexcusably bad game. Comparing it to BG2 is a sacrilege. Even BG2 autosaved before you left zones. If you don't remember to quicksave frequently have fun playing through the same unnecessarily difficult combats over and over. I sure didn't. I also experienced several crashes as I loaded zones. There went an hour down the drain. The look of the game is drab and the backgrounds are pathetic to say the least. They look like they were ripped straight from a budget title. The only thing that saves this game is that the character interactions aren't that bad. Up close the models look decent, but the blood spatter effect is gimmicky and detracts from the realism rather than adding to it. I haven't gotten all the way through the main story yet, but so far the plot is contrived, low-rent bullsh-- Biggest disappointment since Bioshock.… Expand
  77. CerealLover
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Do NOT buy/play this game if you do NOT have a lot of time on your hands. This game is highly addictive and can make you completely lose track of time passage. I regret buying this game so soon because I spent too much time on it and too little time studying for my midterm... The game's story is pretty much all inter-connected so it's very difficult to "finish this part and Do NOT buy/play this game if you do NOT have a lot of time on your hands. This game is highly addictive and can make you completely lose track of time passage. I regret buying this game so soon because I spent too much time on it and too little time studying for my midterm... The game's story is pretty much all inter-connected so it's very difficult to "finish this part and stop". If you DO have lots of time on your hands though, totally go for the game. The story will suck you in.… Expand
  78. CoolicyIce
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Much more story-telling than combat, the combat-part is rather challenging for a person (like me) that has never played similar games by BioWare, but can be very satisfying as soon as I got used to it. The story deserves a full 10 stars, but mostly for the narration rather than teh actual story progression. The story is the usual pattern for the genre, evil forces approaching, must unite Much more story-telling than combat, the combat-part is rather challenging for a person (like me) that has never played similar games by BioWare, but can be very satisfying as soon as I got used to it. The story deserves a full 10 stars, but mostly for the narration rather than teh actual story progression. The story is the usual pattern for the genre, evil forces approaching, must unite all forces and races to repel evil, IMO nothing too refreshing. What this game excels in, however, is the way the story is presented and the way it draws you into the game. It really makes you feel involved with your character and your decisions actually feel important and make an impact to the game-environment. I can only think of very little flaws with the game, and of those flaws only one of them really bother me: the quests can sometimes get a little tedious. You progress through a quest, you go to places A-B-C-D, but you can only fulfill the requirements to a certain extent, and when you're done at location D, it requires you to go back to A, B, C to finish up. The loading times and the walking can get really annoying at times. (to ppl who played the game, i am referring to the mage quest). nonetheless, the game still deserves a full 10/10, and I am definitely going for a 2nd playthrough to try out the alternatives possible.… Expand
  79. Tom01255
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Traditional RPGs seem to have fallen out of favour of late. Whilst turn based games have almost certainly seen their demise on main stream consoles and PCs; replaced with their action-RPG counterparts, there seem to have been even fewer Baldur
  80. MaartenP
    Nov 6, 2009
    9
    This is not really a review but since a lot of PC-users had problems with redeem-codes and DLC I decided to write this little piece of info. Get the Dragon Age Updater running in the background. Then create a account (pretty straightforward), then redeem your codes. Keep the updater running all the time and start up the game. Everything should download perfectly now and function in-game. This is not really a review but since a lot of PC-users had problems with redeem-codes and DLC I decided to write this little piece of info. Get the Dragon Age Updater running in the background. Then create a account (pretty straightforward), then redeem your codes. Keep the updater running all the time and start up the game. Everything should download perfectly now and function in-game. Have fun with this great game.… Expand
  81. NathanW
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    words escape me for my newfound love of this game. the game is brilliantly panned out, the quests are interesting, and dynamic. each quest can end a variety of ways, and can be finished a variety of ways. its interesting to have the option to listen to the enemy you were slaughtering and decide to hold a meeting between the two agressive parties for a compromise.. the mere fact that there words escape me for my newfound love of this game. the game is brilliantly panned out, the quests are interesting, and dynamic. each quest can end a variety of ways, and can be finished a variety of ways. its interesting to have the option to listen to the enemy you were slaughtering and decide to hold a meeting between the two agressive parties for a compromise.. the mere fact that there are no correct answers, but different shades of everything makes this RPG stand a head above the rest. the only downside i see is the odd combat difficulty, some battles are too easy, some are insanely hard. it feels weird going into the menu to make an encounter harder, or to make an encounter easier. hopefully this is something that can be patched. overall, i recommend this to any gamer who loves a good story, because the story in this RPG is not only intensely rich, but actively interesting.… Expand
