I wish (and this will sound blasphemous to fellow RPG fans) that Bioware would include more non RPG elements to fill out the gameplay, for example there are a few missions in DA2 where you are following a trail and actively tracking someone, its a great change of pace and more elements such as this would be fantastic. DA2 features romances just like its predecessor though they are done with much more taste than the original and the romantic scenes actually come across as touching. Dragon Age 2 is indefinitely repayable but it is about half the length of the massive Dragon Age: Origins. I finished Dragon Age 2 with 90 percent of the side quests done in about 24 hours. While this is standard for most western RPGs the original Dragon Age: Origins could last upwards of fifty hours. Though it is smart design to leave the player with a feeling of “Want More!”.

IN CLOSING

Dragon Age 2 is an excellent sequel, it’s not quite the delightful revolution that was Dragon Age: Origins but that initial effort set the bar very high. The changes to the game’s story, combat and dialogue definitely bode well for the series though Bioware needs to find a balance between the old and the new as well fill out their amazing world. Dragon Age 2 is for the hardcore RPG fans and the casual gamer alike.

DRAGON AGE 2: EXCELLENT

STORY: 9/10
VISUALS: 8.5/10
SOUND: 8.0/10
GAMEPLAY: 8.0/10
LASTING APPEAL: 8.5/10
DRAGON AGE 2 FINAL SCORE: 8.5/10

Max Romano