Dragon Age II

 PlayStation 3
User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 384 out of 1245
  2. Mixed: 188 out of 1245
  3. Negative: 673 out of 1245
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  1. brutback
    Mar 15, 2011
    5
    This hyped up **** is a betrayal towards the fans. BioWare has indeed sold their soul to EA and left their roots to rotten. It's basically a dumbed down version of DA:O with poor story, poor combat, poor depths and absolutely zero replayability. The graphic and sounds are only mediocre as well and the animations + gore is just way to much.
    On top of this the game is rushed! If BioWare have    This hyped up **** is a betrayal towards the fans. BioWare has indeed sold their soul to EA and left their roots to rotten. It's basically a dumbed down version of DA:O with poor story, poor combat, poor depths and absolutely zero replayability. The graphic and sounds are only mediocre as well and the animations + gore is just way to much.
    On top of this the game is rushed! If BioWare have had time to fix some aspects they could avoided some of the slaughter. Don't waste your money on this as I did. I will NEVER preorder from BioWare/EA again.    … Expand
  2. ElectricCity
    Mar 15, 2011
    10
    I am utterly enamored by this game. While I have a tremendous amount to love for Origins, DA2 improves on the formula by reining in on much of the wasted ambition of the original. Gone is the cliched save the world plot that we see in every fantasy RPG, replaced with a more intimate exploration of a city and it's inhabitants. Gone is the sterile and lifeless combat of Origins, instead weI am utterly enamored by this game. While I have a tremendous amount to love for Origins, DA2 improves on the formula by reining in on much of the wasted ambition of the original. Gone is the cliched save the world plot that we see in every fantasy RPG, replaced with a more intimate exploration of a city and it's inhabitants. Gone is the sterile and lifeless combat of Origins, instead we get a fast paced, highly strategic, endlessly fun re-invigoration. Exploring the cross class combos was one the most satisfying game experiences I've had this year. Also, for all streamlining and simplification people are complaining about, all it's really done is cut down on time wasted. Yes, DA2 is a shorter game than Origins, because you're not wasting half your time in menus with tasks that are better off automated. Tie that in with a colorful and memorable cast of characters, actually difficult choices, jokes that are legitimately funny, and a complex involving plot, you're looking at a fantastic game. I ran into a few bugs, two that prevented me from completing quests, but I can only assume these will be patched out sooner or later. I'd give it a 9, but hopefully a 10 will better balance out the damage the haters have caused.… Expand
  3. sp00kyfr0g
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    This game had excellent, tactical combat. The overall story was lackluster in some areas, but tied together extremely well near the end and had more than a few instances of excellent writing (the whole Qunari Arishok exchange). Overall, one of my favorite games in the past couple of years.
  4. MrGerbz
    Mar 15, 2011
    7
    Is DA2 a bad game? No.
    Is DA2 a bad game by Bioware standards? Definitely.
    Currently Bioware seems to become a true EA Games drone, by wanting to release a game every year at the cost of quality. It is mostly the Bioware fans that are seriously pissed off at them, and are giving all the bad scores. People who don't care much about RPG's but much rather prefer action-oriented games like    Is DA2 a bad game? No.
    Is DA2 a bad game by Bioware standards? Definitely.

    Currently Bioware seems to become a true EA Games drone, by wanting to release a game every year at the cost of quality. It is mostly the Bioware fans that are seriously pissed off at them, and are giving all the bad scores. People who don't care much about RPG's but much rather prefer action-oriented games like Call of Duty are the ones giving the high scores.

    Lets focus on the good parts first. The combat *looks* great, the companions are interesting, the graphics are pretty decent, the lore is still awesome to read, and the story while less epic than in DA:O, is still written very well. By industry standards, this is a very decent game.

    Sadly, there are also bad parts I need to mention. Like previously mentioned, the combat *looks* great, but when looking deeper at it, you'll notice it's actually pretty bland. Almost each encounter has waves of enemies (kill first group, 2nd group spawns, etc), and while interesting at first, it's overused.
    Speaking of overusing, if you have seen one cave / villa / sewer, you've seen them all. This is the biggest evidence of Bioware focussing on quantity over quality. They don't even give you a different minimap, certain passages are just blocked off.
    They've also reduced a lot of customization, with the excuse of 'streamlining' it. You can't even change your companions' outfit. But here's a newsflash Bioware: RPG fans LOVE customization. Sure, our companions may not always look great then, but this makes upgrading their outfits to more powerful ones even more satisfying.
    The biggest part of the quests you'll do are simple find and drop off quests, without even specific dialogue. You won't feel much of a connection to anyone or anything but some of your companions. Dialogue shouldn't feel like a bother, hence you should have the ability to skip it. But a total lack of it only makes us feel less involved. This goes so far that you don't even buy wares from merchants themselves, but from boxes next to them. BANG, and the immersion's gone.

    In conclusion: DA2 isn't bad, hell it's sometimes pretty good even. For the industry standard. But it's far, far away from the Bioware standard.    … Expand
  5. pazmacats
    Mar 15, 2011
    0
    Game is optimized for DLC. Disjointed story, chaotic combat. I recommend reading a book or watching 3 movies instead. If you throw a ball against an wall while wathcing the movie you can call your movie-watching interactive. You can even add a mulitplayer function by throwing the ball to some mate while watching the movie. You should however chose a good movie to watch (otherwise you'll beGame is optimized for DLC. Disjointed story, chaotic combat. I recommend reading a book or watching 3 movies instead. If you throw a ball against an wall while wathcing the movie you can call your movie-watching interactive. You can even add a mulitplayer function by throwing the ball to some mate while watching the movie. You should however chose a good movie to watch (otherwise you'll be wishing to click through stupid dialogue like in DA2)… Expand
  6. allsevens777
    Mar 15, 2011
    1
    What a disaster. This is not a "character-driven story". It is not that this is a departure from Origins which is the problem, it is that it is uncompelling in every way (save maybe for the revamped combat which was the only positive, and maybe the ability to have a decade long same-sex relationship with someone which, honestly, didn't have enough chemistry to really matter). That isWhat a disaster. This is not a "character-driven story". It is not that this is a departure from Origins which is the problem, it is that it is uncompelling in every way (save maybe for the revamped combat which was the only positive, and maybe the ability to have a decade long same-sex relationship with someone which, honestly, didn't have enough chemistry to really matter). That is the fundamental problem with this game. Other than that, there is no environmental changes, no different locations, the characters are all flat, and you can tell they tried to put all their eggs in one basket with Isabella which didn't work out well for them anyway. I'm a champion. Of what exactly? Or, what the hell is the end of that game about? Really? Feel like they ran out of time to work on this game, and tried to end it as quickly as possible. You know, like doing your final term paper the night before it's due. Crushing disappointment from a gay gamer who was such a fan of Origins. This was a simple ploy to make money. I feel cheated.… Expand
  7. Hippy
    Mar 15, 2011
    3
    I was very disapointed with this game, while it was touted at the next big thing, it plays like a single origin story from the first game. Held on it's own the game is fun enough, but compaired to DA:O it is a sore reminder what might have been, I LOVED the first game and have the Platinium Trophy easily putting in 100+ hours, I have had DA2 for all of 5 days and I am considering tradingI was very disapointed with this game, while it was touted at the next big thing, it plays like a single origin story from the first game. Held on it's own the game is fun enough, but compaired to DA:O it is a sore reminder what might have been, I LOVED the first game and have the Platinium Trophy easily putting in 100+ hours, I have had DA2 for all of 5 days and I am considering trading it in to get my money back. a big disappointment.… Expand
  8. Fujidog
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    Dragon Age 2 is a great game. It's not as large in scope as the first game. But it's a more personal story with your family and friends in the city of Kirkwall. Don't let a few low scores keep you from playing a great rpg.
  9. Indigoman1
    Mar 14, 2011
    10
    In a strict game play sense Dragon age 2 far surpasses Dragon age : Origins as being faster paced and less clunky. The game is much cleaner and more visually striking than the first, also the protagonist not being silent does a lot to make conversations flow. The story is downright boring however and so far (20 hours in) hasn't gotten me excited one bit.
  10. DoctorSuperior
    Mar 14, 2011
    9
    Dragon Age 2 is an incredible game. The story is engaging and the action is very fast-paced. I was a fan of Dragon Age: Origins. I played through that game about 5 times already since it's released. These playthroughs include the Expansion and all the DLC for each playthrough. Suffice to say, I adored Dragon Age: Origins. I feel like Dragon Age 2 expands and improves on everything DragonDragon Age 2 is an incredible game. The story is engaging and the action is very fast-paced. I was a fan of Dragon Age: Origins. I played through that game about 5 times already since it's released. These playthroughs include the Expansion and all the DLC for each playthrough. Suffice to say, I adored Dragon Age: Origins. I feel like Dragon Age 2 expands and improves on everything Dragon Age: Origins did. The story-telling, the graphics, the action, the characters, and the villains. All were improvements on the first game and this time the story is a more personal one as opposed to a sweeping epic like the first one. While there are games coming out in 2011 that I'm expecting to usurp it, at this moment I can say that Dragon Age 2 is my favorite game to date in the 30+ years I've been playing games.… Expand
  11. tuttifrutas
    Mar 14, 2011
    4
    the game is very disappointing. The graphics seem dated, the music is ok, the game-play is simplified and poses no challenge at all for experienced rpg gamers. LOTS of the recycled content. it is the same layout for all caverns, almost all houses, and almost everything has the same type of texture applied.
    But the City Hub system is the worse, i never seen so many loading screen in my    the game is very disappointing. The graphics seem dated, the music is ok, the game-play is simplified and poses no challenge at all for experienced rpg gamers. LOTS of the recycled content. it is the same layout for all caverns, almost all houses, and almost everything has the same type of texture applied.
    But the City Hub system is the worse, i never seen so many loading screen in my life. initiate quest in district A , goto hub, Loading, do quest in district B, goto hub, Loading, finish quest in district A. This system makes the game a chore. just go play DAO this one is just plain boring.    … Expand
  12. gheed123
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    Bioware for me stood for quality RPG. Dragon age Origins was a quality RPG. The quality steadily went down with each DLC and the absolute low of this decline now seems to have been reached with DA2. They tried to make an RPG that appeals to the bro's that play CoD, Halo and Gears of war and the like and ended up with this **** The story is nonexistant, enemies are lame, they raped the loreBioware for me stood for quality RPG. Dragon age Origins was a quality RPG. The quality steadily went down with each DLC and the absolute low of this decline now seems to have been reached with DA2. They tried to make an RPG that appeals to the bro's that play CoD, Halo and Gears of war and the like and ended up with this **** The story is nonexistant, enemies are lame, they raped the lore that they built up with DAO, combat is fun for an hour or 1000 exploding bodies, copypasted terrain, fetch quests.. To me yet another huge disappointment for a triple A title.… Expand
  13. Asher
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    Don't listen to any of these Biodrones, this game screams RUSH-JOB. Graphics from 2006 and gameplay aimed at CoD kiddies = facepalm. Save your money, go for Witcher 2
  14. cmchris2
    Mar 14, 2011
    1
    Oops - meant to give this a lower score. I hope this 1 score evens it all out, though I'd like to make it clear that I don't believe this game deserves a 1. The true score for me is somewhere between a 5 and a 6.
  15. JaTochNietDan
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    It wasn't as good as the original Dragon Age: Origins, it was very dumbed down fr the mainstream gaming crowd, it wasn't the hardcore RPG that Origins was. Although that's not to say that the game wasn't engaging and fun in its own way, there were plenty of fun moments and the combat was a little more fu-filling than the original game. Also, I didn't like the new way of handling dialog, IIt wasn't as good as the original Dragon Age: Origins, it was very dumbed down fr the mainstream gaming crowd, it wasn't the hardcore RPG that Origins was. Although that's not to say that the game wasn't engaging and fun in its own way, there were plenty of fun moments and the combat was a little more fu-filling than the original game. Also, I didn't like the new way of handling dialog, I preferred when you actually selected the lines of dialog that your character would say, not when you are clearly choosing labled dialog which is either good, bad or just silly, according to the picture in the middle. It was more immersive and involving when you selected lines of text, without being told what they were going to do, as it was basically depending on you to decide what to say, rather than being able to see the likely outcome of what you were saying in the latest game.

