I have to admit when I first received Dragon Age: Origins as a gift for my birthday, I actually didn't give it much of a thought. In fact, I believe my first thought was "Oh no! Not another dragon game". I put it on my shelf and quickly broke out one of my other games I was gifted. A few weeks later, bored with my current game, I decided to pop Dragon Age in and give it a try. I was instantly mesmerized! Bioware hit it out of the park with Dragon Age. I could of kicked myself for allowing it to collect dust for the first few weeks I had it in my possession. Little did I know how much of an obsession this game would incite. In the month that followed, my life would be consumed by Dragon Age. This is not an exaggeration, as I spent over 100 hours on gameplay in the first month alone.
The basics on the storyline without giving too many spoilers, is that you are a citizen of Ferelden. Overcoming an adversity, you are then recruited into the order of the Grey Wardens. Grey Wardens are legendary warriors and guardians. They are the only ones that can end the blight that is taking over Ferelden. Be ready for battling darkspawn, giant spiders, skeletons, the Archdemon, and more!
Starting off in the game I was pleased to find all the different story lines (Origins) that were available to be played. Each Origin gives you a different perspective on the game, as well as a different beginning act. You can choose to be either a, male or female, human noble, human mage, dwarf noble, dwarf casteless, Dalish elf, or City elf. There are also beginning specializations of warrior, rogue, or mage class. Once you customize your characters skills, looks, and voice, you are ready to slip into the world of Ferelden.
Quickly you will find yourself drawn into the storyline and plot. You interact with your fellow travelers/teammates and even have budding romances. The conversations can be witty, funny, tense, or even mindboggling. By the end of your first playthrough you actually feel like you know these people. Then you have to start another and then another playthrough. I recommend trying each origin at least once to really experience the game in all its awesomeness.
In the few months that I have owned Dragon Age: Origins, I have to admit that I have created over 23 characters. I actually reached the maximum amount of characters and had to delete some. Most of those playthroughs were completed, and my average game time for completion ended up around 29 hours each.
Who will like Dragon Age? If you love Baldur's Gate, Oblivion, Fable, KOTOR, Mass Effect, or similar games, you will be blown away by Bioware's Dragon Age. Now don't wait. You won't be disappointed.
Our addiction is quite an artform. lol
