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General Category => Off the Record => Gaming HQ => Topic started by: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM

Title: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM
Picked up the box from Best Buy and preloaded.  I can unlock it at 2 am.  Sigh.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grallon on March 07, 2011, 12:14:32 PM
So its out? Hmm maybe a break from Uncharted Waters Online would be welcome.  Let us know if its deserving of the 1st installment's reputation.




G.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM
Picked up the box from Best Buy and preloaded.  I can unlock it at 2 am.  Sigh.

2 AM? Why not midnight?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grey Fox on March 07, 2011, 01:25:26 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM
Picked up the box from Best Buy and preloaded.  I can unlock it at 2 am.  Sigh.

2 AM? Why not midnight?

Midnight Pacific probably.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:36:13 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 07, 2011, 01:25:26 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM
Picked up the box from Best Buy and preloaded.  I can unlock it at 2 am.  Sigh.

2 AM? Why not midnight?

Midnight Pacific probably.

Yea, I forgot that Cal didn't live in EST.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Barrister on March 07, 2011, 02:30:08 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:36:13 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 07, 2011, 01:25:26 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 07, 2011, 12:11:14 PM
Picked up the box from Best Buy and preloaded.  I can unlock it at 2 am.  Sigh.

2 AM? Why not midnight?

Midnight Pacific probably.

Yea, I forgot that Cal didn't live in EST.

You also forgot who it was that bought DA2...
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: JonasSalk on March 07, 2011, 07:59:58 PM
$60?  Fuck that.  I'll wait until a few patches and the price drop to $30-35.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 07, 2011, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: JonasSalk on March 07, 2011, 07:59:58 PM
$60?  Fuck that.  I'll wait until a few patches and the price drop to $30-35.

There's also a full fledged party member available on release, but only if you preordered the game months ago.

Kinda sketchy, IMO.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: JonasSalk on March 07, 2011, 08:28:17 PM
Yeah, I'm betting I can find some sort of download later for it.  What a crock.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on March 08, 2011, 02:07:50 AM
CloneDVD: Released.  :ph34r:

Crack: Pending.  :ph34r:

I think I might buy this though. My connection ain't what it used to be.

Surprisingly, it's actually reasonably priced at steam.

Download version at cdon.com: $68

Steam: €50/$69

That's gotta be a first.

Looks like the main character is emogoth though. I may have to pass on this.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Josquius on March 08, 2011, 07:04:37 AM
I've still yet to finish all the extra bits on 1. Its a decent game, kind of cool in some ways...but the pure hack and slash gets samey after a while.
Nonetheless...DA2 does look cool....will try and hold off as long as possible- that's the way with such games these days really I guess, I waited until long after release for DA1, Mass Effect and Fallout 3 and ended up with the ultimate editions that had everything included from the start.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grey Fox on March 08, 2011, 07:05:09 AM
Play the Demo.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Tamas on March 08, 2011, 07:15:46 AM
Is it worth pirating? :P

I liked DA1 until I got seriously tired of all the pointless battles.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on March 08, 2011, 07:17:21 AM
Quote from: Tyr on March 08, 2011, 07:04:37 AM
I've still yet to finish all the extra bits on 1. Its a decent game, kind of cool in some ways...but the pure hack and slash gets samey after a while.
Nonetheless...DA2 does look cool....will try and hold off as long as possible- that's the way with such games these days really I guess, I waited until long after release for DA1, Mass Effect and Fallout 3 and ended up with the ultimate editions that had everything included from the start.

I'm considering doing the same. I couldn't be bothered to return to DA1 for the expansion and I'm left feeling like I may have missed something. I think I'll just wait until whatever expansion for DA2 is released to get the whole game. It's about time to start lagging behind new releases anyway of these types of game anyway. A shooter or a twitch-tactics needs to be relatively fresh since the MP base thins out after a while but frankly there's no reason to pick up a RPG at once and every reason to wait for patches and mods to make the game better.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Jaron on March 08, 2011, 02:35:27 PM
How long til Grallon bitches about the game being one dimensional and more of the same crap?

PS Grallon - Dragon Age 2 backed off the gay sex.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Barrister on March 08, 2011, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Tamas on March 08, 2011, 07:15:46 AM
Is it worth pirating? :P

I liked DA1 until I got seriously tired of all the pointless battles.

I was in exactly the same boat.  I liked the story and where it was going, but burned out on the battles.

Supposedly combat is even easier in this one, so you can (if you want) just hack and slash your way through the game.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Caliga on March 08, 2011, 02:48:59 PM
+1.

Never actually finished DA and overall was extremely disappointed.  Will pass on DA2 unless I hear phenomenal things from you people.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on March 08, 2011, 03:03:19 PM
I liked DA a lot but don't see myself moving on the $60 price point. I'll be waiting.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 08, 2011, 04:22:54 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 08, 2011, 02:37:28 PM
I was in exactly the same boat.  I liked the story and where it was going, but burned out on the battles.

Supposedly combat is even easier in this one, so you can (if you want) just hack and slash your way through the game.
Try the demo, it will give you a good look of what the combat looks like.

I personally didn't really like the combat of the demo.  I can see that DA1 had issues with the way combats were done, and they weren't totally realistic because the characters swinging a two handed sword around didn't seem to hit anything at all, even his target, but seeing the dude with the 2 hand broadsword in full armor jumping high in the air to strike his ennemy (it's a special move) is not what I'd call realistic.

Oh, and the rogues jumping 20' in the air to land right by his target is nice the first 2-3 time, but it gets tiresome.

With DA1, you had to wait until Awakening to get a decent 2 handed weapons abilities, so it seems corrected now with this game.

I'll try to play tonight if I can, I will report on my toughts of the finished product.  The demo was too linear for me and lacked half the features.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 08, 2011, 04:23:15 PM
Quote from: garbon on March 08, 2011, 03:03:19 PM
I liked DA a lot but don't see myself moving on the $60 price point. I'll be waiting.
Paid 50$ for the signature edition :)
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 09, 2011, 07:24:09 AM
So, I've played for a few hours:

1) The overall plot seems unclear. You're starting a new life in a city that's tired of getting Felderan refugees, and.... your brother's a whiny bitch? I guess that's the gist.

2) As a result, it's not clear why anyone follows you.

3) Everyone starts out treating you like a badass, because... it's not clear. As a gray warden it makes sense, but as some refugee schmuck?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: grumbler on March 09, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
Quote from: Caliga on March 08, 2011, 02:48:59 PM
+1.

Never actually finished DA and overall was extremely disappointed.  Will pass on DA2 unless I hear phenomenal things from you people.
+1

Agree on all of this except the part about getting DA2 just because languish types jizz their pants over it.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grey Fox on March 09, 2011, 08:04:44 AM
I finished the original DA & the combat was extremely boring while I barely cared for the story.

DA2 demo didn't make me interested in the story while the combat still sucks.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 09, 2011, 08:41:22 AM
They actually got rid of my favorite part of the combat. You could use certain spells to form combos; so freezing someone and then hitting them with a rock would shatter them, or an oil slick could be set on fire.

That's gone now. Not sure why.

Also, much to Neil's chagrin the sodomy is rampant in this game.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 09, 2011, 11:13:01 AM
My thoughts:

It's better than DA1 in some ways, worst in other ways.

