Dragon Age II | Cheerful Ghost

From Dragon Age Origins to Dragon Age 2

I had a bit of a slow start with Dragon Age Origins on the PS3 and Steam, but I finally completed it. At first, the combat system was a bit different than I was used to, so it took some time for me to feel comfortable with it. I even turned down the difficulty even though there were still some incredibly difficult battles, especially within DLC.

One of the features I enjoyed about the DLC was being able to import characters from another saved game. I didn’t necessarily do everything in a specific or correct order and sometimes that lead to some issues. One issue was resolved with a mod. I also ended up with things I didn’t need later. Had I known more about what I was... Read All I had a bit of a slow start with Dragon Age Origins on the PS3 and Steam, but I finally completed it. At first, the combat system was a bit different than I was used to, so it took some time for me to feel comfortable with it. I even turned down the difficulty even though there were still some incredibly difficult battles, especially within DLC.

One of the features I enjoyed about the DLC was being able to import characters from another saved game. I didn’t necessarily do everything in a specific or correct order and sometimes that lead to some issues. One issue was resolved with a mod. I also ended up with things I didn’t need later. Had I known more about what I was doing, I would probably have done some things differently. So, I do find some replay value in it.

I’ve moved on to DA2 and was able to import my DAO data, which apparently changes some things based on decisions I made. I have a feeling that the decisions I make in the game actually carry some weight. That definitely makes things more interesting and replayable.

So far this game looks and feels much better. I decided to lower the difficulty at a certain point. I also downloaded free DLC, including a high definition texture pack. I read that some of the DLC should be accessed later in the game, but you can still visit the Black Emporium for some good equipment. I also learned that companions come with their own armor and can’t use what you find, it’s locked to the main character. This is different, but not completely unwelcome. Companions can still equip weapons and accessories you find.

DAO wasn’t always stable and DA2 suffers at times, too. The game sometimes crashes and the Origin overlay doesn’t seem to work. I remedied that by letting Steam open the game, but now that overlay isn’t working either. I most cases, I don’t need the overlay, but in these games it’s sometimes helpful to have that feature.

After some time, I enjoyed the DAO story along with DLC. I’ve enjoyed the story thus far in DA2. It’s quite dramatic, but interesting. At times it reminds me of The Witcher 3, especially tavern music. It’s nice to see pieces of DAO within DA2, such as characters that have returned. I’m really enjoying this game and I seem to recall that Dragon Age: Inquisition is quite popular. Now that I’m close to the end of DA2, I have more eager eyes looking at DAI.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/04/2017 at 03:12pm

DAO 2 didn't seem to review as well as the first one so I didn't pick it up. But Inquisition got crazy reviews and does look really good. Bout how far are you into DAO 2 now?

Travis Admin wrote on 04/04/2017 at 04:07pm

It's interesting that the critics went in that direction. Everyone I've spoken to who has played the games say the second is the best and Inquisition is just incredibly disappointing.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 04/04/2017 at 06:59pm

They are all different games with very different play mechanics, which is weird and I think where they lost people. The action of DA2 feels nothing like the more strategic, methodical pace of DAO, and Inquisition is a kind of mix of the two. They're all very fun, but going from one to the other can feel disruptive.

Greg, are you playing DA2 with keyboard and mouse? I played it originally on the XBox 360 (I believe it was designed more for console play), and when I tried it on Origin I just couldn't get the hang of the keyboard/mouse setup.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/04/2017 at 07:17pm

Jon, I'm in the 3rd Act it seems.

Yes, scrypt, I am playing with the keyboard and mouse. I like it. I pretty much agree with you about the action of DA2. It doesn't feel as though combat strategy is as important as it was in DAO. It is still helpful and necessary at times though and I think that's why DA2 feels a bit easier to play.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/04/2017 at 09:50pm

I finished it, but I don't have any of the paid DLC. I thought it was pretty cool and I'll be moving on to DA:I.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/05/2017 at 03:03pm

Be interested in your ranking of the games when your done with Inquisition.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/08/2017 at 08:29pm

DAI is awesome. I see what scrypt was saying about combat. It's different, a mix of the first two games. It's an open world game and reminds me a lot of Oblivion and Witcher 3. Hopefully soon I'll get started on my initial "review" so I can get a post here. I really like it.

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