    Either way I still enjoyed the game thoroughly, but do hope that they make some changes for us hardcore RPG fans, instead of making the game more casual.    … Expand
  16. Soulfighter
    Mar 14, 2011
    9
    Don't trust the spam-reviews, this game is solid.Bioware really improved DA:O to make one of the best RPG with a story that builds well and good character development if you get past the first 5 hours. Contrary to the apparent bulk of reviewers, you cannot beat the game in 10 hours even if you rush the main quest. I took the day off of work yesterday and played for 21 hours and haven'tDon't trust the spam-reviews, this game is solid.Bioware really improved DA:O to make one of the best RPG with a story that builds well and good character development if you get past the first 5 hours. Contrary to the apparent bulk of reviewers, you cannot beat the game in 10 hours even if you rush the main quest. I took the day off of work yesterday and played for 21 hours and haven't even gotten past the initial town. Dragon age 2 is definitly one of the best rpg of this year and a MUST HAVE. i recommend this game to anyone and v can't do anything about it.… Expand
  17. JohnHex
    Mar 14, 2011
    2
    After amazing Dragon Age I, the Dragon Age II is a big let down. It has thrown away everything that made Dragon Age I such an epic adventure. For example in Dragon Age II you never leave the Kirkwall which makes environment more and more boring when time passes. The combat is just bad and over used. It is dull when a group of bandits or spiders jump on you on every corner. Not to talkAfter amazing Dragon Age I, the Dragon Age II is a big let down. It has thrown away everything that made Dragon Age I such an epic adventure. For example in Dragon Age II you never leave the Kirkwall which makes environment more and more boring when time passes. The combat is just bad and over used. It is dull when a group of bandits or spiders jump on you on every corner. Not to talk about enemy reinforcements: seems like every gang in Kirkwall got a lot of men to spare. Reinforcement idea is also too heavily over used. I swear there wasn't a single battle without more enemies popping from ground.

    Do not believe "professional" critics, the game is just bad and should never been released. User score speaks for the game quality.    … Expand
  18. StanleyWoo
    Mar 14, 2011
    10
    Dragon Age 2 is the one of the best RPG is have ever played. Story is well thought and really complex. Dark and gloomy setting is incredible. Game play has noticeably improved since Dragon Age: Origins. If you are true RPG fan, you just have to play this game. Be excellent to each other. End of Line.
  19. Erenthorn
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    This an extremely sad attempt for an rpg, before continuing i will point out the first obvious flaws in the game. -Reusing the same four maps 500 times.
    -Setting the whole game in one city.
    -Enemies have a ton of HP and come in waves so the game feels longer. -Frame narrative to avoid being too descriptive about what happens between large periods of time. -Half as much dialogue, more    This an extremely sad attempt for an rpg, before continuing i will point out the first obvious flaws in the game. -Reusing the same four maps 500 times.
    -Setting the whole game in one city.
    -Enemies have a ton of HP and come in waves so the game feels longer.
    -Frame narrative to avoid being too descriptive about what happens between large periods of time.
    -Half as much dialogue, more passive interaction.
    -Millions of stupid side quests that have nothing to do with anything.
    -Dull environment bereft of life and matter.
    -Inability to customize companions allowed you to skip designing different armor models.
    -Collecting hundreds of-- literally, junk items-- to create the illusion of immersion and depth.
    -Poor character development, so you hardly care about your companions by the end of the game. -Lack of any substantial choices that have lasting effects.
    -Contrived ending, that tells you nothing, and leaves a huge gap for sub-par DLC
    -Generic UI showing a lack of creativity and effort.

    Thank You to Sharkey1337 from the Bioware forums for pointing this out. This "game" is a sad excuse for a rushed rpg that lacked any standards of innovation and i ask anyone who thinks about playing this game to not do so. At most, rent and DO NOT BUY, YOU WILL HAVE WASTED 60$ IF YOU DO. Dragon Age Origins compared to this is an absolute masterpiece and anyone who was not played it should do so over buying this short pathetic game.    … Expand
  20. UnpaidCritic
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    As someone who deeply enjoyed DA:O, I am immensely disappointed by this sequel. Dragon Age 2 is inferior to its predecessor in basically every way. And how Bioware manged to even implement worse graphics than DA:O is completely beyond me. Ratings are always subjective but if you see game reviewers give this game a 10/10 praising its superior graphics .. you cant help but wonder how much ofAs someone who deeply enjoyed DA:O, I am immensely disappointed by this sequel. Dragon Age 2 is inferior to its predecessor in basically every way. And how Bioware manged to even implement worse graphics than DA:O is completely beyond me. Ratings are always subjective but if you see game reviewers give this game a 10/10 praising its superior graphics .. you cant help but wonder how much of this praise came directly from EA itself. Also nice try Avanost.… Expand
  21. Hude
    Mar 14, 2011
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. DA2 just didnâ… Expand
  22. Icee
    Mar 14, 2011
    1
    Dragon Age: Origins its a great game. Dragon Age 2 just **** sorry but its true. Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game Don't buy this game
  23. MushroomMethod
    Mar 14, 2011
    8
    I really like the changes to combat, i enjoy that it takes less then three years to swing your two handed sword. However, the game does get bogged down by terrible aggro systems and the simplicity of it all. Also, the story is incredibly weak compared to the first game. I still give it an eight, however, because despite the hold-backs, I was still playing it for hours and hours on end andI really like the changes to combat, i enjoy that it takes less then three years to swing your two handed sword. However, the game does get bogged down by terrible aggro systems and the simplicity of it all. Also, the story is incredibly weak compared to the first game. I still give it an eight, however, because despite the hold-backs, I was still playing it for hours and hours on end and was still engrossed in every minute… Expand
  24. Viraglue
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    Bland and watered down, DA2 was a huge disappointment, visually and conceptually. Judging this game solely by itself (I haven't played Origins), I joined Metacric just to say, don't waste your money. If you have to, rent the game first before you flush it down the drain. What I want to know, is how are all of these so-called "Critics" rating this game +86? I wonder how much BioWare spentBland and watered down, DA2 was a huge disappointment, visually and conceptually. Judging this game solely by itself (I haven't played Origins), I joined Metacric just to say, don't waste your money. If you have to, rent the game first before you flush it down the drain. What I want to know, is how are all of these so-called "Critics" rating this game +86? I wonder how much BioWare spent on getting those ratings.… Expand
  25. cameronhodgkins
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    Don't believe the haters...this game is a lot of fun. It hasn't revolutioned the industry, and no, it's not the same as DA:Origins. Much like the differences between Mass Effect and ME2, Dragon Age II has decided to simplify things to attract a wider audience. Consider me attracted. I understand why some players might miss the need for pause and assign gameplay, but I do not. I highlyDon't believe the haters...this game is a lot of fun. It hasn't revolutioned the industry, and no, it's not the same as DA:Origins. Much like the differences between Mass Effect and ME2, Dragon Age II has decided to simplify things to attract a wider audience. Consider me attracted. I understand why some players might miss the need for pause and assign gameplay, but I do not. I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  26. Rubyjones
    Mar 14, 2011
    9
    Wow whats with the ratings below, an anti-bioware fan club on the prowl? lame. DA2 may not be DA1 but the Art direction is much improved, ldetails have more clarity, scenic views are more darmatic and colorful. Combat looksgreat with spells lighting up the screen, you may have to up the difficulty more than normal to up the challenge.
  27. wiwefak
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    Dragon Age 2, isnt something what i expected it to be. Maybe i was hoping for DA:O sequal. The game does have improvment at some points. The combat is more fun now, it isnt clunky and the animations are smooth. It was nice to see my rogue just kill stuff with style. The spells and skills look nice, First time i casted rock armor i was amazed how much better it looked compared to DA:O. TheDragon Age 2, isnt something what i expected it to be. Maybe i was hoping for DA:O sequal. The game does have improvment at some points. The combat is more fun now, it isnt clunky and the animations are smooth. It was nice to see my rogue just kill stuff with style. The spells and skills look nice, First time i casted rock armor i was amazed how much better it looked compared to DA:O. The new Qunari look nice, but in the game you dont see any female Qunari's also you dont see any female Dwarfs. The dialogue wheel is something they tried to take over from ME2, but it dosent fit for DA2. In a rpg i wanna be the character and choose what i say like i did in DA:O, but with the new dialogue wheel i often felt like i didnt bother reading any options. Making me pay less attention to the story. I always knew top was good, middle was neutral and bottom was evul. So i always clicked the top one and didnt bother reading anything else. Which was a huge letdown. In DA:O you had so many diffrent choices and you chose the option which felt what you would have said so you were thinking what you would do, you were in the game. Also the dialogue options were sometimes confusing, because i hoped it to say something diffrent and it kept me sometimes wondering if i pressed something wrong or could the other options say what i wanted to say.

    Companions:
    Companion customization is dumbed down. You can't change ur companion armor, except rings,necklace, belt and weapon. In a rpg i always want to customize all my characters. Or maybe it was too much to expect. 1 and half years to make a sequal isnt that much, comparing to DA:O and i guess Bioware didnt have the time to make armors for your companions. But not being able to change armors, resulted my main character who was a rogue, have more armor/defence than my tank. Even though you can upgrade your companion armors, by getting some special upgraders or doing companion quests it isnt as effective compared to DA:O, where you could give them your old set.

