Dragon Age: Origins

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 863 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 666 out of 863
  2. Mixed: 100 out of 863
  3. Negative: 97 out of 863
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  1. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!! dao
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    Very fun RPG, that does everything right but nothing innovative whatsoever.
  3. zprestridge
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Brought a unique combat style mainstream. If you enjoyed Inquisition or Greedfall and can get over the 2009 graphics then this game is definitely still holds up well today
  4. irai16
    Mar 31, 2023
    9
    As a big fan of Dragon Age: Inquisition, Origins was a game I had long wanted to play, and thankfully, Gamepass provided me with the perfect opportunity. Origins has more than lived up to my lofty expectations, with the excellent story, characters, and quests I've come to expect from BioWare. I even grew to enjoy the combat, though its more tactical style is definitely not for everyone.As a big fan of Dragon Age: Inquisition, Origins was a game I had long wanted to play, and thankfully, Gamepass provided me with the perfect opportunity. Origins has more than lived up to my lofty expectations, with the excellent story, characters, and quests I've come to expect from BioWare. I even grew to enjoy the combat, though its more tactical style is definitely not for everyone. The game has aged poorly in certain aspects (no fast travel, for instance), and the difficulty is a bit annoying at times, but overall, this is an easy recommend and one of the best RPGs I've played. Now I just have to decide if I really want to try Dragon Age 2....… Expand
  5. AccurateRatings
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    This game is an absolute masterpiece worth playing over and over again. One of my favorite games of all time.

    The combat isn’t great, but the story and character customization more than makes up for it. 10/10 play it if you can.
  6. ZXSth
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    An incredible game that set a new precedent for what role-playing games could be. Despite (arguably) dated MMORPG-style combat and primitive graphical quality (on the 360, at least), Origins' quality is uplifted tremendously by its incredible worldbuilding, enthralling story and some of the most compelling characters ever inserted into a video game. An absolutely mandatory experience forAn incredible game that set a new precedent for what role-playing games could be. Despite (arguably) dated MMORPG-style combat and primitive graphical quality (on the 360, at least), Origins' quality is uplifted tremendously by its incredible worldbuilding, enthralling story and some of the most compelling characters ever inserted into a video game. An absolutely mandatory experience for fans of 2000s CRPGs, and a highly recommended one for fans of RPGs in general.… Expand
  7. MajinAndre
    Jan 23, 2023
    7
    Great start to a series, however limited by the tech of its time. The rpg elements of combat are very inticing as you can branch off or stick to one style if you want to. The cast could be stronger but your companions that do standout, do so in a big way. The story and world building is maybe the best I've seen for a video game. However the presentation and gameplay severely hold this backGreat start to a series, however limited by the tech of its time. The rpg elements of combat are very inticing as you can branch off or stick to one style if you want to. The cast could be stronger but your companions that do standout, do so in a big way. The story and world building is maybe the best I've seen for a video game. However the presentation and gameplay severely hold this back from being a great game.… Expand
  8. bigchocolate69
    Jun 28, 2022
    4
    Did my first (and only) playthrough as a mage and it was hard to get into. Gameplay was annoying as hell at times with too much missable stuff and no chance to go back.
  9. davey16
    Jan 19, 2022
    8
    A solid game. I very much enjoyed my time with it. My second time through was quite fun and that normally isn't the case with most games.
  10. L3Fari0us
    Jan 11, 2022
    7
    Dragon Age Origins was BioWare's first attempt at a RPG in an universe of their own creation, that now stands as one of its most memorable franchises. But was the first game as good as some people remember it to be?

    Pros: +Diverse dialogue options +Well written characters, story & world building +Various races to choose from +Different origin stories depending on your race +Classes    Dragon Age Origins was BioWare's first attempt at a RPG in an universe of their own creation, that now stands as one of its most memorable franchises. But was the first game as good as some people remember it to be?

