Dragon Age: Origins Catch-All
Dragon Age: Origins is the "Spiritual Successor" of BG. It is a strictly single player "Dark Fantasy" RPG built on what Bioware called "the Eclipse Engine." The game uses a "DnD like" rule system. The PC version of the game will be released with a Toolset that is promised to be more powerful and more accessible then those of previous Bioware games.
Since this is asked a lot: There will NOT be Multiplayer of DA:O. Perhaps it will be available in a sequel, but definitely not in DA:O.
******Patch 1.02 is out****** See linked thread for details (thanks Jeff-66)
What this thread is about
This thread is here to give fellow gamers some general information on the game, to help newbies understand what the game is all about. The thread can also be used for technical help and general tips and tricks. SPOILER DISCUSSION HERE.
Please keep me updated on any info that you find, so I can keep the OP as updated as possible. Also, let me know if you think a section should be changed somehow. Thanks!
Table of Content
- This first post (OP): general information on the game. Differences between PC and Console version. Useful links.
- 2nd Post: DLCs, DRM talk, official Downloads, Sequels (Yes, lets be honest, there WILL be sequals
) and other DA:O related games. Differences of different versions of the game: Regular Retail/Digital Distribution(DD) Editions, Retail Collectors Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition. - (Updated 12/3 AW info)3rd Post: More specific game information. Player posted tips and info for people that are new to the game. Also Backstories.
- 4th Post: Spoiler free player reviews/impressions.
- (12/7 Post patch 1.02 Mod Clean up)Fifth Post: Tweaks, Mods (now with more fruity colors!), Technical FAQ.
- Compiled list of player tips, kind of a list of "Gee, I wish I knew that before I started the game." Also, some general technical support info.
- Mods. (I think keeping this one updated will be the death of me.
)
Differences between PC and Console versions (or why you should play the PC version eventually )
Basically, Console version of the game is easier, and more action oriented. Whereas the PC version of the game will be harder, requires more tactical planning in battles. Console version will have game play more akin to that of Mass Effect, whereas the PC version will play more like BG (with lots of pausing).
You actually don't need a very beefy PC to run the game.
- PC version of DA is bit harder than the Console version. Enemies in the Console version of DA will come in "waves."
- Difference in Console version: "Ring Structure" to access commands. Also, Console version will have a more action oriented feel to it. Another video showing the console interface.(thanks garion333)Second Giant Bomb Quick look Showcasing more console interface/gameplay.
- At release, console version of DA will have a 3rd-person "over the shoulder" view that is NOT changeable. Only the PC version will have the "isometric view" (in addition to the 3rd-person view). post.
- While the PC version of DA will provide a more complete experience. Bioware has done a fantastic job of porting the game to the console. All the changes (gameplay and UI) in the console version make sense for the console. As a die-hard PC-only gamer, I actually think that the "vanilla" game experience of DA on consoles will be just as complete as that of the PC.
- The key benefit (or bane) of PC version is that it will be easily tweakable and more importantly, moddable. DA:O is poised to have a very active "modding scene." However, console players will be happy to know that Bioware has said that they plan to port "good" mods to the console versions of DA.
General info, or why you SHOULD play the game:
Full list here (updated semi-regularly)
In short, if phrases like "lots of unique NPC interactions and banters;" "In depth Party based combat systems;" "Deep character developement;" "lots of choices, with no clear indication of "good/evil;" "BG in 3D;" make you happy. Then you SHOULD get DA. (Oh did I mention there will be sex and lots of blood too?)
Links:
Official Site
DA wiki
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
*In response to being rewarded with a in-game shack for NOT nuking FO3 city Megaton*
Yeah, but if you set off the bomb in Megaton you are rewarded with a parking lot!
Where to get the game
- Retail stores like Gamestop.
