BioWare's Dragon Age

Anybody else already hating the king?? I have only seen the videos and already I can't stand him.:D
 
BioWare has revealed some of the creatures that will be in the game:

Mabari War Dogs
Mabari War Dogs

Dogs are an essential part of Ferelden culture, and no dog is more prized than the Mabari. The breed is as old as myth: Said to have been bred from the wolves who served the legendary hero, Dane. Prized for their intelligence and loyalty, these dogs are more than mere weapons or status symbols: The hounds choose their masters, and pair with them for life. To be the master of a mabari anywhere in Ferelden is to be recognized instantly as a person of worth.

The mabari are an essential part of Ferelden military strategy. Trained hounds can easily pull knights from horseback or break lines of pike men, and the sight and sound of a wave of war dogs, howling and snarling, has been known to cause panic among even the most hardened infantry soldiers.

Genlock
Genlock

Most numerous of the darkspawn, the stocky, tough genlocks are notoriously difficult to kill. The few stronger and more intelligent genlocks are the alphas: the generals and commanders among the darkspawn armies. While many common genlocks possess a resistance to magic, the most intelligent of the alphas become gifted sorcerers, with many abilities akin to blood magic. These are the emissaries and they usually only appear during a Blight to watch that the commanders and generals serve the archdemon's interests and not their own.

Corrupted Spiders
Corrupted Spider

These giant arachnids grew in the depths of the Deep Roads, and fed on numerous species of large bats. When the Deep Roads were lost to the darkspawn, they started feeding on genlocks and their numbers began to grow exponentially. Some moved up to make their lairs in surface forests, but most remained underground, close to their Blight-tainted meals that make them larger and fiercer than they've ever been.

Werewolves
Werewolves

Doomed to assume the form and savage nature of a beast, these men and women feed upon their former kin. These normally mindless, vicious creatures have developed an uncanny willpower and intelligence in recent years, terrorizing the nomadic Dalish tribes.

Ogres
Ogres

Towering over their tainted darkspawn kin, the massive ogres are a rare sight on the battlefield. It's said they charge their enemies like bulls, slamming into them with devastating effect – and are even able to barrel through thick stone walls.
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http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_creatures.html

Also some history info:

Ostagar
Ostagar

Representing the furthest point of encroachment by the ancient Tevinter Imperium into the barbarian lands of the southeast, the fortress of Ostagar was once one of the most important defensive Imperial holdings south of the Waking Sea. It stood at the edge of the Korcari Wilds and watched for any signs of invasion by the barbarians today known as the Chasind wilders. Straddling a narrow pass in the hills, the fortress needed to be by-passed in order for the WIlders to reach the fertile lowlands to the north and proved to be exceedingly difficult for the Wilders to attack due to its naturally defensible position. Like most Imperial holdings in the south, Ostagar was abandoned after Tevinter's collapse during the First Blight. It was successfully sacked by the Chasind wilders and then, as the Chasind threat dwindled following the creation of the modern Ferelden nation, fell to ruin completely.

It has remained unmanned for four centuries, though most of the walls still stand -- as does the tall Tower of Ishal, named after the great Archon that ordered its construction -- and Ostagar remains a testament to the magical power of the Imperium that created it.

Blight
The Blight

The Chantry teaches that it is the hubris of men that brought the darkspawn into our world. Mages sought to usurp Heaven, but were cast out, twisted by their own corruption, only to return as monsters--the first of the darkspawn. They plague the underground caverns and tunnels once inhabited by the dwarven kingdoms. When they discover one of the Old Gods, ancient dragons slumbering in the depths of the earth, it rises as an archdemon to lead the darkspawn as they spread like locusts across the surface lands, destroying all in their path: a Blight. It has been four centuries since the last Blight, but the darkspawn are amassing once again.

Grey Wardens
Grey Wardens

They are the most elite and feared of warriors, dedicated to the destruction of darkspawn in all human lands. The centuries of peace have left them all but forgotten. The Grey Wardens have kept watch through the ages, well aware that peace is fleeting, and that their enemy will never truly be defeated until the last of the Old Gods has been slain.
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http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_history.html

Some character info:

Teryn Loghain
Teryn Loghain

Born into a time when his country was under the boot of a foreign tyrant, Loghain and his close friend Prince Maric drove out the occupying forces of the Orlesian Empire. He is more a symbol than a man, representing the Fereldan ideals of hard work and independence. Now with his friend's death, he is left to defend their land with a naïve and inexperienced king.

