I'm debating between the 360, PS3 and PC versions right now. If I get the 360 or PS3 versions, I can ignore healing my raid in WoW and play DA2 instead, which is a good bet since it means I can let Addy die.

If I get the PC version, I can import my save, which is also neat.

The demo actually managed to push me away from the game.

I like how the talent trees are designed this time around, so now I can have a two-handed tank.

Looking forward to it! I liked the demo.. even if it does feel a little dumbed down from DA1. We'll see if the story can make up for it.

-I don't know how it will differ from console to computer, but combat thus far is much more swift and ferocious than DA . Thus far, I've been able to get by by rushing in, dominating with a giant leaping Mighty Blow and then hacking them down, one by one while I send Bethany and Varric to pick off stragglers.

This being a Bioware game, though, I'm sure that will change.

-Much less stat driven, much more flow driven. It's not so much about positioning and planning and adjusting the tactics based on every billionth contingency plan so much as it is about rushing in and adjusting to the tide of combat.

Example: In DA , you move in and attack and when the ambush comes from behind, you switch your entire party around so that the tank is getting everything with a well-placed taunt.

In DA2, you move in and attack and when the ambush comes from behind, you flatten them with Varric's bursting arrow to delay them while you rush in and scatter them with Mighty Blow, beating them down with huge, sweeping strikes while Aveline takes on the others.

-The game positively leaks style. In DA , every sort of wound up looking the same: drab, featureless blobs of metal, leather or robes. In this one, each character has their own unique look that really adds to their feel. Everyone seems a lot more lively, too.

In DA , everyone was basically an Englishman with varying degrees of snide and dumb. Leiliana was more dumb than snide, Morrigan was more snide than dumb. In DA2, they all have their own motivations and goals that really move with the story, rather than being relegated to side quests.

"Perhaps I should put you to use, Varric. You could write warnings to the lawless."

"What? Do you think criminals are big readers?"

"With enough force and persuasion, they could be made to."

"Well, why don't you just make a big sign that says DON'T? You could hit people with it."

I haven't even started the expedition yet, but it feels like there is no end to really interesting side quests.

The only thing I don't like is how predictable combat is. I'm able to know within a second or two when the inevitable second wave of enemies will randomly spawn out of no where.

Also you can actually screw yourself by picking your abilities badly (the entire force mage tree sucks major balls), so hopefully you have a save before the end of Act 1 so you can get your respec potions from the black emporium or you will eat shit repeatedly and probably not be able to advance.

Think I'll wait till they fix the story with DLCs. :/

My mage finally looked badass at the end of the game instead of a gimp with feathers for shoulders.

Anime endboss

1. You can download a high-res texture pack addon, which is free and from BioWare, from here. Obviously this is only for the PC version which requires a decent DX11 system setup and a graphics card with at least 1GB RAM.

2. If you are having issues with an nVidia card, go get the latest beta drivers for it.

3. If you are having issues with an ATI card, mostly the 5800 series, you can find early release drivers here which should solve the problem.

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Vallo, the Second Coming was listening to Cher while typing:
Any of you guys seen or heard much on Kingdom of Amalur? From what I know of it, it's a single player game in the style of Oblivion but with a significantly expanded combat system, a plot written by R A Salvatore, and some pretty sleek graphics.

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I read an expose on it in Game Informer this month. It looks interesting at least.

I miss my origin stories.

Everything is in fast-forward, including how they speak. Where's the slow button? I don't have ADHD.

Why do the Qunari look like anime demons now.

Why can I lift it without my arms breaking.

Why is there a horrible texture on my weapon claiming to be elemental damage and not the nice particle effects from DAO.

Oh god this is horrible I want my money back mister shopkeeper.

TOTALLY NEXT GEN.

LET US COMPARE.

Mortious fucked around with this message on 03-15-2011 at 08:14 PM.

quote:

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Mortious had this to say about Jimmy Carter:
Subtle hint: This game is fucking terrible.

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Thanks for the tip, I'll pass then.

Bought Risen instead, since I've never played one of the Gothic series before. So far having a blast with it.

Welp I can't return DA2 seeing as the key is now linked to my account, so I decided to see if I could salvage anything out of this trainwreck.

I have made a breakthrough discovery. The only way to have any fun here is to be a smartass (middle conversation option every time) male mage. The banter between him and your brother is actually pretty funny.

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Your words are as empty as your soul! Mankind ill needs a savior such as Mr. Parcelan!
Salvatore...plot?

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Meaning the game script will contain indiscriminate use of the word, "incredulous."

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Die, Willias! You don't belong in this world!
Maybe Bioware will get their shit together for DA3, and hopefully this isn't a sign of what TOR is going to be like quality-wise.

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Different teams. Not that I am a Bioware fanboi in any way, but at least we can give them the benefit of the doubt on this front.

Ah, well. Hope the next one is better.

I enjoyed the Witcher; hope they don't compromise on the sequel. Maybe they can have an R-rated version to make the collectible cards a little better.

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This insanity brought to you by Bloodsage:
It did seem rushed.

I enjoyed the Witcher; hope they don't compromise on the sequel. Maybe they can have an R-rated version to make the collectible cards a little better.

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You should have bought the German version.

The game is actually enjoyable as a smartass mage.

BUT

It is only enjoyable as this.

AND

Varric must be in the party.

And somehow the boss fight at the end of the Deep Roads was still hard.

quote:

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This is what Mortious is doing. This is what I want Mortious to do:
Now to play devils advocate.

The game is actually enjoyable as a smartass mage.

BUT

It is only enjoyable as this.

AND

Varric must be in the party.

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It almost makes visiting the same maps 300 times just a bit more tolerable. Or the fact that 99% of the NPC mages in the game, despite your defense of them otherwise, turn to blood magic and become abominations.

Bajah fucked around with this message on 03-26-2011 at 10:25 AM.

I loved the second one.

I can overlook the repeated dungeons; I'd rather enjoy combat in the same place over and over than slog through miserable combat in a multitude of places.

The main character has a voice. Ever since Shepard, main characters communicating telepathically is unforgivable to me.

Great companion characters whose opinions are influenced by more than "I'm evil and you're doing good things, so I don't like you."

Interesting - if anticlimactic - main plotline. The Templar vs. Mage dilemma is more compelling to me than THE EVIL OVERLORD IS COMING AND WE'RE ALL GONNA DIIIIIIIIIIIIE

Plays less like Baldur's Gate (my memory of which is always tainted by the long and miserable Underdark dungeon crawl) and more like Mass Effect. We've finally got some RPGs where the combat isn't just getting in the way. I can't see that as anything but a good thing.

This improved the comedy value in the middle conversation option tremendously.

quote:

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Mortious said this about your mom:
Now to play devils advocate.

The game is actually enjoyable as a smartass mage.

BUT

It is only enjoyable as this.

AND

Varric must be in the party.

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I love Varric! He's such a smartass.