Dragon Age: Origins

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 732 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 570 out of 732
  2. Mixed: 82 out of 732
  3. Negative: 80 out of 732
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  1. LesE
    Dec 8, 2009
    9
    The game was slightly delayed in the UK in order to rectify the framerate issues. Graphically this was better than I was led to believe but not of the best. However the developers wore their Martin/Tolkein etc influence proudly on their sleeves and made no apology for what was a somewhat cliched plot. However the depth of character relations and funny as hell plot twist options (kill The game was slightly delayed in the UK in order to rectify the framerate issues. Graphically this was better than I was led to believe but not of the best. However the developers wore their Martin/Tolkein etc influence proudly on their sleeves and made no apology for what was a somewhat cliched plot. However the depth of character relations and funny as hell plot twist options (kill Alistair I say), as well as the great romantic entaglements (to me always a highlight of Bioware games) push this to a 9. I'm on my second play… Expand
  2. MatthewE
    Dec 7, 2009
    5
    Not sure why everyone loves this game. I love RPG's this style, but this is shoddy workmanship! Bad framerate, crappy character models, and some of the worst graphics for a big-budget game. The dialogue is a joke, and the writing is pretty hackneyed. I love this game formula and that is the only reason it even gets a 5. If I didn't love this type of RPG it would have gotten a 3! Not sure why everyone loves this game. I love RPG's this style, but this is shoddy workmanship! Bad framerate, crappy character models, and some of the worst graphics for a big-budget game. The dialogue is a joke, and the writing is pretty hackneyed. I love this game formula and that is the only reason it even gets a 5. If I didn't love this type of RPG it would have gotten a 3! Get w/ the program Bioware!… Expand
  3. JaredK
    Dec 6, 2009
    6
    I've played pretty much every bioware game in existance, and I've got to say that dragon age comes up short in comparison to every game they've made, save for the original neverwinter nights campaign. The companions are interesting, but the story is bland, and both the combat system and character progession are broken (making the game a chore to play until you're high I've played pretty much every bioware game in existance, and I've got to say that dragon age comes up short in comparison to every game they've made, save for the original neverwinter nights campaign. The companions are interesting, but the story is bland, and both the combat system and character progession are broken (making the game a chore to play until you're high level and uber powerful).… Expand
  4. TyeS
    Dec 4, 2009
    9
    The world is fully realized. The main characters are intriguing. The gameplay, while familiar, is excellently executed. This game will please those who have come to love the Bioware experience and maybe convert some newcomers along the way.
  5. yourmother
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    best rpg since baldurs gate2. the story is epic and the battles well balanced. who cres about graphics that are no match for uncharted? There used to be a time when gameplay was important.
  6. BillF
    Nov 28, 2009
    7
    When you beat this game, you will feel like you only played half a game. This, combined with the various at-launch bugs and porting issues, makes the Dragon Age release very much like the Jade Empire release that went down in history as Bioware's worst user experience ever. The plot was also largely recycled from Jade Empire, with a healthy dose of plagiarism of George R. R. Martin When you beat this game, you will feel like you only played half a game. This, combined with the various at-launch bugs and porting issues, makes the Dragon Age release very much like the Jade Empire release that went down in history as Bioware's worst user experience ever. The plot was also largely recycled from Jade Empire, with a healthy dose of plagiarism of George R. R. Martin thrown in. Comparing this game to Mass Effect is an insult to Mass Effect. The fact that this game was launched with two simultaneous, different versions of the game, one of which included some DLC, no on-shelf version of which included all the DLC available at launch, inevitably gives one reason to articulate the word "ripoff merch game". About 75% of the game is pointless scavenger hunts. The last fight takes a card from older Final Fantasy games -- the Ridiculously Unfair & Aggravating Boss Fight card, specifically. When you finally do slay the proverbial dragon, the sensation is something along the lines of voiding your bowels after 36 hours of constipation. All this being said, the game is fun while it lasts, and quite addictive. Summary: I enjoyed the game but it's no more than a 7/10, and I don't plan to play it again.… Expand
  7. JonSmon
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    Amazing game. So much gameplay. Great story and dialogue. Though my only complaint is my wife loves it so much I hardly get to play it! I hope they put out a ton of expansions for this one! Best RPG ever!!
  8. CasonG
    Nov 25, 2009
    9
    It may not be the prettiest game available, but that isn't what matters. As a game, it is a very enjoyable experience, with an interesting story and non-standard quests, that will take 100s of hours of my life... following behind Fallout 3 and Oblivion.
