With Dragon Age Dreadwolf making its teaser debut a few months back, it is only right to discuss its predecessor: Dragon Age Origins.
After many years since my very first playthrough of Dragon Age Origins, I had the opportunity to play it again only this time through the PC, and man was I missing out.
Released in 2009, developed by Bioware and published by Electronic Arts (EA), the Dragon Age franchise was born, and a great start to that with the given option of ‘choose your own adventure.’ Starting this game you are given the choice of background for your character, as well as customizing your character. Whether you want that character to look like yourself or a fantasy being, the choice is up to you. Depending on your race choice, you are given specific origin stories, allowing your next run through to be a little different every time. Plus, when that origin is chosen, the outcome will impact the start of the game and how companions interact with your character. Personally, I default to choosing Human Noble so I am automatically gifted the Mabari, a warrior canine in the Dragon Age universe. This is the first companion you can obtain, and who wouldn’t want man’s best friend to fight alongside you?
No matter the origin you have chosen, your new character is recruited into the Grey Wardens where you meet your first human companion and the true start of Act I. The Battle of Ostagar throws you into the current and disturbing problem surfacing in Ferelden. You will face your true enemies, and the reason the Grey Wardens were formed, the Darkspawn. After a rigorous refresher of fighting tactics so you grow comfortable to the level of fighting you will have to say goodbye to some characters you may come to care for. Unfortunately, there is no longer any use for them and you are left in charge of leading what is left of the Grey Wardens. It is a wonderful opening to the game that displays just what you will be dealing with throughout the entire story.
Like many RPGs, you will be given plenty of side quests and random encounters to boost your party’s level. But with this choose your own adventure story, you must be smart on the choices you make or you will miss out on perks and party members that can assist you against the big bad Archdemon. Along with attempting to get as much of a boost in experience for your party members you will also have to pay attention to their loyalty levels. Whether you choose to romance a character or not is completely up to you, but may I suggest being careful who you may be romancing on the side as well, or you will be faced with taking out one of your once loyal companions because you broke their heart. In order to prevent any chance of a companion from double crossing, reviewing a loyalty guide is highly suggested if you wish for everyone to be friends. From my own personal experience I used this one here. Otherwise, don’t make Zevran too angry, he always has friends lurking in the shadows, and you will be in for a surprise when those companions decide to turn on you.
As mentioned before, the outcome of the character you have created may also result in particular outcomes of your character. Some endings can be good, and some, well, not so good. If you’re hoping for a nice ending with a bow on top, a guide will be your best friend during your playthrough. If you want to be surprised, be sure to have some tissues beside you.
Filled with action-packed and strategy planning, Dragon Age Origins is perfect for fans of the Mass Effect franchise as well as those who favor Medieval fantasy tales. It has dragons, elves, dwarves, and witches, just don’t expect everyone to sound like they stepped out of a children’s book. They are dealing with a Blight that can take over their Ferelden home unless you do something about it.