BioWare's Dragon Age

New creature info added. The Bronto for those interested. http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_creatures.html

Bronto

This hulking beast was originally engineered by the dwarven Shaperate as a beast of burden and food source, the rough equivalent to surface oxen and cows. Some versions of bronto have even been developed as dwarven mounts, valued far more for their sure-footedness and stamina than for their speed. While present within Orzammar in large numbers, some bronto still exist in packs within the Deep Roads, having returned to a wild state after the fall of the dwarven kingdoms. They require remarkably little sustenance, consuming organic material from water, fungus and even rocks (hence the “rock-licker” appellation used by many dwarves to describe bronto), and exist in primarily dormant states until provoked. An angry, charging bronto is considered to be a rather dangerous opponent.
Click to expand...
 
New Dragon Age Coolness.

Posted 12/11/08 00:52 (GMT) by Chris Priestly

We have a whole slew of new information, a new video featuring the Grey Wardens as well as Duncan, the head of the Grey Wardens, in action.

You can see the cool new video of a Grey Warden fighting his way through the darkspawn hordes here on the Grey Wardens page: http://dragonage.bioware.com/greywardens.html

Also make sure you click on the videos tab on the main page to be taken to the first of a series of Behind the Shield interviews with the Dragon Age: Origins Developers. This first episode discusses the Grey Wardens and features many of your favorite BioWare personalities. You can see it here:
http://dragonage.bioware.com/

Plus, we have not one, but TWO cool new Dragon Age: Origins desktop wallpapers for you. One linked from the Grey Wardens page featuring the heraldic shield of the Grey Wardens. The other, a Daelish Elven warrior, is up on the Gallery here: http://dragonage.bioware.com/gallery.html

Check out the Grey Wardens coolness now! :)



:evil:
Click to expand...

http://dragonage.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=659681&forum=135
 
New character revealed.

Alistair

Alistair is a young Grey Warden recruited by Duncan less than six months before the Blight began. Alistair's mother died long ago in childbirth, and after being raised in Redcliffe castle he was turned over to the Chantry for religious instruction. He began the martial training necessary to become a templar the Chantry's military order that watches over the Circle of Magi and hunts down dangerous apostates.

He was found to be ill-suited to a life of religious devotion, however… Alistair is irreverent at the best of times, and his wry sense of humor often put him at odds with his more serious-minded teachers. When Duncan of the Grey Wardens found him, Alistair had not yet taken his vows and was desperately unhappy. Sensing that he had a good and loyal heart, Duncan used the Right of Conscription to force the Chantry to hand Alistair over to the Grey Wardens… and Alistair has never looked back since.
Click to expand...

http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_characters.html
 
Hey u are making my sooooooo inpatient for this game it sounds so great. :D
 
FAQ updated.

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?
2.06 Quote: 'Yes. The player will be able to craft herbs, traps, and poisons." Are we really able to craft herbs (i.e. can we take up farming?) or does this instead apply to making herbal applications (potions of some sort, I suppose?). Also, while traps and poisons are fairly obvious, I'm curious what these "herbs" do. Are they buffs, health/mana regeneration or something else?
2.07 How are the crafted traps and poisons used?
2.08 What are the playable races in DA?
2.09 Will all of the Specializations be available for joinable NPC's?
2.10 How many Origins will there be to choose from?
2.11 What specializations are available to the fighter at higher levels? I can has stats?
2.12 If there are any 'druid' type classes....do the animals still react in a hostile fashion toward them?
2.13 Will there be racial-specific bonuses and abilities?
2.14 Can we get more information on classes?
2.15 Will there be a bard type class that branches off of the wizard class?
2.16 Can I create my own character with freedom in choosing of race and class, or must I have to pick up some pre-made character set by the developer?
2.17 How many abilities for fighter/rogue types can we learn?
2.18 Is all the dialogue in the game voice-acted?

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 traps, and poisons.

2.06: Quote: 'Yes. The player will be able to craft herbs, traps, and poisons." Are we really able to craft herbs (i.e. can we take up farming?) or does this instead apply to making herbal applications (potions of some sort, I suppose?). Also, while traps and poisons are fairly obvious, I'm curious what these "herbs" do. Are they buffs, health/mana regeneration or something else? (Back to Top)

We sort of mis-spoke in the last FAQ. You do not craft herbs, so you do not turn one plant into another plant. The poison, traps and herbalism skills will allow you to concoct poisons, assemble traps and brew potions or medicinal salves, respectively.