  9. DaveM
    Nov 24, 2009
    7
    I find the pausing to micromanage the battles a little disconcerting. I would be much happier if I could replay the battles, pause free.
  10. DrGulag
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    Greatest console RPG yet! It's simply a master piece from Bioware. People might complain about the graphics but this game is so much more than that. Causality, every action will have a consequence. So much depth. !
  11. PeterE
    Nov 20, 2009
    9
    For RPG I could care less about graphics, as long as the story is gripping and the game will last me a long time it is good in my book. This game has a great story, the combat is not as bad as I thought it was going to be, and to be honest it is pretty easy. I love the decision making and interaction you have with others and your party members, definitely a must have for true RPG fans.. For RPG I could care less about graphics, as long as the story is gripping and the game will last me a long time it is good in my book. This game has a great story, the combat is not as bad as I thought it was going to be, and to be honest it is pretty easy. I love the decision making and interaction you have with others and your party members, definitely a must have for true RPG fans.. But the PC version is the best because of the top view and because on the PC version there will be alot of cool add ons.… Expand
  12. J.Webb
    Nov 19, 2009
    4
    Unplayable on PS3. No isometric view, framerate issues, clipping issues, texture issues. Fugly overall. Also lag after battles, during dialogue sequences, and even sound effects lag when using menus. Disappointed @ BIOWARE for caring less.
  13. chrisv.
    Nov 16, 2009
    5
    An amusing rpg that would have been more impressive sans the cutscenes, awkward romance, adolescent humor and pseudo intellectual attempts at moral complexity. More ultraviolent soft-core soap opera than dark fantasy, with alot of minor bugs and flawed combat, but it should serve as a great time waster for many.
  14. ja
    Nov 16, 2009
    0
    This game sucks! Graphics are terrible, combat is boring, and all the dialogue is tedious. Demon's Souls is 1000 times better.
  15. GW
    Nov 16, 2009
    7
    Overall, to me the game play is not good, but then again I am not into RPG games unless they have a ton of action in them. To me I give it a 6.5 as my game suffered from lags and constant interruptions in audio. Might take it back as it doesn't want to play correctly for some reason on the PS3.
  16. RichardN
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. True immersion in an epic storyline. Amazing writing and acting - why can't more games focus on narrative instead of just graphics
  17. BrettS
    Nov 11, 2009
    5
    Great cut scenes and dialog, graphics and game play are dated. Played only 6 hours and am now bored.
  18. Yoyommmmmm
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    I love it. A truly amazing game with a compelling story that grabs you the minute you start playing. The combat system is.....interesting for some and might be a turn off for others but you should play this game either way. it's worth it
  19. jamesh
    Nov 10, 2009
    6
    Overall a disappointing experience. After falling in love with Mass Effect I thought this game would be of the same quality, but its not. At first I thought it was because I got it for the Ps3, but it sounds like the 360 has just as many problems. The graphics are terrible. Framerate issues are constant, as well as popping and rendering. I just don't have the patience for games that Overall a disappointing experience. After falling in love with Mass Effect I thought this game would be of the same quality, but its not. At first I thought it was because I got it for the Ps3, but it sounds like the 360 has just as many problems. The graphics are terrible. Framerate issues are constant, as well as popping and rendering. I just don't have the patience for games that are sub-par quality. And I wish more critics would take bugs and glitches more seriously, because I am tired of spending my money on games that run and look like crap.… Expand
  20. WillieK
    Nov 9, 2009
    7
    It's such a shame that the PS3 port of this game is so technically flawed. The tearing and unacceptably inconsistent frame rates on the PS3 are such a surprise given the average look of the game, and several audio issues plague what is fundamentally a great RPG when taking the story, gameplay mechanics, and characters into consideration. Thankfully those are what most RPG fans are It's such a shame that the PS3 port of this game is so technically flawed. The tearing and unacceptably inconsistent frame rates on the PS3 are such a surprise given the average look of the game, and several audio issues plague what is fundamentally a great RPG when taking the story, gameplay mechanics, and characters into consideration. Thankfully those are what most RPG fans are focused on, so all the technical issues can almost be overlooked... almost. Bottom line is after playing a game like Demon's Souls, or Uncharted 2 (such is the way of first party titles) getting this disappointment of port of an otherwise solid RPG makes me wish Bioware/EA would have held off the PS3 for the extra time it was originally dated for if it would have meant a more polished product for PS3 owners. If you have an Xbox360 or adequate gaming PC I'd say pick up that version and pass over this craptastic port for the PS3, because the game is enjoyable at it's core; it's just the nasty exterior finish that makes me totally regret making this a 0-day purchase. Here's hoping that future patches can address some of these issues and deliver on my now dashed expectations.… Expand