    Another thing about companions, you cant talk to them everytime you want. Basically if you want to know about them you need to wait for the companion quest to open. I always was checking all my companions, because i wanted to know about them more, but i never was able to talk with them unless they had a quest and that wasnt really what i was looking forward to. In DA:O you could talk with them everywhere, which was great, but now the only chance to talk with them is during companion quests and occasionaly cutscenes. In DA:O, you talked with them everytime gave them gifts, laughed at their jokes and dialogues, but now it feels like they removed it from the game. True the companions to have funny dialogue with eachother from time to time, but here i don't bother listening to them at all, unless its Varrick whos talking. Varrick will probably be the companion i will remeber. Compared to DA:O, where i loved Alistair, Morrigan, Shale, Zevran, Oghren and so on. The companions in DA2 arent that memorable.

    The theme is Kirkwall, you spend all the time in Kirkwall and its surrounding places. Kirkwall is a huge city and you can choose to visit at night and day, which is nice, but the city is empty. I mean there arent npc-s. The huge city seems kinda empty, but that isnt a big problem, the biggest problem is the dungeons and recycled areas. After ACT1 you will spend ur time revisiting the places u visited for several more times. Basically after ACT1 you have seen the whole game. Compared to DA:O, where there were so many diffrent places, citys this seems like they didnt have money or the time to make new dungeons. After revisiting a dungeon the 20-th time you know where the most treasures are and it isnt as rewarding and the game lacks exploration.

    What is the deal with DLC before the game is even released. They are trying to milk too much money out of the gamers who like the Dragon Age universe. There are 2 dlc-s already, which 1 has a new companion and the other has some bonus items. You can play DA2 without dlc-s easily, because those dlc don't add that much depth to the game. Also on hard/nightmare the game is challenging, however some places are unbalanced and make you wanna tear your hair out. To play on nightmare you gotta exploit all the weakness and the stupidness of the enemys ai. The game started feeling like hit and run. The game isnt as tactical as DA:O, yes you can play it tactically, but after waves and waves of enemys ur tactics mostly end up being useless, because enemy's come out of nowhere and just take out ur mage or rogue. So you never can be prepeared.

    Dont get me wrong Dragon Age 2 is a good game, but i always kept comparing it to DA:O. DA2 was rushed out, it wasnt polished like DA:O. If there wasnt DA:O i would give DA2 a score of 8, but it felt for me that it isnt as good as DA;O and i always compared to it. So imma give it a 7.0    … Expand
  28. RavenZD
    Mar 14, 2011
    4
    This games claims to be mature RPG from one of best RPG developers in the world, It simply is not true.
    Before i start with pros and cons, let me just say a thing or two about mature rpg:
    1. It is not mature (yes there is sex and some quests are rather interesting), but flashy combat, quests that are so dumb (discover a item on floor and bring it to someone for reward is insult of    This games claims to be mature RPG from one of best RPG developers in the world, It simply is not true.
    Before i start with pros and cons, let me just say a thing or two about mature rpg:

    1. It is not mature (yes there is sex and some quests are rather interesting), but flashy combat, quests that are so dumb (discover a item on floor and bring it to someone for reward is insult of intelligence). There is no real group dynamics, story so far is refreshment from usual rpg epic default, but i don't mention this as a necessary good thing - you are driven solely by making a name for your self in one rather small town. It is ok to have this, but you expect more at the end. This is just: ok, and that is it, what now?

    2. RPG - where to start....it just doesn't feel like one. Inventory is a big part of rpg for me - i like to play around with items, have meaningful icons, distribute with my members, combine what is best and generally play around with crafting etc. Here they take most of it away. There are no icons, party customization is awful, if you get DLC armor & weapons, you will be using it alot because it is very powerful...crafting is just basically purchasing from a stand...no open world, feels very limited with location recycle... i just can't get into the character and into setting.


    To be clear, haven't played game through...i started by single session of 8 hours, than 6, than 4, than 2.. yesterday i just chilled on couch, had absolutely no wish to turn it on (in DA:o it was quite opposite, my desire to play got bigger with progression). Not really sure if i will be able to finish it (difficultly is not an issue).. it just doesn't captivate and mesmerize like RPG should.


    PRO: no bugs, some very interesting quests, combat can be fun sometimes, top notch voice acting
    CONS: inventory, party chars not very interesting, fight is not tactical at all, no open space, narrow corridors or walls most of game (don't mind dungeon crawl now and then, but this is nowhere near so far), dialog wheel (absolute rpg abomination) and yes for me - no epic struggle as culmination of all the efforts...


    For me a big letdown, if you liked origins and enjoy classic RPG experience do not buy this game until it is not on some discount or used...don't think I'll ever play this more than once if i manage to get interested enough to complete.

    P.S. If this is what RPG is going to be from now on - i must be getting too old and this simply is not for me.    … Expand
  29. zinc007
    Mar 14, 2011
    1
    Designed by focus group. By trying to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, Bioware has created game that never really develops it's own personality. Utterly forgettable, DA2 tries in vain to be darker, edgier and sexier, but only succeeds in trying too hard. The violence is bloody, the "sexiness" is a bit blatant and ham-handed, all the while giving the impression that behind theDesigned by focus group. By trying to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, Bioware has created game that never really develops it's own personality. Utterly forgettable, DA2 tries in vain to be darker, edgier and sexier, but only succeeds in trying too hard. The violence is bloody, the "sexiness" is a bit blatant and ham-handed, all the while giving the impression that behind the scenes is a 40-something game director saying "this is what the kids want, right?" Rather than focus on making a solid, entertaining game, Bioware tried to include all things for all gamers. They have created a game with something for everyone, but not enough for any one group to enjoy the experience.… Expand
  30. MistOne
    Mar 13, 2011
    10
    What sucks is all the hype around this for a lackluster game. "Oh DA2 is da best game ever!" Then once you play it, you trade it in and say "I can't believe I gave into hype." I can't believe the words "hype", "improvement", and better yet, "critics." Improvment. What? I thought this was the first game. Hype. Yeah, hype over noth
  31. normalpants
    Mar 13, 2011
    1
    Dragon Age II is a major disappointment. The first game was certainly flawed, especially in terms of usability for people new to RPGs, but it more than made it for its flaws by giving us memorable characters, a richly-detailed world to explore, and a deep backstory and main story to immerse ourselves in. A lot of people found a special place for Dragon Age Origins in their hearts and IDragon Age II is a major disappointment. The first game was certainly flawed, especially in terms of usability for people new to RPGs, but it more than made it for its flaws by giving us memorable characters, a richly-detailed world to explore, and a deep backstory and main story to immerse ourselves in. A lot of people found a special place for Dragon Age Origins in their hearts and I was certainly one of them.

    I didn't expect anything revelatory out of the sequel, after all, it's coming hot off the heals of the last game (roughly a little less than 2 years?) and I don't exactly have a lot of faith in the games industry in the first place. I expected a reasonable upgrade to the combat system and a roughly equivalent level of story-telling, which has been a staple of every Bioware game they have ever released, even less-loved ones. My expectations were not met. Despite what the previews have led you to believe, the combat system is pretty much exactly the same as the first game, which is great for me, because I actually had a blast with combat in the first one. There are a couple minor tweaks that make it feel like you're more in the control of your characters, which is a nice touch, but it's pretty minor stuff. Combat has been toned down to be much easier, to the point where you can virtually spam X or A in all of your fights and win on normal difficulty. Most people will want to play it on hard or higher assuming you want to play it at all.

    The reason you should not play Dragon Age II is because it cheapens the Dragon Age series. I found myself pining for characters I hated in the first one (Sten and Zevren anyone?) because every single character is unmemorable and all of their dialogue boils down to "hey guys! let's get the band guys, ok?" Also, there isn't nearly as much voice acting in the sequel as there was in the first one. NPCs, vendors, side-quest givers and even some major plot characters usually have one sound byte that repeats no matter how many times you talk to them. "Dungeons" are just a series of narrow passages and rooms with little to no distinguishing landmarks to make you feel like you're actually making progress or seeing anything new. Some major quests have their conclusions take place in environments that aren't much better than some of the random outdoor encounters from the world map in the first game. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but it's a shame when I can no longer say that a Bioware game is a day one purchase at full price without reading reviews. It feels rushed, forced, unnecessary, and I can't help feeling like I wasted my money. Even though the combat is still fun and slightly improved, I don't hate myself quite enough to slog through this mess of a game.    … Expand
  32. Mariany
    Mar 13, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn't play DAO for almost a year, then DA2 is out and i was overjoy to test it out. The short guy and the girl seeker looked promising, then bang the first DA fail, only human to choose, even if u font play the others, it was part of the lore and to play in DAO.

    Has many said combat is less tactical and that, well i prefer this new method and mage and rogue looks very well designed while in combat and u can still make ur own tactic if ya want, nothing much of a difference.

    Grapics, man.. its better aright ,but when i was mid act II of the game i got bored of the same city quests, lets face it, combat is nice, graphics is better, but its boring looking to the same place.

    After this i got the mood to go grab my DAO and start a new game to see the dif better, and i did forget how was and is far better than his sequel.

    Graphics is almost the same, and u can get a good overview when in combat, but still i prefer the fast paced in DA2. But.. when u became a grey warden and the battle of ostagar begins.. thats the real Dragon Age, thats the real feeling that i loved playing this game.

    And yes, Alistair and morgan moments while ur walking, its epic.

    To conclude my first and only post, DAO gives much more to the player than its sequel, and u are always on the move from city to city, wild to villages, while DA2 ur stuck in a boring city, even with the nice visual combat system that DA2 offers, origins its in other league of rpgish.

    Cheers    … Expand
  33. Nenene
    Mar 13, 2011
    4
    Very disappointing. A complete step backwards from DA:O in every respect-- graphics, gameplay, characters and storytelling. This was a rush job, and it shows.

    I'm very sad that apparently BioWare thinks so little of their customers as to foist this off on them as being worthy of $60 and the additional cost of the Day One DLC. I want to feel angry about this but I mostly just feel very,    Very disappointing. A complete step backwards from DA:O in every respect-- graphics, gameplay, characters and storytelling. This was a rush job, and it shows.

    I'm very sad that apparently BioWare thinks so little of their customers as to foist this off on them as being worthy of $60 and the additional cost of the Day One DLC.

