Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

40 to 100 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Grows on you"

Dragon Age 2 is the sequel to Bioware's much praised Dragon Age: Origins. As such, it had prettty big shoes to fill. Unfortunately it did not bring anything new or revolutionary to the table. In fact, it simplied on the existing gameplay forumula.

Your game takes place roughly around the same time as the original game. However, your character spends the bulk of their time in the Free Marches. Occasional references to your original character and companions will be made throughout the game - you even have the option of loading your old DA 1 save to further delineate the story. For the most part, however, this game plays independently of what you did in the first.

You have the same three character classes to choose from as in the first: Warrior, Mage, and Rogue. However, you no longer can choose the race of your character. Your character's background is fairly set in stone, though changing the class adds a little variety. Character development is very similar to the first game. You can still choose multiple development paths for your character. Each level gives you a few points to put in whatever skill tree you want. Your companions also level up and you have the ability to tailor their skill trees to your whims as well.

My overall impression of the game - at first - was very disappointing. Like almost all Bioware games, it starts very slow. After a short action sequence, your stuck in the token starting area and it takes quite a while until things really start going. Unfortunately, unlike most bioware games, the scope of this game is very limited. Normally, once you finally get out of the starter area, you have a vast world to experience and explore. Not the case in this game. For the most part, you are stuck in one large city. Even that wouldn't be so bad if the maps were more varied. But unfortuantely, for some odd reason, bioware recycles the same few maps over and over again. Anytime you head into a hideout, secluded area, encampment, etc. you'll recognize it.

Bioware games almost always have a intriguing story. This one, however, seemed to be subpar for them. While not awful, it just didn't captivate me. The game seemed to move along so slowly and the story wavered at times. Eventually, things pick up in the game and you'll find yourself eagerly awaiting the next sequence. But expect yourself to invest lots of hours in the game before things really get going. Don't ge me wrong. This was an enjoyable game. Just not their best work.