Welcome to the wondrousness of 'Dragon Age 2', the third installment to the fantasy role-playing series. Making its long-awaited return, the game focuses on the hero Hawke who is known for being the 'Champion of Kirkwall'.
Unlike previous installments, in ‘Dragon Age 2’, you’re still restricted to being human. Although this can be disappointing for some gamers, there have been great improvements including the social options being acted out that will keep you glued to your seat till the very end.
Story
'Dragon Age 2' has taken an unique step in story-telling by featuring the kidnapped Verric (one of Hawke's party members) interrogated by a member of the religious group known as 'The Chantry'. Within minutes, players learn that the protagonist, Hawke is the Champion of Kirkwall and the Chantry are desperately looking for
him/her. Presentation/Design
'Dragon Age 2' has really taken a step forward by featuring Hawke fully voiced and acted out, much like the 'Mass Effect' series. The dialogue in general is fantastic, ranging from romance, rivalry options to the hilarious communication between the party members.
Although the graphics in 'Dragon Age 2' have improved since the previous games, having the game set around one town feels restricting. There are also a lot of maps that are reused for different houses or dungeons, making the gameplay feel repetitive.
Gamplay
To begin the journey of becoming the Champion of Kirkwall players must first choose to be either a Mage, Rouge or Warrior. The mechanics have been simplified, essentially letting you finish the whole game just hacking and slashing away at the bad guys, but this doesn't stop the player from using a more tactical approach. Either way you decide to play proves fun.
Along this journey, Hawke is accompanied by party members that you can set up battle tactics for. This proves necessary, as these party members not only charge to their deaths, but also don't drink health potions unless they are told to. It is also important to keep Hawke from dying to avoid being forced to take control of another party member, which unless you are familiar with all the classes as moves, proves to be very difficult and confusing!
Despite 'Dragon Age 2' having an interactive story set up to have different social options, the decisions you make don't seem to affect the overall story like it should. Instead it just feels like you can have a humorous, cruel or polite way of getting through the game.
Verdict
Overall, 'Dragon Age 2' is a great fantasy role play game, and although it has fantastic characters and dialogue, it lacks in a compelling overall story. With the ending left at a cliff-hanger , the game feels like a long introduction to a fourth installment, making an unsatisfying overall story.
Despite there being a few let downs like the party members having to be instructed on how to fight to avoid dying, the social options don’t make a huge impact on the story and how some maps are reused.
However, 'Dragon Age 2' makes up for these with great dialogue, interesting characters and compelling game play that will keep you playing to live out the tale of the 'Champion of Kirkwall'.
'Dragon Age 2' earns itself an 8 out of 10 sleepless nights on the insomnia meter!
Overall Rating 8/10
Check out the trailer for Dragon Age 2 below!
Unlike previous installments, in ‘Dragon Age 2’, you’re still restricted to being human. Although this can be disappointing for some gamers, there have been great improvements including the social options being acted out that will keep you glued to your seat till the very end.
Story
'Dragon Age 2' has taken an unique step in story-telling by featuring the kidnapped Verric (one of Hawke's party members) interrogated by a member of the religious group known as 'The Chantry'. Within minutes, players learn that the protagonist, Hawke is the Champion of Kirkwall and the Chantry are desperately looking for
him/her. Presentation/Design
'Dragon Age 2' has really taken a step forward by featuring Hawke fully voiced and acted out, much like the 'Mass Effect' series. The dialogue in general is fantastic, ranging from romance, rivalry options to the hilarious communication between the party members.
Although the graphics in 'Dragon Age 2' have improved since the previous games, having the game set around one town feels restricting. There are also a lot of maps that are reused for different houses or dungeons, making the gameplay feel repetitive.
Gamplay
To begin the journey of becoming the Champion of Kirkwall players must first choose to be either a Mage, Rouge or Warrior. The mechanics have been simplified, essentially letting you finish the whole game just hacking and slashing away at the bad guys, but this doesn't stop the player from using a more tactical approach. Either way you decide to play proves fun.
Along this journey, Hawke is accompanied by party members that you can set up battle tactics for. This proves necessary, as these party members not only charge to their deaths, but also don't drink health potions unless they are told to. It is also important to keep Hawke from dying to avoid being forced to take control of another party member, which unless you are familiar with all the classes as moves, proves to be very difficult and confusing!
Despite 'Dragon Age 2' having an interactive story set up to have different social options, the decisions you make don't seem to affect the overall story like it should. Instead it just feels like you can have a humorous, cruel or polite way of getting through the game.
Verdict
Overall, 'Dragon Age 2' is a great fantasy role play game, and although it has fantastic characters and dialogue, it lacks in a compelling overall story. With the ending left at a cliff-hanger , the game feels like a long introduction to a fourth installment, making an unsatisfying overall story.
Despite there being a few let downs like the party members having to be instructed on how to fight to avoid dying, the social options don’t make a huge impact on the story and how some maps are reused.
However, 'Dragon Age 2' makes up for these with great dialogue, interesting characters and compelling game play that will keep you playing to live out the tale of the 'Champion of Kirkwall'.
'Dragon Age 2' earns itself an 8 out of 10 sleepless nights on the insomnia meter!
Overall Rating 8/10
Check out the trailer for Dragon Age 2 below!
Copyright : MTV Australia