    I want to feel angry about this but I mostly just feel very, very sad.    … Expand
  34. Skywin
    Mar 13, 2011
    5
    people that telling it's good really lieing lol , DA:O was really a great game and loved it , DA2 has nothing new , they are reusing places caves/houses for quest really boring if you come to the same place 5 times... The storyline could have made better , i liked DA:O storyline better.. it was quite boring ... why did they change everything? like revamp the darkspawn? i liked the old onespeople that telling it's good really lieing lol , DA:O was really a great game and loved it , DA2 has nothing new , they are reusing places caves/houses for quest really boring if you come to the same place 5 times... The storyline could have made better , i liked DA:O storyline better.. it was quite boring ... why did they change everything? like revamp the darkspawn? i liked the old ones these looked weird like zombies... -.- I loved the new characters , voiced but they could have made it better , it's not worth 50£ ..… Expand
  35. Kanye
    Mar 13, 2011
    1
    It was ok for a hack and slash adventure. Forget all about tactical combat, immersion into the story, convincable dialgoue or character development.
  36. alkatrazz
    Mar 13, 2011
    1
    Utter garbage inasmuch as it actually inspired me to signup in order to post my views. This is truly a shame, given the expectations built up with DA:O -- What is hilarious to note is all the major review companies noting `once you get past the..' OR `compare to DA:O this is much worse BUT' and awarding ~80, tbh these look like paid for reviews in order to drive sales. DA2 is awful c.f.Utter garbage inasmuch as it actually inspired me to signup in order to post my views. This is truly a shame, given the expectations built up with DA:O -- What is hilarious to note is all the major review companies noting `once you get past the..' OR `compare to DA:O this is much worse BUT' and awarding ~80, tbh these look like paid for reviews in order to drive sales. DA2 is awful c.f. DA:O.
    END OF LINE.    … Expand
  37. Dzverg
    Mar 13, 2011
    0
    Hello!
    For the first time I haven't received pleasure from game from BioWare Game is awful. The fighting system causes furiousness. The graphics is primitive, that I play such impression Doom, for control of the camera - to tear off hands or it is even better a head.
    If they I will make Mass Effect 3 in the same type it it will be very bad.
  38. Redtrip
    Mar 13, 2011
    0
    The only RPG worse than Dragon Age is the sequel. If Bioware continues to make such terrible games it will see itself go from acclaimed developer to bankrupt.
  39. joet88
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    What is going on with these reviews? It's odd- the game is pretty good. Yes, it's different. Yes it has faster paced combat. No it is not too easy for experienced players if they use the correct difficulty settings. It is certainly easier for a wider audience, the kind of people who don't want to spend 30 attempts on one battle, because they have things to do. Why should we few masochistsWhat is going on with these reviews? It's odd- the game is pretty good. Yes, it's different. Yes it has faster paced combat. No it is not too easy for experienced players if they use the correct difficulty settings. It is certainly easier for a wider audience, the kind of people who don't want to spend 30 attempts on one battle, because they have things to do. Why should we few masochists who actually enjoy the tedium of X-Com, Jagged Alliance, or Baldur's Gate, expect the same kind of insanity from people who have relationships and career goals? Sure, it is not tedious for us, but we're special. Let's stop freaking out about the reasonable expectations of the other people in the world, shall we?

    Either there are a lot of crazy people who are obsessed with Dragon Age, and have nothing better to do than be enraged about a few compromises that were made for the sake of sharing some of the greatness of "hardcore" games with the rest of the culture, or all this negativity is some sort of cheap marketing ruse from a competing company. The latter idea is a bit conspiracy theorist, but I really don't want to believe that the video gaming community is really this goofy. But perhaps it is. There was that embarrassing Roger Ebert situation, when thousands of illiterate video gamers flooded his blog to type Caps Locked obscenities at the poor guy for making an argument based on his personal, and reasonably misinformed, opinion.

    I'm not much for writing anything publicly on this wilderness we call the internet, but I do occasionally feel obligated to stand up for things that are bullied by the disturbed masses. So here's my defense for anyone considering buying this game:

    Dragon Age 2 actually is a good game, with some really striking art design, charming characters, good writing, and an interestingly slow, yet engaging pace. "Slow, yet engaging" is certainly a complex combination of elements for story pacing, and not surprisingly it seems to fly over many gamers' heads. The Hawke character is much different than I expected; I was expecting more of a tough guy a la Shepard, but the charming British guy with a sense of humor is starting to grow on me. And I will admit the dialog wheel feels a little more clumsy than in Mass Effect.

    But my gripes are minor ones, as they should be for most other people writing reviews here, who seem to be ignoring everything other than the changes for which they have such a narrow vision.

    In short, if you are not crazy, you will enjoy it. It's not mind-blowing, it's warm and inviting, enveloping, and an interesting view into the Dragon Age world from a different perspective.    … Expand
  40. cred1984x
    Mar 12, 2011
    8
    I will be the first to admit that when Dragon Age: Origins release, I lost friends.....and almost my wife. I cant put into words the love I had, and still have for that game. When I heard about Dragon Age 2, you can imagine my excitement. Now its been almost a week since its release, and while I do actually like this game a lot, I wish I felt about it the same way I did Origins. DA2 isI will be the first to admit that when Dragon Age: Origins release, I lost friends.....and almost my wife. I cant put into words the love I had, and still have for that game. When I heard about Dragon Age 2, you can imagine my excitement. Now its been almost a week since its release, and while I do actually like this game a lot, I wish I felt about it the same way I did Origins. DA2 is not a bad game.....far from it. The game has been what Bioware would like to call: "Overhauled" The graphics do look a lot better, the combat has been re-worked, and conversations use the Mass Effect style wheel. The epicness seemed to have been lost in the fire, and while I like to new approach to combat....It feels a little too fast or arcadey for my taste. I would still recommend this game to any rpg fan, but as I a die hard Dragon Age fan, I would be lying if I said I wasnt let down only a little.… Expand
  41. Voland
    Mar 12, 2011
    2
    This game is not terrible but it is so wrong it threatens the future for pc RPGs.
    It's cheap and dumbed down.
    The game mainly consist in following yellow marks on the map, to complete or to take quests, there is no real need to be able to read to play this game. Combat is not so bad, but the difficulty is. Hard is mainly easy as pie and sometimes it gets stupidly luck based or imbalanced.    This game is not terrible but it is so wrong it threatens the future for pc RPGs.
    It's cheap and dumbed down.
    The game mainly consist in following yellow marks on the map, to complete or to take quests, there is no real need to be able to read to play this game.
    Combat is not so bad, but the difficulty is. Hard is mainly easy as pie and sometimes it gets stupidly luck based or imbalanced. I've not played much of nightmare because the friendly fire thing is not well thought out and causes rage-quit.
    Ambients are copy-pasted so much you actally feel frauded when playing.
    Character lack any depth and are not even remotely interesting.

    The plot is (spoiler alert) "You are a champion, or you are going to be one, and haters gonna hate you."

    Thisgameisbad.    … Expand
  42. crustywaffle
    Mar 12, 2011
    6
    Many have criticized the game for lackluster graphics, a weak story line, forgettable characters, and many other things. Yet at the same time they go out of their way to praise the original Dragon Age, putting it on a higher pinnacle than it deserves to be on.

    Instead of looking at the game its self as its own entity, we should instead compare the first game along with it's sequel in    Many have criticized the game for lackluster graphics, a weak story line, forgettable characters, and many other things. Yet at the same time they go out of their way to praise the original Dragon Age, putting it on a higher pinnacle than it deserves to be on.

    Instead of looking at the game its self as its own entity, we should instead compare the first game along with it's sequel in order to see what things had drastically improved.

    Let's begin with the first thing people have pointed out - Graphics.

    The Graphics in Dragon Age: Origins were the exact same as the ones we are seeing in the current Dragon Age title. They were weak by the standards back than, as they are now. Should graphics take away from the game so much as they apparently have? Probably not, but in order to feel immersed in the world it's important for it to be visually appealing as well. Playing Dragon Age Origins it seemed as if there was nothing but browns and yellows, with an occasional red or white here and there. DA2 seems to have kept that same color pallet.

    Story -
    The DAO story line was, well, forgettable as well. I remember when I first played it I kept forgetting what I was suppose to be doing, what was the point of all this. Yes, I was a gray warden, and yes, I was suppose to be stopping the blight, but why exactly was I saving a child from the fade again? DA2 remains to be the same, the story tries to make its self feel like an epic adventure, but it all ends up being just forgettable moments that you can move on with.

    Characters - DA:O characters were unimportant, in that there didn't seem to be a development amongst them and your self. They remained to be the same character when you first met them up until the end, there was no drastic change in personality. Allastar was as whiny as always, Morrigan was shady until the end, and to be honest, I've forgotten the rest of the characters. That's how bad DA:O was in making the connection to you and your party. DA2 did little to improve on this, quickly killing off your brother or sister in the very beginning, allowing little to no development between the two of you. It's weak, plain and simple.

    Combat - This was perhaps DA2's saving grace. I remember from Origins playing a warrior I was stuck mainly doing auto attacks, occasionally being able to use an ability, and even than, the ability was lackluster. It didn't make me go "Oh wow! That was cool!". It was slow, and clunky, most importantly, it was boring. DA2 how ever changed that with it's new combat system. Sure, it may be hack-n-slash like, but none the less it keeps you entertained while it's going on, and your abilities are actually useful this time around. No longer do I feel like I'm standing there auto attacking a character until he dies, and even when I am auto attacking, the range of motions they make still make it visually fun to watch.

    Speech -
    This was another drastic improvement over Origins. I was disappointed when Origins came out, and instead of having your character speak, it was another silent protagonist. Obviously the voice casting for the different variable of characters you had would be expensive, so it was understandable. With diminishing the variable, and making it just a human with a male and female counterpart, they could implement what we all came to love from Mass Effect. The acting how ever, was weak compared to ME. I believe this was on part of how rushed the game was though.

    In short, the game is average compared to other bioware releases. This isn't directly to be blamed on bioware its self, but instead on EA. EA wanted to capitalize on DA:O as quickly as possible, and as such rushed Bioware into completing the game as quickly as possible, giving us a new title in 18 months. If they were instead given an additional 6 months to a year, we would have had seen a more polished, better game. It's highly unlikely EA will learn from this mistake, and more than likely because of the over-whelming negative reviews of the game, this will probably be the last in the Dragon Age series.    … Expand
  43. tlozfh
    Mar 12, 2011
    7
    Demasiado simplificado! no más de estos cambios! el juego se vuelve demasiado aburrido, perdió toda su esencia. Amo el primer juego y este no tiene nada que ver. Dinero desperdiciado, espero que vuelvan a los orígenes en una futura entrega. Me da una tremenda pena y rabia lo que han hecho.
  44. vandro
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    Less races, less skills, less hours of gaming, but more jumping, more killing, more speed. Meant to be a casual game for casual gamers. But looks like a game for people who like tu run amok.
  45. jpmcconnell
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    Wow... People here are overreacting. Does the game play slightly different than Origins: yes. Is the game an abysmal failure worthy of a 0 rating, absolutely not.

    First, I just say that I loved origins. I played all of the great old school RPG: entire baldurs gate series, Icewind, Planescape, Fallout 1 and 2, etc. Loved all of them. Also loved origins for brining back the feel of the old    Wow... People here are overreacting. Does the game play slightly different than Origins: yes. Is the game an abysmal failure worthy of a 0 rating, absolutely not.

    First, I just say that I loved origins. I played all of the great old school RPG: entire baldurs gate series, Icewind, Planescape, Fallout 1 and 2, etc. Loved all of them. Also loved origins for brining back the feel of the old infinity engine days.