  21. DougD
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Hands down a must own. Amazingly deep game, with good (not great) graphics, and limitless choices. Suffers from some effects of the port from the PC, but it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to be blown away by graphics, this might not be the game for you. If you were waiting for a great RPG for the PS3, go get it now, it likely won't get much better. I'd prefer Hands down a must own. Amazingly deep game, with good (not great) graphics, and limitless choices. Suffers from some effects of the port from the PC, but it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to be blown away by graphics, this might not be the game for you. If you were waiting for a great RPG for the PS3, go get it now, it likely won't get much better. I'd prefer if it was in 1080p, and if they'd have put more time into porting it to the PS3, but overall, the gameplay isn't really effected. Those who feel it second nature to have a Playstation controller in their hand will do fine, those who want a mouse will be just as good. All in all, Bioware made a great game, they just needed to spend more cycles porting it, and if you're looking for gameplay that won't really matter anyway.… Expand
  22. JayS
    Nov 8, 2009
    9
    If you can ignore what Tyler said if you will, this is not a port from a 360. The 360 suffers from the same bugs and worse, if you must know. In any case, yes, the PC version is superior, yes the game has a bugs. But none of them are big enough to really ignore such a marvelous game. The story, the setting, the characters and the gameplay are all great and beyond. If you're annoyed If you can ignore what Tyler said if you will, this is not a port from a 360. The 360 suffers from the same bugs and worse, if you must know. In any case, yes, the PC version is superior, yes the game has a bugs. But none of them are big enough to really ignore such a marvelous game. The story, the setting, the characters and the gameplay are all great and beyond. If you're annoyed by simple bugs, then yes, don't get it. Otherwise I highly recommend the game.… Expand
  23. [ANONYMOUS]
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Classic RPG. Great story. Deep compelling combat.
  24. RobP
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    PS3 vs XBOX 360 Review of Dragon Age (Bioware's KOTOR 2), November 4, 2009 The PS3 version is 17.3% better than the 360 version for 4.2 reasons. The 360 version is 13.7% better than the PS3 version for 2.4 reasons. Which version is better for you will be determined by your saving throw. NO SPOILERS I picked up both versions. I have two identical TVs, one bedroom, one den, both 50" PS3 vs XBOX 360 Review of Dragon Age (Bioware's KOTOR 2), November 4, 2009 The PS3 version is 17.3% better than the 360 version for 4.2 reasons. The 360 version is 13.7% better than the PS3 version for 2.4 reasons. Which version is better for you will be determined by your saving throw. NO SPOILERS I picked up both versions. I have two identical TVs, one bedroom, one den, both 50" 1080p Panasonic G10s. For this review I put them side by side in the den, PS3 hooked up to one, 360 to the other, and choose the same origin story. I played the PS3, my wife played the 360, we both took the day off of work, a "Bioware Holiday." BIOWARE The Bioware RPG is one of my favorite video game genres. KOTOR 1 is still my favorite story. I played through Mass Effect 7 times. If you like Bioware, you will like Dragon Age. KOTOR 2 GRAPHICS Bioware didn't make KOTOR 2. Until now. Dragon Age's graphics in general look like a last generation game, upconverted to HD. And why should they not? This game was 5 years in the making. Personally, if I could wave a magic wigglestick, I would magically wish the graphics into the year 2069, to play in my PS9 in my flying car. Unfortunately, I live in a condo that doesn't allow wigglesticking. So the choice is (A) Play the Bioware game. (B) Don't play the Bioware game. (C) Eat a cup cake. No one plays Bioware games for the graphics. You play for the CYOA storytelling. 6 COMPLETE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE NOVELS Dragon Age is 10 Novels long. With 6 unique hero journeys. That can be twisted good or naughty. Warrior. Magic. Thief. Hybrid-Hybrid. Bioware is the only developer on the planet that makes this kind of beautiful uniqueness. This kind of awesomeness only comes around once every few years. Is this flavor of awesomeness perfect? No. Is amateur pornography perfect? No. Sometimes the pacing is off, or the dialogue excessive, but it gets the job done. The job is to experience a genuine human story--even if you're a lesbian elf. Dragon Age is fantastic video game storytelling. And better written than most fantasy novels. BLOOD SPLATTER OR POTPOURRI? I'm going to give Bioware the benefit of the doubt and believe that after battles my characters are splattered with blood and not potpourri. It's hard to tell visually, but I don't think they would censor themselves because this game is, like, totally Mature. GAY SEX - NO NUDITY My wife likes lesbian threesomes. In books. In movies. In video games. In our kids' crayon drawings. She had never played a Bioware game before, but she likes role playing, and