Dragon Age II

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The gaming world needs major stories from time to time with the heirs of formulas of the past that players revere as perfect and ideal for certain genres. It is difficult to see how a series is held at the crest of the wave, pleasing to all and sundry with their networks and technical charms. When it was released Baldur's Gate, many shouted from the rooftops the arrival of Western role-playing game perfect. A sweet combination of fast action and gameplay complexity which dazzled millions of players around the globe, and exalted the name of the franchise fees unimaginable back then. Baldur's Gate was an almost perfect game, full of detail and care by all and each of its pixels.

Bioware is a company who gets involved in this adventure at that time when they are new and very small for gaming and now they become what you can see now with their perseverance and work around major titles and better ideas. They are always been known for being able to read a study market interests and their public. Successfully interpreted the timid (or obvious, depending on cases) signs of the industry to be able to direct their games and franchises as they want.


Dragon Age came at a time where gender roles seemed stalled. Japanese studies have been accommodated in the current generation of consoles, and the rate of release of RPGs has decreased significantly. Its franchise suffocate in clichés of the past, although in future work, now seem sad old mechanisms and out of time, fail to dazzle all potential players, and which hinder greatly the image of their companies. Bioware once again able to interpret what the average player called and updated with all the law and formula that was worked for ten year for the core gameplay of Baldur's Gate. Dragon Age inherited much of the system and the leitmotif that playable title and porterage at the pleasures and benefits of the new generation. Everyone was absolutely delighted with the results of a full RPG, full of good ideas and great ambition.

The second part with similar results was almost inevitable. It was pressure from major publishers and distributors or the same desire for perfection and refinement of Bioware, after the deluge of downloadable content from the first game that to make something advance. And here we have it. The results are the same or better than those seen in the first game, but to be honest and direct: Dragon Age II is a game that will not leave anyone indifferent. The controversy is served.

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Heroic fantasy is more: the story of Dragon Age II

Dragon Age brought a whole new world huge, complex and nuanced with a really interesting mythology (something quite difficult to see the creations that surround the world of video games.) The story and plot of Dragon Age II will take place at the same great continent of Thedas (specifically, we start from Lothering) scene of the first game of the series, but will take us through different paths. That is, the history of this chapter of the franchise will be completely independent from the first game (although the references and cliches and characters appear throughout the title). That decision in principle somewhat controversial will be revealed as necessary and absolutely essential to give personality to a dash light that shines for itself with respect to other sections of the game. The starting point is clear: play the role of Hawke, an experienced and dangerous warrior who has managed to survive the dangerous disease that decimated the world in his day, known as the Scourge.

The plot of Dragon Age II is told in the form of flashbacks, counted and interpreted by the dwarf Varric, which is being held captive on the premises and members of the Chapel. Varric, will then be questioned (by a leading figure for fans of the series) and will feature the adventures of the warrior who changed the face of Thedas, just a bum who had to flee from the disease and over time became legend and myth that it is today. The so-called "champion of Kirkwall" is the core of a conversation that will give us several secondary issues in the plot (and very much in the world of Dragon Age as recurring parts) and the fear of absolute mastery of the people who control the dark designs of magic and sorcery in relation to his fellow mortals or political subplots of a decaying world and surrounded by dangers beyond compressions and understanding of humans.

Dragon Age II is a much more mature than its predecessor, more sinister and complex in terms of plot with several touches and twists and turns that deserve to be discovered by the player's decisions. We have never seen anything like this in a game role. It is risky to say, but Bioware can be very happy with the work done against the backdrop of the rich universe created for role-playing game franchise which rivals the epic and epic levels to that seen in another of its renowned franchises Mass Effect with which in this second installment he begins to save several similarities that presumably will not please everyone. Bioware has taken the exact narrative point for the franchise of sword and sorcery. And what a tone.

Dragon Age II is the medieval version of Mass Effect 2 in many aspects. In the first installment of the series of RPGs, we begin our journey; we could choose a character created from scratch by the player. Elegies race, a little background, physical parameters and class. We had freedom to define what we liked more, choosing from several points when creating our virtual avatar in the adventure. Dragon Age II in the thing an editor has shifted much more closed and limited (due in part to the default history for the main quest)and only we can choose various features (apart from the kind we prefer, mage, warrior and Rogue).

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Still, we cannot deny that the decision to restrict in some way the player's options in character creation, identification and achieve greater user involvement in history where you will feel part of an adventure (excellently narrated) with which very few games can expect in the current generation of consoles. If we add the possibility to make decisions in a deep and thoughtful (each step we take in one direction with respect to our actions will be recorded in the world we know, as well as the characters that surround and inhabit us), we have a more comprehensive combination level setting, and plot the history of video games. Without doubt the most wonderful of all the game.

