by H. Marlow

Created on: January 26, 2010

Dragon Age: Origins is a role-playing game for the Playstation 3, XBOX 360, and PC that was released in 2009. Though, at first look, this game might resemble something you'd find on an older console, it has much more to offer. From the fully customizable characters, character interactions, and the ability to choose to be a good samaritan, or completely heartless, this game will leave you wanting more!

Graphics: 3/5

Playing on the PS3, I was a bit disappointed in the graphics. They looked like something you would find on the PS2, though this is easily overlooked as the other areas of the game are exceptional. 

Story: 5/5

The story was AMAZING. You start out on your journey to become a Grey Warden, to defend the land against the Dark Spawn. You can choose how in depth you want to get into the story. You can run quickly through the game, or take your time and go through many plot twists, side plots and whatever. Either way, you will leave satisfied. The storyline alone allows for many replays, as you will certainly miss things the first few times around. I would go more in depth, but that would ruin the game!

Characters: 5/5

The different characters in your party are easily my favorite part of the game. You are given the chance to interact with all of these characters and to earn their approval or disapproval. Also, with a few of them, you are given the chance to woo them and offer them to join you in your tent for some Grey Warden lovin'. (This is why the game is rated Mature) 

Battle System: 4/5

It took me a while to figure out the battle system. There are four settings to this game: Casual, Normal, Hard, and Nightmare. So far, I have only played through on Casual and Normal. I honestly doubt I could even make it through the game on Hard, let alone Nightmare. It really depends on how much you want to be involved in the game. The stats and leveling system are easy enough, its choosing which moves you want your party to use automatically that is the more difficult thing. Also, if you play on Normal or above, be prepared to constantly mash the pause button so that you can change settings to ensure that you aren't massacred immediately.

In conclusion, this game is easily one of the best of 2009. It offers hours upon hours of gameplay, and though the graphics are mediocre, the storyline is so involved, that you might possibly forget about your life while playing. Also, with the downloadable content and the upcoming expansion pack, Dragon Age Origins: Awakening, you won't be at a loss of content. So, go out and buy this game and play it over and over until it breaks, because it really is that awesome!

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