I told her Dragon Age has lesbian threesomes. Now, like with most video games, the depiction of sex isn't much more sophisticated visually than taking two barbie dolls and slapping them together. And there's no nudity. Because Bioware understands the genuine human condition--that people make the special love with their cloths on-- even if you're a bi-sexual dwarf. So if you like realisticly-sized breasts well-covered with beige felt bikinis, then you, my friend, are in for a PG-13 flavored treat. CASUAL VS HARDCORE My wife played on easy, I played on normal. If you're an uber-genius, like me, who enjoys micromanagement, obscure RPG tactics, and general strategery... Then prepare to spend a lot of time, with the game paused, in clunky interface menus, because that's how real men play. That's how my grandpappy played his Bioware games, and his grandpappy before him, back when Bioware wasn't even Canadian, when they were still French, and the TVs had 11" screens and were powered by fire--usually dry hickory. So if you want that kind of authentic gaming experiece, you can have it. But if you just want to enjoy the story, crank that menu to easy, slump back in the couch, and unbuckle your pants for a good time. PS3 VS 360 Like with all games, it's a choice between graphics vs framerate. The PS3 has slightly better textures, color saturation, contrast level, resolution. The 360 is less pretty but smoother. The PS3 is the supermodel with arthritis. The 360 is a Ukrainian gymnast. You get to choose who you want to take to bed. But since all you're going to do in bed is talk... It's not such a big deal. Unless you put two 50" plasmas right next to each other, you're not going to see the difference. I'm going to keep the PS3 version (because I like the controller better) and give my 360 copy to my favorite charity FVGFBO that provides fantastic video games for blind orphans. BUY IT, PLAY IT, LOVE IT… Expand
  25. MichaelM
    Nov 6, 2009
    9
    This game is amazing. Freakin spectacular. The PS3 version is slightly better than the 360 version, but not by much. Don't listen to the guy below me, PS2 graphics are not in the card...It's not as good graphically, as say...Mass Effect..but sometimes on the characters of places you get the feeling that it's right there close to it. I would honestly give the graphics This game is amazing. Freakin spectacular. The PS3 version is slightly better than the 360 version, but not by much. Don't listen to the guy below me, PS2 graphics are not in the card...It's not as good graphically, as say...Mass Effect..but sometimes on the characters of places you get the feeling that it's right there close to it. I would honestly give the graphics card...8.5..but thats me. The rest of everything else is awesome. It has some things wrong with it, but nothing that hinders the fun factor. If you love RPG's like this..its a game to buy. Gameplay-10 presentation-9.5 graphics-8.5 replayability-10 total-9… Expand
  26. TylerH.
    Nov 5, 2009
    7
    Game suffers from many issues, not limited to but including ps2 style graphics engine and almost no surround or stereo sound. Obviously a port from the 360, an overall disappointing outing from Bioware, I expected more from them after playing Mass Effect for PC, obviously should have gotten this for that and not ps3. Some backgrounds are clipping into each other and appear 2D, while other Game suffers from many issues, not limited to but including ps2 style graphics engine and almost no surround or stereo sound. Obviously a port from the 360, an overall disappointing outing from Bioware, I expected more from them after playing Mass Effect for PC, obviously should have gotten this for that and not ps3. Some backgrounds are clipping into each other and appear 2D, while other sections of the game look like cardboard. If you get past all the games faults, this has proven so far to be an enjoyable game. Renting first would be wise. It seems companies are getting better and better at making great previews, while the game suffers or lacks major quality. Still a good game, have not beaten it obviously as it just came out, and worth while to play... just be cautioned that it has many errors and flaws and may make you cringe graphically... go with the PC version if your able, Im sure you'll be happier with the choice.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS3 Game of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
3
#3 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. IGN AU
    84
    It's a delight to give into a fantasy setting with such a dense back story, even if the gameplay still rarely breaks away from conventions established a decade ago.
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  2. GameSpot
    90
    Incredible storytelling, great characters, and exciting battles are just a few of the things that make this fantasy role-playing game so extraordinary.
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  3. Giant Bomb
    100
    This is definitely not the game for those frightened of the idea of micromanaging a game to the point where a large portion of it will be spent in a pause screen. However, as the sort of guy that has lovingly played an Infinity Engine game at least once every year for the past decade, I can think of no higher praise for this throwback than to say that Dragon Age: Origins leaves me feeling fairly confident I won't need to dig out the classics for this ritual next year.
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