A revised system of play and suitable for all audiences

The controversy with respect to the core gameplay of the title and their options, Dragon Age II has surrounded since its inception. There have been some critics and users who have pounced on the game much before its release, commenting on the decision to simplify the way Bioware game Dragon Age II for multi-platform console adaptation. We believe it is unacceptable that the bombing has been receiving critical that the game in that aspect and should qualify a few things. The first one is that compatible version (PC) has not been any cuts in the gameplay because of the console (another thing is that they have canceled plans and support for the amendment by users of the community) and you have to make clear.

The title is still manageable as complete as the previous delivery, retaining features (losing some at the expense of new ones) and paving the gameplay style that you defined in your day. In fact, Bioware made a correct decision until early in the development of Dragon Age II. We believe that ultimately benefited a lot to the PC version: two parallel developments for Consoles and PC. Thus, each platform receives the proper adaptation of the game, keeping all options on the versions available but allowing the PC to preserve some features (like the famous camera free tactic) that are unfamiliar to the public in the usual home console. Thus, although the fighting style is more direct and faster, there is no evidence that the PC version looks resentful because of the consoles. It's the same game DNA that has mutated in certain areas to offer a version slightly different from the first one

In PC, for example: continue to maintain the classic combination of mouse and keyboard (with our shortcuts scattered Keys we want), a real family almost impossible to bring down in games of this nature. In PC we have the option of simple auto-attack enabled by default with the possibility to choose which special skills and strong attacks and use them when we want or fit. The ability to manipulate the camera freely around the game's environments when we are in combat but was already in the first game (although this was more an aerial camera to a camera absolutely free) is quite a help in times more critical when we are surrounded by enemies and we have to raise a tactic with a cool head availing of several elements (as well as our personalities and abilities.) Perhaps this is the most obvious difference between the two adaptations and that makes the PC version looks playable "complete" than its counterpart.

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In the console version, for example, Bioware has "sounded out" the community feedback gamers and has decided to simplify the control (and eliminate free camera or camera tactic) although we believe that the word is not overly simplify correct. Simply, we sought the most correct way to transfer the experience the controls of desktop. Each attack has linked a command button that can be combined to make more effective blows and that in turn can be linked with the special abilities the player has equipped. So, talking about our main character in Dragon Age II, You will be with a series of characters as we go into the game, which we can customize with orders and attack routines.

The combat system seen in the first installment Dragon Age Origins was a transfer to the phrase "old school" RPG of components of action, but taken to the extreme tactical (if wanted). At any time could stop the action, develop our strategy and attack according to the commands that we introduced earlier. In Dragon Age II (as mentioned previously) again have the tactical component but in a more defined and fun making the game more dynamic, bold, fast, and why not say, "accessible."

The fighting has mutated into funny situations and quick with a really frenetic pace in certain places and times. Complicated situations and tactics can give unclear result but it’s all depends on the difficulty level chosen and the expertise of our peer group. The AI of our fellow adventurers is pretty good, mostly due to complex stock options and actions that have to his credit. Still, we can choose at any time control over them to avoid disastrous contingencies. But not to worry, attack routines armor colleagues are more than acceptable.

To give you some idea, we can say without doubt that the system used by Dragon Age II is less than seen in titles like Final Fantasy XII (the appearance of Gambit in the penultimate single player enters Square were most praised by press and public) or the first installment of the franchise Bioware. Of course, as a small disappointment and perhaps black dot on the matter, we must say that while we can monitor your progress, your equipment will be terribly limited compared to the protagonist.

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Our colleagues in the world to reveal Thedas become as important elements in the game itself and when we focus on the fighting and in the argument. Relations between them are well defined and give a touch of realism to the long walks in the world in search of adventure. Everyone has his small role in the history of Hawke and its weight and importance in the decisions that it takes along his personal journey toward the conquest of fame. With the passage of game time, we realize that some of them may even be true "littermates" (our sister or brother will appear at some point in the game, and correspond to certain elements and conditions that reveals plot).