King Cailan
King Cailan

Son of the legendary King Maric Theirin, Cailan was the first Ferelden king born into a land free from foreign rule in three generations. Now with Loghain's tactical genius and the legendary Grey Wardens at his side, Cailan leads Ferelden's army into the final, glorious battle to crush the darkspawn.
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http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_characters.html
 
oh stop getting me all het up for the game now stefan9 :p

*hopes for early release* :D
 
Magnarmalok said:
too bad its gonna be single player only :(.....if it had lan co-op play...like diablo it wudda been 10x betta games allways are when u play it wif someone :)
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Can't compare this to diablo its like comparing baldur's gate to diablo. Two totally different types of games. One is about the story and the other about hack and slashing as many enemies as possible. Telling a story works better in single player games.

I am glad this game is only sp.
 
Two creatures. Devouring corpses sound interesting.

Blight Wolves
Blight Wolves

In Blights past, as the corruption of the darkspawn spread through the wilder areas of Thedas it would infect the animals found there… and the more powerful of them would survive and be transformed into a more vicious and dangerous beast. A Blight Wolf is one such example, mad with the pain of its infection, and only through the overriding command of the darkspawn does it still retain some semblance of its pack instincts. Blight Wolves are always found in large groups and will tend to overwhelm a single target if they can, using their numbers to their advantage. It is fortunate that these creatures rarely survive their corruption for very long.

Devouring Corpses
Devouring Corpses

As demons pass through the Veil into our world, they seek out that which they desire most: life. Being unable to distinguish between something which is still living and which no longer is, many demons will possess the bodies of the dead. Trapped within the lifeless corpse, the demon will be driven mad and will lash out at the truly living around it.

A Devouring Corpse is the name given to a dead body that has been possessed by a Hunger Demon. It possesses a ravenous appetite and will seek to feed on any living thing it finds, and many of these creatures have demonstrated the ability to drain the very life force from their opponents.
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http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_creatures.html
 
Magnarmalok said:
too bad its gonna be single player only :(.....if it had lan co-op play...like diablo it wudda been 10x betta games allways are when u play it wif someone :)
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I think it is just going to be way to long to play multiplayer there is always one player that gets bored and don't want to play it anymore...

Like BG2 was fun for the first 6hours then it just got boring since now u only control a few party members and can't control the outcome of the battle and your friends sometimes runs away and u are stuck in the mids of a huge battle...

But they must make the SP excellent so that we won't miss Lan. :D

stefan9 thanks for the updates on the creatures and such.
 
CrzWaco said:
I think it is just going to be way to long to play multiplayer there is always one player that gets bored and don't want to play it anymore...

Like BG2 was fun for the first 6hours then it just got boring since now u only control a few party members and can't control the outcome of the battle and your friends sometimes runs away and u are stuck in the mids of a huge battle...

But they must make the SP excellent so that we won't miss Lan. :D

stefan9 thanks for the updates on the creatures and such.
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BG 2 never got boring to me. It still doesn't even though I know exactly what's going to happend next.
 
Wooot! According to the latest issue of GameInformer Dragon Age is coming to both the PS3 and 360 as well. :D
No release dates yet, prob middle to late 2009.
 
Credit to Sir Karl at the official dragon age forums for this new info.

There is a new 5-page preview on Gamestar (german PC magazine) with some interesting news. I'll just post everything that was new to me

Magic:
There are four schools of magic:
Primal
Creation
Spirit
Entropy

Entropy has eg weakness and fear inducing spells, while Creation gives acces to magical shields and reanimation of corpses.

Resistances:
There are three types of resistances:
Mind (against magic)
Body (against enemy attack skills)
Dodge (against traps)

Attributes:
There are seven attributes of your character:
Strength
Dexterity
Willpower
Magical ability (probably a bad translation on my part)
Intelligence
Constitution

You can fine tune combat AI of your teammates, eg tell them to automatically heal party members whose health drops below 25%.

There will be a specialization for two weapons fighting.

Thats all that I can think of right now.

Edited By Sir Karl on 11/10/08 10:10
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stefan9 said:
Credit to Sir Karl at the official dragon age forums for this new info.
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*swoon* Reanimation of corpses sounds absolutely lovely :)

I wonder if they'll integrate it Arcanum style... Where if you stumble across a dead NPC you can resurrect them and they'll tell you how they died or be grateful, etc... Also reminds me of the Arcanum Necro ability to force spirits of corpses to tell you information they otherwise wouldn't :p :p :p

*swoon* I can't wait for this game :D
 
Don't like the fact that they already have a console version date set. All I can hope is that its like kotor and that the pc version trumps the console version and is not watered down.

Basic

Please select a question:
1.01 What is Dragon Age: Origins?
1.02 It has been mentioned that Dragon Age is set in a dark, heroic, fantasy world. What does that mean?
1.03 When will Dragon Age be released?
1.04 What platforms will it be released for?
1.05 What are the system requirements for this game?
1.06 Why is the game called Dragon Age: Origins?
1.07 Who will be publishing Dragon Age: Origins?
1.08 What rating will Dragon Age have?
1.09 How many hours will it take to complete Dragon Age: Origins?