  82. SquareBear
    Nov 5, 2009
    9
    Dragon Age Origins is 80% Baldur's Gate, 10% World of Warcraft and 10% Neverwinter Nights. Yes Baldur's Gate II fanatics, rejoice. You have waited 10 years... suffered through endless pathetic dark alliance clones, shed tears over the blandness of NWN, and endured the countless mockery of the console crowd as you continued to replay your dusty copies of BG2 like some old timer Dragon Age Origins is 80% Baldur's Gate, 10% World of Warcraft and 10% Neverwinter Nights. Yes Baldur's Gate II fanatics, rejoice. You have waited 10 years... suffered through endless pathetic dark alliance clones, shed tears over the blandness of NWN, and endured the countless mockery of the console crowd as you continued to replay your dusty copies of BG2 like some old timer in front of a drugstore with nothing better to do than talk about the good ol' days. Well now the good ol' days are back. Dragon Age Origins is the real deal. It has a very worthy and thoughtful story, non-linear progression, sidequests, dialogue, character interaction, challenging tactical battles and all the other features that will make you rejoice at the return of the classic Pc Rpg. First off the graphics are amazing. Beautiful even. Its very obvious that the game was designed to bring the vivid backgrounds of BG2 to life on the screen in 3d. You will see for yourself when you get into the game how each screen looks as if it could become a still portrait and have little avatars plod along it. Character animation and combat animation are also superb. The character closeups even your detailed main character, whom you can fine tune nearly every feature of, is shown live in the cutscenes which appear to be movie quality. The combat animations are also forceful and realistic. Fireballs especially, as they explode into jets of rolling flame and blast their targeted pack down and outward from the point of impact. The combat system revolves around abilities and talent trees in a way that you can compare closely to World of Warcraft. Each character class has several mini talent trees to choose from depending on how you wish to play and specialize. For instance, warriors can choose 2 handers, dual wielding or sword and shield and their talents will all enhance that style of play. And there really are a lot of talents available for each of the classes. The story is probably the game's strongest element. It's grizzly and entrancing, truly living up to its title as a "Dark Fantasy Epic". Bioware has created a world of their own and fleshed it out with countless details and history. You also have many moral directions to take the story to, and the gameplay progression branches off from its linear path to half a dozen different ones right after the first chapter. There are also 6 different ways to start the game and you will be assigned a background story depending on which class and race you choose. This background will stay with you throughout the game and has an impact on many of your interactions. As far as the characters go, I'm very happy to say that they are up to the standard that you would expect from a spiritual sequel to BG2. All are well written, well acted and have frequent interjections, outbursts, arguments and discussions that really immerse you in the game. You can converse with any of them at any given time to pry stories from them or learn special skills. Characters can be given gifts that suit their personalities and will gain bonuses when their approval rating of you increases. There's even a bit of romance possible and a female bard that's a dead ringer for Imoen (Knock yourselves out fellas). My only complaints about the game come from an obsessive fanaticism for the ancient (10 year old) Baldur's Gate 2. And they are as follows... I don't like that you cannot zoom the camera out far enough to see the battlefield as it is somewhat leashed to your character. The top down tactical view seems to be the 7th deadly sin in the console world, but I'm pretty sure it can be implemented completely for us old fashioned PC users who miss their classic gaming. The second thing is the 4 character limitation to your active party. I'm sure there was some technical or balance reason for this, but again, we infinity gamers liked our 6 character parties and really hoped to not have any kind of silly limitation. The good news is that your characters that you "Collect" always remain in your party, just not in your active party. When you are in camp you get to interact with them all at once. And unless your in a dungeon you can swap between them in what is pretty much the character select screen from Diablo 2. An ironic testament to the blatant copycatting between Blizzard and Bioware in the olden days. (Maybe this is a signal to blizzard that their old nemesis is back). The last thing that I don't especially approve of is the instant healing between battles and automatic revivals after battle. This is somewhat of a realism killer and removes the need to have a cleric around. But the game does such a good job of making the actual battles challenging enough to where you will definitely want a healer. It also penalizes you for dying by giving you stacks of injuries that lower stats and cannot be cured too easily. Overall, if your a fan of the old Infinity Engine Rpg's your going to love this, plain and simple. It blends the very best of the old and the new in a way that should make all but the most brain dead of console cretin cutscene skippers or the most fanatical infinity engine junkies happy. Now someone needs to put Minsc in there pronto.… Expand
  83. BTDRocketScience
    Nov 5, 2009
    10
    I'm not a person who is into single player games much, but after I played a few minutes of this game I was fascinated by its graphics, has rich story content and lets you choose what to say and decide, combat needs a bit of strategy. An excellent game that leaves you addicted for hours an days to come.
