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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Phalange
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    Alot of people either hate this game or love it. I personally love this game. It took me awhile to get into it but once i did and started leveling my character and getting into the quests i found the whole game very immersive and addicting. Once i got going into the main quest i couldn't pull myself away from my xbox. I played it for about 3 days straight and once i finished my first Alot of people either hate this game or love it. I personally love this game. It took me awhile to get into it but once i did and started leveling my character and getting into the quests i found the whole game very immersive and addicting. Once i got going into the main quest i couldn't pull myself away from my xbox. I played it for about 3 days straight and once i finished my first playthough I found myself repeatedly going back to do things differently and changing the outcome of the game. Very good game, and once it picks up speed it never lets you go with its great storytelling and fun combat and tactics.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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. !
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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!!
  9. [ANONYMOUS]
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    Classic RPG. Great story. Deep compelling combat.
  10. ChrisM
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    This game scores on every category which makes an RPG great. The story is very long but ultimately satisfying, the combat is both simple and hard (if you wish it to be) through micro-management, team mates work with you, rather than against, if you configure their tactics and the graphics are adequate. Out of the previously mentioned, the only weakness is the graphics. Character models This game scores on every category which makes an RPG great. The story is very long but ultimately satisfying, the combat is both simple and hard (if you wish it to be) through micro-management, team mates work with you, rather than against, if you configure their tactics and the graphics are adequate. Out of the previously mentioned, the only weakness is the graphics. Character models and armour details are poor, but the quality of the environment is amazing. You will find yourself standing in awe in certain circumstances. This game requires immense hours to be put in (I finished at 36 hours and mainly focused on the storyline, with a few side quests) but if you are ready to go on an epic fantasy adventure, akin to the Lord of the Rings, get this game. Just be prepared for the long haul. Absolutely fantastic!… Expand
  11. SentryVoid2010
    Aug 29, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing on every level. The story is full of great shocking moments and events, the characters are increidibly human and vivid, the combat is satisfying and brutal. You will spend countless hours playing this game, and when you aren't, you'll wish you could. I cannot recommend this game enough, if you love RPGs, this is a MUST BUY.
  12. Job41
    Jan 17, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game fulfilled my needs of high fantasy epic for the last months of 2009 and, with the DLC, most of the 2010. A great experience fueled by a great script with astounding companions.… Expand
  13. aadms
    Mar 24, 2011
    10
    No other RPG game has caused me to play over and over again. The sheer breath of this game was more than I expected. The dialog was so in depth that you could have a conversation/arguement with any of your companions at any time. Quite an immersive experience. I almost brought this game back because to me it wasn't on the par of Oblivion, specifically I couldn't free roam, but theNo other RPG game has caused me to play over and over again. The sheer breath of this game was more than I expected. The dialog was so in depth that you could have a conversation/arguement with any of your companions at any time. Quite an immersive experience. I almost brought this game back because to me it wasn't on the par of Oblivion, specifically I couldn't free roam, but the storyline and character interaction was beyond what Oblivion was. On top of that, the characters didn't look hideous as the latter either. Strange about how the beards looked like costume tie-ons. Six origin stories means lots of game time. My all time favorite game.… Expand
  14. Inuit_Dude
    Apr 10, 2011
    10
    absolutly love this game and i can only think of a few things that are problems for me but even so it is still a masterpiece and brilliant in its own right. first of this game is not like most tyipical games when it comes to fighting style it is kind of like World of Warcraft in that respect (it is in no way like WoW at all just the fighting style). there is so much to do and you can playabsolutly love this game and i can only think of a few things that are problems for me but even so it is still a masterpiece and brilliant in its own right. first of this game is not like most tyipical games when it comes to fighting style it is kind of like World of Warcraft in that respect (it is in no way like WoW at all just the fighting style). there is so much to do and you can play for hours upon hours and you will still not be anywhere neer done. there are also 6 different ways to start out the story so even after you have beaten the game you have a reason to start all over again. the voice acting and graphics are well done and you can tell that they have put a lot of time and effort into this game. this game is defenatly a must buy and is not to be missed… Expand