- Steam Deluxe Version (Preload available) ~15GB download
- D2D Deluxe Version (Preload Available) ~8GB download
- Impulse Deluxe Version (Fast download) ~8GB download
- Gamersgate Deluxe Version (good for European gamers) ~8GB download
The Pre-order DLC Confusion:
For a very nice comparison of the pre-order bonus of CE version of DA from different vendors, please check out the nice article from Gear Diary
There will be 3 different versions of the game being released:
Without worrying about vendor specific additional items.
Regular Edition (boxed or digital):
- Game
- The Stone Prisoner DLC (quests, recruitable golem NPC)
- Blood Dragon Armor (for both DA and ME 2)
Boxed Collector's Edition:
- Stuff in Regular edition of DA
- Tin case
- cloth map
- Bonus DVD (making of etc.)
- Soundtrack
- Wallpaper (digital)
- Bergen's Honor (DLC item)
- Grimorie of the Forzen Waters (DLC Item)
- Final Reason (DLC Item)
Digital Deluxe Version (Digital CE) Can be bought from Impulse, Gamersgate and Steam.
- Stuff in Boxed CE version of the game, minus cloth map, tin case, Bonus DVD
- Additional DLC: Warden's Keep (Player base, quests)
DRM Talk
DA will have NO DRM! from RPS for the retail version of the game. The DD versions will have activations, but Securom is NOT used, and the number of activations will be very generously given. (link)
Other DA Related games/downloads/tools (Or things that completes your DA experience AT WORK
)
Excel Character planner spreadsheet, created by Adaram on the Bioware Social Network.
Character Creator Download Create your character now, and upload it to the Bioware Social network and you will get another bonus in game Ring.
GWJ Group on Bioware Social Network
Skill Database and Talent Database from Gamebanshee
(10/22)Flash game: Dragon Age Journeys. Apparently you get 3 items, to be used in DA:O, for playing this flash game. (thanks Bullion Cube)
There are currently two books written for Dragon Age. First there is The Stolen Throne then there is The Calling. I am reading the first one right now, and while the expert opinion is that the books don't have supurb writing and incredible stories, I am enjoy the book very much.
I think they are worth reading for fans of Dragon Age for sure. Both books can be considered "prequel" to the game.
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
PC System Requirements:
Windows XP Minimum Specifications
OS: Windows XP with SP3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Single (or equivalent) running at 1.6Ghz or greater
AMD 64 (or equivalent) running at 2.0Ghz or greater
RAM: 1GB or more
Video: ATI Radeon X850 256MB or greater
NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB or greater
DVD ROM (Physical copy)
20 GB HD space
Windows Vista/Windows 7 Minimum Specifications
OS: Windows Vista with SP1, Windows 7
CPU: Intel Core 2 Single (or equivalent) running at 1.6Ghz or greater
AMD 64 (or equivalent) running at 2.0Ghz or greater
RAM: 1.5 GB or more
Video: ATI Radeon X1550 256MB or greater
NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB or greater
DVD ROM (Physical copy)
20 GB HD space
Recommended Specifications
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz Processor or equivalent
AMD Phenom II X2 Dual-Core 2.7 GHz or greater
RAM: 2 GB (XP) or 3 GB (Windows Vista/Windows 7)
Video: ATI 3850 512 MB or greater
NVIDIA 8800GTS 512 MB or greater
DVD ROM (Physical copy)
20 GB HD space
Background Stories
- Penny Arcade has a very nice background story write up here. (Thanks Mudbunny!)
SPOILER ALERT: Complete Codex Online (thanks NSMike)
Link to online Codex
Tips and Tricks from Gamers like you (12/3)
Specific Game Features
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
Player Reviews and Impressions (Before the game is released, there will be some pre-release reviews, later to be replaced by user reviews only)
Pre-release professional reviews
PC Gamer UK 9.4/10 (this is the review by John Walker, If you read one review, read this one.)
Eurogamer 8/10
Bit-tech
Giantbomb 5/5
Gamespot 9.5/10
Reviews and Feedbacks from players like us
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
INFORMATION OVERLOAD!