  84. TobiasB
    Nov 5, 2009
    10
    If you enjoy classic RPG gameplay, then you will love this fabulous game. Great story telling, combat, graphics and more. The only complaint is that the interface could be slightly improved, but outside of that it's near perfection. If you are an ADD twitch FPS type gamer, this is not for you.
  85. TimT.
    Nov 5, 2009
    10
    From what i have tried so far its the best RPG after BG2. I cant wate to get to know my characters better, or to explore the world. I have never ever goten this hooked on a rpg before. Giving it anything under a 10 wont be possible for me!
  86. IshT
    Nov 5, 2009
    9
    Great RPG. What RPG's should be like. I played SACRED 2 and KOTOR and MASS EFFECT. But this feels like a RPG/ACTION. But the Graphics. Eh... who cares i sacrifice this for the great story and gameplay. Oh yeah way better than FABLE II. Honestly am I the only one that thinks Fable Sucks? Cuz the controls are way better and the dog interaction is more beliavable than Peter Molyneux dog Great RPG. What RPG's should be like. I played SACRED 2 and KOTOR and MASS EFFECT. But this feels like a RPG/ACTION. But the Graphics. Eh... who cares i sacrifice this for the great story and gameplay. Oh yeah way better than FABLE II. Honestly am I the only one that thinks Fable Sucks? Cuz the controls are way better and the dog interaction is more beliavable than Peter Molyneux dog interaction thing.… Expand
  87. JamesC
    Nov 4, 2009
    9
    Dragon Age is an amazing game. That is no doubt. The voice-work is top notch and the story is immersive and very well written. Every character you encounter, from the lowly guard to the players in your party, has a unique attitude. Interacting with these characters can be a challenge if you're trying to be the 'good guy' because a lot of the choices are unclear as to being Dragon Age is an amazing game. That is no doubt. The voice-work is top notch and the story is immersive and very well written. Every character you encounter, from the lowly guard to the players in your party, has a unique attitude. Interacting with these characters can be a challenge if you're trying to be the 'good guy' because a lot of the choices are unclear as to being right or wrong. Do you kill the child and slay the demon with it or do you sacrifice his mother to save the boy? To make matters more confusing are the extremely different perspectives of your party and how they think of you for doing certain things. Trying to balance a happy party is tough work but with a little help from gifts you acquire along the way, it is feesable to make most of your party pleased with you. Combat is challenging to say the least. Managing your partys actions in combat can be a chore at times. You have very limited combat tactics slots to start with and even as you gain more, you get more and more skills along the way to fill up those few slots. Leaving your team to do their own thing works for the most part using this system but to kill harder foes, you'll more than likely need to take control of them manually in order to access all of their abilities. And trust me, you'll need to use all of the tricks up their sleaves. The mosters of DA:O are no push overs. These aren't your run-of-the-mill RPG trash monsters you crush for XP and money; every battle counts. Even early on you'll find yourself running low on health potions and such. I recommend rolling a healer to start, honestly. I started off as a 2-handed sword swinging brute and later regretted it as combat became more and more difficult without a healer to back me up in the early parts of the game. I could go on for a while about DA:O but I won't delve too much deeper on a Metacritic review. Overall the game is fantastic. Rich lore, great story, exciting (and bloody) combat, amazing sound effects (the combat sounds real), a variety of armor and weapons, skills and items, and downloadable content already out with more to come, I'm sure, make this game definately worth the price tag and then some. $50 bucks for 100 hours of gameplay with numerous endings and extremely high replayability. Can't beat that anyway you look at it.… Expand
  88. NathanT
    Nov 4, 2009
    10
