REVIEW: RPG sequel is visually engaging
The original “Dragon Age” introduced one of the most original fantasy settings we have yet seen in video games. It’s dark world full of darkspawn, demons, forbidden magic, religion, political dwarves and elf slaves put a whole new twist on classic fantasy staples. In “Dragon Age 2,” Bioware takes us back to the world of Thedas where a champion will change it forever.
The story of “Dragon Age 2” is that of Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall, as told by Hawke’s friend and former companion Varric. Varric is a dwarf story teller with a knack for exaggeration. The game plays on this often but is quick to point out the way things actually happened; this leads to some very funny and also incredibly entertaining events that really add to the games charm. Because Varric is telling the story as we play there are some things we know from the beginning. One is that Hawke starts from humble origins as a refugee, the second is that Hawke will be involved in events that will change the world forever.
As you play you will see these events unfold and watch how your choices shape the world. During your 10-year journey you will meet many allies and enemies, all of which react differently to your actions and the choices you make. Its amazing to see how what seems like a small decision during your first year in Kirkwall turns out to be a life changing one in the sixth. No one does the choice-based RPG better than Bioware. and “Dragon Age 2” continues that tradition.
The story takes a more personal focus in “Dragon Age 2,” which allows you to build a better connection with your character. Your character actually speaks, which is a huge help as Hawke expresses a lot of different emotions. You can be the sarcastic, fun-loving hero, the serious caring hero, the brutal ruthless hero or anywhere in between. This really allows you to a Hawke that is an extension of yourself and ensures that you will always have the opportunity for different experiences.
The problem is, the story just doesn’t match the power or sense of urgency of the first game’s narrative. There is not a specific threat throughout the game, which makes it feel more like a bunch of short stories telling the tales of your exploits as opposed to the epic fantasy it could be.
The game’s biggest improvement is in the combat department. While the fast-paced, more action-oriented system may turn off fans of the slower, more strategic style of the first game, it fits the game’s new art style and presentation like a glove. Combat is very responsive, and there are a much larger amount of useful abilities that cater to your play style. Whether you’re a warrior, mage or rogue, throwing out a fast paced barrage of attacks and abilities while enemies literally explode in front of you is incredibly satisfying.
Visually the game is much improved as well. With vastly improved facial animations as well as improved textures and lighting, the game is almost always a joy to look at. The game also runs incredibly smooth. Even when I had three mages throwing spells around everywhere, I never experienced slowdown. The only real issue here is the lack of variety in the environments. The entire game is spent in Kirkwall and its outlying regions, which are pretty, but get incredibly old after you’re 20 hours in and running down the same street for the 50th time.
“Dragon Age 2” also preforms admirably in the sound department. Voice acting is very good, with Varric and Hawke rising above the pack. The new conversation system also allows for smoother, more realistic conversations which help the flow of the game. The score is also very good, albeit generic, fantasy stuff. It does a good job of capturing the gravity of some of the more dramatic scenarios, but does tend to get old later into the game. The reason for this is, like the environments, your hear the same music over and over again.
In the end, “Dragon Age 2” has a lot to offer. Clocking in at around 30-40 hours, there is much to do and a lot of fun to be had. Plus, choice is so important that its fun to go back through and see how different decisions change things. Even with its shortcomings, “Dragon Age 2” is a top-notch, fantasy-action RPG I can highly recommend to any fans of the genre.
– Nathan is a junior studying math and works at Game Stop. He can be reached at nathan.c@aggiemail.usu.edu