I’m about an hour into BioWare’s new Dragon Age: Origins. So far, it feels like Baldur’s Gate (the original PC version — still waiting for the miniature giant space hamster to show up), but with a better backstory. I continue to feel that BioWare does their best work when they work their own intellectual property. Despite having previous access to both the D&D world and the Star Wars world (and doing a fine job at both, I admit), both Mass Effect and Dragon Age have a more “true” ring to them, with more fully-realized characters.
Oh, and the downloadable content that is transferrable between Dragon Age and Mass Effect 2 is a masterstroke. Of course I’ll download it and use it, but let’s be clear — I was buying ME2 anyway.
I do have a couple of nits to pick about Dragon Age (yes, already) I am getting a little tired of the “companion who turns out to be an enemy” mechanic that they recycled in the first 20 minutes of the game. A character I can’t kill immediately and can’t leave behind and have to fight later is just mostly annoying, and makes me not really trust any of the NPCs you send to me, Bioware.
There also should be a way to introduce the character’s destiny for greatness and self-will without invoking the “newest member of an elite fighting force” mechanic. It felt normal as a Jedi, but a little contrived as a Spectre in Mass Effect, and let’s just say it shows up again here.
Aside from these two small squawks, I have to say that the game feels great so far. The tension between the various factions is absolutely delicious. I adore the Elf-as-Sioux concept; gripping stuff. It’s absolutely as gorgeous as it needs to be. Even the gore is fun; first game I’ve seen where people stay spattered. In all, I feel like I’m at the beginning of a grand adventure. I can’t wait to get home and continue.