1.01: What is Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins is a dark heroic fantasy set in a unique world. As the spiritual successor of BioWare’s popular Baldur’s Gate series of games, it uses a pause-and-play tactical combat system. Play in over-the-shoulder mode, or the more tactical top-down view. Dragon Age: Origins features a stunning amount of cinematic dialog. Players will be able to acquire unique party members. These party members will have their own motivations for accompanying the player.

1.02: It has been mentioned that Dragon Age is set in a dark, heroic, fantasy world. What does that mean? (Back to Top)

It means that Dragon Age: Origins is a very gritty, often bloody adventure with mature themes. It has elements of traditional fantasy like heroes, villains, and magic, but we’re not pulling any punches – you’re going to be immersed in a brutal, dangerous, and sometimes shocking world.

1.03: When will Dragon Age be released? (Back to Top)

The PC version of Dragon Age will be available early in 2009. The Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions are scheduled for winter 2009.

1.04: What platforms will it be released for? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins will be out first for the PC, followed by Xbox360 and Playstation 3 versions.

1.05: What are the system requirements for this game? (Back to Top)

We do not yet have the PC system requirements. When we do, we will post them on the Dragon Age: Origins Game Information page.

1.06: Why is the game called Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)

The game offers a unique new feature called Origin Stories that shapes the way the world sees you and the way you will see the world. Each origin determines the player’s motivations, shapes his or her experience, and renders a unique prelude, path, and ending to the game. We also chose “Origins” because it symbolizes BioWare’s return to its roots.

1.07: Who will be publishing Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)

Electronic Arts

1.08: What rating will Dragon Age have? (Back to Top)

We have not yet submitted Dragon Age: Origins for ratings yet. We do expect the game to receive a mature rating from the ESRB as we are making the game very dark and gritty. When we do have an official rating, we will post it on the Dragon Age: Origins Game Information page.

1.09: How many hours will it take to complete Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)

As with previous BioWare games, that will depend on how thoroughly you play the game, how much exploring you decide to do, or how many side quests you choose to engage. We think fans will be quite satisfied with the length of the main story arc.


Player Characters

Please select a question:
2.01 How customizable will my character be?
2.02 Does Dragon Age: Origins have alignments?
2.03 What classes can I choose from?
2.04 What are specialization packages?
2.05 Is there a crafting system?

2.01: How customizable will my character be? (Back to Top)

Players will be able to customize the appearance of their character using the most detailed facial customization tool BioWare has created to date. Players can also choose their character’s race, gender, and class. They will also choose their character’s point of origin and backstory. Continued customization choices open up as the character gains levels.

2.02: Does Dragon Age: Origins have alignments? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins gives players the ability to interact with their party members and guide their development. Throughout the game, the player will be making decisions. Depending on the personalities of party members, these decisions might anger them, or make them happy. So instead of a simplistic good/evil system, Dragon Age: Origins revolves more around managing personal relationships with adventuring companions. Success leads to loyal, more powerful allies, and even romance.

2.03: What classes can I choose from? (Back to Top)

There are three classes for the player to choose from: warrior, mage, and rogue. As the character gains levels, specialization packages can be selected.

2.04: What are specialization packages? (Back to Top)

Specializations are packages of traits that can be used to further define and customize your character. The player will have to earn these specializations throughout the course of the game.

2.05: Is there a crafting system? (Back to Top)

Yes. The player will be able to craft herbs, traps, and poisons.
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http://dragonage.bioware.com/gamefaq.html
 
Second part.

Setting and Plot

Please select a question:
3.01 Where does the game take place?
3.02 How linear is the game?
3.03 Are there multiple endings?
3.04 The game is called Dragon Age: Origins – what are the dragons like?

3.01: Where does the game take place? (Back to Top)

The story for Dragon Age: Origins takes place in the kingdom of Ferelden. The kingdom lies in the far southeast portion of the continent known as Thedas.

3.02: How linear is the game? (Back to Top)

For the bulk of the game, players will be able to choose where they want to go and the order they wish to complete the various plots. There are also many side-quests scattered throughout the game.

3.03: Are there multiple endings? (Back to Top)

There are many different endings to the game based on the origin story of the character and the choices you make as you play through the game. We will not give out the exact number as we want our fans to have the fun and surprise of experiencing them all for themselves.

3.04: The game is called Dragon Age: Origins – what are the dragons like? (Back to Top)

"Dragon Age" is the name given to the time period in which the game takes place. It was named so because, at the beginning of the age, dragons re-appeared in the world after being thought extinct. The game is not all about dragons, though of course dragons do play a role in the story. Dragons are rare and dangerous creatures, and their fantastical nature is evocative of what our game is all about – hence the title.


