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Dragon Age: Origins first impressions
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Bioware promised to put the emphasis on story in Dragon Age: Origins, and if the first few hours of gameplay is any indication, they exceeded all expectations. Voice-overs in RPGs are too often poorly done renditions of overly-cheesy dialogue, but times, Dragon Age: Origins seems more of an animated movie than a run-of-the-mill role-playing game.
But don't think they've skimped on the hack and slash elements. You'll jump straight into a storyline customized by your choice of race and class, and you'll quickly be thrust into the action.
You'll choose from three classes -- warrior, rogue and mage -- but each is fully customizable with a variety of skills and the ability to choose between four different specializations for each class. These specializations give access to a new skill line that can further customize the character.
And the combat itself has a nice blend of action and strategy. For example, mages can choose a skill that poisons and enemy and, upon their death, they explode, damaging other nearby enemies. A handy skill, but one that requires some planning to do the most damage. On the other hand, the rogue is constantly trying to flank opponents in order to backstab, and the warrior must choose between defense and offense.
The game features three modes: story mode, where you'll participate in dialogue sequences and cut scenes, exploration mode, where you'll use an over-the-shoulder camera to get a better view of things, and combat mode, where you can move the camera to a more isometric location in order to better give orders on the battlefield. Sound confusing? Don't worry about it. Bioware has done an excellent job of making the transitions seamless, and if you don't like the over-the-shoulder camera, you can always just stay in isometric view (or vice-versa).
As for the story, this isn't some predictable RPG. There is a definite dark edge to it, and you'll quickly find yourself wondering about the motivations of everyone you meet, sizing them up just in case they turn out to be a danger later.
For those looking for a solid RPG that will see them through the holiday season, you need look no further. Dragon Age: Origins features a whopper of a story-line that can take up to 80 hours to complete, and with a unique starting quests and interesting skill combinations, it will be well-worth playing through again once you are done.
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