Story wise, it's starting to make sense.  A little.
Your guy (or girl), Hawke arrives in Kirkwall after losing his brother (or sister, but it depends on the class you play, if you play mage, your sister dies, if you play warrior or rogue, it's your brother), and there after a little chit-chat with the guards and his uncle, he spents 1 year in indented servitude to repay his price of entry in the city (the guards needed to be bribed a huge amount of gold to let you in), either as a mercenary or a smuggler.  This is where your badass reputation comes from, as you immediatly jump 1 year forward.

Story:
it seems rich enough, I'm starting to peel the layers after 3-4 hrs of play.  Seems it's more linear than DA1, less than ME2.  The demo is way, way, way more linear than the game itself.

The world in itself: very small.  Go to one place, kill the bad guys in 10 minutes, go back to the city for your reward.  It is possible that there could be a gazillions small "worlds" like this, though.

The dialogues: silly wheel with preset answers, angry, sarcastic, good guy.  And you know in advance who likes what.

The companions:
harder to please them than in DA1, but the relationship is different too.  It's no longer a love/hate relation, but rather one of "yes man" and "contrarian".  You can still pursue romance with a character who is adversarial.  They seem less fleshed out than in DA1 and that's a letdown for me.  It feels closer to ME2 in that aspect.

The combats:
better than in the demo, better than in DA1 so far, but I still don't like it.  It's more of an action game than an RPG, imho.  Time to refresh abilities is short, and once you're out of combat, you immediatly recharge health&stamina/mana.  Apparently, once you upgrade your spell, you can mix them, i.e. freezing someone and hitting them hard with a warrior or rogue will shatter them.  I have not seen this myself so far, I may not have played enough.
The combats are also a lot faster than they were in the original.  The demo gives you a good idea of how the combat system is working now, there's been only a few minor adjustments to that, from demo to game.

Gone is the dual weapon system where you could have a crossbow in your hands and quickly switch to your sword and shield in close combat.

Magic:
I can't say I like it.  It felt better in DA1.  The mages fight in themselves however are great, with mages using their staff as a blunt weapon when in close quarters.

Graphics:
The demo is awful.  Don't judge the graphics from that.  Once you get the game, you need to download an high-resolution texture patch (about 1gb).  The graphics are much better than the 1st one, very nice indeed.

Extras:
There's a gazilion extras available for the taking, depending on where&when you pre-ordered the game.  Some DLCs, some game items.  Registering the game gives you stuff, liking the game on Facebook gives you stuff.

Romance&bordello:
Yes, there is a brothel in the city of Kirkwall.  Pay attention to what you do, those fucking elves are hard to distinguish and I accidently chose a dude instead of a woman elf.  Yes, there's homo sex.  Marty will be buying this game for sure.  Not sure about the bi-stuff, don't know if a guy can romance another guy or a girl can romance a girl. 

Inventory&equipment:
Retarded, over simplified.  Only your main character can have different pieces of equipments, the others have one set.

Character progression:
Over simplified, in a way that reminds me of ME2.  Where as DA: Awakening had a deep ability tree, this one is very simple and there's no hard compromises to make.




My take:
not better than DA1, so far, slighty inferior, but keep in mind I didn't like ME2 when it came out, and this game is moving toward this style of gameplay&combat.

Download the demo to get a good feeling of the new combat system.  This is the only thing the demo is good at.  If you hate the combat of the demo you won't like the game for sure.  If you like it and simply feel the story is not deep enough, than this game might be for you.  It's a console game more than a PC game and it shows.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 09, 2011, 11:46:52 AM
Gamespot review 8.0 (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/unnameddragonageprojectworkingtitle/review.html?tag=topslot;thumb;1)

I think it's a fair rating.  So far, it's fun, but not as fun as DA1 was.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: JonasSalk on March 09, 2011, 12:14:41 PM
Thanks for the review.  I will definitely not be buying this game now.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Valmy on March 09, 2011, 12:29:14 PM
Simplifying the gear is just bizarre in a swords and sorcery RPG.  It made sense in ME2 because Sci Fi is not about finding magical swords and legendary armor and so forth...but in DA?  Same with the leveling system.

WTH?  Awakenings was frustrating with the new and inferior dialog system and now this?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: JonasSalk on March 09, 2011, 01:53:45 PM
Looks like they're catering to the console-tards, which is ridiculous, because other console-only RPGs allow you to customize the crap out of your inventory.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: katmai on March 09, 2011, 02:42:50 PM
Frankly wasn't expecting much since they announced the game and all the changes from first.

Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 09, 2011, 12:29:14 PM
Simplifying the gear is just bizarre in a swords and sorcery RPG.  It made sense in ME2 because Sci Fi is not about finding magical swords and legendary armor and so forth...but in DA?  Same with the leveling system.

WTH?  Awakenings was frustrating with the new and inferior dialog system and now this?

I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Valmy on March 09, 2011, 04:02:41 PM
Quote from: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.

So the solution is to dump follower inventories entirely?  Why not just not script remove people...or have them leave behind their stuff when they go?

That seems like a very dramatic and ridiculous fix to a very minor and rare problem.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 05:06:16 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 09, 2011, 04:02:41 PM
Quote from: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.

So the solution is to dump follower inventories entirely?  Why not just not script remove people...or have them leave behind their stuff when they go?

That seems like a very dramatic and ridiculous fix to a very minor and rare problem.

I dunno. I like the baby-bathwater solutions.  :sleep:

If it's worth doing, it's worth doing BIG.  :hmm:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 09, 2011, 06:57:45 PM
I like it.  Mechanics are nice, story is compelling; sarcasm is available and omnipresent.  Sort of Joe Abercrombie's Dragon Age: Origins.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 09, 2011, 08:46:27 PM
Just got into Kirkwall and discovered the joys of indentured servitude. Story's good so far.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 10, 2011, 01:07:19 PM
Quote from: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.
in DA1, you kept all of your people's inventory if they disapeared.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 10, 2011, 02:08:37 PM
Hope there's an option to sink a blade in Gamlen at some point.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Norgy on March 10, 2011, 02:14:33 PM
I wish this thread was from 2010 as well, so Scips wouldn't have to be so disappointed to find out that the game was crap, even with lots of gear DLC, patching and three expansions.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 10, 2011, 03:25:13 PM
Quote from: Norgy on March 10, 2011, 02:14:33 PM
I wish this thread was from 2010 as well, so Scips wouldn't have to be so disappointed to find out that the game was crap, even with lots of gear DLC, patching and three expansions.

Most of the items are a joke.  When it comes to armor, there's only one set of armor you can use since your characters don't have access to this.  Blood Dragon Armor is the only thing you need, and you need to have it in ME2 or DA1 to have it.

Weapons?  I ain't seen much that can be used in the beginning or isn't surpassed in the early stages of the game and some of them are restricted to your main character, or simply can't be used by another one.  The rogue in your party can't use a bow, only his crossbow.
A couple of rings&belts can be of used, and the Shield of Orlais, aside that, you can get better.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Josquius on March 10, 2011, 06:29:41 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 10, 2011, 01:07:19 PM
Quote from: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.
in DA1, you kept all of your people's inventory if they disapeared.