  15. starlet025
    Mar 19, 2011
    10
    To this day Dragon Age Origins is my favourite game of all time and I've played a lot of games over the years! I can understand why some people don't like it and they're as entitled to their opinion as I am but for me this game is everything a game should be. With an engaging and epic story twisting and turning through until the end, wonderful characters that I found myself not onlyTo this day Dragon Age Origins is my favourite game of all time and I've played a lot of games over the years! I can understand why some people don't like it and they're as entitled to their opinion as I am but for me this game is everything a game should be. With an engaging and epic story twisting and turning through until the end, wonderful characters that I found myself not only being interested in but actually caring about and a rich tapestry of history and religion to read about in the codex I spent hour after hour playing this game and enjoying every minute. The choice of dialogue you get really makes you think and consider your responses when talking to your companions, the way you can choose which equipment you'd like for them and yourself, the tactics you need to employ to get the best out of your team when fighting the enemy and the sometimes crucial decision of who you'll be taking with you to certain locations. I also loved the option to romance some of your allies and the banter between them often made me laugh out loud. The only slight flaws with this game are that the graphics don't always look brilliant, it can be quite linear as opposed to open ended and sometimes the sneak option didn't work very well but everything else in this game just make these flaws tiny compared to how much else it does so brilliantly. Never have I spent so many hours playing a game with such a big grin on my face through sheer enjoyment as I did with this one. Dragon Age Origins will always have a special place in my heart.… Expand
  16. markeras
    Jul 8, 2011
    10
    This is my favourite RPG of this generation. Incredible and memorable characters (I adore the interactions between some of them, especially between Morrigan and the rest of the team) , an immersing and coherent fiction world, a very well constructed narration with a lot of options to choose, an interesting combat system, and a lot of other virtues. It's really the successor of Baldur'sThis is my favourite RPG of this generation. Incredible and memorable characters (I adore the interactions between some of them, especially between Morrigan and the rest of the team) , an immersing and coherent fiction world, a very well constructed narration with a lot of options to choose, an interesting combat system, and a lot of other virtues. It's really the successor of Baldur's Gate, adapted to nowadays (more cinematics, a little more agile combat system,...). I've played all the origins stories, and i have repeated some of them, the replayability is so high!!! If only the "sequel" had been the half of it...… Expand
  17. prettyoptimist
    Apr 3, 2011
    10
    First game that made me discover EA/Bioware games and they REALLY did a great job on that one... The story line is what you want it to be and teh pcs are just lovable! Great game if you like RPG. You might also want the suite Dragon Age Awakening (a bit less well constructed then the first one but still a great piece of game)
  18. Engineergirl80
    Feb 8, 2012
    10
    A unique and fun game that gives a great sense of involvement to both character and plot. A genuinely great game that I have found to be well thought out and full of classic RPG charm. It's difficult to stop playing and the only problem is that you can't play it in twenty minute or hour bursts as it's too addictive.
  19. skinny_mean_man
    Mar 26, 2012
    10
    one of the best RPG's i've ever played...that being said its a game only ment for rpg fans. i would not recommend this to anyone who is looking for a hack and slash kind of experience. skyrim may be better suited for that type of game play.( and i don't mean that in a negative way towards skyrim, just two different types of gameplay)
  20. Chris_DK
    Jul 8, 2012
    10
    This is truly an epic role-playing game, you are recruited by an ancient organization called the Grey Warden to assemble all the races for an upcomming fight against the hordes of Darkspawns and the archdemon. You choose your own race and class which also effects the beginning of the game. You travel through major areas, cities, dungeons, forts etc. While you are traveling you come acrossThis is truly an epic role-playing game, you are recruited by an ancient organization called the Grey Warden to assemble all the races for an upcomming fight against the hordes of Darkspawns and the archdemon. You choose your own race and class which also effects the beginning of the game. You travel through major areas, cities, dungeons, forts etc. While you are traveling you come across interesting characters that you can recruit and play as. There are many ways to complete the quests in this game, this game is full of choices you can make.… Expand