2.07: How are the crafted traps and poisons used? (Back to Top)

Potions and healing salves are applied to your character. You can use them from the inventory screen, or place them on your quickbar for easy consumption. Traps can be activated in the same way, and then they are placed on the ground along a path where you intend to lure your foes.

2.08: What are the playable races in DA? (Back to Top)

You will be able to choose your PC from the Human, Elf or Dwarf races in Dragon Age Origins.

2.09: Will all of the Specializations be available for joinable NPC's? (Back to Top)

There will be a number of different specialization trees available for party NPCs based on their starting classes.

2.10: How many Origins will there be to choose from? (Back to Top)

We have 6 unique origin stories to choose from when you play Dragon Age Origins. We have already shown the Human Noble and the Mage in battle. We’ll be revealing more of the origin stories in the New Year.

2.11: What specializations are available to the fighter at higher levels? I can has stats? (Back to Top)

We’ll be revealing more information on the specialty classes in the future. Stay tuned.

2.12: If there are any 'druid' type classes....do the animals still react in a hostile fashion toward them? (Back to Top)

There is not a "druid" class in Dragon Age Origins. However, there are classes with special skills with animals.

2.13: Will there be racial-specific bonuses and abilities? (Back to Top)

Yes there will be. For example, a race-specific trait that we have already mentioned how dwarves are naturally resistant to magic. We may reveal more about the different races in future updates. Stay tuned.

2.14: Can we get more information on classes? (Back to Top)

There are three starting classes to choose from in Dragon Age Origins. They are the Warrior, Rogue and Mage classes. As you advance your character in levels they will have the option to advance into a specialization that branches out from the starting class.

2.15: Will there be a bard type class that branches off of the wizard class? (Back to Top)

There are specializations available for mage characters the same way there are for warrior and rogue classes. We will be discussing specializations more in the New Year.

2.16: Can I create my own character with freedom in choosing of race and class, or must I have to pick up some pre-made character set by the developer? (Back to Top)

When you start a new game of Dragon Age Origins you choose your “origin story”. There are different stories available for different classes and races. So, yes, you do get to choose your gender, your race and your class. Heck, you can even customize your hairstyle, eye color and facial structure.

2.17: How many abilities for fighter/rogue types can we learn? (Back to Top)

That would depend on how many levels you gain as you play through the game. The more you explore, the more story and quests you go on, the more enemies you defeat, the more experience points you will gain. So the total number of abilities you will be able to give to your character will depend on how much you play through in the game.

2.18: Is all the dialogue in the game voice-acted? (Back to Top)

Every non-player character is fully recorded. The player character's dialogue options are not recorded, but each combination of race and gender includes six possible voices for the player's battle-cries. Imposing a dialog voice on the player character would have significantly limited the possible number of player options.
Click to expand...

http://dragonage.bioware.com/gamefaq.html
 
Third part.

NPC

Please select a question:
7.01 How many NPCs are there to choose from? We know Morrigan the mage and Wynne the spirit healer. What about the rest of them folks?
7.02 Is Shale in or out?
7.03 Is it possible to keep Rabbit alive through the epilogue? And will Rabbit (Dog) be a fully joinable NPC, taking one of the four party slots?

7.01: How many NPCs are there to choose from? We know Morrigan the mage and Wynne the spirit healer. What about the rest of them folks? (Back to Top)

Sorry, we’re not going to spoil the game for you and reveal exactly how many or who you can recruit to be members of your party. Different parties will have different dynamics and may or may not attract all of the potential followers. We have revealed some of these potential party members, such as Alistair the Grey Warden, in the Characters section of the World page. Stay tuned for future updates here: http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_characters.html

7.02: Is Shale in or out? (Back to Top)

You will not be seeing Shale in the initial release of Dragon Age Origins, but don’t give up on Shale yet. More information will be revealed on Shale in the future.

7.03: Is it possible to keep Rabbit alive through the epilogue? And will Rabbit (Dog) be a fully joinable NPC, taking one of the four party slots? (Back to Top)

It is possible to have Dog (you get to choose the name you want for him) join your party. If he does join, he takes up a slot just like any other party member choice. Keep in mind that not all NPCs encountered may want to join the party or you may not want them to join. As the player, you choose who will accompany you on your journeys.


Environment

Please select a question:
8.01 I have seen in the videos a lot of destroyed places and ruins. Will there be lovely places (villages, forest with waterfalls, etc.) in DA:O too?
8.02 Will bashing doors or destroying them with a fireball possible?
8.03 What about the wildlife, any neutral animals in the game? squirrels, bears, cows, foxes etc.
8.04 Will you be able to "fast Travel" from city to city/town to town (ie: Oblivion), or will you be forced to trudge the distance from town to town on foot? Will we be able to at least buy/obtain (in any way, and I mean any.) a horse to reduce the walking time?