    Wow this game just keeps getting better and better as I play it and am only 10+ hours in. The combat is a challenge but that is a good thing. And I find as I play it more I understand the way my party is set up to fight and how to approach groups of enemies without having to waste all my pots to stay up. The combat is something that will take many many hours to get really good at and Wow this game just keeps getting better and better as I play it and am only 10+ hours in. The combat is a challenge but that is a good thing. And I find as I play it more I understand the way my party is set up to fight and how to approach groups of enemies without having to waste all my pots to stay up. The combat is something that will take many many hours to get really good at and almost impossible to completely master. Like some reviews say, this is the best RPG of the decade. GOTY contender along with borderlands and UC2.… Expand
  89. Thales
    Nov 4, 2009
    10
    It's a great story driven RPG a suberb classic, a perfect merge of old gameplay with new tecnologies delivering a world where you choises changes the world for better or worse. People keep talking about "its not revolutionry", but again i ask, a game to be good it must be revolutionary? I'm rather stick with a classic than be fooled by a empty game with lots of new mechanics. If It's a great story driven RPG a suberb classic, a perfect merge of old gameplay with new tecnologies delivering a world where you choises changes the world for better or worse. People keep talking about "its not revolutionry", but again i ask, a game to be good it must be revolutionary? I'm rather stick with a classic than be fooled by a empty game with lots of new mechanics. If you look at Diablo 3 i bet people will say the same thing "its not revolutionary, the same ISO view with some new stuff" , It apears to me that what only metters is an easy game with loads of actions and few but voiced dialogues. What makes me intrigued it's how people that really dont like long stories with large dialogues and tactical battles still trying to score something they don't like. It's the same that watching Saw series and in the end of the movie someone talks "i dont like it, they dont have romance and car crashes" Nowdays what most gamers want are easy games with lots of action and lack o story telling, that's why most RPG are blending with FPS or Action.… Expand
  90. DennisW.
    Nov 3, 2009
    1
    The DLC redemption process so completely extracts whatever fun there is in the game and beats with a spiked club until it disappears in to the ground. There are multiple ids, emails, passwords, screen names, account names, etc. to create to get even ONE piece of DLC that you get for FREE with purchase that I am no so angry I have no desire to play the game. And wobetide the person who The DLC redemption process so completely extracts whatever fun there is in the game and beats with a spiked club until it disappears in to the ground. There are multiple ids, emails, passwords, screen names, account names, etc. to create to get even ONE piece of DLC that you get for FREE with purchase that I am no so angry I have no desire to play the game. And wobetide the person who enters something WRONG - there are no error messages - just start over and guess.… Expand
  91. JacobK.
    Nov 3, 2009
    9
    Simply, it is on any real RPG fans top 10, even if it is 10 you will find it there, most people with personalities will find it fully enjoyable for many months (and years for me) to come. And with the addition of DLC's, it can only get better. Endings are some of the best by the way. Good work Bioware.
  92. TarenceK.
    Nov 3, 2009
    9
    A worthy RPG and absolute delight. Strong flow and direction, still allowing the explorers to do their thing. Easy control and guidance of multiple character. Simple recognizable interface and archetypes. Much nicer voice overs and flow of story. Its only pitfall would be its generic fantasy plot and setting. Not a bad thing, but Bioware could do good breaking away and providing us with A worthy RPG and absolute delight. Strong flow and direction, still allowing the explorers to do their thing. Easy control and guidance of multiple character. Simple recognizable interface and archetypes. Much nicer voice overs and flow of story. Its only pitfall would be its generic fantasy plot and setting. Not a bad thing, but Bioware could do good breaking away and providing us with something new. I hope to see it in extra content.… Expand
  93. TimJ.
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    The RPG ive been waiting for since I saw the end-credits roll on Baldurs Gate 2. Although only about 8 hours in, Its an incredible experience. A few minor glitches, but nothing that detracts from it being the best game from Bioware in a long time. Heres to more adventures into the amazing world of Dragon Age! Cheers!