  21. Marmalade
    Sep 29, 2012
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time. A friend recommended it to me, and after sitting on it for a few weeks I decided to give it a try and rolled a mage. I was kind of clueless as to what was going on and not all that engaged at first - and then the **** hit the fan, my life was turned upside down and I realized there was an entire world of awesome that was this game. The lore is richThis is my favourite game of all time. A friend recommended it to me, and after sitting on it for a few weeks I decided to give it a try and rolled a mage. I was kind of clueless as to what was going on and not all that engaged at first - and then the **** hit the fan, my life was turned upside down and I realized there was an entire world of awesome that was this game. The lore is rich and complex, the writing and story are impeccable and touching and the characters - oh the characters - they felt like living, breathing friends, as sad as that might sound. LOL! Each race has a complex culture with a depth I haven't seen in many games. I actually cried during many parts of this game, obsessed on how to marry Alistair (LOL!) and enjoyed each area more than I can express. Even though this game is a few years old, if you haven't played it, it's worth the $20 as each origin story is unique and is worth playing through multiple times. I bought this game with the add-ons and expansion included, though I didn't install them on my first play-through and I'm glad I didn't, as you get to experience the game without the cheats (plus - once you play through once, the add-ons keep it fresh each subsequent time). I didn't like the expansion Awakenings at all - it seemed to lack the depth that the original had and I never finished it (but the expansion came with the game so I wasn't too choked about that). I wasn't a fan about some of the add-ons that didn't tie in with the original game, and I found that the holiday gifts tended to ruin the challenge of making your companions like you out of sheer effort, so whenever I play through the game I don't use them. I highly recommend DAO (but NOT DA2 - don't waste your time with that one). Dragon Age: Origins is an example of the fantastic, high quality work that Bioware put out before they were purchased by EA, and it's by far the best game I've played to date in terms of story, immersion, action, gameplay, humour and the emotional response this game evokes.… Expand
  22. ProfesorSinistr
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed the living **** out of this game, and played it 3 times through completely. The strategy, customizability (the best part) and relationships made in this game were the three things I loved the most.
  23. SandCharm17076
    Aug 28, 2014
    10
    Now, some people have the guts to rate this game in a negative way. Shame on you. Dragon Age:Origins is a PERFECT game, PERFECT! The graphics are good, it as a great story, a good character customazation. This game was aplauded worldwide, and yet some people have the guts to give this game a 1/10 or a 0/10. That is disonest. If the game is indeed so bad like some people say why has heNow, some people have the guts to rate this game in a negative way. Shame on you. Dragon Age:Origins is a PERFECT game, PERFECT! The graphics are good, it as a great story, a good character customazation. This game was aplauded worldwide, and yet some people have the guts to give this game a 1/10 or a 0/10. That is disonest. If the game is indeed so bad like some people say why has he aplauded worldwide. Shame on you. Some people have no idea what a game of 1/10 is. If they give 1/10 or 0/10 I would like to see waht would be the rating that they would give to, for example, Mindjack.… Expand
  24. Kai82
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    The best rpg in many years. A fantastic main story, the most intresting and well written characters I have seen in years and a soundtrack you will remember. The story tells tales of heroism, betrayal, corruption, ignorance and love. The best thing is that you are shaping the story. You can be the Paladin of justice or play " The end justifies the means" (and many casualties). The recruitThe best rpg in many years. A fantastic main story, the most intresting and well written characters I have seen in years and a soundtrack you will remember. The story tells tales of heroism, betrayal, corruption, ignorance and love. The best thing is that you are shaping the story. You can be the Paladin of justice or play " The end justifies the means" (and many casualties). The recruit able characters have their own minds and approve / disapprove on your decisions. In one case some of your party members will fight against you until death! The weak point of the game is the graphic on PS3, it looks way better on PC. The soundtrack is a masterpiece (Main theme, in uthenera and the gray warden theme are my favourite tracks). Overall this is the most impressive game that I played since Baldurs Gate 2 and truly worth your time and money.… Expand
  25. nilsy
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    Very few RPG's actually have that good story or interesting characters, this has the traditional tactical combat + the good story and characters.