    The biggest difference that I experienced in Dragon Age 2 was a slight decrease in difficulty level. Normal played like easy hard played like normal, etc. Crank the difficulty up a notch from where you were at in Origins and you get a very similar tactical experience. Positioning is still key, when and where you target abilities is still key, etc. Second difference is that even on hard there is no friendly fire. Need to crank it up to nightmare to get that. Now I will admit that this does drain a little of the tactics away. You can now throw a fireball into a group without really worrying about it. I wish Bioware had included friendly fire as a separate option outside difficulty level. I don't want to have to wade through the ridiculously buffed enemies in nightmare, but wish hard and normal had friendly fire. So this is a complaint but a very minor one. Another difference is that the combat is faster paced, not necessarily bad, just different. On the positive side. Combat is not much more responsive. Its now meaningful to move your characters out of harms way if you see an enemy charging up an attack. All of this adds up to a tactical experience that is different from Origins, but perfectly acceptable. Is it fun, absolutely.

    Graphics. Some people have said the graphics are worse than Origins. These people are either blind or need to go back and play origins again. The graphics are much, much better. I'm playing on a lower end machine, so can't speak for the top of the line rigs, but on mine DAII looks gorgeous compared to DA:O.

    Story, haven't finished it yet, but what I have gone through so far is great. I'm just happy that they didn't drag out the usually fantasy troupe of Giant evil out to destroy the world, orphan/exile loaner only one who can stop it. Its a different type of story. If you hate any type of variation from what you expect then this is bad. If your willing to roll with a few difference you'll find a fantastically engaging story that will really bring you into the world. Granted, the first act is a little slow, but other than that its great.

    Inventory and Armor. Can you choose which armor your companions wear? no you cant. Is this a huge issue? no, it isn't. I actually kind of like the change for an RP reason. In the story your companions are not part of a party traipsing around the world. Rather, you all live in the same city, are friends, and when one of you needs the rest of the group you get together and go on adventures. It would seem sort of silly if your friend was telling you what you could and couldn't wear. These people have their own lives and can dress themselves when they get out of bed in the morning, they don't want Hawke to tell them what to wear. I think the mistake bioware made was in restricting this, but then also keeping the vast array of armor still available. So what you end up with is similar to the first game, piles and piles on armor and robes, but this time with only one character to equip them on. When you have ten spare sets of plate mail, you sort of wish you could put a new one on Aveline. They should have drastically reduced the amount of Armor available so finding a new, great set for Hawke would be meaningful. Take a page out of the original Fallout book. In those worlds there were only a few sets of the crazy powered armor in the entire game. Made you extremely excited when you finally found a set them for you character. There are plenty of great RPGs where you only had one character to fully equip. Nothing wrong with this, its just different than origins. You can still hand out weapons and trinkets to your hearts content. Except for Varric, who has a crossbow that he loves. Once again I actually like this for RP reasons. It always irked me that once you found Stern's sword in DA:O that you could give him a different weapon. He called the friken thing a part of his soul. He's just been reunited with it. Now he's going to let some upstart little gray warden tell him to use a different weapon! Come on. He's going to hold onto that puppy until he dies. Varric doesn't have quite the same relationship with his crossbow, but its similar. He loves the thing. Its gotten him through a lot of scrapes. Hes not trading it in no matter how fancy the new bow you just found is. Overall, slightly worse in terms of options, but good for role playing reasons.    … Expand
  46. BigDave81
    Mar 12, 2011
    9
    This game is Very good but still has a few Flaws that I was hoping Bioware could of fixed,like the story is for the most part was Lacking and the game has a few Glitches and bugs that need to be ironed out but besides that Dragon age 2 is cool.
  47. Sylar84
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    I think it is a very good game, has a fantastic characterization and the rpg system has been streamlined to only the armor of the characters in the party for the rest of the gameplay mechanics are like the first, especially if played hard difficulty, it also has a fantastic plotI think it is a very good game, has a fantastic characterization and the rpg system has been stre
  48. assmaster69
    Mar 12, 2011
    0
    I wrote a detailed review about all the things wrong with the game earlier, and gave it a score of three. This is a revision to balance out the bioware employees and shills giving it 10s.
  49. Ashkol27
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    Choices, story and dialogue sacrificed for sound, voice acting and cinematics...shame. The developers forgot that storytelling is best told in written form. They destroyed the classic RPG silent protagonist where you had to use your own imagination as the character's voice, and replaced it with limited icons and Mass Effect imitation.
  50. peroxxi
    Mar 12, 2011
    4
    This game in crap. No exploration, tons of bugs, tons of more bugs, awful difficulty calibration, crappy graphics. They made this game in few months just because EA command it!
    It's turned to a great rpg to a casual action rpg.
  51. NeeKo550
    Mar 12, 2011
    8
    Dragon Age 2 in my opinion is a much better game than DA:Origins. I never finished Origins because of the horrible combat system. And i'm plenty pleased about the armor situation. How many hours do u want to spend fiddling with your companions outfits! Jeeze! The bad reviews say much more about the reviewer than the game. Get a life! Get outside your parents basement and get someDragon Age 2 in my opinion is a much better game than DA:Origins. I never finished Origins because of the horrible combat system. And i'm plenty pleased about the armor situation. How many hours do u want to spend fiddling with your companions outfits! Jeeze! The bad reviews say much more about the reviewer than the game. Get a life! Get outside your parents basement and get some fresh air. Might clear up your clouded heads. While not a great game, its definitely bettter than the first.… Expand
  52. jean-francois
    Mar 12, 2011
    2
    I really enjoyed the first dragon age game. It was one of my favorite game of all time. But I did not enjoy this second installment. The history is bland, the role-playing elements has been dumbed down. You cannot pick your race, talk to your companions during missions. The dialogs are boring and the characters forgettable. A note to Bioware: graphics and combat are not the onlyI really enjoyed the first dragon age game. It was one of my favorite game of all time. But I did not enjoy this second installment. The history is bland, the role-playing elements has been dumbed down. You cannot pick your race, talk to your companions during missions. The dialogs are boring and the characters forgettable. A note to Bioware: graphics and combat are not the only things that I enjoy in a game!… Expand
  53. Brader182
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    Everything is great in this game!!!Meet the Best Rpg for teen years Dragon age 2!!! I love this game!! I complete the game already and i want more play it.i want more adventures,i want more dlc which tell us about Hawke s fate)))dont listen people who give negative review its all flashmob
  54. qstoffe
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    This is a hack & slash console action game. If you're looking for an RPG game, look elsewhere. If you like arcady-console-street fighter-action-games, then this is it. The original DA game was a lot more RPG and more similar to the BG saga. To even compare this game against older RPG games such as BG and Planescape is crazy because it would be like comparing a shooter against Civ5.
  55. DKN
    Mar 12, 2011
    0
    Iâ
  56. altagor
    Mar 12, 2011
    4
    First part of DA was translated to polish but 2 has only subtitles. Game is insanely glitch for the PS3, with freezing occuring every 10 minutes. Part 2 it's only money machine for EA.
  57. SiliconNooB
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    How did Bioware manage to turn the majesty of DAO into this dingy and myopic little world? The plot is stunted, the Dialogue shallow, and the combat is clearly compromised, and that is without even touching upon the game's myriad bugs! Dumbed down doesn't even begin to describe DA2.
  58. nagyi
    Mar 12, 2011
    2
    this game really sucks, i liked the first part, i finished it twice, but this sucks. I hate it that u cant equip ure companions as u like, the potion system sucks, i liked the how it was, like in every normal rpg, and the whole story is a single city... come on!!! whit a year of extra work they could have made a decent sequel.
  59. RPGLover007
    Mar 12, 2011
    3
    1 Point for the writing, 1 point for the codex and the lore, and 1 point for the graphics. -7 points for:

    -1. The massive reuse of areas. I fall easily into immersion, but even I cannot maintain any immersion when there is only 1 warehouse in a city full of warehouses. And every cave in the entire world is the same cave. I can't imagine who thought that was a good idea. Really? -2.    1 Point for the writing, 1 point for the codex and the lore, and 1 point for the graphics. -7 points for:

    -1. The massive reuse of areas. I fall easily into immersion, but even I cannot maintain any immersion when there is only 1 warehouse in a city full of warehouses. And every cave in the entire world is the same cave. I can't imagine who thought that was a good idea. Really?

    -2. The sound, omg, my ears. I LOVE LOVE LOVE sound. I spend a lot of money on surround sound because I find it essential to immersion. The sound in this game is so harsh. No thumping sounds. Bright, brash, sharp, completely painful to the ears. Instead of cranking up the volume and letting it wash over me, I have to turn the sound down because it's just too painful to listen to, both figuratively and literally. Very sad. Who thought this sounded good?

    -3. Inventory. They did the same **** in ME vs ME2, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but really? AGAIN? They took a very complicated system that was fun and complex that one could spend a lot of time playing with and turned it into a clown system. I suspect this is a fatality of designing an inventory system to be managed by 4 buttons and a cross instead of a mouse and a keyboard.

    -4. Armor. While part inventory, it deserves it's own -1 point. No more managing your companions armor. Most armor in the game is now useless. In DA:O one would learn all about the other character classes and their equipment, how to manage them, and could spend endless hours tweaking everybody's gear. Not so with DA2. There is no management of companions' armor. This is a sad, sad decision. It means about 60% of the gear you pick up is utterly useless to you. Why have armor at all?

    -5. UI. The UI would be nice if I were playing Halo perhaps, or maybe a car racing game. For an immersive RPG? I can't think of a worse UI motif I have seen. It's "slick" and "modern". Goes well together with medieval and swords and sorcery. Seriously, I have to ask again, how did BioWare even find 2 people who thought this was a good idea, much less an entire staff?

    -6. Character class control. Again with the apparently less is more theme. DA:O I could pick whether any char went 1 handed, 2 handed, bow, archer, dagger, anything for any class. In DA2, I'm 40 hours in and since I can't use a bow, nobody can use a bow. All bows are useless thus far. I have 2 rogues companions, but neither can use a bow, and there is no way to allow them to. All bows are useless and pointless in this game thus far. I want more control over the classes and not be forced into multiple playthroughs just to experience basic ideas.

    -7. Character Control. I have rarely gotten angry at a game because it wouldn't be have the way that I want it to, but congratulations BioWare and EA, you're the first. The goddamn camera control on this game is just terrible, TERRIBLE! It makes my face hurt just to type that out while imagining how bad it is. --- I cannot go Isometric.
    --- I can no longer pan left/right/up/down when the mouse hits the edge of the screen.
    --- The circle areas for targeting of actions snap to enemies very aggressively. This means that coupled with the limited camera range, it is often impossible to place a spell where it will be most effective. I find myself constantly FIGHTING with the cursor to try and place a spell at the appropriate spot, and often have to just give up and let the game put it 10 feet to the left, because that's where the skeleton is standing.

    -8. Removal of combat intricacies. I could make a long list, but I'll just give an example. In DA:O, rogues were more effective from behind, so the positioning of rogues and highly tactical crowd control was great fun and filled with precision. In DA2, there is not nearly as much tactical, and no precision. It's just button mashing. The backstab skill now teleports your rogue behind the enemy and hits them for you, instead of you having to do it yourself. And that, I think, can be used a metaphor to sum up the entire experience.

