Virgil:
So far, it's been fantastic. I finished enough of the game last night to get to the world map, which took me about 5 or so hours, but I'm likely going to restart with a different character. I don't think I really care for the sword/shield combo.

Oh dear thats upsetting.. I would have thought sword and sheild would have been quite fun to play with
I love the way you can stab someone with the sheild.. But whats the problem with it anyway?

OT: I really can not wait for this game to come out on friday anyway :)!

I Hope it runs better than Mass effect wich sufferd horrible inconsistend frame rates and some fugly glitches (I had flashing white squeares on the fountains every time I saw them in that big ass space station).
I hope it is as intruiging as the witcher was which I consider one of the best medieval fantasy RPG's from the last 5 years.
But indeed the mass effect taste is still lingering so I am worried.

pimppeter2:
Really? I thought the sword and shield combo would be the best. Can you elaborate on whats not so great on sword play?

I just don't feel exceptionally durable for carrying and specializing in the shield over an off-hand weapon (or a bigger one). It could be something that changes later on, but that skill tree didn't really grab me.

Also, the fact that there isn't a one-handed weapon skill tree, making all my special attacks shield-bash related, makes me less-interested in the character.

If you have a spoiler, please use our spoiler tags, seriously.

I don't get my copy until tommorow... Fucking Europe.

So I guess I'll just play Mafia. Is that game any good?

I really want this game for the PC but I'm almost certain mine would die trying to run it so I'm kind of stuck between either getting it for the 360 or PS3. Anyone know if there's enough difference between the 2 versions to sway my choice?

killgannon:
I really want this game for the PC but I'm almost certain mine would die trying to run it so I'm kind of stuck between either getting it for the 360 or PS3. Anyone know if there's enough difference between the 2 versions to sway my choice?

Take this with a grain of salt (it is the internet after all), but from what i've seen of the official stories, the 360 looks a bit worse than the PS3 but runs a little smoother. To be honest i really doubt there's that much difference at all, just make sure that if you get it for 360 you install it to the hard drive.

Rusty Bucket:

killgannon:
I really want this game for the PC but I'm almost certain mine would die trying to run it so I'm kind of stuck between either getting it for the 360 or PS3. Anyone know if there's enough difference between the 2 versions to sway my choice?

Take this with a grain of salt (it is the internet after all), but from what i've seen of the official stories, the 360 looks a bit worse than the PS3 but runs a little smoother. To be honest i really doubt there's that much difference at all, just make sure that if you get it for 360 you install it to the hard drive.

Thanks, I'll more than likely get it for the PS3 then since I have barely any space on my 360 hard drive.

I love it. Playing as a Human Noble, Rouge. No voice for the main character is a tad annoying but overall, good stuff.

For some reason I really want to start a mage character, even though I had no interest in making one when the game was first announced...strange

Need exams to finish =[

This is the first game I will go and buy at a store in about 2 years. Infact, I havent really played anything new since I quit WoW.

I want. I wants it.

i bought it yesterday and although i hated mass effect i fucking love this game!!! the story is really immersive and the combat is way more fun than i had anticipated. also i own it for the 360 and i see no problems, personally i think the graphics are pretty damn good on the 360.

My GF wont let me play and keeps Bogarting the damn x-box.
and anyone who has a GF will know there is nothing I can do.

Haven't got it yet. I plan on getting about the same time we pick up L4D2 and Modern Warfare(sp)2

Yes, lets talk Dragon Age.

Dragon Age is currently rocking my world.

The main reason why? Final Fantasy XII's Gambit system is here. (Seriously, it's pretty close to identical.) I love the Gambit System. It always annoys me that in RPGs that you can't set up a bunch of standing orders for obvious situations - no brainers are not the kind of micromanagement that makes for a good game. For example:

* Low on health? Drink a potion, stupid.
* For most spells in any RPG, it's usually obvious in what situations you should use them, so do it.
* If you've got this ability that does a little extra at no significant cost (e.g. the usual Warrior "kick" ability) it's pretty obvious you should hammer out that ability as much as possible.

On a whole other level, the main reason why is Dragon Age is rocking my world is because the storyline rocks. It's very solid, and delivered in a very compelling manner. Bioware is known for presenting a cast of characters you can really connect with in their game, and the ones in Dragon Age are perhaps the most potent yet. The custom fantasy world they created for this game is also quite interesting in the minor details they introduced to the usual fantasy fare - the Darkspawn are really an excellent set of ultimate bad guys. Like Sauron's Orc legions (LOTR) if he had twisted divine providence going for him. (No, that's not a spoiler, that's pretty much the entire intro movie.)