    Only drawback see to this game is that if you only want the story and not the combat, then its hard to stick with it as these type of games require bit of time since combat takes awhile. So this game is hard to play in 20-30min bits you    Very few RPG's actually have that good story or interesting characters, this has the traditional tactical combat + the good story and characters.

    Only drawback see to this game is that if you only want the story and not the combat, then its hard to stick with it as these type of games require bit of time since combat takes awhile.
    So this game is hard to play in 20-30min bits you generally need to take a weekend and sink into it and boy are you rewarded if you do.

    Cant actually think of a single game that does the same thing as this as good this is the absolute best at what it does, just be aware this is a time consuming game.
    If you dont have enough time there might be better games to play in short 20min bits

    Slightly better on the PC but i mean this is not a twitch game so controls being just a little bit clunkier isnt as important as say a action game or racing game this is turnbased.    … Expand
  26. crishy
    Oct 2, 2014
    10
    In my opinion the best western style RPG I have ever played. Great graphics, amazing and very indepth storyline (and dialogue) and characters, plenty of equip and spell options, decent soundtrack and effects that fits well with the game.

    The only two drawbacks of any sort is no modding in the console, and that it is fairly easy even on nightmare (you can even solo the game if you want    In my opinion the best western style RPG I have ever played. Great graphics, amazing and very indepth storyline (and dialogue) and characters, plenty of equip and spell options, decent soundtrack and effects that fits well with the game.

    The only two drawbacks of any sort is no modding in the console, and that it is fairly easy even on nightmare (you can even solo the game if you want to).

    It has a few bugs that can be exploited (not saying they are good) but this is a very minor problem that can be avoided through the old and tested honor system.    … Expand
  27. bearcats13
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    I love this game. I have played it 9 times now, and each time i discover something new (even if its only a new conversation line with party members). The graphics are great, and the world has a rich and detailed history. I also love the origin stories. It is nice to have more input into who your character was, before the 'Epic' events. I hope bioware makes another 'Origins' style game. II love this game. I have played it 9 times now, and each time i discover something new (even if its only a new conversation line with party members). The graphics are great, and the world has a rich and detailed history. I also love the origin stories. It is nice to have more input into who your character was, before the 'Epic' events. I hope bioware makes another 'Origins' style game. I would definitely buy it! It is my favourite RPG. And i have had no problems with glitches. A truely beautiful game. I admit to shedding tears at times during interactions with party members (don't laugh: the story line is that good.)… Expand
  28. EmperorSultan
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    When I finished my first play-through in this I immediately started another play-through, now that's replayability done right in video games. I love the writing and the characters in this game.
  29. BigEvilSquirrel
    Aug 12, 2018
    10
    5 out of 5.
    Dragon Age: Origins is an excellent RPG from Bioware. The character you design decides your opening chapter (or “origin”), once complete will lead to the normal story. There are six origins to play through, my favorite was the Human Noble (as a Rogue). There is a lot of replay if you want to see everything, as you must pick a side for each quest. Combat is typical for a    5 out of 5.
    Dragon Age: Origins is an excellent RPG from Bioware. The character you design decides your opening chapter (or “origin”), once complete will lead to the normal story. There are six origins to play through, my favorite was the Human Noble (as a Rogue). There is a lot of replay if you want to see everything, as you must pick a side for each quest. Combat is typical for a Bioware game, which is not a bad thing. A recommend if you liked Knight of the Old Republic.    … Expand
  30. mxnu54
    Aug 12, 2021
    10
    This is literally the best Western Fantasy Game after World of Warcraft. Better then Elder Scrolls, 100%.
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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