    I figured out how to play DA2 though. I got a sharpie, and I wrote "DO COOL STUFF" on my left mouse button. Now I just hit the DO COOL STUFF button and I'm having fun. I was just playing it wrong previously.    … Expand
  60. XcaliburOne
    Mar 12, 2011
    0
    BioWare please tell me what in god's name did you do to Dragon Age? I don't even want to type how disappointed I am with this title. I fully blame this game's release with the superquake in Northern Japan.
  61. MAXX45
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    "DA2 simply, is NOT an RPG"
    "Bioware..... shame on EA managers - who killing the great game"
    "there is nothing much to say about this game because EA has corrupted its from the inside. The first game is a success but the second game is only a money machine for EA's devils"
  62. Sceptic
    Mar 11, 2011
    6
    I've enjoyed this more than the original,which isn't saying much really.The visually improved combat is decent,as are the graphics mostly.However,the non-story and dull characters surprised me, as Bioware can usually be counted upon to produce an excellent narrative.The Mass Effect conversation wheel is good,but the actual conversation choices are rather boring and don't affect much atI've enjoyed this more than the original,which isn't saying much really.The visually improved combat is decent,as are the graphics mostly.However,the non-story and dull characters surprised me, as Bioware can usually be counted upon to produce an excellent narrative.The Mass Effect conversation wheel is good,but the actual conversation choices are rather boring and don't affect much at all.
    Environments are interesting at first,but soon begin to repeat.Spells and items are good,missions are boring and most of the time I couldn't have cared less what I was doing or why.
    All in all,I can't recommend it and can only tell you to wait for Skyrim.    … Expand
  63. Olf
    Mar 11, 2011
    1
    A game that resembles every other RPG game tossed out for consoles. No imagination or creativity. The ingenuity that made Dragon Age origins so ground breaking is totally lost on this sequel that would make DAO get an emancipation from Dragon Age 2 if it could so it would not stain its good name. A terrible at best sequel and a very sub par game in general. Poorly done Bioware, and EA youA game that resembles every other RPG game tossed out for consoles. No imagination or creativity. The ingenuity that made Dragon Age origins so ground breaking is totally lost on this sequel that would make DAO get an emancipation from Dragon Age 2 if it could so it would not stain its good name. A terrible at best sequel and a very sub par game in general. Poorly done Bioware, and EA you should be ashamed by the lack of imagination it took to create this game.… Expand
  64. dark89
    Mar 11, 2011
    9
    This is one of the best RPG in the world. Unlike the first part of the game is 10 hours and she's fun and interesting. I do not understand people who put her 0 and 1. You even played in it?? Why spoil a game rating? Do nothing else or what?
  65. johann1978
    Mar 11, 2011
    9
    If you play more than 6-8 hours it is good, if you play more than 12-15 hours it is really good, and if you play 35-40 hours are you finished :( Its a nice game, down play the demo and say it sucks ore play 2 hours and say it sucks...after a while it gets really exciting and tactical more than DA:O.
    PS: I not kidding you i have played each RPG the last 20 years, Dragon age 2 is good!
  66. absu
    Mar 11, 2011
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. an epic fail,al for i love Dao - is disapper empty locations ,all game in stupid citty like deneriom from fao
    shame on you Bioware.....

    shame on EA managers - who killing the great game    … Expand
  67. FilthyGround
    Mar 11, 2011
    0
    Compared to DA:Origins this game is a great disappointment.
    Compared to Baldur's Gate it's a mere insult.
    Even if you take it for what it is without comparing it to the greatness of former Bioware games, you end up with a not much of a game at all. The art work is sloppy, the gameplay lacks depth, the moral choice system is a joke and the story is cliché on cliché    Compared to DA:Origins this game is a great disappointment.
    Compared to Baldur's Gate it's a mere insult.
    Even if you take it for what it is without comparing it to the greatness of former Bioware games, you end up with a not much of a game at all.
    The art work is sloppy, the gameplay lacks depth, the moral choice system is a joke and the story is cliché on cliché on cliché.
    Adding to that the story is so blatantly cut off to provide them with content for the mandatory launch day DLC. I never pirated a Bioware game out of respect for they great games they made.
    This ends now.
    This game is bad enough to end more than a decade of loyalty.    … Expand
  68. Alethian
    Mar 11, 2011
    4
    A massive disappointment. In short, large elements of traditional fantasy RPG gameplay have been removed. Combat has become mashing, without any character or style. Customization has been virtually eliminated, barring the main character. Dialogue is poor and the initial development of the story is weak. There are good elements, enough to consider purchasing the game. However, I wouldA massive disappointment. In short, large elements of traditional fantasy RPG gameplay have been removed. Combat has become mashing, without any character or style. Customization has been virtually eliminated, barring the main character. Dialogue is poor and the initial development of the story is weak. There are good elements, enough to consider purchasing the game. However, I would recommend waiting a year or so for the price to drop. It simply is not worth $60.… Expand
  69. OMGmyFACE
    Mar 11, 2011
    1
    The first one was great fun and while this game couldn't possibly have lived up to its expectations, it did a good job of failing on its merits. The background designs are bland and annoying, the conversation and morality choices no longer have any variety to them, the graphics glitch out from time to time, and the combat is so dumbed down that it felt like playing Dynasty Warriors:The first one was great fun and while this game couldn't possibly have lived up to its expectations, it did a good job of failing on its merits. The background designs are bland and annoying, the conversation and morality choices no longer have any variety to them, the graphics glitch out from time to time, and the combat is so dumbed down that it felt like playing Dynasty Warriors: Origins instead. This was supposed to be an RPG?… Expand
  70. steve1945
    Mar 11, 2011
    3
    As an old school crpg player I originally bought Dragon Age Origins due to Biowares steadfast mantra that the Dragon Age franchise will be a resurrection of the crpg genre. So I bought Origins, it was pretty good with some flaws. Figuring Biowares next entry in the series would clean it up and be at BG NWN levels of quality I continued to support them. Then DA2 was announced and the firstAs an old school crpg player I originally bought Dragon Age Origins due to Biowares steadfast mantra that the Dragon Age franchise will be a resurrection of the crpg genre. So I bought Origins, it was pretty good with some flaws. Figuring Biowares next entry in the series would clean it up and be at BG NWN levels of quality I continued to support them. Then DA2 was announced and the first game play was shown. From the increasingly Dynasty Warriors esq combat, to the unbelievably horrible graphics and art style changes. We were told to wait by Bioware and their more rabid fanbase, that I couldn't form an negative opinion because I haven't played it. Well its out now, and its just as big a pile of mediocrity as I suspected it would be. The Dialog is for one, is utterly terrible. Some of the best gems are "Im Hungry" and "I want to be the Dragon!". The Dialog wheel is also another terrible "INNOVATION!" thrown into Dragon Age due to the success of MICHAEL BAY PRESENTS MASS EFFECT! Not only do you not know what you will say with the wheel sometimes what you say is not at all what the words are on the wheel. With the addition of only 3 options with Upper Right being NOBLE GOOD BRIGHT, middle JOKE LOL JOKE JOKE JOKE. and bottom I KILL PUPPIES FOR SATAN BECAUSE!. To go along with that you have tiny pictures of the tone of what you will say. Red for Renegade....errr, green for good, and purple for idiot.

    The graphics and art style. While im not one to put much in graphics a game needs to at least have a good art style and use its assets well. I actually wouldn't care about this if the game had any GOOD aspects. Sadly it does not. Bioware said that the original Dragon Age didn't have an art identity and for the sequel they wanted to make it so different that you would immediately say THATS DRAGON AGE! Good idea right? Certainly. Except they already accomplished this. Very few games do Dark Medieval Fantasy anymore. DAO was one who did and it looked gorgeous on the PC. Which is where the game belongs. So now DA2 gets a new art style ok im down with it until. Its generic WOWesq light colors with terrible terrible exaggeration and jaggies.

    Combat. One look on youtube for Dragon Age 2 Combat will show you what I mean. lets just say AWESOME BUTTON is not awesome.

    This is just scratching the surface. All this combined with EA banning people from even playing because of posting negatively about DA2 on Biowares forums, along with Biodevs saying any negative review is some magic **** raid, along with EA slipping in securom on your machine without telling you "which is highly illegal I might add" along with constant locks and bans for anyone who post constructive criticism.

    All makes for one sour second entry into the series. OH GOD NO! STANLEY WOO HAS FOU

    This meta critic review is inappropriate.
    lock down
    End of Line    … Expand
  71. Gixxer420
    Mar 11, 2011
    0
    The combat in Dragon Age 2 was actually a lot more fun than the original. But the gameplay, story, atmosphere, music, and just about everything else made this game a steamy pile of **** compared to the original. You stay in one area for the ENTIRE game and environments are recycled 5-10 times, holy **** The characters are decent, but it's hard to get attached to them like you could inThe combat in Dragon Age 2 was actually a lot more fun than the original. But the gameplay, story, atmosphere, music, and just about everything else made this game a steamy pile of **** compared to the original. You stay in one area for the ENTIRE game and environments are recycled 5-10 times, holy **** The characters are decent, but it's hard to get attached to them like you could in Origins. Now as a modern game it was mediocre, but for a Dragon Age successor it was a huge disappointment... I think I beat the game 100% in a little over 9 1/2 hours, Dragon Age: Origins took me over 60 hours to fully complete it, huge step backwards. The story was a mess, serious **** mess, I won't spoil it for anyone but no connections are made and it's a huge cluster **** of nothing. The game has polish, but it doesn't have that epic feel like Origins did. Oh well, maybe Dragon Age 3 will be a little different.… Expand
  72. Gilboron
    Mar 11, 2011
    4
    Though I wasn't a major fan of Dragon Age 1, I still enjoyed it and appreciated its much needed return to old-school role-playing. So I thought: hey, let's check out the sequel! While I was skeptic, the demo seemed fun enough so I bought the game. After playing it to the fullest however, I must say the game is just one big slap in the face of BioWare fans. Everything - from characterThough I wasn't a major fan of Dragon Age 1, I still enjoyed it and appreciated its much needed return to old-school role-playing. So I thought: hey, let's check out the sequel! While I was skeptic, the demo seemed fun enough so I bought the game. After playing it to the fullest however, I must say the game is just one big slap in the face of BioWare fans. Everything - from character creation to dialogue to combat - has been dumbed down like there's no tomorrow. The main quest is far-fetched and fails to make the player feel attached, and the side quests are boring and repetitive. When the graphics aren't overdoing it, making the screen look like a fight in an old cartoon, they're doing the opposite, being almost insultingly crappy and bland. And that's just the game itself: the abhorrent amount of day one DLC, that in no way can be attributed to spare time between going gold and release, brings the score down to 0.