Those who say Dragon Age is a good substitute for Baldur's Gate are suffering from nostalgia. This game is way better than any Baldur's Gate game, it has whole new levels of mechanics and refinement that make Baldur's Gate look like crap in comparison. It's not just the gambit/tactics system (though that is a big selling point for me) but little things like having a unified party inventory.

But perhaps I've gushed overmuch!

I got it yesterday after reading the review on the site.

After having dinner I put in the CD and got a glass of water while it installed. Once it was finished installing I began to play...once I found a good stopping point I checked the time realized I had been sitting in the same spot for 3.5 hours...

So yeah. I think it's pretty great thus far. Especially if you liked Boulder's Gate, NWN, diablo, etc. I found myself keeping to the classic overhead view and right clicking to run to places...it really brought back the magic those old games held. Plus the voice acting is top notch, and the lore is really well written so far.

The Darkspawn are sort of disappointing to me so far. I dig their origin story but they're replaceable with Orcs or barbarian hordes; maybe this will change later in the game.

I think these lost souls were lovingly rendered by the art department then squeezed into the game engine and pixellated into generic targets. I never really get the feeling of battling an ancient evil, just another red bar to smack down with my shield.

IanBrazen:
My GF wont let me play and keeps Bogarting the damn x-box.
and anyone who has a GF will know there is nothing I can do.

dude...gotta get yourself a PC that can play games then.

My girlfriend has beaten Fable 2 now, probably 3-5 times...she absolutely loves the game, but it keeps me from being able to get on the 360 with any regularity. So, I built myself a gaming rig for like $650 bucks (i had all the peripherals) and it's been great. We get to game at the same time, and frankly, most games play better on the PC!

Goodluck!

I have the CE installed, updated, all the codes and dlc in there (including the Grey Warden pack). Found out the DLC gives you an extra 100 ach points. And hopefully tonight I will be playing it.

I love it. I've been playing it for 7 hours today and barely had the power to quit.

Bioware did it again. I can't imagine how immensely brilliant Mass Effect 2 will be.

It all sounds neat, but somebody explain how the magic system works and is there a race that makes you an even beefier mage?

asteroth21nox:
It all sounds neat, but somebody explain how the magic system works and is there a race that makes you an even beefier mage?

Honestly, the skill setup of a Mage in Dragon Age isn't all that different from the Warriors or Rogue, except instead of getting skills related to using weapons or picking locks more effectively you get spells.

So far as I can tell, the entirety of being a mage is tied to Willpower and Magic. Willpower determines the size of your mana pool, Magic determines the potency of your skills. So if you want to be the beefiest mage it's simple enough: take whichever race gives you the most Willpower and Magic.

According to this page that would be the Elf... but it's only an advantage of like 2 points out of what will be in the 20s range by level 5.

I wonder what all the specializations are...like how baulder's gate had conjurers, diviners, necomancers, ect...I read there is only shape shifter and Spirit healer, hope there is more then that!

asteroth21nox:
I wonder what all the specializations are...like how baulder's gate had conjurers, diviners, necomancers, ect...I read there is only shape shifter and Spirit healer, hope there is more then that!

There's four specializations to each of the four base classes in the game. You earn two specialization "points" that let you choose two. The specializations unlock four skills you can put points into.

As to the specifics, check out that wiki I linked to in my last post in this thread.

Can you collect shit in dragon age like you could in oblivion? because thats like a deal breaker for me, if i can't have a room totally full of skulls.

thiosk:
Can you collect shit in dragon age like you could in oblivion? because thats like a deal breaker for me, if i can't have a room totally full of skulls.

Hmm, good question.

Dragon Age isn't the same type of game as Oblivion. You don't just run around picking up stuff and throw it around because the developers are showing off the Havok physics. This sandbox focus wouldn't wash - the story is too tight for that.

However, I understand from the description that one of the add-on contents is a castle you can take over and staff with shopkeepers and stuff, so I guess there is some collection-like activities going on.

geldonyetich:

thiosk:
Can you collect shit in dragon age like you could in oblivion? because thats like a deal breaker for me, if i can't have a room totally full of skulls.

Hmm, good question.

Dragon Age isn't the same type of game as Oblivion. You don't just run around picking up stuff and throw it around because the developers are showing off the Havok physics. This sandbox focus wouldn't wash - the story is too tight for that.

However, I understand from the description that one of the add-on contents is a castle you can take over and staff with shopkeepers and stuff, so I guess there is some collection-like activities going on.

Don't get me wrong, as soon as my conference talk, and the three publications im writing are submitted, i'm totally getting this game.

But if i can collect skulls and balance them on the castle parapets, well, i might just vanish from January to march.

thiosk:

geldonyetich:

thiosk:
Can you collect shit in dragon age like you could in oblivion? because thats like a deal breaker for me, if i can't have a room totally full of skulls.