People disapeared in DA1? :unsure:
I can only remember it being possible for Alistar to switch with whatshisface for the last battle.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 10, 2011, 06:41:18 PM
Just picked up the elven goth twink. Pure Grallon-bait.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Shade on March 10, 2011, 10:14:07 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 10, 2011, 06:29:41 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 10, 2011, 01:07:19 PM
Quote from: Slargos on March 09, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
I kindof like the way they handle followers actually. It's pretty infuriating to give the Badass Sword of Slayage +15 to your trusted follower only to see him get script-removed 5 minutes later with no recovery of said item.
in DA1, you kept all of your people's inventory if they disapeared.

People disapeared in DA1? :unsure:
I can only remember it being possible for Alistar to switch with whatshisface for the last battle.

You could lose the rouge(zenwhatever...)... Morrigan... and also I believe even the damn dwarf... Along with Alistar
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Razgovory on March 11, 2011, 12:37:25 PM
Quote from: grumbler on March 09, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
Quote from: Caliga on March 08, 2011, 02:48:59 PM
+1.

Never actually finished DA and overall was extremely disappointed.  Will pass on DA2 unless I hear phenomenal things from you people.
+1

Agree on all of this except the part about getting DA2 just because languish types jizz their pants over it.

Yeah, I made that mistake with Oblivion.  There was some really weird uberfanboi on this board that talked about that game endlessly.  It was okay, but not that great.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 11, 2011, 02:57:02 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 10, 2011, 06:29:41 PM
People disapeared in DA1? :unsure:
I can only remember it being possible for Alistar to switch with whatshisface for the last battle.
The people that accompanied you in your Origin story disapeared/died.
The people that accompanied you prior to your joining died/were killed.
And Allistair if you let Loghan live.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 11, 2011, 03:01:55 PM
I find most of the levels in Kirkwall to be repetitive.  Well, I lack words, I think, 'cause repetitive really means all tunnels not only look alike but are exactly the same.

Same layout, same doors, etc.  All that changes are the characters populating the environment and the locations of chests/bags/crates.  I'm disapointed.

I'm starting the deep roads now.  I'm bringing the gay elf, the gay mage and the weird looking dwarf (mandatory).  I kinda like Isabella, I must admit.  Sad I can't use her for now.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 11, 2011, 03:07:01 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 11, 2011, 03:01:55 PM
I find most of the levels in Kirkwall to be repetitive.  Well, I lack words, I think, 'cause repetitive really means all tunnels not only look alike but are exactly the same.

Same layout, same doors, etc.  All that changes are the characters populating the environment and the locations of chests/bags/crates.  I'm disapointed.

Yep, the story, characters and the voice acting, all top notch. The same 3 levels over and over again, eh not so much.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Barrister on March 11, 2011, 11:08:50 PM
I stopped by the local EB Games because it is next to another store I had to go to.

I saw DA2.

I saw it runs on PC and Mac.

I made an impulse purchase.   :blush:

Will try it out tonight.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Syt on March 12, 2011, 12:11:14 AM
A PSA for Languishers:

RPS: EA Forum Bans Can Lock You Out Of Games (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/11/ea-forum-bans-can-lock-you-out-of-games/)

Though EA has now claimed it was "a mistake" and that the player in question can access his game now.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Barrister on March 12, 2011, 12:46:41 AM
Man this fuckers takes a long time to install.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 12, 2011, 02:09:40 AM
Quote from: Barrister on March 12, 2011, 12:46:41 AM
Man this fuckers takes a long time to install.
It's worth 60 bucks you know, they have to give you something for your money :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 07:02:19 AM
Finished it.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Ape on March 12, 2011, 09:40:52 AM
Quote from: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 07:02:19 AM
Finished it.
Same

took me 29 hours

liked it
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Josquius on March 12, 2011, 12:57:23 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 12, 2011, 12:11:14 AM
A PSA for Languishers:

RPS: EA Forum Bans Can Lock You Out Of Games (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/11/ea-forum-bans-can-lock-you-out-of-games/)

Though EA has now claimed it was "a mistake" and that the player in question can access his game now.
Stuff like this is a big part of why I avoid buying games on steam and the ilk.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grey Fox on March 12, 2011, 01:12:35 PM
Plus you know something that would have happenned anyway with the Box version or any  other console version.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 04:19:48 PM
Replaying it on hard.  I am a completist, and I hate that I failed to get four of the achievements, including the Romance one.  WTF?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Josquius on March 12, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Your being allowed to play the games you supposidely own is reliant on logging in to some internet service.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Barrister on March 12, 2011, 06:45:46 PM
I'm playing on casual.

I'm enjoying just going pewpewpew.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: sbr on March 12, 2011, 08:36:19 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 12, 2011, 06:45:46 PM
I'm playing on casual.

I'm enjoying just going pewpewpew.

When the kid gets older you won't be able to do that at the computer (or Mac in your case).
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:15:17 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 04:19:48 PM
Replaying it on hard.  I am a completist, and I hate that I failed to get four of the achievements, including the Romance one.  WTF?
Should be easy enough to bed Isabella.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:15:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 12, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Your being allowed to play the games you supposidely own is reliant on logging in to some internet service.
You need an internet connection with the boxed version.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:17:30 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 04:19:48 PM
Replaying it on hard.  I am a completist, and I hate that I failed to get four of the achievements, including the Romance one.  WTF?
It's tough.  How did you defeat the High Dragon and his gazilions smallish dragons that destroyed your mine?

Btw, it's nice to know that dragons are extinct in this universe.  I can't imagine what it was when dragons where a common sight.  Fuck, with DA:O and this one, how many dragons did we face?  3-4 high dragons?  An hundred of the small ones?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on March 14, 2011, 02:31:55 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:15:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 12, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Your being allowed to play the games you supposidely own is reliant on logging in to some internet service.
You need an internet connection with the boxed version.

:yes:

Which is annoying. In my internet-less life in SF, it was pretty annoying to have to go out and download a crack just to use a game I'd purchased.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: sbr on March 14, 2011, 06:15:49 PM
Quote from: garbon on March 14, 2011, 02:31:55 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:15:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 12, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Your being allowed to play the games you supposidely own is reliant on logging in to some internet service.
You need an internet connection with the boxed version.

:yes:

Which is annoying. In my internet-less life in SF, it was pretty annoying to have to go out and download a crack just to use a game I'd purchased.

But it must stop pirates or they wouldn't bother with it, right?  :hmm:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 14, 2011, 06:18:58 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:17:30 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 12, 2011, 04:19:48 PM
Replaying it on hard.  I am a completist, and I hate that I failed to get four of the achievements, including the Romance one.  WTF?
It's tough.  How did you defeat the High Dragon and his gazilions smallish dragons that destroyed your mine?