And one of the progresses of Dragon Age II with respect to its first delivery, conversational interface is renewed. The dialogue system boasts a radial menu is identical to that seen in games like Mass Effect which helps in capturing the emotions and reactions of our character and its partners. Now, we choose representations and icons for the talks, avoiding the clumsy menu of options and preset phrases that both damaging the original. A breakthrough, if it worked in the saga of galactic Bioware titles, so does here.
The class system is established in the top three all know from the first game: warrior, rogue and wizard. The magician is a character with immense power, capable of summoning the forces of nature little or no comprehensible to mere mortals and can lead to dangerous situations because of the dark nature of sorcery in the world of Dragon Age. The rogue, for its part is a fast and stealthy character with special predilection for short and accurate attacks. Finally, the warrior’s fighting style based on the leather to hand combat, relying on physical strength more than usual. All the characters in Dragon Age II revolve around those classes.

Since our main character, our colleagues are all set around them. Still, the improvement and development (in terms of a tree or outline) can have common points between them, with which if we invest well points and experiences, we can improve the most.

The progress and evolution of our character in Dragon Age II will be established based on three important parameters: Attributes, Skills and Resistance. Attributes and Skills are common characteristics which vary according to the chosen character (Will, Strength, Dexterity, Magic, Constitution or Cunning), and class. For example, if we choose to be a magician, we have different disciplines in which to invest our skill points, if on the contrary, we choose to be a warrior. The way to evolve and improve skills is identical but the road and possibilities are different (it goes without saying that the special abilities or skills of a magician, I have nothing to do with a rogue or a warrior).

Dragon Age II borrows many of the features seen in her first delivery. It's something undeniable. Are present,and are quite noticeable as to highlight it. From the structure of the game with well-defined missions and rewards, the equipment which inherits many elements from the original in turn makes certain changes to that system, which makes the game a step forward in the genre. The strategy and tactics are still present (more and when it comes to high difficulty levels) but the packaging has evolved into more focused on action in the outcome.

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The world of Dragon Age II: Graphics and Design

The graphics in Dragon Age II is another aspect that has undergone more changes for better. Dragon Age Origins was a very sloppy game in art and graphic design with a solid technical section but devoid of any emotion. Everything seemed artificial, seen and trite, as if it were an RPG second row. There was nothing to note. It was a shame because quite hampered the overall outcome of the title, breaking their achievements and historical argument for failing to bring the visual level. Bioware took note of that and has spent much time in development to make this Dragon Age II in a title graphic and artistic height.

The overall design of Dragon Age II is much more charismatic, personal and charged that seen during its first delivery. This is obvious from the opening stages of the game with different characters and style. Now, virtual avatars that populate the works of Bioware are more expressive, being more pleasing to the eye and much more identifiable for the player. And if the design of them is satisfied, your animations are not far behind. The characters have gone from being mere puppets static to becoming a true expert in very colorful and dynamic choreography, which makes fighting more credible than defendants and the rough games of yesteryear.

The scenes and creatures are not far behind. The main town of Kirkwall offers one of the most complex designs and complete realistic and consistent world under which it develops that have never been seen in a videogame. Kirkwall, according to the mythology of the game, was once a slave city and this is reflected in the architecture and terrain like huge statues, huge gates and deep dark dungeons. Once we got deep in the streets and watched the great core strength which is home to the highest strata of society, we realize the majestic design level Bioware has managed to reflect on its last title. The scenarios are larger, more alive and full of detail than previously seen in the series, and it shows.

Graphically, Dragon Age II is a more polished and complete title than its predecessor and already getting into the actual technical level. Obviously, the compatible version is much more elaborate, being more technically correct in their adaptation to consoles (the roof of the hardware of the present generation, both PS3 and Xbox 360 is about to be discovered) but both look in a remarkable in many respects. There are problems popping, missing or repeating textures on certain elements, but not far enough to weigh down the progress achieved after more than two years of work.

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Conclusion:

Dragon Age II is an excellent RPG and is a logical, direct and more focused on action with respect to its first part. Its combat system has evolved, adapting to a more dynamic and violent that will delight some and possibly others angry. Tactical options and improvements are still present, showing that despite the fact that Bioware and EA have tried to bring the benefits of play to all audiences, the original root and seed are at the core of the gameplay in a perennial and intact.

Dragon Age II is a very great sequel, which improves coarse and little care issues in the original, showing a strong plot and narrative rarely seen. Perhaps the change and the emphasis on action is the main stumbling block to save for those seeking a continuation of the traditional style of Dragon Age Origins. But if they can solve the problem of conception, Dragon Age II is revealed as a complete (slightly shorter, but equal to or stronger than many others that promise tens or hundreds of hours of adventure), frantic moments, and a design so charismatic and attractive. It is without doubt, an update of a concept that amazed an entire generation of players, and that commitment and debt, should be required to prove. Bioware has done it again.