If like myself you led a childhood of painting tiny lead Citadel miniatures, reading Fighting Fantasy books, and trying to figure out the rules for Advanced Dungeonnd Dragons, then you’re in luck. Dragons Age Origins is every role-players dream. Produced by the same guys who made Mass Effect, this game will draw you in with its rich storyline and refuse to let go until you have explored every location and discovered every treasure it has to offer. Yes, it really is THAT good, so be prepared to kiss your social life goodbye for a month or so as you take up video game hibernation. If you happen to lose your job, significant other half or sanity along the way, then let this serve this as an advance warning. It’s more addictive than marmite flavoured crack.
The background for the game should hold no surprises for fantasy veterans. The usual suspects of dwarves, elves, mages and (surprise, surprise) dragons make up the cast here. Each and every character you come across has a fascinating story to tell and your responses to conversations affect how they treat you. There is the chance to gain new allies and even the odd romance or two in your quest for glory. Even the choice of character race and class you decide upon will have a substantial impact on how you interact with others you meet along your journey. It’s all very immersive and the open-ended nature of the game means there are 101 ways in which you can complete Dragon Age Origins.
As you venture forth, you meet new members that can join your party of four, and each of your new found friends have their own special abilities that can uniquely aid you on your adventure. When it comes to combat, the action is primarily controlled by the computer, with you selecting which enemies you wish to attack first. This is more tactical, and saves the potentially monotonous ordeal of mashing buttons whilst you fight.
After a brief period of confusion when you start playing, you soon pick up on the controls and menu system and everything is logically planned out. At a flick of a button you can read up on quest notes, change your characters equipment and consult your map to plan where you’re heading next. Its simplicity itself to use, and you can tell some, real care and attention has been given to the interface.
Being a role-playing game, the more items you find and the more battles you win; the more experience you gain. When you level up, you get the chance to customise your character even more as you can choose additional tactics and special abilities, granting you even more options to use as you play. This just adds to the replay value of the game, and even when you eventually complete it, you’ll be eager to come back and try playing the game using different choices and strategies.
The game world itself is a sprawling monstrosity, and there are always places to explore. It’s set at a fast pace too, and there are hardly ever any points where you’re walking around wondering where the enemies have all gone or what you should do next. The numerous quests to solve keep you active and the sheer amount of man hours you’ll have to put into this before you can safely say you’ve completed it boarder on the absurd. Still, I’m not complaining though. This is what a true RPG is all about. Go forth brave adventurer and capture a copy for yourself. Err… just try not to threaten the shop staff with a sword when you do so.