Btw, it's nice to know that dragons are extinct in this universe.  I can't imagine what it was when dragons where a common sight.  Fuck, with DA:O and this one, how many dragons did we face?  3-4 high dragons?  An hundred of the small ones?
High Dragon?  I switched difficulty to Casual for that fight.  :D
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 06:31:06 PM
Quote from: garbon on March 14, 2011, 02:31:55 PM
:yes:

Which is annoying. In my internet-less life in SF, it was pretty annoying to have to go out and download a crack just to use a game I'd purchased.
I agree.  My point was simply that there's not much difference between Steam&co and box versions of a game.  Both now requires an internet connection to start the game.  After that, you can play without it.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: Scipio on March 14, 2011, 06:18:58 PM
High Dragon?  I switched difficulty to Casual for that fight.  :D
cheater :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on March 14, 2011, 08:41:29 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 14, 2011, 06:15:49 PM
Quote from: garbon on March 14, 2011, 02:31:55 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 14, 2011, 01:15:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on March 12, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on March 12, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
You avoid buying games from download services over an incident that happened once, was immediately reversed, and is unlikely to happen often, if ever again?  :huh:
Your being allowed to play the games you supposidely own is reliant on logging in to some internet service.
You need an internet connection with the boxed version.

:yes:

Which is annoying. In my internet-less life in SF, it was pretty annoying to have to go out and download a crack just to use a game I'd purchased.

But it must stop pirates or they wouldn't bother with it, right?  :hmm:

I feel encouraged. :(
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 15, 2011, 06:52:22 AM
Ok, just finished it. Anybody else knife Anders at the end?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 15, 2011, 11:37:09 AM
Quote from: Legbiter on March 15, 2011, 06:52:22 AM
Ok, just finished it. Anybody else knife Anders at the end?
No, I let him go.  Apparently, he'll come back for the final fight.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on March 15, 2011, 11:52:40 AM
I let him go, too.  What a dick move on his part, though.  I knew that fucker was trouble from the time he named his cat Ser Pounce-A-Lot.  Sooper ghey.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 16, 2011, 10:12:01 AM
Quote from: Scipio on March 15, 2011, 11:52:40 AM
I let him go, too.  What a dick move on his part, though.  I knew that fucker was trouble from the time he named his cat Ser Pounce-A-Lot.  Sooper ghey.
If you play Witch Hunt (wich isn't a great DLC in its own, though), there are a few fun references to Anders when you visit the Circle, one involving Ser Pounce a Lot :D
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 16, 2011, 12:47:04 PM
DA II was great in it's own way, trying to prevent the various factions from gnawing Kirkwall down to bone and gristle. But the only reason I sided with those fucking mages at the end was because of Bethany. So now I'm the Lincoln of mages?

Fuck you, I want mages to be kept under close watch by the templars in proper Circles to be trotted out for the occaisonal Qunari invasion/Blight.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 16, 2011, 05:50:17 PM
So, does blood magic still rock?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 17, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 16, 2011, 05:50:17 PM
So, does blood magic still rock?

Yes.

Mages aren't quite the "I win" class they were in DA:O but not exactly nerfed.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 17, 2011, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Legbiter on March 17, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 16, 2011, 05:50:17 PM
So, does blood magic still rock?

Yes.

Mages aren't quite the "I win" class they were in DA:O but not exactly nerfed.
So far, I think that the rogue with a good bow and a good rune (64 damage + 6 fire) is the best to begin with.
Warriors start to kick ass only by the time of act 3.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Faeelin on March 20, 2011, 08:08:07 AM
Did anyone else start rooting for the Qunari by the end of Act 3? Both sizes were possessed by an all-encompassing stupidity that made me want to burn the city to the ground.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 20, 2011, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 20, 2011, 08:08:07 AM
Did anyone else start rooting for the Qunari by the end of Act 3? Both sizes were possessed by an all-encompassing stupidity that made me want to burn the city to the ground.

Not the Qunari no. But yep, things pretty much went as disastrously wrong as could be made possible, sets up DA 3 nicely.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: I Killed Kenny on March 23, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
well in the end I helped the templars and still the mages "won"... stupid game.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on March 23, 2011, 09:26:27 PM
Quote from: I Killed Kenny on March 23, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
well in the end I helped the templars and still the mages "won"... stupid game.
Spoiler:
I helped the mages, and I was still forced to kill them all in the end.  Half of them died, because they were posessed, while I was running to the Gallows, 1/4 was killed inside the gallows by me, 1/4-1 by the Templars, and I had to killed the posessed Orsino.
Yes, it's a stupid game.  None of the choices you do really matter in the long run.  You always lose your sister by the end of act 1, always fight the Qunari and lose your mother by the end of act 2, you always fight both mages and templars in act 3.  Stupid.[/]
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: crazy canuck on March 23, 2011, 10:17:25 PM
I am gathering this is a miss for people that didnt finish the first one.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: katmai on March 23, 2011, 10:22:20 PM
sounds like it's a miss for those that had too :lol:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Habbaku on March 23, 2011, 10:34:25 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 23, 2011, 09:26:27 PM
intiinninbb

:hmm:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 24, 2011, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: I Killed Kenny on March 23, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
well in the end I helped the templars and still the mages "won"... stupid game.

If you side with the templars you help annul the Kirkwall Circle. But the Thedas-wide Circle uprisings happen anyway, Kirkwall just lit the fuse. In the end you're either an inspiration to the mages or you curbstomp them making them lash out in desperation.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on March 24, 2011, 01:11:54 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 23, 2011, 09:26:27 PM
Quote from: I Killed Kenny on March 23, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
well in the end I helped the templars and still the mages "won"... stupid game.
Spoiler:
I helped the mages, and I was still forced to kill them all in the end.  Half of them died, because they were posessed, while I was running to the Gallows, 1/4 was killed inside the gallows by me, 1/4-1 by the Templars, and I had to killed the posessed Orsino.

Yes, it's a stupid game.  None of the choices you do really matter in the long run.  You always lose your sister by the end of act 1, always fight the Qunari and lose your mother by the end of act 2, you always fight both mages and templars in act 3.  Stupid.[/]  intiinninbb
[/]

DA 2 feels like the character driven middle chapter in a trilogy. DA 3 should be much more open-ended.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: MadImmortalMan on April 04, 2011, 04:08:04 AM
Finally actually playing this now. Feels very arcadey. Like it's made for xbox. I greatly favor DA:O for the combat engine. Not sure what I think yet. I'm trying to keep an open mind---"Would I like this game on its own merits had I never played DA:O?". So far, it's decent. I just got into the city.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: MadImmortalMan on April 12, 2011, 02:44:58 AM
Finished act 2. Every fight is an ambush. Every one. No other option is available. No other battle strategy is viable except "react to ambush-team surrounded". Honestly, that's the worst thing. Oh, man what I wouldn't give for a Redcliffe style fight right now. Or, you know, being able to strike first? Being a mage with friendly fire on is ass, since, you know, we're always surrounded. The added tactics and stuff for the characters is a great touch, and would really enhance the game if it mattered fuck all since every battle consists of us being surrounded and unable to enter combat until the enemies surround us first.

I of course have every map memorized, even for places I haven't been yet. Because they're all identical. I can live with that I guess. The story is good. Very good. The writing is great. I guess Bioware can write a lot faster than they can code.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Monoriu on April 12, 2011, 09:54:39 PM
I am playing this too.  I didn't finish the previous one, because combat had became tedious.  It is clear that the designers of DA2 are aware of the problem, and I must say that combat has improved.  It feels faster, more challenging, and that the player has useful input that can make a difference.  I also like the dialogue system, the ability trees, the potion ingredient system, and having a home with most of the stuff that I need in one place.  The story is excellent, the dialogue truly well-written, and the voice acting is good.  The game is also largely bug-free, and it runs very smoothly. 