8.01: I have seen in the videos a lot of destroyed places and ruins. Will there be lovely places (villages, forest with waterfalls, etc.) in DA:O too? (Back to Top)

Absolutely. The art team on Dragon Age Origins has provided a wide selection of different environments to explore. Some will be dark are foreboding, others will be bright and full of life. Check out the screenshots in the gallery for more examples of our many different settings.

8.02: Will bashing doors or destroying them with a fireball possible? (Back to Top)

There are instances in the game where you will be given the opportunity to bash down doors, and it’s pretty spectacular when you do. Other doors will require a specific key or password. The majority of the time, though, you’ll want to ensure that you have someone in your party who can pick locks (hint: a rogue!) if you want to explore every nook and cranny in the game.

8.03: What about the wildlife, any neutral animals in the game? squirrels, bears, cows, foxes etc. (Back to Top)

The kingdom of Ferelden is a “real” world with the standard animals you would encounter in both rural and urban environments. There are many common animals to encounter along with the more fantastic like the ones in the Creatures tab of the World section here: http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_creatures.html

8.04: Will you be able to "fast Travel" from city to city/town to town (ie: Oblivion), or will you be forced to trudge the distance from town to town on foot? Will we be able to at least buy/obtain (in any way, and I mean any.) a horse to reduce the walking time? (Back to Top)

Once an area is revealed on your world map, you will be able to travel to and from that area to other world map areas quickly. However, it is possible that your travels between destinations may be interrupted by unexpected events.


Downloadable Content

Please select a question:
9.01 I'm really excited about this game and all the new content that will be available but there is one thing that really disappoints me: You can only pick between 3 different races and 3 different classes. So what I'm asking is that after the game is released, are there any possibilities of adding new races/classes later on in patches or expansions?

9.01: I'm really excited about this game and all the new content that will be available but there is one thing that really disappoints me: You can only pick between 3 different races and 3 different classes. So what I'm asking is that after the game is released, are there any possibilities of adding new races/classes later on in patches or expansions? (Back to Top)

Sorry, we are not yet releasing details about downloadable content. Stay tuned for more information on this in the New Year.
Click to expand...
 
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?
4.05 Quote: "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." Can you get into more specifics about the magic system? Like, for example, can one be a general mage similar to a wizard in D&D who doesn't specialize in a school? When a mage levels up, does she have to throw away spells already learned in exchange for new ones chosen, or rather, is it possible to learn all spells?
4.06 I would like to know details on magic and skills and talents trees. I would like to know the rules behind how combat works. I'm sure these fall under the scheduled to reveal in the coming months but it can't hurt to ask.
4.07 Can we be struck down by lightning?
4.08 Will there be zombie kittens in the game?
4.09 Quote: "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." Does that also mean that autopause will be available?
4.10 I want to know if resting is only allowed in camps and certain inns, or can we rest outside those areas, like before or after a battle, and if so, can we be interrupted by enemies, as was done in former games?
4.11 Will there be a combat log, à la Baldur's Gate?

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.

4.05: Quote: "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." Can you get into more specifics about the magic system? Like, for example, can one be a general mage similar to a wizard in D&D who doesn't specialize in a school? When a mage levels up, does she have to throw away spells already learned in exchange for new ones chosen, or rather, is it possible to learn all spells? (Back to Top)

Mages start with a wide range of available spells, but in order to advance deeper into a school of magic, the mage has to understand the basics of that school, progressing along a tree of spells. It’ll be up to you whether your mage will take a mix of diverse spells, or really focus down on a single tree of magic. Specializations let you further customize your character, opening a new, thematic tree of spells for you to pick from. Even more details on magic and mages will be coming in the new year.

4.06: I would like to know details on magic and skills and talents trees. I would like to know the rules behind how combat works. I'm sure these fall under the scheduled to reveal in the coming months but it can't hurt to ask. (Back to Top)

Sorry, as you guessed, this is indeed “scheduled to be released later” information. Stay tuned.

4.07: Can we be struck down by lightning? (Back to Top)

There are electrical magic spells in Dragon Age Origins, so yes you can.

4.08: Will there be zombie kittens in the game? (Back to Top)

You never know. Keep your eyes open.

4.09: Quote: "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." Does that also mean that autopause will be available? (Back to Top)

There will be an auto-pause available for those players who like to use it.

