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Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening Preview

Scheduled release date:
March 2009
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Developer:
BioWare
Number Of Players:
1
Genre:
RPG
Release Date:
March 2009


There's no question that Dragon Age Origins was one of the best releases in 2009. It was a much needed game for an ailing RPG genre, and the ailing fans that come with it. Granted it was a western RPG, it didn't stop people from enjoying it. Besides, with a combat system that was very reminiscent of Final Fantasy XII, Dragon Age just managed to push all the right buttons with gamers, and so we're glad to see BioWare giving us an expansion pack. Due out on March 16th, Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is the first of many expansions to come.

In Awakening, you can take on the role of either your already created character by importing him/her, hopefully complete with your stats and such. Or you can start a fresh campaign with a new face, the choice is yours, as you don't need to have a copy of Origins in order to play Awakening – so in a way, despite being an expansion, it does work as a game on its own. The story revolves around the darkspawn, and you will try to figure out why, after the slaying of Archdemon, they have not disappeared. Your character is now the Grey Warden Commander, and you will rebuild the order of the Grey Wardens as a measure of finding out why the darkspawn remain.

Of course rebuilding means you're given freedom, and Bioware says that it's up to you on how you want to rebuild the order. Furthermore, it's also up to you on how you want to approach the inevitable conflict with The Architect. All of this is shaped based on the choices you make throughout the game, which is what you should come to expect out of a Bioware game. And don't forget, this time you'll get to visit an all new and expansive location called Amaranthine, so you won't feel like you're playing a rehash of the same game with a different story.

Your moral choices here are just as complex as they were before, perhaps more so in some cases. Once again your choices will directly influence the direction and path of your story, and that means multiple replays of the game are in store for a unique gameplay experience. For your imported or all new character, you can now add all new spells, abilities, specializations, and items created specifically for Awakening. Of course, all of these extras can also be applied to the rest of the fighters in your party.

And speaking of your party, there will be five all new members to embark on a journey with, in addition an unknown favorite sixth party member from the first game. Lastly, because this is, technically, an all new game with a new environment to explore, expect to see and battle against all new enemies.

Our only request for Awakening is that it boasts an improved framerate, as the PlayStation 3 version was sometimes difficult to play thanks to its often poor framerate. Look for Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening to arrive this March.

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Jackyl
Jackyl
14 years ago

Can't wait for this. Will be pre-ordering as soon as it appears on Steam!

Geobaldi
Geobaldi
14 years ago

Another must buy for me to add to the list.

frostface
frostface
14 years ago

Just when I thought one of my favourite games couldn't get better, they throw this in the mix…awesome!!!

WolfCrimson
WolfCrimson
14 years ago

Woohooo!! Another installment in the amazing Dragon Age universe!

I wonder if I'll get time to play other games? The current DA:O made me forget most of my games for a good while, it wasn't until I reached the 70hrs played mark that I took out the DA:O disc form my PS3.

Roach721
Roach721
14 years ago

It's an expansion but you could play it without the original,that just sounds like an excuse to charge us full price for it i wont pay $60 for it.Plus am still playing Origins & Demons Souls.

Jackyl
Jackyl
14 years ago

Preorders on Gamestop have been there for over a week. It's not going to be $60 it is $40.

Roach721
Roach721
14 years ago

Theres just so much am losing my mind I guess the real problem is i got laid off my job so am broke.Bad time for me and all these damn great games are coming out am pist.I can't seem to find a damn job.

coverton341
coverton341
14 years ago

You mean you have to eventually fight an old white guy that is highly reminiscent of Colonel Sanders that is surrounded by a bunch of tele screens?

But seriously, I wonder if you will be able to hunt down your missing love interest had you taken that route.


Last edited by coverton341 on 1/15/2010 4:15:48 PM

Feregrin
Feregrin
14 years ago

Ah, can't wait. I've already spent 100+ hours on DA:O, getting in another 20+ (they're saying Awakening will be cirka 15 hours, so I'm guessing 5-10 hours) definitely won't hurt. I'll see to it that I go through the expansion with all my characters, as the decisions you've made in Origins will have an impact on stuff in Awakening.

Let's hope this one is a success (both in quality and in sales) so BioWare will be pepped on working on the sequel. 😉

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

There is just so many good games out, multiplayer and singleplayer, on the PS3 now it is killing me. Back in the PS2's haydays I pulled my hair out trying to play all the good games that system had, because, I love playing all types of games. But FPS, SRPGS, and an occasional good RPG are my favs.

I need to find a way to retire early, like 20 years early so I can focus on what is important in life ……… Gaming. HAH!

End of Line.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Love Dragon Age too bad it doesn't all fit on one disc, or could it? I'll be getting this at some point "fo sho"

Since I made Leliana my woman I hope she returns. Though I would like to hunt down Morrigan, the little trollop.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/15/2010 5:12:56 PM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
14 years ago

Still dont get the freamerate fuss. Ill be fine even if it doesnt improve (not saying it shouldnt just saying the experience was great either way)!

The game is awesome and im looking forward to this very much!


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/15/2010 5:24:32 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Would still be better if it was fixed than not.

komotaya
komotaya
14 years ago

i cant wait to get this i have platinum on the game already and i will have this one as soon as its oout as well as GOW 3 and ff13

LowKey
LowKey
14 years ago

You all know how much I loved DA:O even as picky as I am, the one thing it was missing was open world. I kinda wanted Enemy respawns also but meh. Open world needs to be in the next one for sure. Can't wait for awakening.

LowKey
LowKey
14 years ago

In the video ithe "mystery" party member was shown, it was Zeveran, unless they bring back King Allistar.

King James
King James
14 years ago

I'm I the only 1 who finds it hard to play DA:O b/c its too damn addictive and long. It takes me like at least 4-6 hrs to complete the smallest missions. And since I'm only of those gamers who have to accomplish something b4 they cut off the game…I can't DA:O like I want to. I need more hrs in the day.

Oh F it. I'm getting this expansion!

Gamer Girl Gemo
Gamer Girl Gemo
14 years ago

So soon? Is this heaven? Bioware, will you marry me?
I'm counting down the days for the arrival of this "Expansion Pack". Expansion or not, it's more of Dragon Age! 8D
And they BETTER bring back Alistair! I love him!

SympoziumPawa
SympoziumPawa
14 years ago

I was a bit surprised but Yeah I can't wait!!

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
14 years ago

……Seriously?
And I just got my copy of Dragon Age two ****ing days ago!!!!!!!!


Last edited by Snaaaake on 1/16/2010 2:57:35 AM

Nerull
Nerull
14 years ago

Alistar was a good wingman no doubt but my vote goes to Morrigan.

big mac
big mac
14 years ago

that game should be on my damn shelf

Roach721
Roach721
14 years ago

I got thumbs down for being cheap,but thats only because am so damn broke,give me a brake people.I love dragon age i just wish they would sell it for about 20 bucks or so thats all.It's hard enough to keep up with all the great games out there.

atomaweapon
atomaweapon
14 years ago

I killed Zevran because he was a good for nothing traitor.

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