Almost all of the complaints I have heard about Dragon Age 2 have one common theme. They all revolve about its differences to its predecessor Dragon Age Origins.
In the interests of balance I will state this from the off, I love both this game and DA:O. When Bioware announced a sequel to DA:O I was extremely hopeful. Following almost all of the news released during the development process left me knowing what to expect I new this game would not just be an Origins clone and so I went in with my eyes open. Do the same and you will see this game for what it is, a deep and engaging personal tale.
This is the crux of the matter. The story (less epic, but more personal than that of Origins) really drew me in, the relationships with both your party and your family feel very real, largely in part to the excellent writing and acting, and losing one, (it can happen) does feel like a blow.
The new combat system is excellent and the classes are now far more clearly defined, I can honestly not find any real fault with it. Perhaps if I was being picky I could mention the excessive numbers of enemies, but all this does is make you feel bad-ass for pummelling your way through them.
As for the inability to play as a non-human character, again I must say that taking this game on it's own merits this does not cause a problem. Hawke is a great character (especially the sarcastic version)and I never felt the need to play as an elf or dwarf.
So in conclusion, DA2 is a great game if you treat it as a game in of itself and not just as a follow on to Origins you will have a great time.
In the interests of balance I will state this from the off, I love both this game and DA:O. When Bioware announced a sequel to DA:O I was extremely hopeful. Following almost all of the news released during the development process left me knowing what to expect I new this game would not just be an Origins clone and so I went in with my eyes open. Do the same and you will see this game for what it is, a deep and engaging personal tale.
This is the crux of the matter. The story (less epic, but more personal than that of Origins) really drew me in, the relationships with both your party and your family feel very real, largely in part to the excellent writing and acting, and losing one, (it can happen) does feel like a blow.
The new combat system is excellent and the classes are now far more clearly defined, I can honestly not find any real fault with it. Perhaps if I was being picky I could mention the excessive numbers of enemies, but all this does is make you feel bad-ass for pummelling your way through them.
As for the inability to play as a non-human character, again I must say that taking this game on it's own merits this does not cause a problem. Hawke is a great character (especially the sarcastic version)and I never felt the need to play as an elf or dwarf.
So in conclusion, DA2 is a great game if you treat it as a game in of itself and not just as a follow on to Origins you will have a great time.