My biggest beef with the game is that the world feels very small and limited.  The series seem to be going downhill on this.  Baldur's Gate had a lot more variety.  A lot more encounters, interesting places to visit, puzzles to solve, and surprises.  Now it is just go there, fight, collect reward, repeat.  As MiM pointed out, a lot of dungeons are 100% identical.  They only have like 4-5 basic maps.  For different quests, they just seal off different areas, place different monsters and chests, and that's it.  This is just plain laziness. 

Playing this game makes me miss The Elder Scrolls series.  My craving for Skyrim has increased 10 fold.   
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on April 18, 2011, 11:42:13 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on April 12, 2011, 09:54:39 PM
It is clear that the designers of DA2 are aware of the problem, and I must say that combat has improved.  It feels faster, more challenging, and that the player has useful input that can make a difference. 

Really? Just started this today and it seems much more of a mash buttons situation.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: MadImmortalMan on April 19, 2011, 08:16:42 PM
Quote from: garbon on April 18, 2011, 11:42:13 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on April 12, 2011, 09:54:39 PM
It is clear that the designers of DA2 are aware of the problem, and I must say that combat has improved.  It feels faster, more challenging, and that the player has useful input that can make a difference.

Really? Just started this today and it seems much more of a mash buttons situation.

I feel like they've taken away most of the strategy in favor of making it more action-y. So yeah, Mono is right in that it's faster. There's no friendly fire in all but the highest difficulty because all the fights are ambushes from all sides. If not, no area effect stuff would be feasible. You can't sneak up on anyone, etc. I find it to not be an improvement. I wanted to play a mage of quiet dignity, and instead I'm an acrobatic dancing ninja caster. Meh.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on April 20, 2011, 09:43:39 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on April 19, 2011, 08:16:42 PM
I feel like they've taken away most of the strategy in favor of making it more action-y. So yeah, Mono is right in that it's faster. There's no friendly fire in all but the highest difficulty because all the fights are ambushes from all sides. If not, no area effect stuff would be feasible. You can't sneak up on anyone, etc. I find it to not be an improvement. I wanted to play a mage of quiet dignity, and instead I'm an acrobatic dancing ninja caster. Meh.

Yeah I should have taken issue with the faster bit. :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2011, 01:04:33 AM
Appreciated the Florence and The Machine credit music.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 30, 2011, 03:41:48 AM
So I got it. Despite lukewarm reviews, I like it.

My character is a dashing male warrior, and I'm loving the story arch.

Ever since I played DA, I was looking forward to kick the templars' arse, liberate the mages and fuck a gay rebel human-spirit-combo hottie. :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
I really don't understand why they couldn't just have an option to disable the homosexual content.  They have an option to disable the gore for people who do not want it.  How hard would it be?  Seriously, did the devs not realize that for many folks, escapist fantasy does include being hit on by dudes?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 30, 2011, 09:04:46 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
I really don't understand why they couldn't just have an option to disable the homosexual content.  They have an option to disable the gore for people who do not want it.  How hard would it be?  Seriously, did the devs not realize that for many folks, escapist fantasy does include being hit on by dudes?

Perhaps you should stop flirting with them.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 30, 2011, 09:34:53 AM
Quote from: garbon on May 30, 2011, 09:04:46 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
I really don't understand why they couldn't just have an option to disable the homosexual content.  They have an option to disable the gore for people who do not want it.  How hard would it be?  Seriously, did the devs not realize that for many folks, escapist fantasy does include being hit on by dudes?

Perhaps you should stop flirting with them.

Yeah. They never initiate this - you have to choose the flirt option for them to hit on you.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 09:53:02 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 30, 2011, 09:34:53 AM
Quote from: garbon on May 30, 2011, 09:04:46 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
I really don't understand why they couldn't just have an option to disable the homosexual content.  They have an option to disable the gore for people who do not want it.  How hard would it be?  Seriously, did the devs not realize that for many folks, escapist fantasy does include being hit on by dudes?

Perhaps you should stop flirting with them.

Yeah. They never initiate this - you have to choose the flirt option for them to hit on you.
Have you finished the game?  You actively have to tell both Fenris and Anders that you are not interested.  With the latter, you even gain rivalry points.

In terms of roleplaying, I did not enjoy having 2/3 of my male companions gay and hitting on me.  Is it really too much to ask to have an option to disable it for those who don't want it?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fv.cdn.cad-comic.com%2Fcomics%2Fcad-20110314-c6e0a.png&hash=170dc9d6168158f5a4cfd2fb6328186ef26d6fc1)
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 09:57:02 AM
I did not initiate homosexual relation, nor was it initiated and I never gained rivalry with a male for a love related dialogue.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 10:23:45 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 09:57:02 AM
I did not initiate homosexual relation, nor was it initiated and I never gained rivalry with a male for a love related dialogue.
Did you skip the quest, "Talk to Anders (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Talk_to_Anders)" in Act 1?  He hits on you, and you have to shoot him down or initiate romance:

QuoteThe first option ("Don't do it again.") precludes future relationships, and results in no alignment change with Anders. Beyond that, anything with a heart will result in Friendship Anders: friendship (+15), anything with a broken heart will result in Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+10). It's impossible to not choose a heart option and avoid rival points.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 30, 2011, 01:28:42 PM
Aww, let me try and garner up some sympathy for the poor heterosexual who was forced to confront homosexuality when exploring a side quest. :cry:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 09:17:11 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 30, 2011, 01:28:42 PM
Aww, let me try and garner up some sympathy for the poor heterosexual who was forced to confront homosexuality when exploring a side quest. :cry:
I expect no sympathy, but perhaps you can conceive that that made the game less enjoyable for me (and likely many others).  Is there any good reason not to make the content optional in the menu, just like persistent gore?  It could be very simple.
Romance options:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Monoriu on May 30, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Yeah I was a bit annoyed when I was confronted by that choice.  But it was trivial. 
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:37:55 PM
It was... creepy.  What's next?  A scene where you walk in on Leandra having sex?  Gamlem making a move on you?

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not have the option to filter sexual content to taste?  Successful porn sites have had that feature for years.