4.10: I want to know if resting is only allowed in camps and certain inns, or can we rest outside those areas, like before or after a battle, and if so, can we be interrupted by enemies, as was done in former games? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t require the party to rest in the sense you might be asking, since mana and health recovery are relatively quick outside of battle the game has no concept of memorizing spells. There is, however, a party camp where your party can patch up any long-term injuries they’ve sustained. Will the party camp always be a safe haven? You’ll have to play and see!

4.11: Will there be a combat log, à la Baldur's Gate? (Back to Top)

Dragon Age: Origins will track the creatures you encounter in your codex, filling in historical facts and outlining some of their behaviors. Statistics like your favorite spells and so on will also be tracked for your review.
Click to expand...
 
Fourth part.

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.
Click to expand...
 
omg, just stop posting.. i can't wait for this game as it is !!
 
Some comments on the Game from Chris Priestly(BioWare Community coordinator). How I envy him being able to play the game already.

We were all given the option to take home a copy of the build over out Xmas break to try out, note bugs, play test, etc. Since I was having a quite Xmas at home with my wife and lots of time to be on the computer, I took up the offer.

While I have played most of the origin stories, I always seem to end up restarting and playing from the beginning without getting too far into the game. This mostly happens as there are frequently new builds to update to (while at work) and the need to start afresh each time. This was my first chance to play through everything start to finish.

Wow.

I won't give away any spoilers or anything, but this is likely the best ending we have ever had in one of our games. The combats around the ending, the emotion, the incredible choices that have to be made... wow. I both immensely enjoyed my ending while at the same time regretted some of the choices I made as I played through the game that allowed me the way it ended.

Other little details:
No, it isn't finished yet. There is still work to be done (combat balance, treasure balance, finishing cutscenes, bugs, etc), but everything that I have seen so far shows that this will be an amazing title that fantasy and RPG fans have been craving.

It took me much longer than I thought it would to get to the end. I had anticipated getting in 2 or 3 playthroughs over the break and I just finished the first.

Man, is there a LOT of stuff to go back and play through in different ways. Different origins, different dialogs, different sub plots, etc. Definitely huge replayability here.

I LOVE the party interactions and dialogs. We generally pride ourselves on creating excellent NPCs and DAO is definitely going to have some personal favorites for me. We've mentioned some like Alistair, Morrigan, Sten and Dog (of which I especially enjoyed Morrigan and Dog) but my favorite I can't talk about just yet. Hopefully soon in the New Year.

Combat is suprsingly challenging. Admittedly, part of why is that the game is not yet balanced like it will be at the end, but there is definite thought and choice involved instead of the "run in and hit them with sword" aspect in many fantasy games. I was not a magic user (my concentration was in two-handed weapons and berzerker), but I frequently found myself "taking over" Morrigan to use her spells.

Well, that is enough for now. I'm going to go and take a break. You are SOOO going to love this game./QUOTE]

I was a dwarf berzerker using 2 handed weapons. I'm not giving away any otehr hints about background, moral choices (I think you all know what I would choose to do given the "save or kill the princess" sort of choce anyways) or otehr details.

Part of why I liked Dog so much was, for an NPC that had no real dialog, he was a great communicator. I totally didn't expect it. And neitehr did Morrigan on many instances.

I am not "Dragon Age" team (like Dan Tudge, David Gaider, Stan Woo, etc). As part of the Community team I am a part of all teams, but not directly part of any one. I do get to play all of our games (one of my best "perks" so that I can speak to y'all on the forums or at live appearances (like the upcoming New York Comic Con).

My Xmas break started Dec 20 and ends Jan 5. I didn't play each day as I did go to visit my inlaws a few times and to spend time with my wife.

I won't give you a time estimate for 2 reasons:
1 - I didn't really keep track. Some days I only played for 3 or 4 hours, some days (my wfe's vacation was not as long as mine) I played for 8-10.
2 - I cheat. Seriously. I know the default script to kill all of the hostile targets on the screen and I used it many many times. I was determined to make it through the game at least once, so I usually fought my way through new encounters (new monsters, new areas, etc) but would use the cheat to get through to the next area.
Because of this my time is completely borked. Now, some will say "ok, so that is 14 days times about 4ish hours a day so maybe 50 or so" or whatever. Again the game isn't done. It isn't balanced. I cheated. I did as much as I could, but I know I missed stuff as my journal still had unfinished quests at the end. Don't use this as anything but one cheaters playthrough of an incomplete game.

