BioWare has revealed the initial details on the hotly anticipated Dragon Age II, which is due out in Q1 2011. The sequel to one of my favorite games this generation, the game appears to be going in a different direction than the original Here’s a clip from the official site:
Experience the epic sequel to the 2009 Game of the Year from the critically acclaimed makers of Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2. You are one of the few who escaped the destruction of your home. Now, forced to fight for survival in an ever-changing world, you must gather the deadliest of allies, amass fame and fortune, and seal your place in history. This is the story of how the world changed forever. The legend of your Rise to Power begins now.
BioWare claims that it will be using a different combat system and art style for DAII. While I thoroughly enjoyed the combat of the first game, some felt that it was limited and old fashioned. The graphics in the original weren’t bad, but were hardly cutting edge. The visuals in the sequel should be more modern. Here are the bullet points from the official site:
- Embark upon an all-new adventure that takes place across an entire decade and shapes itself around every decision you make.
- Determine your rise to power from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land.
- Think like a general and fight like a Spartan with dynamic new combat mechanics that put you right in the heart of battle whether you are a mage, rogue, or warrior.
- Go deeper into the world of Dragon Age with an entirely new cinematic experience that grabs hold of you from the beginning and never lets go.
- Discover a whole realm rendered in stunning detail with updated graphics and a new visual style.
The game’s story isn’t as transparent as the original’s. Instead of playing a point-of-view character with the name and origin of your choice, DAII uses a set protagonist. The game’s press release gave more details:
Dragon Age 2 thrusts players into the role of Hawke, a penniless refugee who rises to power to become the single most important character in the world of Dragon Age. Known to be a survivor of the Blight and the Champion of Kirkwall, the legend around Hawke’s rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor. Featuring an all-new story spanning 10 years, players will help tell that tale by making tough moral choices, gathering the deadliest of allies, amassing fame and fortune, and sealing their place in history. The way you play will write the story of how the world is changed forever.
I’m super psyched for the game (duh), but a little disappointed that it isn’t a direct sequel. I put a lot of time into my DA characters and their relationships. I was under the impression that I would learn the fate of my character’s decision with Morrigan. While I’m sure the repercussions will be addressed, it would have been more meaningful to experience the direct consequences.
Having said that, I can’t wait to learn more about Dragon Age II! The first trailer hits on August 17, 2010. Now where’s my countdown clock???
So I have to play this game and expansions by Feb 1, 2011. Hmm challenge accepted!
@tokz_21 There better be some kind of bonus for beating all the expansions!
@rpad
i would hope so. Who would pay me this bonus??
@tokz_21 I was thinking of an unlockable weapon or armor. It's easy for the game to see what DLC you have.
@rpad
Oh that's true. I never thought of that. This is why you're the man! they should have contest like 2K sports did with MLB2k10 but if you finish the game first with all the expansions you win this awesome weapon or armor.
@ Tokz
LBJ will.
@Big Blak
How can Lyndon Baines Johnson pay me a bonus if he's dead??? (see smartguy's comment#62 on Coffee Talk# 173 for joke)
@ Tokz
Oh I saw that, now see this, we all get paid in dead presidents.
AWESOME!!!!!! O.
@Big Blak
too bad LBJ (the dead prez) isn't on any bill :(
@BB
Very clever lol
@topic
I should really pick up this game. The first one anyway. Out for Mac I believe. Is it better on a console or computer??
@smartguy Did you play Baldur's Gate on PC? If so, you'll probably find DA better on a computer.
@ Tokz
LBJ is on the $2,215,000 dollar bill. Google it
Don't Google it, there all lies sponsored by the LBJ and the LBJ conspiracy ,one hour, Espn douche bag event.
Fox news made me do it!
* they're, not there lol
@Big Blak
:(
I was looking forward to my 2 million dollar bonus
Can't wait, but this may be a problem with FFXIV coming out the same month.
@Tokz
I got the blood dragon armor in Mass Effect 2, even though I played the two games on different platforms.
@Smartguy
It looks better on the right PC/Mac. Can't make a gameplay comparison because I've never played it a console and the PC version doesn't support gamepad controls.
@sandrock
It's cool. The Mac version isn't on Steam. If I were to do a digi purchase it would be through Steam. Oh well.
Me want.
Excited for this game, but I was hoping for more of a direct sequel. Wonder how our choices from the first game will carry over.