I really miss the old days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Anomen Delryn was flamboyant, but he never hit on male PCs.  Haer'Dalis was an elf with earrings and braided hair, but he never made a move either.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:42:16 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 10:23:45 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 09:57:02 AM
I did not initiate homosexual relation, nor was it initiated and I never gained rivalry with a male for a love related dialogue.
Did you skip the quest, "Talk to Anders (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Talk_to_Anders)" in Act 1?  He hits on you, and you have to shoot him down or initiate romance:

QuoteThe first option ("Don't do it again.") precludes future relationships, and results in no alignment change with Anders. Beyond that, anything with a heart will result in Friendship Anders: friendship (+15), anything with a broken heart will result in Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+10). It's impossible to not choose a heart option and avoid rival points.
you don't initiate the romance, as it says...
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:53:09 PM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:42:16 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 10:23:45 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 09:57:02 AM
I did not initiate homosexual relation, nor was it initiated and I never gained rivalry with a male for a love related dialogue.
Did you skip the quest, "Talk to Anders (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Talk_to_Anders)" in Act 1?  He hits on you, and you have to shoot him down or initiate romance:

QuoteThe first option ("Don't do it again.") precludes future relationships, and results in no alignment change with Anders. Beyond that, anything with a heart will result in Friendship Anders: friendship (+15), anything with a broken heart will result in Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+10). It's impossible to not choose a heart option and avoid rival points.
you don't initiate the romance, as it says...
Right.  That very first option, which avoided the rivalry points, was the anti-friendship option ("Don't do it again" referred to talking about anything not strictly professional).  Basically, the moral is that you cannot be friends with male NPCs without them hitting on you.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:53:31 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:37:55 PM
It was... creepy.  What's next?  A scene where you walk in on Leandra having sex?  Gamlem making a move on you?

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not have the option to filter sexual content to taste?  Successful porn sites have had that feature for years.

I really miss the old days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Anomen Delryn was flamboyant, but he never hit on male PCs.  Haer'Dalis was an elf with earrings and braided hair, but he never made a move either.
What bothers me in this game is that all characters are bisexuals.  But the supposedly gay stuff, and that's coming from the most homophobic member of this board according to some, that didn't bother me a bit.  I said no to the bi-mage, I went on with my life. With Isabella.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 31, 2011, 12:18:52 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 09:17:11 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 30, 2011, 01:28:42 PM
Aww, let me try and garner up some sympathy for the poor heterosexual who was forced to confront homosexuality when exploring a side quest. :cry:
I expect no sympathy, but perhaps you can conceive that that made the game less enjoyable for me (and likely many others).  Is there any good reason not to make the content optional in the menu, just like persistent gore?  It could be very simple.
Romance options:

  • Female NPCs only
  • Male NPCs only
  • Both
  • None



I actually applaud the move by the developers. People bought their product and will likely buy whatever comes next. Just like in real life, you sometimes have to tell off people you aren't interested in...and they aren't happy about it. :o
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 31, 2011, 12:19:34 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:53:09 PM
Right.  That very first option, which avoided the rivalry points, was the anti-friendship option ("Don't do it again" referred to talking about anything not strictly professional).  Basically, the moral is that you cannot be friends with male NPCs without them hitting on you.

Considering how many options you get to move points in either direction, I don't really see the validity of the complaint.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Weijun on May 31, 2011, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:53:31 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:37:55 PM
It was... creepy.  What's next?  A scene where you walk in on Leandra having sex?  Gamlem making a move on you?

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not have the option to filter sexual content to taste?  Successful porn sites have had that feature for years.

I really miss the old days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Anomen Delryn was flamboyant, but he never hit on male PCs.  Haer'Dalis was an elf with earrings and braided hair, but he never made a move either.
What bothers me in this game is that all characters are bisexuals.  But the supposedly gay stuff, and that's coming from the most homophobic member of this board according to some, that didn't bother me a bit.  I said no to the bi-mage, I went on with my life. With Isabella.
Really?  When a guy hits on you, your level of discomfort depends on whether he also sleeps with girls?

I found the romance options in DA2 disappointing overall.  The most attractive girl was your sister.  Isabella was fun and had a great body.  However, she had that disgusting lip piercing and she was a whore.  ("Who've given their bodies / To a thousand other men / Yeah, they've bargained their virtue / Their goodness all gone / For a few dirty coins")  Merril's ineptness was amusing, but she looked like a boy.  Not that she was an option, but they gave Aveline a fairly unattractive face and she was utterly humorless.  What is it with Bioware and widows?  (Damn you Jaheira!)
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on May 31, 2011, 12:38:12 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 31, 2011, 12:21:47 AM
I found the romance options in DA2 disappointing overall.

Aha and at last we get to the heart of the matter. ^_^

Quote from: Weijun on May 31, 2011, 12:21:47 AMHowever, she had that disgusting lip piercing and she was a whore.  ("Who've given their bodies / To a thousand other men / Yeah, they've bargained their virtue / Their goodness all gone / For a few dirty coins") 

How quaint. :lol:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 31, 2011, 02:10:27 AM
I like how the game deals with torture, slavery and wholesale slaughter, but people get bothered the most by a come on from a dude.  :lol:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 31, 2011, 02:12:10 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 31, 2011, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:53:31 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:37:55 PM
It was... creepy.  What's next?  A scene where you walk in on Leandra having sex?  Gamlem making a move on you?

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not have the option to filter sexual content to taste?  Successful porn sites have had that feature for years.

I really miss the old days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Anomen Delryn was flamboyant, but he never hit on male PCs.  Haer'Dalis was an elf with earrings and braided hair, but he never made a move either.
What bothers me in this game is that all characters are bisexuals.  But the supposedly gay stuff, and that's coming from the most homophobic member of this board according to some, that didn't bother me a bit.  I said no to the bi-mage, I went on with my life. With Isabella.
Really?  When a guy hits on you, your level of discomfort depends on whether he also sleeps with girls?

I found the romance options in DA2 disappointing overall.  The most attractive girl was your sister.  Isabella was fun and had a great body.  However, she had that disgusting lip piercing and she was a whore.  ("Who've given their bodies / To a thousand other men / Yeah, they've bargained their virtue / Their goodness all gone / For a few dirty coins")  Merril's ineptness was amusing, but she looked like a boy.  Not that she was an option, but they gave Aveline a fairly unattractive face and she was utterly humorless.  What is it with Bioware and widows?  (Damn you Jaheira!)

So, your problem is that your banging options were a butch warrior chick, a whore, your sister, a gay guy and a dwarf? Hey, there is a reason this game is heavily inspired by the Game of Thrones. :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Sophie Scholl on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
 :lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: The Brain on May 31, 2011, 02:49:20 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on May 30, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Yeah I was a bit annoyed when I was confronted by that choice.  But it was trivial.

Aren't you the one who wanted to pick "Confirmed Bachelor" in New Vegas? :hmm:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Monoriu on May 31, 2011, 03:48:16 AM
Quote from: The Brain on May 31, 2011, 02:49:20 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on May 30, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Yeah I was a bit annoyed when I was confronted by that choice.  But it was trivial.

Aren't you the one who wanted to pick "Confirmed Bachelor" in New Vegas? :hmm:

Yes I did.  Good memory.  When I did that, I thought it was just somebody who wasn't interested in getting married  :blush:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 31, 2011, 04:09:16 AM
 :lol:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on May 31, 2011, 08:06:07 AM
Quote from: Weijun on May 31, 2011, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: viper37 on May 30, 2011, 11:53:31 PM
Quote from: Weijun on May 30, 2011, 11:37:55 PM
It was... creepy.  What's next?  A scene where you walk in on Leandra having sex?  Gamlem making a move on you?

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not have the option to filter sexual content to taste?  Successful porn sites have had that feature for years.