    Pros:
    +Diverse dialogue options
    +Well written characters, story & world building
    +Various races to choose from
    +Different origin stories depending on your race
    +Classes & perks all feel distinct
    +Choices the player makes greatly impact the narrative
    +Memorable soundtrack
    +Companions all feel well developed & interesting
    +Some of the side quests are extremely captivating
    +Game has a perfect length (around 40h)

    Cons:
    -Combat feels slow & hasn't aged well in general
    -Enemies feel boring to fight against
    -The gameplay formula is stale and gets old quickly
    -Graphics, aside from character models, look outdated
    -Art style is dull to look at (grey/brown pallets)
    -Various side quests feel unnecessary

    Overall, Dragon Age Origins feels like a great entry into the pantheon of RPG's that have released throughout the ages, shaping the ground up for various other games of the same genre. If you're a RPG fan who likes or isn't bothered with a more tactical combat style, then I recommend this game.    … Expand
  11. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    The main thing about this game is the fact that what ever choices you make, it can be carried over for the remainder of the series.
  12. cableguy3333
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    Review 2021 first ever playthrough. So I've played the trilogy in the reverse order and after playing the 2nd one I wasn't expecting much from this but how wrong was I. It's not only the best dragon age game, its one of the best games I've ever played and I've played alot. This is a rare epic game and cant believe I missed out on this when it first came out but what a treat for 2021. AReview 2021 first ever playthrough. So I've played the trilogy in the reverse order and after playing the 2nd one I wasn't expecting much from this but how wrong was I. It's not only the best dragon age game, its one of the best games I've ever played and I've played alot. This is a rare epic game and cant believe I missed out on this when it first came out but what a treat for 2021. A better story that witcher 3 and better told which is hard to believe. On normal difficulty combat is certainly a challenge and if you ramp the level up you have a game that is so much harder than anything dark souls can throw at you. The game itself is massive, so much voice dialogue and the chats between your companions are genuinely funny to the point you want to take out different groups together just to hear what they have to say to each other. Combat I played as a mage and nearly always 3 out of 4 of my team were mages just because I found using a melee character terrible, I'm sure they are ok if you play with them but my sum total was about 10 minutes out of 50+hours. Graphics maybe a bit dated but still nicer to look at than cyberpunk2077 and the cutscene battles epic should be made into a film. If you have not played this dont be like me get it now, choices you make really do have a major impact and the decisions are sometimes a very hard choice, its a game that makes you feel sad its all over at the end… Expand
  13. Steyraus
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    This game sit at the top, along side the greats like Baldurs gate, Kotor, Mass Effect and Fallout. Its a shame the series list its way, but we wilk always have origons.
  14. Daniel_N
    Oct 18, 2020
    8
    I haven’t finished this game yet, but from what I’ve played, it’s actually good? The graphics are a little off, but it has a nice story, but not-so-good gameplay.
  15. TazzTheron
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Love to see a remake of the game with all the new tech we have available with current gen or even next gen :)
  16. Dsims37
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    This is easily the best RPG on the 360. The game play, graphics, and story are all amazing. Even tweaking the programming of your team mates is a whole tactical mini game in itself. The sequels never measured up. It seems they had to listen to all the butt hurt crybabies who didn’t like that it wasn’t an action game.
  17. gqmasters3
    May 11, 2019
    10
    It is the finest RPG of its generation. The gameplay is fun and challenging. The plot is captivating and it is one of the few RPGs that actually successfully climaxes at the final battle or sequence of events.
  18. 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
  19. WeenyDrake
    Nov 17, 2017
    10
    This is one of the best games I've ever played. The characters and story are unforgettable. The playable origin stories really connect you to your character, which makes the story feel that much more important. The only areas where I felt like the game was lacking was in its outdated graphics (for the time it was released) and the lackluster combat. I know that some will argue that theThis is one of the best games I've ever played. The characters and story are unforgettable. The playable origin stories really connect you to your character, which makes the story feel that much more important. The only areas where I felt like the game was lacking was in its outdated graphics (for the time it was released) and the lackluster combat. I know that some will argue that the combat was more tactical and is fitting of an RPG, but I really wasn't impressed with the auto-attack. All in all, I recommend this game 100%… Expand
  20. jrubensco
    Oct 18, 2017
    9
    Great story with very interesting and captivating characters - I just couldn't stop playing. Graphics not amazing, but alright. Very interactive game, one of the best I've ever played.
  21. Epik_Ninnja
    Aug 12, 2017
    8