Combat

Please select a question:
4.01 Is it real-time or turn-based?
4.02 Can you dual-wield?
4.03 What are spell combos?
4.04 How does the magic system work?

4.01: Is it real-time or turn-based? (Back to Top)

Combat in Dragon Age: Origins takes place in real-time. In addition, we included a pause-and-play system that allows players to take a more tactical approach to the game.

4.02: Can you dual-wield? (Back to Top)

Dual-wielding is one of a number of customizable options open to the player when they create or level up their character. Anyone can hold two weapons at a time, but without dual-wielding skills, the character will not be proficient.

4.03: What are spell combos? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins will introduce the concept of “spell combos,” which is where you can chain together different spells to create a unique effect. For example, if you were to cast a Grease spell on a target to slow them down, followed by a Fireball, you could create a special burning effect with some devastating results.

4.04: How does the magic system work? (Back to Top)

Magic in Dragon Age works on a mana based system. Each spell cast will use some of a mage’s mana. In addition, some spell effects will continue to drain mana while they are in use. Mana regenerates slowly over time and maximum mana grows with each level the mage gains. Mages choose from new spells as they gain levels. There are a wide range of spells to choose from, allowing players to specialize their mage.


Party Members

Please select a question:
5.01 How many party members can I have?
5.02 How do you control them?
5.03 How do I customize them?
5.04 Can I get rid of party members?
5.05 Can I solo the game, as in playing without followers?
5.06 Can party members die?
5.07 Are there romances in Dragon Age: Origins?

5.01: How many party members can I have? (Back to Top)

The player can have up to four active party members, including the main hero. The number of followers depends on the player’s choices throughout the game.

5.02: How do you control them? (Back to Top)

As in Baldur’s Gate 2 you can take direct control of your party or let the AI manage them. Dragon Age uses a special tactics system that lets players configure actions and reactions on their individual party members. For example, you can setup your mage to always heal a wounded companion when their health is at 30%.

5.03: How do I customize them? (Back to Top)

Each party member has a class and core abilities assigned to them when they join the PC’s party. Then the player can choose to take control of their leveling, customization, and progression like they do with their main hero or they can choose to let the system auto-level up.

5.04: Can I get rid of party members? (Back to Top)

Yes. We cannot give many details yet, but we can say that members of the player’s party do not always agree with the choices the player makes.

5.05: Can I solo the game, as in playing without followers? (Back to Top)

Well, you can try, but you’ll probably die.

5.06: Can party members die? (Back to Top)

Party members do not die in combat. If a party member’s health reaches zero while in combat, they are considered injured and cannot continue to aid you until combat is over. Once combat is over, they will remain injured with lower health, stamina, or mana until either they are rested or healed. Some party members can die based on specific story events and choices that you make. We can’t give more detail than that without giving away too much of the story.

5.07: Are there romances in Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)

Yes. One of staples of BioWare stories is romance, which you can choose to pursue or not. You might find a potential love interest that you can choose to develop a relationship with, but we can’t say any more than that without giving away spoilers. As always, we approach romance plots tastefully and maturely.


Technical

Please select a question:
6.01 What game-engine is being used?
6.02 What rule system is being used?
6.03 Is there a Z-Axis?
6.04 Is Dragon Age: Origins a multiplayer game?
6.05 Will there be a toolset?

6.01: What game-engine is being used? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins uses the Eclipse engine, a BioWare developed, data-driven, next-gen RPG engine.

6.02: What rule system is being used? (Back to Top)

The Dragon Age team has created a custom Role Playing Game rule system for use in Dragon Age.

6.03: Is there a Z-Axis? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age; Origins is a 3D game, so it does have a Z-Axis in that regard. You may see huge towering buildings or arrows arching through the air. However, you will not be flying or swimming in Dragon Age: Origins.

6.04: Is Dragon Age: Origins a multiplayer game? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins delivers a focused, single-player RPG experience. Since this is the first game set in the world of Dragon Age, the team wanted to concentrate on a single player experience that would allow the players to learn the incredible history, story, and lore in the game.

6.05: Will there be a toolset? (Back to Top)

Absolutely. BioWare and our fans have had great success, fun, and longevity using the Neverwinter Nights toolset and we want to again provide a powerful tool to let fans create their own adventures. The Dragon Age Toolset was recently shown to the public at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle back in August and we had a group of Neverwinter Nights content creators visit BioWare for a tutorial and hands-on session with the toolset. Videos showcasing the toolset can be seen in the World Builders gallery. More details on this powerful tool will be coming soon.
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Ah crap, EA is involved ..... there better be no SecuROM issues I swear to gawd :mad:
 
Can't wait! really looks good!

(I really can;t find the words to describe how much I want to play this game... beyond awesome sounds so... lame)
 
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