I really miss the old days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Anomen Delryn was flamboyant, but he never hit on male PCs.  Haer'Dalis was an elf with earrings and braided hair, but he never made a move either.
What bothers me in this game is that all characters are bisexuals.  But the supposedly gay stuff, and that's coming from the most homophobic member of this board according to some, that didn't bother me a bit.  I said no to the bi-mage, I went on with my life. With Isabella.
Really?  When a guy hits on you, your level of discomfort depends on whether he also sleeps with girls?

I found the romance options in DA2 disappointing overall.  The most attractive girl was your sister.  Isabella was fun and had a great body.  However, she had that disgusting lip piercing and she was a whore.  ("Who've given their bodies / To a thousand other men / Yeah, they've bargained their virtue / Their goodness all gone / For a few dirty coins")  Merril's ineptness was amusing, but she looked like a boy.  Not that she was an option, but they gave Aveline a fairly unattractive face and she was utterly humorless.  What is it with Bioware and widows?  (Damn you Jaheira!)
It's a game, dude, it's not real life.

What bothers me in this game, is that everyone is bisexual.  Not just one or two, but all characters, equally bisexual.  They don't even make a difference between a male and a female, the dialogues are the same.  This is what bothers me.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on May 31, 2011, 08:14:44 AM
I don't look at it this way, viper. To me, each game is a slightly different reality. So when I play a male character, Anders and Fenris are gay, and when I play a female character, they are straight (and for the record, Anders's dialogue does change - he does not tell you that Karl was his first, if your character is a female).
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on June 02, 2011, 05:18:40 PM
Look a Dragon Age 1.  The elf is bi.  No doubt about it.  But the dialogue is entirely different being a male and being a female.  Allistair is not gay, nor bi, he's not into men, that's all.  Lelianna was bi-sexual but more prone to a romance with a man.  This seems logical to me.

I can't remember Mass Effect 1, but I believe the Asari woman was also bisexuel, while Ashley was not.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on June 02, 2011, 05:21:40 PM
Quote from: viper37 on June 02, 2011, 05:18:40 PM
Look a Dragon Age 1.  The elf is bi.  No doubt about it.  But the dialogue is entirely different being a male and being a female.  Allistair is not gay, nor bi, he's not into men, that's all.  Lelianna was bi-sexual but more prone to a romance with a man.  This seems logical to me.

I can't remember Mass Effect 1, but I believe the Asari woman was also bisexuel, while Ashley was not.

DA1 yes. But in DA2 Anders never gives any inclination he might be bi/heterosexual.

Incidentally, he just moved into my mansion. :P
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on June 04, 2011, 01:15:25 PM
Finished.

Started a revolution with my gay lover and killed a lot of religious folk.  :cool:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on June 04, 2011, 02:37:20 PM
They just released a huge patch:
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/300/index/7521358
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: MadImmortalMan on June 06, 2011, 11:56:48 AM
Quote from: viper37 on June 04, 2011, 02:37:20 PM
They just released a huge patch:
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/300/index/7521358


Well, god damn.

Quote
GAMEPLAY
- In many fights, enemies now move less quickly at the start of combat. This slower initial pace makes tactical positioning more useful and important.

I might give this beast another chance.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 01:21:17 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
:lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.

:D

Me too.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: viper37 on June 06, 2011, 03:21:22 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 01:21:17 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
:lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.

:D

Me too.
because of the gay content? Wow!  You never know, hey.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 03:28:14 PM
Quote from: viper37 on June 06, 2011, 03:21:22 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 01:21:17 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
:lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.

:D

Me too.
because of the gay content? Wow!  You never know, hey.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snookerisland.com%2Fforum%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fgay1.gif&hash=502d14c1119de6a2e39c599656495c986923f059)
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on June 06, 2011, 11:46:32 PM
Quote from: viper37 on June 06, 2011, 03:21:22 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 01:21:17 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
:lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.

:D

Me too.
because of the gay content? Wow!  You never know, hey.

Umm...we've known for a long time. :ph34r:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 07, 2011, 01:11:56 AM
Quote from: garbon on June 06, 2011, 11:46:32 PM
Quote from: viper37 on June 06, 2011, 03:21:22 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 06, 2011, 01:21:17 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on May 31, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
:lol:  I was avoiding this after the mediocre reviews, but the last few pages have piqued my interest again, and I may need to track ti down at some point.

:D

Me too.
because of the gay content? Wow!  You never know, hey.

Umm...we've known for a long time. :ph34r:

:Embarrass:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on June 07, 2011, 10:11:27 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 07, 2011, 01:11:56 AM
:Embarrass:

It's okay. I'd rather have you on my team than a Marti. :hug:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 08, 2011, 01:59:48 AM
Quote from: garbon on June 07, 2011, 10:11:27 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 07, 2011, 01:11:56 AM
:Embarrass:

It's okay. I'd rather have you on my team than a Marti. :hug:

:lol:

Well that's good to hear.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 09:07:58 AM
Well. I've been playing it for a few days, and while it doesn't have the same good feel as the first, it's still an acceptable title. Feels a bit too linear though, and you weren't kidding about the lack of maps.

"Let's just close a door here and open another there, no one will notice it's the same map for the umpteenth time."

The one really big criticism I have thus far though is the behaviour of Anders (murdering an innocent mage right in front of you) where it just happens and isn't mentioned again. I would've figured at the time that it would at least give me the option to exorcise his demons and throw him off a cliff, but nothing. Almost a game-breaker.

Sure, I've been murdering my way through the kingdom and killed a lot of people who strictly were just simple footpads or con men, but most of the time they're striking first.

Not good.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Legbiter on June 10, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 09:07:58 AM

The one really big criticism I have thus far though is the behaviour of Anders (murdering an innocent mage right in front of you) where it just happens and isn't mentioned again. I would've figured at the time that it would at least give me the option to exorcise his demons and throw him off a cliff, but nothing. Almost a game-breaker.

Huh, my Hawke just talked him out of it. And trust me when I say that at a specific moment in the game you can be very sharp towards Anders for his actions..... :ph34r:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 10:22:22 AM
Quote from: Legbiter on June 10, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 09:07:58 AM

The one really big criticism I have thus far though is the behaviour of Anders (murdering an innocent mage right in front of you) where it just happens and isn't mentioned again. I would've figured at the time that it would at least give me the option to exorcise his demons and throw him off a cliff, but nothing. Almost a game-breaker.

Huh, my Hawke just talked him out of it. And trust me when I say that at a specific moment in the game you can be very sharp towards Anders for his actions..... :ph34r:

I tried, but it didn't take. He stabbed her right through the heart. And then it's just not mentioned again. Even in the scene after where he's busy sorting stuff I was anticipating some consequence but not even a hint. Really bad writing on that one.

I hope I get to kill him. That action really didn't sit well with me.

Battle my way through a fucking dungeon, spend an hour with the very hairy battle with the Templars (must've gone through it 6 times before I finally started pausing every time an action was possible and detail-control all 4 characters - only battle I've had to do that in so far, on hard difficulty) and the fucker KILLS the bitch we were trying to save. UNACCEPTABLE.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: The Brain on June 10, 2011, 10:53:12 AM
BFD. We had The Incident on Languish and no one ever talks about it, we just pretend it never happened.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Martinus on June 11, 2011, 02:42:08 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 10:22:22 AM
Quote from: Legbiter on June 10, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 09:07:58 AM

The one really big criticism I have thus far though is the behaviour of Anders (murdering an innocent mage right in front of you) where it just happens and isn't mentioned again. I would've figured at the time that it would at least give me the option to exorcise his demons and throw him off a cliff, but nothing. Almost a game-breaker.

