REVIEW: Dragon Age II

I've never played Dragon Age: Origins or it's spiritual predecessor, Baldur's Gate, but for whatever reason, I felt genuinely compelled to play Dragon Age II. In situations like this, I would go back and play the previous titles to get up to speed, but in this case, time wouldn't allow it. To offset my lack of series experience, I've watched a friend play through some of Origins. I've also recruited a rogue with many years of role playing game experience, and a specialization in Dragon Age, as an advisor. We'll call her Snake. Would my party find BioWare's latest suitable for Kirkwall's history books, or would it suffer the fate of a Darkspawn?

Click to read more ...

Dragon Age II Demo Hawkes Your Platform of Choice on Feb. 22

Earlier this week, there was some back and forth on the status of a Dragon Age II demo. It's happening, no it's not, it is but only for PC, yadda yadda yadda. Well screw all that noise, the final word from BioWare is that a demo will be available on the big three of PS3, X360, and PC. Holla!

The demo will allow you to choose from three different character classes and split skulls through the game's prologue. Your mini-adventure will wrap up Kirkwall, a place of some importance, where you befriend one of your possible romantic interests. Don't get it twisted, you will only befriend, if you want sexy time you're going to have to buy the full version of the game, pervert.

At the completion of the demo, you'll unlock a special weapon, Hayder's Razor, which will give you all kind of awesome stat buffs in the full release of Dragon Age II, which drops on March 8.

Ready your EA account logins, y'all. 

Mutilate Beasties with Your Facebook Friends in Dragon Age Legends

Like it or not, Facebook is a viable gaming platform, at least for casual, social games. Don't believe it? Dragon Age Legends, the latest series tie in, is a Facebook game, and it's getting a closed beta. Closed beta for a Facebook game? You bet your Qunari ass.

If you want in on the beta, sign up here. Deep character customization and co-op play sound like good reason to break out the EA account login, no? Additionally, closed beta participants will receive Death’s Hand Armor, inspired by Jade Empire, for their hero once Dragon Age Legends enters open beta. 

If you plan on laying fools out with Hawke in Dragon Age II, it may behoove you to give Legends a shot, as up to five exclusive DA2 items will only be available to players of Dragon Age Legends. Players who purchase and log in to Dragon Age II by March 15th will also receive a special BioWare Signature pack the next time they log in to Dragon Age Legends. This includes Hawke as a companion character, amongst other in-game goodies.

Dragon Age Legends Screenshot Gallery

Dragon Age 2: Fast and Slow

This developer diary for Dragon Age 2 tries to make some dude look ominous by way of dramatic lighting. Nice try. However, it also details the different ways you can tackle battle; as a fast paced action RPG, as a slow and strategic point-and-click affair, or as a combination of the two.

A few things here. First, I'm most definitely playing as rogue Hawke. Second, the combat system looks like loads of fun, and my type of ordeal. Rush in and deal/recieve incredible damage in typical rogue fashion, then back out and strategize moments before dying prematurely. Hopefully there will be a way to pass the threat onto the much more deserving mage. Better you than me, squishy.

GC10: Dragon Age 2's Brutal Trailer

Fresh from EA's keynote at Gamescom 2010 comes the latest Dragon Age 2 trailer, and I gotta say it looks pretty badass. Normally I don't put much stock into the full CG trailers, but these recent ones have been too ridiculous to not make me tingle in the pants. DA2 is continuing the trend of staggeringly beautiful full motion video clips, with protagonist Hawke squaring off against a vicious horned Qunari.

When did Qunari grow horns? Is Hawke a battle mage? Will the game be any good? Can you make me a grilled cheese sandwich? These questions remain to be answered, but in the meantime, enjoy watching Hawke summon otherworldly demon hands of furious vengeance.

Dragon Age 2 will release mid-March 2011.