    Once you get past the steep learning curve (if you're not used to the style of combat) you'll find a fascinating fantasy RPG that almost lives up to Mass Effect in terms of character interaction and world building. The 360 version looks pretty bad and other elements of the game make it feel older than 2009 but aside from those issues great characters and stories as well as hours ofOnce you get past the steep learning curve (if you're not used to the style of combat) you'll find a fascinating fantasy RPG that almost lives up to Mass Effect in terms of character interaction and world building. The 360 version looks pretty bad and other elements of the game make it feel older than 2009 but aside from those issues great characters and stories as well as hours of engaging in (semi) strategic fights, collecting items, exploring and conversing can be enjoyed.… Expand
  22. keiski72
    Feb 12, 2017
    10
    Another amazing game from Bioware. Great RPG experience, very deep gameplay, great writing, fun and challenging hybrid combat, and mostly impressive graphics for its time. All of these plus more makes this one of the best RPGs i've played IMO.
  23. SuperkenGaming
    Jan 22, 2016
    8
    Dragon Age Origins
    More like Goose Age Origins
    This game is deep, and that’s the greatest thing about it. The depth though is also the worst thing about it This game starts out with letting you customize your character and choosing your class. All of your choices here will determine the origins story you are given. There’s potentially 6 different stories to be told in this game… I    Dragon Age Origins
    More like Goose Age Origins
    This game is deep, and that’s the greatest thing about it.
    The depth though is also the worst thing about it
    This game starts out with letting you customize your character and choosing your class.
    All of your choices here will determine the origins story you are given.
    There’s potentially 6 different stories to be told in this game…
    I played the console version of this game, so it’s much more action oriented than strategy based.
    You can journey with 4 allies at a time to help you fight enemies and you can gain new allies along your journey,
    How you treat your allies and the people in the world around you will determine if they turn their back on you or help you with your cause.
    Your allies do a fairly decent job at holding their own... they only got stuck one time in my entire playthrough.
    You can equip gear you find on them much like a JRPG, there is tons of micro managing your ally’s skills as well as yours,
    Dragon Age Origins is lengthy, but not lengthy because there is so much great content to experience...
    The game is long just for the sake of being long... it accomplishes nothing in dragging the story on forever and makes you do more than you should really have to…
    The entire game feels like one giant goose chase.
    After your origins story the map opens up and you can freely clear it in any order you choose,
    The incentive to doing so is there is a blight... demons… an army... you need allies, so you set out into the vast sections to gain those allies...
    Each section of the map could literally be their own game… and not necessarily in a good way.
    They all have their own self-contained stories that link to the overarching story, but every single one of them follow the formula of the main story, which is you think you’re done but you’re not
    you get to whoever you’re looking for but they need you to do this before they’ll help you but when you get there to do what they need there’s someone there that needs you to help them before they can help you help the person that you need to help before they’ll help you..
    Its overwhelming and ultimately makes the game feel like it drags on forever
    and quite frankly it does... you never feel like you are making any true progress…
    It took me 10 hours of playing before the game got even a little bit interesting to me.
    There are some really cool sections to this game, again they all feel like they could be their own game...
    It’s crazy to look back when you’re near the end and think of the journey you’ve been on and how it was indeed part of this game and not some game you played years ago even though it feels like it.
    There’s mages, demons, going through the fade and shape shifting, hunting werewolves down in the forest, going underground to search for a mighty anvil
    There is so much to experience.
    While Dragon Age’s game world is vast and deep, I found the gameplay and journey to be shallow and tedious.
    Due to the delivery of the story, and the constant webbing of story lines I found Dragon Age Origins to eventually feel more like a chore than a game,
    After about 30 hours in I was begging for the game to be over, to get to the point, but instead it drug me down another 20 hours of rabbit holes.
    If the rabbit holes don’t make the game feel tedious enough, it also does a horrible job at quest progression in general...
    You rarely know where you’re supposed to go,
    The marker for the quest you’re on only appears when you’re close to the desired location…
    and by close, I mean practically on top of it…
    Which will lead you right to google to figure out where this person lives since who’s going to really memorize the locations of these people by name?
    I’m not
    There’s a Lot to do in Dragon Age Origins, so I can definitely see why people love this game so much…
    Even I appreciate the game for what it has going on...
    There was just ultimately nothing here to hook me in...
    If I didn’t feel obligated to make it to the credits, I definitely wouldn’t have
    I give Dragon Age Origins a 7.5/10    … Expand
  24. Samanosuke0
    Jan 17, 2016
    9
    Story: 10
    Characters: 10
    Graphics: 9
    Setting: 10
    Multiplayer: N/A
    Technical: 5
    Audio: 10
    Gameplay: 7
    Re-Playability Value: 10
    Fun Factor: 9
    Innovation: 8