Huh, my Hawke just talked him out of it. And trust me when I say that at a specific moment in the game you can be very sharp towards Anders for his actions..... :ph34r:

I tried, but it didn't take. He stabbed her right through the heart. And then it's just not mentioned again. Even in the scene after where he's busy sorting stuff I was anticipating some consequence but not even a hint. Really bad writing on that one.

I hope I get to kill him. That action really didn't sit well with me.

Battle my way through a fucking dungeon, spend an hour with the very hairy battle with the Templars (must've gone through it 6 times before I finally started pausing every time an action was possible and detail-control all 4 characters - only battle I've had to do that in so far, on hard difficulty) and the fucker KILLS the bitch we were trying to save. UNACCEPTABLE.

I talked him out of it. Then we fucked. You just don't do it right, it seems.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 11, 2011, 04:19:16 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 11, 2011, 02:42:08 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 10:22:22 AM
Quote from: Legbiter on June 10, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 10, 2011, 09:07:58 AM

The one really big criticism I have thus far though is the behaviour of Anders (murdering an innocent mage right in front of you) where it just happens and isn't mentioned again. I would've figured at the time that it would at least give me the option to exorcise his demons and throw him off a cliff, but nothing. Almost a game-breaker.

Huh, my Hawke just talked him out of it. And trust me when I say that at a specific moment in the game you can be very sharp towards Anders for his actions..... :ph34r:

I tried, but it didn't take. He stabbed her right through the heart. And then it's just not mentioned again. Even in the scene after where he's busy sorting stuff I was anticipating some consequence but not even a hint. Really bad writing on that one.

I hope I get to kill him. That action really didn't sit well with me.

Battle my way through a fucking dungeon, spend an hour with the very hairy battle with the Templars (must've gone through it 6 times before I finally started pausing every time an action was possible and detail-control all 4 characters - only battle I've had to do that in so far, on hard difficulty) and the fucker KILLS the bitch we were trying to save. UNACCEPTABLE.

I talked him out of it. Then we fucked. You just don't do it right, it seems.

I dunno, my character fucked the elf chick instead of, you know, a guy. I must be doing SOMETHING right.

Even though I've always had the niggling feeling that inter-species frolicing is just wrong. The elves probably deserve to be enslaved, and it's deeply immoral to fuck slave girls.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 11, 2011, 11:18:12 PM
What in the mother FUCK.

Shoddy, shoddy writing.

I've been confronting the Templars at every opportunity, only playing along when absolutely necessary.

We've almost come to blows several times.

I've supported the mages every time I could, aside from the odd lunatic blood made.

Yet somehow, the faction that wants to depose Meredith thinks it's a good idea to kidnap Carver.

Why?

I had them all executed. Fucking assholes.

If this were Fallout, I would've started killing everyone on general principle, because the odds would be too good that they're clueless idiots aswell.

Thank GOD I didn't pay for this game.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Cecil on June 12, 2011, 03:25:14 AM
Quote from: Slargos on June 11, 2011, 11:18:12 PM


Thank GOD I didn't pay for this game.  :rolleyes:

Yeah hearing a lot of that. Consolification ftw.

Remember everytime you push a button something AWESOME has to happen. BUTTON = AWESOME.  ;)
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 12, 2011, 06:07:20 AM
In the end, I think my biggest beef is that it didn't really feel like an RPG, but more like one of those old-timey "choose your adventure" style of books.

- Go from point A to point B which is clearly marked on your map, don't listen to any of the dialogue or consider the scenery because it doesn't matter.
- Kill enemy waves at destination, pick up object.
- Repeat x infinity.

Most of the time you don't even need to look at anything but the map and you certainly don't have to think too much. At ONE point in the game I was confused about where the objective was and had to run around for a while to find it.

The dialogue was forced at many points, and choice was just an illusion most of the time.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 12, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
Yahtzee to the rescue:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/2978-Dragon-Age-II
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: MadImmortalMan on June 13, 2011, 11:27:19 AM
I wish I could just kill Carver myself. It's such a dumb fucking name. It is supposed to be a pun? Should I call my next axe-wielding dwarf Chopper Hawke?
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: grumbler on June 13, 2011, 12:45:06 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 12, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
Yahtzee to the rescue:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/2978-Dragon-Age-II
:rolleyes:  You only like him because his name rhymes with that of your favorite party.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Slargos on June 13, 2011, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: grumbler on June 13, 2011, 12:45:06 PM
Quote from: Slargos on June 12, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
Yahtzee to the rescue:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/2978-Dragon-Age-II (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/2978-Dragon-Age-II)
:rolleyes:  You only like him because his name rhymes with that of your favorite party.

:blush:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Grallon on June 14, 2011, 06:20:52 PM
Meh downloaded the demo - got a dll error - removed the demo.




G.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on June 14, 2011, 08:34:44 PM
Quote from: Grallon on June 14, 2011, 06:20:52 PM
Meh downloaded the demo - got a dll error - removed the demo.

G.

Pobrecita.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Syt on December 29, 2014, 03:55:34 PM
So yeah, playing this now. I'm in Kirkwall, and doing the "join the expedition" quests. I like it so far. The interface is fugly compared to DA:O, and the combat and inventory management system are more streamlined (or dumbed down if you loved DA:O's systems). I like the story within a story setting.

Glad to have ME's dialogue wheels.

I like the design and look of Kirkwall, but why the fuck didn't the new lords remove the uber-depressing slave iconography everywhere? Dromund Kaas in SWTOR was more cheerful. :P

I try to judge the game on its own merits. Its gameplay design differs differs quite a bit from DA:O, though, and I can understand why many fans of the first part were so disappointed.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Scipio on December 30, 2014, 08:07:11 PM
If you just take it as it comes, it's pretty damn enjoyable.
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: Syt on December 31, 2014, 01:57:33 AM
Yeah, that's what I figure. My understanding is that all three titles are set in the same world and tell epic stories, but that their means of doing so differ a fair bit. As a player I'm more interested in the narrative and don't mind the changes in game play or mechanics too much if they work well enough.

I love the game's logic, though (and that goes for many RPGs): I'm currently fighting using an axe I found in a chest in a brothel, and a shield I found in an alley. No actually, in a barrel in an alley.

1. Why was I allowed to take that axe in the brothel? Did one of the hookers say, "Sure, just go ahead?"
2. Why was the shield in a barrel? When I think "means of storage for shields," barrels aren't the first thing that spring to mind. I know, someone might have put it there to hide it, but it seems such a commonplace thing to store random things in barrels in this world, that I doubt the logic behind it.

I loved SF Debris' little quibble that in DA:O you can try to shame Bodahn for stealing from the dead in the Deep Roads, while you spend most of the game killing people and then immediately searching through their pockets for spare change. As he said, RPGs have a murder based economic system.  :lol:
Title: Re: Dragon Age 2
Post by: garbon on December 31, 2014, 08:58:53 AM
Well DA:2 can't really be described as particularly epic. :P