    With that said, if you don't really care about consistent graphics, an actually engaging story or a combat system that is more than "PRESS BUTTON REPEATEDLY TO WIN", I guess you'll enjoy Dragon Age II, but then you could just as well watch a Michael Bay movie. Feel free to insert your own laugh track here.    … Expand
  73. Anubisan
    Mar 11, 2011
    8
    I loved the original game and I have thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. That being said, I think DA2 falls short in a lot of ways. Many of the RPG aspects I enjoyed about the first game have been inexplicably dumbed down for seemingly no reason. The storyline is also not nearly as epic or involving. Still, the game is very fun and I have had a blast playing it. I would have given theI loved the original game and I have thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. That being said, I think DA2 falls short in a lot of ways. Many of the RPG aspects I enjoyed about the first game have been inexplicably dumbed down for seemingly no reason. The storyline is also not nearly as epic or involving. Still, the game is very fun and I have had a blast playing it. I would have given the first game a 10, but this one I will only give an 8.

    My main purpose for creating a metacritic account and writing a review of this game is to offset the horde of obvious Bioware-haters who are obviously trying to trash this game. No fair and un-biased review of this game would give it a rating of 0-4, yet the majority of reviewers here have done so? And nearly all of those are brand new accounts. Something is fishy...    … Expand
  74. Nur
    Mar 11, 2011
    1
    I truly had hoped the news and indications during the development of this game were false, but sadly no. This game completely strays from everything that made the original so amazing in a sad attempt to gather a style of game player that, frankly, can get better hack and slash elsewhere. DA2 tries to be all things to all people and fails at that. Is it fun? It passes the time adequatelyI truly had hoped the news and indications during the development of this game were false, but sadly no. This game completely strays from everything that made the original so amazing in a sad attempt to gather a style of game player that, frankly, can get better hack and slash elsewhere. DA2 tries to be all things to all people and fails at that. Is it fun? It passes the time adequately but so does playing solitaire. It's okay, but not great, just a time killer with no replayability. Certainly NOT worth the 60 dollar price tag EA slapped on this.… Expand
  75. BioWareEmployee
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    BioWare has done it again with their most fantastic title to date! Everything from the character interaction to the graphics have been fleshed out making Dragon Age IIâ
  76. LordCoake
    Mar 11, 2011
    3
    The only good that can be said of Dragon Age 2 is that Bioware at least made a half-spirited attempt. It was and is marketed as an RPG, but anyone who's played one in the last fifteen years knows it's anything but. It's Gears of War with swords and half the creativity. All the elements that made Origins great are absent, in their place is this...thing.
  77. Lascelle
    Mar 11, 2011
    0
    What reason do we have to believe Mass Effect 3 won't be given the same shoddy treatment as Dragon Age II? So disappointed. Bioware has bought into their own hype and is throwing their well-earned reputation into the proverbial toilet.
  78. imperita
    Mar 11, 2011
    1
    I've played this all of the way through before writing anything. I've always been a Bioware fan, but seriously, DA2 is disappointing and I cannot see how the bulk of review sites can ignore some its fundamental flaws. Granted I can see how the combat has improved for console platforms, but it's really the rest of the game that leaves me feeling irritated. For instance, the dialogue optionsI've played this all of the way through before writing anything. I've always been a Bioware fan, but seriously, DA2 is disappointing and I cannot see how the bulk of review sites can ignore some its fundamental flaws. Granted I can see how the combat has improved for console platforms, but it's really the rest of the game that leaves me feeling irritated. For instance, the dialogue options and conversation interactions have really been dulled down - I assume this is due to the fact that Hawke is now voice-acted. I would love to sit down and talk with whoever came up with the 'sarcastic' replies for Hawke - he just sounds like an idiot. Taking the character of Isabella as an example - we get it, she is a sex addict - there is no need to constantly remind the player over and over again aside from the obviously intended hit with the younger male audience. There is no connection with the characters, you just don't end up caring what happens to them. The exception to this in my opinion is Merrill, whose dilemmas and underlying story fit in more with what I'd come to expect from Origins. The constant 'cameos' from older characters only reinforce the lack of interest with the supposed main cast of this installment. The story is definitely a lesser scale than origins, which makes me feel quite angry as to the marketing propaganda hinting at some sort of epic ascent to 'power'. Whilst the combat mechanics are a little more streamlined, as is item and inventory management in general, this doesn't fix the issue of repeated zones, reuse of assets, the low variety of enemies and the incredibly annoying 'walk-into-an-area-and-keep-spawning-stuff' ideology. Perhaps it is my fault for having expectations that were too high, or not checking beforehand that the entire game was essentially going to be set in one relatively bland city with a few outdoor areas which would be reused at periodic intervals as 'years' progress. I see a lot of the positive reviews being given here with scores of '10'. I just don't see why. Especially the 'OH MY GOD IM LEVEL 7 AND THIS IS AMAZING' - I too was still 'giving it a chance' at that stage hoping that it would open up and improve. Others suggest increasing the difficulty somehow compensates for the bad storyline and being locked into only a few zones just so that you can engage in slightly harder repetitive combat where on occasion people jump randomly from the sky, up from the ground or pop out of nowhere. I'm not a professional review writer - and I've never posted a review on metacritic before despite being a deidcated PC gamer for well over a decade. I just felt massively let down as a player and as a fan of DA:O that the experience of DA2 was quite simply a let down. Honestly it feels as if they sat down after the Awakening expansion and thought 'lets do that again with a new character and implement some of the ideas we couldn't fit into the scope Awakening - we'll call it Dragon Age 2'. P.S. Bring back more of the mage schools and spell combos. Why remove them?â… Expand
  79. monkeyboyme
    Mar 11, 2011
    9
    Improved on Origins in almost every way... not sure why some people don't like it but IMO it was awesome.
    I can't wait for some more DLC to come out.
    Very Satisfied!!!
  80. egiptologo
    Mar 11, 2011
    3
    The first game was a true work of art. But ... this game is a real **** I could not play more than 2 hours, is the worst game I've played a long time.
  81. Chaozzak
    Mar 11, 2011
    4
    Its different game. Its not DA:O and i know it. But i really don't enjoy this one. Combat system is ridiculous, inventory is entire garbage. On the other side - graphics and story is good (not great!). EA pushes to many pencils and this game was obviously rushed. And... I don't want play Mass Effect in fantasy world!
  82. Adanedhil
    Mar 11, 2011
    3
    This is awful game. I think that it is a decline of a genre of a role-playing game. Games goes to simplification, instead of role-playing. This year I expect only the Witcher II from CDProjektRed. EA killed Bioware.
  83. ZieGentleman
    Mar 11, 2011
    4
    So terribly dissapointed. Don't we have enough watered down mainstream games out there? That might even have been okay if this game was a good mainstream game. But its not. It tries to be a hybrid between an action game like God of war and a classical rpg, and it ends up failing at both. The story is also the worst I have seen from Bioware. The story never picks up a main goal and all youSo terribly dissapointed. Don't we have enough watered down mainstream games out there? That might even have been okay if this game was a good mainstream game. But its not. It tries to be a hybrid between an action game like God of war and a classical rpg, and it ends up failing at both. The story is also the worst I have seen from Bioware. The story never picks up a main goal and all you do ALL game is run around in one city and do quests that all feel like side missions. Suddenly the game ends with a bam and a cliffhanger... Not only that but they reuse every dungeon like 15 times, and there are only like 6-7 small dungeons. Any real rpg elements are taken out, you never even get the opportunity to talk your way out of a fight everyone just charge you. If I want an action rpg I will rather play diablo or titan quest.... this is a bad action rpg and it shames the dragon age franchise. I might be a little harsh, its an okay game, but nothing more... don't expect anything.… Expand
  84. hafini
    Mar 11, 2011
    0
    there is nothing much to say about this game because EA has corrupted its from the inside. The first game is a success but the second game is only a money machine for EA's devils
  85. psychobudgie
    Mar 11, 2011
    8
    The game is far better than a lot of commenters are implying, however the game is ruined somewhat by some bugs that seem to have made it into the final release. Some bugs that bear a remarkable resemblance to bugs in the PS3 version of ME2. It would appear that Bioware are now dependant on their users to beta test their games. The freezing bug in-particular is an astounding oversight onThe game is far better than a lot of commenters are implying, however the game is ruined somewhat by some bugs that seem to have made it into the final release. Some bugs that bear a remarkable resemblance to bugs in the PS3 version of ME2. It would appear that Bioware are now dependant on their users to beta test their games. The freezing bug in-particular is an astounding oversight on their part. The game itself is essentially Dragon Age with a dumbed down inventory system and unnecessary change to combat mechanics to appease console users. Still, the story is good, gameplay is good and graphics are a significant upgrade from the original. If they can sort the bugs quickly it would certainly help the reviews.… Expand
  86. pantherfan4389
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    Everyone needs to stop be whiny little babies about the changes. I played Origins four times through and I loved that game. I did the side quests, got into the story, and enjoyed the battle system. With that being said, I just finished Dragon Age II and I can tell that it's just as good as the original. People are picking up the game for the first time and coming on here andEveryone needs to stop be whiny little babies about the changes. I played Origins four times through and I loved that game. I did the side quests, got into the story, and enjoyed the battle system. With that being said, I just finished Dragon Age II and I can tell that it's just as good as the original. People are picking up the game for the first time and coming on here and complaining about it because it's not the game that they fell in love with in the first place.

    I finished the second game and it has so many of the same things as Origins that you people haven't even realized yet. The story seems a lot less epic, but it really isn't. Once you start getting into the story points, it really brings you in. The combat is faster and doesn't seem like a game out of the '90s like Origins. Choices are still there, so I don't understand that complaint at all. I actually feel like choices are a bigger part of the story than they were in the first game.

