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Dragon Age: Origins Review – Looking Back at a Classic RPG

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Dragon Age: Origins Review – Looking Back at a Classic RPG

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins
9.5

Score

 9.5/10

Pros

  • Engaging storyline filled with rich lore and captivating plot twists.
  • Exceptional character development system offering deep customization options.
  • Strategic combat mechanics blending real-time and turn-based elements.
  • Expansive game world with detailed and atmospheric locations.
  • High replay value due to multiple story paths and endings.

Cons

  • The graphics, though impressive for their time, may seem dated to some players.
  • Some players might find the game's combat too challenging, especially during later stages.
  • Some side quests can feel repetitive and mundane.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a vast, intricate world with “Dragon Age: Origins,” a critically acclaimed dark fantasy role-playing game that casts you as the beacon of hope against a backdrop of daunting odds. Developed by the renowned studio BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, the game combines immersive storytelling, strategic combat, and meaningful character development into a remarkable RPG experience that leaves a lasting impression.

  • Game developer: BioWare
  • Game publisher: Electronic Arts
  • Release Date: November 2009
  • Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, OS X
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Official website: Official site

Gameplay

“Dragon Age: Origins” set a new bar for narrative-driven role-playing games upon its release in 2009. The game invites you into a world under threat from a monstrous force known as the “Blight.” An evil Archdemon, an Elder God taking the form of a dragon, commands a horde of Darkspawn, bringing havoc to the lands and threatening to plunge the world into chaos. As a newly initiated Grey Warden, you must rally your allies, make decisive choices, and chart a path toward victory against these formidable foes.

Taking inspiration from the venerable “Baldur’s Gate” series, the gameplay of “Dragon Age: Origins” integrates real-time and turn-based combat mechanics. While the game does provide the opportunity for real-time combat, strategic use of the pause function is often crucial in the heat of battle. It allows you to freeze the action and meticulously plan your moves, adding an extra layer of tactical depth.

The world of “Dragon Age: Origins” is crafted meticulously, filled with a rich history and lore that’s waiting to be discovered. The nonlinear narrative and multiple endings, each affected by the player’s choices and interactions with non-playable characters, enhance the replayability of the game. This choice-based storytelling drives the narrative, offering unique gameplay experiences with each playthrough.

The dark fantasy theme of “Dragon Age: Origins” is encapsulated beautifully in its intricate environments, architectural designs, and character models. The ominous atmosphere is a visual treat, rare in RPGs of the same era, bringing the world to life and making exploration thoroughly rewarding.

The character customization in “Dragon Age: Origins” is exhaustive, allowing players to choose from one of six backstories. Each backstory impacts the initial narrative, making the story much more personalized. You also get to choose from three character classes—Warrior, Mage, or Rogue—each offering distinct gameplay styles.

As an RPG, “Dragon Age: Origins” excels in character development. The game’s skill and level-up system provide a classic role-playing experience. The ability to choose a specialization upon reaching the 7th and 14th levels further deepens the customization options, enhancing your character’s abilities and changing the role they play in your party.

Despite being over a decade old, “Dragon Age: Origins” continues to shine as an exceptional RPG. Its deep narrative, challenging combat, intricate world, and the opportunity to shape your character’s destiny offer a compelling gaming experience. The graphics might not stand up to contemporary standards, but the rich, atmospheric visuals and intricate details help maintain the immersion. All in all, “Dragon Age: Origins” is a must-play for any RPG enthusiast who appreciates a well-told, choice-driven story and strategic gameplay.

System Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Memory: 1GB (1.5 GB Vista and Windows 7)
  • Graphics Card: ATI Radeon X850 256MB or NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB or greater (Windows Vista: Radeon X1550 256 MB or NVidia GeForce 7600GT 256MB)
  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Single 1.6 Ghz Processor (or equivalent) or AMD 64 2.0 GHz Processor (or equivalent)
  • File Size: 20 GB HD space
  • OS: Windows XP (SP3) or Windows Vista (SP1) or Windows 7

Recommended Requirements:

  • Memory: 2 GB (3GB Vista and Windows 7)
  • Graphics Card: ATI 3850 512 MB or NVidia 8800GTS 512MB or greater
  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 Ghz or AMD Phenom II X2 Dual-Core 2.7 Ghz Processor or equivalent
  • File Size: 20 GB HD space
  • OS: Windows XP (SP3) or Windows Vista (SP1) or Windows 7