Spouses are inheritantly trusted by BioWare (they suffer so much putting up with us and our hours we really have no chocie). My wife is not a gamer at all. In my 8 years at BioWare she has yet to play one of our games or any video game except Jeopardy. However, she did come into the computer room one day and looked over my shoulder just as I reached a cutscene. She watched it and then asked me a bunch of questions about who that was, what they were, why what was happening was happening, etc. She even told me to tell her what happened in the end. This is definitely the most drawn in I have ever seen her.

As for the "would he say something bad about BioWare" question, I sure would. Ask people who have met me in person or at conventions to see if I speak my mind on our games. The truth is I personally am more interested in Mass Effect that Dragon Age. I am more of a Sci-Fi geek than a Fantasy geek (Jay Watamaniuk is the exact opposite, so we balance nicely). Like you all, I'm a pretty big gamer (and an even bigger nerd in general) and I know what it is like to have smoke blown up my butt by some marketing shill with "THE BEST GAME EVER" only to be disappointed with the real result. If I make a lot of flase promises to people here, I get called on it. I am among the most public voices at BioWare and if I lie, I lose trust and respect for what I say (and I usually start somewhere in the negative anyways cuz I hate you all so very much).

DAO IS cool. I have had a blast playing my first playthrough. I've had a little break and I thought I'd wait till I got back to the office. Instead, I think I'm going to start a new play through as a mage.
Click to expand...

BioWare : Dragon Age : I just finished the game. Wow.
 
For anyone interested the first chapter of the Dragon Age novel written by David Gaider is currently available for free download from Bioware. Full book will be out in March and will be available from Kalahari.net.
 
I don't wanna read that 1st chapter because then I'll want the book and I'll be in even more of a state waiting for the damn game :o
 
Mephisto_Helix said:
I don't wanna read that 1st chapter because then I'll want the book and I'll be in even more of a state waiting for the damn game :o
Click to expand...

Book will be released at about the same time as the game. Both are expected some time around March/April. At least the pc version.

Also the book will be included in one of the Dragon Age editions. Apparently there is an Dragon Age Edition called the BioWare edition available on the north america/canada version of ea store that includes it. The other regions don't even have DA listed yet though. I really hope they make this available for us.

Bioware edition includes this:
Dragon Age: Origins (Game Disc)
Game Manual
A cloth map of Ferelden
The official Dragon Age: Origins soundtrack on CD
An embroidered patch based on the Grey Wardens griffon heraldry
An illustrated Travels' Guide Book
A collectable Morrigan pewter figurine
Official Novel – Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne
 
Last edited:
why the hell was I under the impression that the game had an August release date :confused: March/April release date has just made mah day :D
 
Mephisto_Helix said:
why the hell was I under the impression that the game had an August release date :confused: March/April release date has just made mah day :D
Click to expand...

Because you are sure it will be delayed.:D

Most of the overseas retailers are going with 23 March. TakeTwo has a 27 march release date for SA. BW's official stance is Q1 2009. Which is somewhere between now and april I believe.
 
New Dragon age video. From the video it seems BioWare will meet their aim of an m rating for the game.

http://g4tv.com/xplay/previews/36077/X-Play-Preview-Dragon-Age-Origins.html

Also some game info.

Orzammar

"The Memories tell us that once our lands were numerous and extended far beyond the Frostback Mountains. The thaigs were once almost beyond counting. Kal-Sharok was the capital then, home to all noble houses, and Orzammar was simply home to the Miner and Smith castes. It was with the coming of the Tevinter Imperium that things began to change. Paragon Garal moved the seat of power to Orzammar to more closely oversee the trade that began with the surface. It seemed that our people were entering a new age of prosperity. We taught such concepts as commerce and coinage to the humans, and in return they provided us with a wealth of things we had never possessed in the deep: grains and wood, to name two.

The Memories hold no explanations for the coming of the darkspawn, only questions. One moment there was no such thing as a darkspawn, and the next there was. The darkspawn poured into the Deep Roads like smoke, and the Warrior Caste struggled to hold them back. Countless thaigs were lost in that first Blight. But as ever, in our time of need, a Paragon arose. Paragon Aeducan led the defenses of Orzammar, and we were saved from utter annihilation.

The cost of victory, however, was great. The Deep Roads were sealed to hold back the darkspawn, cutting off thaigs and whole cities forever. Only Orzammar itself remained, the last bastion of an ancient empire that had once sprawled over all of the deep of Thedas. The dwarves had been brought low, but we had survived."

"Orzammar as a Kingdom"
as told by Shaper Vortag
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X