    I'm not trying to insult people, but the majority of these reviews came in the day the game came out. Get over yourselves and actually play the game and give it a chance before you run to the internet to complain about it. After beating this game, I can say with certainty that I like it just as much as the original. Sure, some things could have been fixed. I don't need to see what emotion each conversation choice is conveying. I like to be able to figure those things out myself, but all in all the game is an improvement in many areas.    … Expand
  87. Naka
    Mar 10, 2011
    0
    I'm a big fan of the original DA and really got into the lore. Unfortunately that doesn't help me trying to like this sorry mess for sequel. The combat is extremely simplified (and meaningless), the story is told in a most unexciting way and the game just feel like a downgrade compared to the predecessor. Usually i believe "less is more", but not to the point when its so simplified itI'm a big fan of the original DA and really got into the lore. Unfortunately that doesn't help me trying to like this sorry mess for sequel. The combat is extremely simplified (and meaningless), the story is told in a most unexciting way and the game just feel like a downgrade compared to the predecessor. Usually i believe "less is more", but not to the point when its so simplified it becomes braindead.â… Expand
  88. Mattaclysm
    Mar 10, 2011
    7
    Another sequel that didn't quite live up to the original. Dragon Age 2 doesn't really improve anything from the first as many have said but it's still pretty fun. I actually rented the first Dragon Age and I liked it so much that I had to go out and buy it just because I knew I could put hours end into it as I did had the same situation came out for Dragon Age 2 I probably would not haveAnother sequel that didn't quite live up to the original. Dragon Age 2 doesn't really improve anything from the first as many have said but it's still pretty fun. I actually rented the first Dragon Age and I liked it so much that I had to go out and buy it just because I knew I could put hours end into it as I did had the same situation came out for Dragon Age 2 I probably would not have gone out and bought it. Combat I don't mind it is pretty much the same except instead of being lazy you now have to mash the attack and throw in a few skills. Graphics are pretty much the same nothing better or worse. Voice acting is just as well as every other bioware game. I would have liked to see the story told differently. I find the whole scenario of a whole other person telling the story of a hero a complete turn off. I was definitely disappointed by that because in this way the story is not told well in Dragon Age 2. The one positive thing I could put is the hero rising through the ranks from living as a peasant to becoming a noble I think that idea was a good base, unfortunately it was clouded by bad ideas. Only having one major city is a let down as well. The areas and dungeons are mostly recycled so it gets kind of bland after a while. The big question is does this game live up to Dragon Age 1? Not really, it doesn't. By itself it is still an enjoyable 7.… Expand
  89. Puma_Mexa
    Mar 10, 2011
    0
    Previous game was miles better. This one is just average at best, definitely not worthy of a good score. But I can see EA payed every relevant reviewer to have a descent score on Metacritic, though If you see the user scores It clearly shows the discontent of gamers about DA2, too much hype and all we got was a game where the only descent point is the combat mechanics (just at hard). EvenPrevious game was miles better. This one is just average at best, definitely not worthy of a good score. But I can see EA payed every relevant reviewer to have a descent score on Metacritic, though If you see the user scores It clearly shows the discontent of gamers about DA2, too much hype and all we got was a game where the only descent point is the combat mechanics (just at hard). Even the graphics are really bad. I have a high end PC were I can run Crysis at max at 60fps, but DA2 consumes a ridiculous amount of resources even on medium settings, and it's not like it has state of the art visuals or employs real time physics in every interaction either. I was going to give it a 5 but now. Bioware, banning a gamer and not letting him play the game just because he talked bad about your overlord, EA? That's low, and not just Activision low. See if I ever buy another game from you.… Expand
  90. TXTSWORD
    Mar 10, 2011
    0
    This is exactly what's wrong with gaming, and I hope this entire situation revealed that for some of the plebe gamers who have been asleep to the evils of popular marketed-to-hell trash games. What obviously happened was they decided to take a successful game with a promising future for it's franchise, and make it a DIFFERENT game targeted to people who were not fans of the first. I don'tThis is exactly what's wrong with gaming, and I hope this entire situation revealed that for some of the plebe gamers who have been asleep to the evils of popular marketed-to-hell trash games. What obviously happened was they decided to take a successful game with a promising future for it's franchise, and make it a DIFFERENT game targeted to people who were not fans of the first. I don't know what the long term plan for that was. Additionally, the game was so rushed (to be cranked out in a year for maximum profit) that it's an incoherent trainwreck. Beyond the fact they ruined everything fun about Origins, beyond the weird new "artsy cartoon network show" art direction, beyond wrecking the dialogue system and significance of "choice", beyond everything I expected, it also managed to not be a coherent videogame. The story progression, the world, the sense of purpose, the understanding of your objectives, everything is lost. It's the most bizarre experience I've had playing a game. If it were just bland soulless triple A title bad, that would be understandable. It was what I was expecting. But this is so much worse. It seems... confused. Lack of focus in the design, or lack of direction. Anyways, I imagine that they wrecked this franchise so congratulations I hope you're punished for ceasing to make good videogames. This industry is sick. I don't know what developers to trust. The only one that comes to mind is From Software. Punish bad devs, punish bad publishers, stop giving them your money, stop buying into the hype, and make the industry well again.… Expand
  91. Nishiki
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    My favorite RPG game now. Thanks Bio ware for best 40 hours of my gaming life! The best characters ever, the best gameplay and the best storyline. Dragon Age 2 > Mass Effect 2 and all rpg (gothic, oblivion etc)
  92. WINNING
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    Gameplay is fluid, fun and easy to learn. There's enough variation too keep you intrigued. Some stuff could get stale, and the story starts off somewhat annoying which is why a 9/10 and not 10/10. After playing DA:O on the PC and enjoying it I'm glad I still picked up for ps3, it is just as fun of an experience but this time I don't have to dish out $400 to upgrade my PC in order to run itGameplay is fluid, fun and easy to learn. There's enough variation too keep you intrigued. Some stuff could get stale, and the story starts off somewhat annoying which is why a 9/10 and not 10/10. After playing DA:O on the PC and enjoying it I'm glad I still picked up for ps3, it is just as fun of an experience but this time I don't have to dish out $400 to upgrade my PC in order to run it on max. Don't listen to the people giving it 1/10, they're just pcfanboy trolls who are upset that Bioware understands the importance of a large market.… Expand
  93. omega_relay
    Mar 10, 2011
    2
    Playing this game after playing DA:O was the most disappointing moment in my gaming life. Never have I seen such a steep decline in every possible aspect of the game. The visuals look like a launch title, the voice acting sounds like they were in a warehouse, and the animations are generic. I could look past all of these things if the gameplay was exceptional, but it is mostPlaying this game after playing DA:O was the most disappointing moment in my gaming life. Never have I seen such a steep decline in every possible aspect of the game. The visuals look like a launch title, the voice acting sounds like they were in a warehouse, and the animations are generic. I could look past all of these things if the gameplay was exceptional, but it is most certainly not. "Press X to win!" is NOT an entertaining gameplay method. 90% of the quests are "collect A,B,and C to get 10 gold!", almost every map is a linear corridor, and there are just a few locations that are recycled over and over. Launch DLC is like a kick in the balls after being punched in the face. If you happen to read this, save your money and DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. It's as if Bioware got half way through it and just quit. I don't know how they spent their development budget, but it wasn't on this. If it had come out by some no-name studio, it would be getting reviews of 4-6 at best. I will never trust a "professional" game reviewer ever again after this debacle. I want my money back.… Expand
  94. tnometac
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    I think it's a great improvement over the first one! I don't understand what everyone else is b*tching about. The combat system is noticeably improved, and I like it. I love the new graphics as well.
  95. Mickdaggerman
    Mar 10, 2011
    2
    I liked everything about Dragon Age: origins except playing it. The gameplay was awful. Imagine my suprise when not only is the gamepla in DA2 worse; everything else is too.
    In what was apparently a desperate attempt to recreate the qualoty of Mass Effect 2, Bioware have tripped over their own feet and have poisoned what might have been a good game with lacking gameplay and atrocious    I liked everything about Dragon Age: origins except playing it. The gameplay was awful. Imagine my suprise when not only is the gamepla in DA2 worse; everything else is too.
    In what was apparently a desperate attempt to recreate the qualoty of Mass Effect 2, Bioware have tripped over their own feet and have poisoned what might have been a good game with lacking gameplay and atrocious writing.
    I am suprised I expected anything else.    … Expand
  96. Zarafan
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    For me? i score it 9/10

    i must say that this game is one of those, that you must play based in what you see and NOT in what you read. i just toke a risk buying it, and im pretty happy i did. Certainly the dislikes from ppl came because of the change on the direction on history line and some gameplay changes. i have 7 Hours Playing already, and as RPG fan, this change was quite enjoyable.    For me? i score it 9/10

    i must say that this game is one of those, that you must play based in what you see and NOT in what you read. i just toke a risk buying it, and im pretty happy i did. Certainly the dislikes from ppl came because of the change on the direction on history line and some gameplay changes. i have 7 Hours Playing already, and as RPG fan, this change was quite enjoyable. i was waiting for a little more of graphical improvement, but the changes are OK to me.

    IS NOT A BAD GAME, but they changed the direction about to DAO. They did Add a little more action to it. They did it more like Mass Effect Style, and that its what some DAO´s fan dont accept. i Love DAO and ME as well, so this DA2 is great for me.

    Could be Better? of Course, we can allways Want more from Bioware, this time we was waiting for a lot more. and i think that is the real problem.    … Expand
  97. N19ofEld
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    An excellent game. Very engrossing and time consuming. An improvement over the first in both graphics in combat. Fighting enemies is faster, and surprisingly more violent. Definitely worth the sticker price. I guess I can see why some would be upset at the changes but for this gamer they are a welcome improvement. Even the Facebook game you gain access to is fun.
  98. SKYRIM101
    Mar 10, 2011
    9
    Dragon Age 2...feels like its a prologue and an epic won at that...after the ending i kind of got the feeling that there is something epic coming to the dragon age world...something that would make an RPG game that would set the standards for years to come..and this is coming from a adamant bethesda fan...if bioware make a Dragon Age 3 its going to be the game of the century based on theDragon Age 2...feels like its a prologue and an epic won at that...after the ending i kind of got the feeling that there is something epic coming to the dragon age world...something that would make an RPG game that would set the standards for years to come..and this is coming from a adamant bethesda fan...if bioware make a Dragon Age 3 its going to be the game of the century based on the fact that bioware in the last two games have been subtly building up to something...in fact dragon age 2 feels more like a dragon age 1.5 in story terms. i wont spoil the ending for you, and although your kind of suprised by it, it will leave a impression and get you wanting more.… Expand
  99. Stark123321
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    Nice game, i like everything in it: graphic is coll, fight is fast and bloody, story is epic, every characters has own point of wey, all in this game call player to stay with it!!!)
  100. Tyrant_T100
    Mar 10, 2011
    2
    While Dragon Age Origins was fun if not short of it's goals.
    Dragon Age 2 takes a step back to become inferior in nearly every way, even visually despite it coming out a year later.
    I would very rarely give a game a score as low as this but DA:2 Deserves it, it would have scored higher if DA:O didn't exist but considering this is a sequel it has no excuse why it should fail at things the    While Dragon Age Origins was fun if not short of it's goals.
    Dragon Age 2 takes a step back to become inferior in nearly every way, even visually despite it coming out a year later.

    I would very rarely give a game a score as low as this but DA:2 Deserves it, it would have scored higher if DA:O didn't exist but considering this is a sequel it has no excuse why it should fail at things the previous game accomplished.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best PS3 Game of 2011
7
#7 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
80
#80 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. GamingExcellence
    Aug 3, 2011
    85
    I'll give Bioware points for trying to do something different in their world, but they really did have it right the first time in terms of character building and the scope of the story.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    May 27, 2011
    80
    Ultimately Dragon Age II feels like a one step past, and two steps back from Origins. It has been specced purely with us console gamers in mind and now has a low barrier of entry that will rally new fans to the Dragon Age banner. That's admirable, but fans who did get into Origins will lament the less masterful storytelling and the noticeably uneven visual presentation. [May 2011 p.78]
  3. Gamers' Temple
    May 16, 2011
    85
    A smaller gameworld and recycled environments make Dragon Age II feel less expansive than Origins, but a number of console friendly game changes may make it more appealing to console gamers than its predecessor.
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