Hmm, good question.

Dragon Age isn't the same type of game as Oblivion. You don't just run around picking up stuff and throw it around because the developers are showing off the Havok physics. This sandbox focus wouldn't wash - the story is too tight for that.

However, I understand from the description that one of the add-on contents is a castle you can take over and staff with shopkeepers and stuff, so I guess there is some collection-like activities going on.

Don't get me wrong, as soon as my conference talk, and the three publications im writing are submitted, i'm totally getting this game.

But if i can collect skulls and balance them on the castle parapets, well, i might just vanish from January to march.

Just to clarify, the interface in Dragon Age isn't the kind that really facilitates picking up and arranging things carefully. It's a pretty traditional third person RPG interface. You can't really balance skulls any more effectively than you could in, say, Diablo.

Yesterday, I started playing the Female Elven Mage I had made in the character creator, but it was late so I only got past "The Harrowing" (Mage initiation ritual) but I really liked the twist in it

thiosk:

thiosk:
Can you collect shit in dragon age like you could in oblivion? because thats like a deal breaker for me, if i can't have a room totally full of skulls.

But if i can collect skulls and balance them on the castle parapets, well, i might just vanish from January to march.

My, what kind of weird fetish is that?

Thats because you can't review a game till you've finished it and if you do people don't care about it

Im going to get this game for Crimbo, looks/sounds good. Damn, I wish I had moneyz :(

pimppeter2:

Virgil:
So far, it's been fantastic. I finished enough of the game last night to get to the world map, which took me about 5 or so hours, but I'm likely going to restart with a different character. I don't think I really care for the sword/shield combo.

Really? I thought the sword and shield combo would be the best. Can you elaborate on whats not so great on sword play?

OT: I can't wait to play this game, but I have to play Jak and Daxter: The Lost frontier first

There isn't anything 'not great' about it, but Sword and Shield is mostly about stunning/knocking down enemies and you somewhat suffer offense wise. Enemies also, aren't stupid, and tend to ignore the tank and charge archers/mages- so you need to spec into some warrior skills to become a tank. And then there's the stamina upkeep for using threaten and sheild wall at the same time and arghfarlbelfidnfsa GAME IS TOO GOOD ME GO PLAY NOW BYS.

Playing as a human noble. After 2 days of adventures my characters are starting to get some better gear. Characters made it to level 7, 8, and 9. Completed the soldier's peak quest and most of the quests in Redcliffe. Also getting used to battles and not dieing every battle I enter. Looking forward to tonight's adventures when i storm the castle of Redcliffe. Also planning on starting my second character this weekend,an elf rouge.

Quad08:
I love it. Playing as a Human Noble, Rouge. No voice for the main character is a tad annoying but overall, good stuff.

For some reason I really want to start a mage character, even though I had no interest in making one when the game was first announced...strange

I prefer it that way I think the conversation system is much better in kotor than mass effect and it seems dragon age has gone back to kotor style system. where you choose exactly what you say and don't have to listen to yourself say it. feels less like watching film and feels more imersive imo.

12 hours in and I'm loving it, I'm the Human Noble Warrior and sword and shield, and I really enjoy it, I still have to do so much and yet it feels like I've done so much. In simpler terms, there are a shit load of quests to do, and a brilliant story to accompany it. The only reason I've stopped is to study college stuff and I haven't had any sleep yet today and I have class in two hours.

I'm really enjoying it thus far although it isn't quite living up to the hype. Not that I expected it to be better, but different. When everyone called it Baldurs Gate III I naturally expected the game to use the rules and be set in one of the universes of DnD. Rather, the connection with Baldurs Gate seems to lie more closely with the hack and slash Baldurs Gate on the Xbox, what with simple magic and generally linear paths.

The whole Origins aspect seems rather weak to me. I've only played on one account but it seems like the origin lasts for 30 minutes at the most, I was expecting for a greater effect of your origin. Maybe people of different races treat you differently, I'm not sure.

I would have liked to see more expressions on your characters face. He just kind of stands there, like a muppet. When I killed Connor.

His facial expression didn't change one bit. I made my character look like an angry and older Keanu Reeves so it's a little bit off putting and strangely appropriate at the same time. I could nearly be watching one his movies.

Whats the deal with hands? Most of the time the animation is average to good but the hands are just plain wrong. I get that it can be difficult to do hands but some of the time they looks like straw glued to a piece of ham and other times they look normal. The blood gets a little bit annoying as well.

And while it may be a good twist on the moral choice system I don't like how your companions can start to hate you. While some of the time it makes sense, other times it doesn't.

These are just minor problems though, I really like this game. I have a feeling that I'm going to be making at least three playtroughs although most likely more I think. This is going to severely cut into my MW2 multiplayer time.