    Total: 9
  25. Dared2Sin
    Aug 30, 2015
    10
    From the Simple but, satisfying combat to the intriguing story, this one will keep you going for hours.
    The only trouble in this game is trying to please everyone.
  26. Mediawatcher
    Jan 26, 2015
    8
    It's a good game, nothing spectacular but still good and it's story is very well told, along with a good cast, amazing gameplay and really good character development. However the game itself is also lacking in some features such as a variety of extremely useless spells and talents, as well as some pointless side missions which really killed of the mood for me. I personally romancedIt's a good game, nothing spectacular but still good and it's story is very well told, along with a good cast, amazing gameplay and really good character development. However the game itself is also lacking in some features such as a variety of extremely useless spells and talents, as well as some pointless side missions which really killed of the mood for me. I personally romanced morrigan as human Mage and romanced alistair as a dalish elf, they're both really well acted characters.… Expand
  27. Vanpire73
    May 9, 2014
    8
    Despite the awful graphics, weird "open world" and a character on par with Jar Jar Binks, this RPG is still one of my favorites. Man, I STILL want to c*ckpunch Allister...
  28. Deusex
    Mar 3, 2014
    3
    Pros:
    Good choices.
    Good back story for each race.
    Good story, not great.
    Good voice acting.

    Cons:
    Worst gameplay ever.
    Horrible graphics.
    Bad facial animations.
  29. jianoman
    Nov 20, 2013
    7
    Alright, let's start with the good. The story is great and very interesting in all of the choices and different characters you can meet along the way. I liked how much detail they put into all of the lore of the entire world of Dragon Age. The graphics were alright, I mean they didn't look amazing, but still good. The music, to be honest I can't really think of any particular track thatAlright, let's start with the good. The story is great and very interesting in all of the choices and different characters you can meet along the way. I liked how much detail they put into all of the lore of the entire world of Dragon Age. The graphics were alright, I mean they didn't look amazing, but still good. The music, to be honest I can't really think of any particular track that stood out to me. Now for the bad. Combat which takes up a lot of the game is horrible, I mean on PC it looks totally different and actually good! The console version got the short end of the stick when it comes to it. My character at times will just stop what he's doing and sprint in a random directions, this got very annoying. The quest markers on the mini map were pretty bad. They would be on the map... some of the time, but most of the time it's just looking for yourself and that kind of felt like I was just wasting my time. In the end I do recommend this game it can be enjoyable and look for about 20-30 hours of game play, since this game is pretty old you could probably get it for about 15-20 dollars, which is well worth the price.… Expand
  30. OpaSamuel
    Nov 11, 2013
    2
    Dragon Age:Origins is the worst game of all time. People seem to confuse dirt for diamonds in today's face paced world where information is gushing at your brain like a sewage pipe full of knowledge just burst. But honestly how can anyone find any sort of depth here? The dialogue that is so praised by critics is at best standard fair and nothing to the point it could convince me alone toDragon Age:Origins is the worst game of all time. People seem to confuse dirt for diamonds in today's face paced world where information is gushing at your brain like a sewage pipe full of knowledge just burst. But honestly how can anyone find any sort of depth here? The dialogue that is so praised by critics is at best standard fair and nothing to the point it could convince me alone to buy the game, worst yet all bit of dialogue is spoken by weird alien looking people that look like they could past for CGI mannequins from a 90's film. The combat mechanics are pretty much like every other Bioware game and somehow seem even worse then what they were in KOTOR times, The characters are half assed archetypes I had no interest in knowing much less keeping alive, in fact half the time I wished I could feed Alistair to my dog, the Dog was more memorable then your companions. I can't even remember one line of dialogue from them and I just finished the damn game. The story is at best a slightly worse knock off Tolkein, it feels drab and uninspired. Any grand and memorable vistas? Any interesting areas? NOPE! The game generally keeps it's same, dark, depressing grimdark look through out the game making almost every environment feel the same. Also why is it the game even called Dragon Age? Why not Dark Spawn:Origins. The only damn dragon I saw in the game was slightly bigger then my character and easy as hell to kill. Wait a minute, why did I even play this worthless game? I might as well have gone and read Tolkeins books, I'd still get the same story minus the ****ty uninspired enviroments, the ripped off story elements, the horrid combat, the linear and pointless adventure that makes you feel like you really accomplished nothing but unite a bunch of fantasy stereotypes. In short the game is awful don't buy it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 68
  3. Negative: 0 out of 68
  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. 3DJuegos
    87
    Despite its lack of innovation Dragon Age: Origins is the best RPG in 2009. Its great value and addictive gameplay are among its main highlights.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    85
    Incredible storytelling, great characters, and exciting battles are just a few of the things that make this fantasy role-playing game so great.
    Read full review
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