Dragon Age 2 Review

*Source of review: PC version

Packaging & Content

I'm impress with the latest box cover done by EA, They have those shining finish for the background. Inside the box you'll get

- Game Disc
- Signature Edition goodies code with a ad of Mass Effect 2 coming up DLC "The Arrival"
- Black and White manual with CD-Key on the back

Signature Edition Goodies
- The Exiled Prince DLC with also come with 1 playable character
(Cost USD$7 if buy separately)
- Dragon Age 2 OST (download via bioware social website)
- Digital armory: Apostate's Courage, Seeker's Bulwark, Adder of Antiva, and Might of the Sten





May I also remind you that Dragon Age 2 exclusive item are unloackable via Facebook game "Dragon Age Legend", Special armor from Dead Space 2 if you register the code used on Dragon Age 2.



Patch, high-res texture pack and demo available via Bigdownload.com

Dragon Age 2 Demo (1.9GB)
Dragon Age 2 - High-res Texture pack (1.08GB)
Dragon Age 2 patch v1.01 (9MB)

*High-res Texture pack can only be used on DX11 only


Gameplay

To all previous Dragon Age 2 fans will find abit dissapointing. The new mechanics Bioware introduce to Dragon Age 2 abolish the original Dungeon & Dragons mechanic that was used in Dragon Age 1 & its expansion "Awakening". No more tactical view from top down. The gameplay has changed to fast paced combat type. In short the game combat system has been "simplied" to suit console more. Mage's AOE spell on Dragon Age 1 able to do damage on party member, however in Dragon Age 2 the AOE friendly fire has been lift off on normal mode and only able to enable it in Hard Mode.



Push aside the combat system, the speech system been improve alot. Which ever dialog you choose will be effect alot outcome of the game. Stay by your side or run away, dead or alive of your party depend on how you handle the dialog. The dialog also now come with an outcome icon, Good, joke, evil or even take speech help from your party member.

The character inventory also been simplied. Players now won't able to change party's any gear except weapon and enchanment. The armor that you get throughout the game can only be use on Hawke (you).

Dejavu is main word you be using while exploring dungeon and places. Alot same places are reuse back for new quest later on. Not only that, the whole game map is very small compared to Dragon Age: Origins. The only area your gonna play is around Kirkwall.

Storyline

The story take place during the blight desroying Lothering village, Hawke and his/her family force to flee to Kirkwall City for refuge. There is no warden involve in this game, except Anders. Tell story from a refugee to Champion of Kirkwall. The story is very enjoyable (I won't say much as it will spoil your game).

Graphic and Sound

Graphic has been improved since Dragon Age 1. Now Bioware first game to use DX11, however to use DX11, you'll have to download Hi-res texture pack to enable DX11. there is graphical glitch if you are using Nvidia graphic card with driver version 266.58 released on Jan 2011.



As you can see, not only you will get missing texture but the game performance is VERY BAD as well on DX11 with hi-res texture enabled and using Very High Setting (There is no notable glitch spoted on DX9 however). Nvidia 267.24 beta driver needed to fully run the game smooth and texture missing free.


Verdict

Eventhough the game has been simplied, the duration of the game and combat are still very enjoyable. For the tag price of RM139, the game is well worth it.

4 out of 5 stars