  94. BryanR.
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    I have found this game to be phenomenal on PC so far, it is easily the match of its predecessors, Baldur's Gate I and II as well as Neverwinter Nights I and II. It is everything a fan of single-player western RPGS could ever hope for. What it lacks in originality (and it does try to inject some here and there) it makes up for in quality and presentation. Definitely give this game your time.
  95. DanielF
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    Having played many RPG games over the last 20 years or so (yes I know... dating myself :)) I have to admit this game threw me a little askew at first. Very little concentration on traditional magic in a fantasy game.. hmm... A bit odd there... but then I remember stories like George R.R. Martin and some of the later works by Raymond Feist and I remember the most intriguing parts of any Having played many RPG games over the last 20 years or so (yes I know... dating myself :)) I have to admit this game threw me a little askew at first. Very little concentration on traditional magic in a fantasy game.. hmm... A bit odd there... but then I remember stories like George R.R. Martin and some of the later works by Raymond Feist and I remember the most intriguing parts of any story isn't the powerful magic, but all the plots and subplots.. the twists and turns behind every quest and subquest. Delving a bit deeper into the storyline I really had a difficult time remembering that I was playing a game and not witnessing a rich story unfold from a fictional text. The story is immense, the combat challenging, and the replayablility makes me wonder why more games can't be like this. Kudos go to the Bioware team that developed this game and Kudos to anyone who takes the time to pick up this fantastic game. I can't wait to see all the additional content that will be developed for this game by the community.… Expand
  96. JeffD
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    After playing only 2 hours. It is one of the few games I cannot get out of my head. I can't wait do get out of work, rush home, and dive into some of the best storytelling I've encountered in a RPG that I can ever remember. Bravo Bioware!!!
  97. RaxRaxous
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    Played this as part of "Team UK" during the 24-hour "Wardens' Quest" event in London. Let me be quite clear and say that after 20+ hours of playing it straight I still can't wait to get hold of it and get playing again! It is a true master piece, combining the best elements of Baldurs Gate, Diablo, Fallout, Oblivion, Morrowind, Ultima, Planescape Torment, UFO, etc into a Played this as part of "Team UK" during the 24-hour "Wardens' Quest" event in London. Let me be quite clear and say that after 20+ hours of playing it straight I still can't wait to get hold of it and get playing again! It is a true master piece, combining the best elements of Baldurs Gate, Diablo, Fallout, Oblivion, Morrowind, Ultima, Planescape Torment, UFO, etc into a complete, beautiful, rich and expansive world. The lore is amazing, the characters totally believable, the story engrossing, the effect of your choices truly tangible, the stat / skill / talent system absorbing, equipment and items are detailed and impactful, crafting is streamlined yet powerful, it's amazing in so many ways! I have been playing games for very nearly 30 years and this is definately the peak of all that which I find enjoyable in a game. I feel 10 again, I am so excited for this and ask that you buy and play it, do yourself a favour! You will not regret it!! :-)… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2009
4
#4 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 67 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 67
  3. Negative: 0 out of 67
  1. Gameplayer Sweden
    100
    If you're into rpgs, or rather if you love roleplaying in general, there's really no need to waste time reading any reviews of this game. The same goes if you regard games like Planescape: Torment, Fallout 2 and the Baldurs Gate-series among the best computer games ever made. Because this game is everything a person like you look for in a game, and so much more. Be aware though, Dragon Age: Origins is not a revolution of the genre, rather it is an evolution, where Bioware has refined everything that made them into a formula as close to perfection as possible. Without a doubt one of the strongest Game of the year-candidates so far this year and a game we will remember with warm feelings many years to come.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer
    92
    An outstanding story-driven RPG with fantastic writing, RPG depth and tough tactical combat. It's BioWare's best RPG since Baldur's Gate 2. [Holiday 2009, p.38]
  3. GamingXP
    92
    Dragon Age Origins will keep you in front of your computer for hours! Graphics, sounds and the controls couldn’t be much better!
    Read full review
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