XboxLive: Clemenstation
"If all of those guys get into that tiny little tent, I am gonna lose it."
Any way to get the bonus DVD if you buy the digital Collector's edition?
Join the new SUPER AWESOME PEOPLE Steam GWJ TF2 group!
--
TF2 Stan's Lounge Pub Dallas: 63.209.34.11:27015
It might be part of the download. The Witcher download contained the making of videos and such.
FSeven wrote:
Giant Bomb also did a second Quick Look on the 360 version. You might want to add that under the "Specific Games Features" where the first Quick Look is mentioned.
Oh, and I'm glad to see the other thread got locked as I was talking about a relationship breakup. Nice. Lol.
Eezy_Bordone wrote:
Nice work, lethial. Brace yourself, I'm going to molest your opening post for my own nefarious purposes.
Before you can respond to this though, you must collect 12 donkey rectums. - Pyroman[FO] deflating all arguments.
Well, if you think about it, molesting is never done for someone else's benefit.
"...but Larry is right: people are stupid." Mateo
Xbox Live: CrazyDudeAbides
Larry's Twitter
The Wahjah Gamer Blog
I'm sure this was asked earlier, a little late the party so excuse me, but has there been any talk about adding in multiplayer modules at a later point? Or am I wrong in thinking that at some point they stated there would be no multiplayer at all, period?
adam.greenbrier on MGS4 wrote:
XBL/Steam: Rexneron
Hehe, np Certis. It is easier to track this way anyways.
I will be putting up the Technical thread up soon. Though it will be pretty empty for now. 
Thanks garion333, I have updated the post.
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
Let's hold off on a technical thread for now. I think the catch-all will handle that role fine while the spoiler thread will take the load of quest and story discussion.
Also removed release date since all versions are out tomorrow. I leave the rest to you!
Before you can respond to this though, you must collect 12 donkey rectums. - Pyroman[FO] deflating all arguments.
You may want to try "manipulate" the opening post instead. Molesting falls under the "Intimidate" side of the Coercion skill, which is Strength based, where-as manipulation falls under the "Persuasion" side, and is based on your Cunning. I haven't seen your build, but I'm guessing you'll have more success using the later.
So for my first playthrough of any game, I generally try to be good, and influential. Generally I find you open up more of the story options this way. It seems that you need to emphasize Cunning as an attribute so that you can Persuade folks to see things your way. I guess that means no fighter for me! I'll see what the rogue is all about for my first playthrough instead.
FSeven wrote:
I'm looking forward to the game. I've managed to avoid almost all pre-release talk, so I'm kinda going in blind. Doubt I'll be disappointed.
Gamertag: Mister Magnus
PSN: mister_Magnus
Wii: 1541 2865 0801 9696
Oh thank you for the image! I was having a hard time deciding what image to use... I didn't want to make the OP too image heavy and didn't want to hotlink images that I really shouldn't.
Spoiler thread will definitely be nice to have. I will keep this thread updated later with mods and general support info then.
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
Thanks for putting in the work to keep these threads up to date, lethial.
I just had the horrid realization that since I'll be playing this on my husband's PC (which has the CPU and graphics to handle the game), I will be playing on his PC, and it will be politic to yield to him when he wants to use it. And all his amateur radio equipment is hooked up to that machine, and he's just about done setting up a new antenna that he's going to want to use.
Goodreads
I didn't get the Witcher, so I wonder about this, since it's not specified in the "contents", I'm guessing the digital CE won't be getting the "Making of" videos, which would be too bad.
Join the new SUPER AWESOME PEOPLE Steam GWJ TF2 group!
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TF2 Stan's Lounge Pub Dallas: 63.209.34.11:27015
The answer is on this page.
Eezy_Bordone wrote:
Hehe, yeah, I saw that, which is why I wonder "is there any way to get the bonus DVD if you bought the Digital CE or not"? So I guess that's a definitive no then.
Join the new SUPER AWESOME PEOPLE Steam GWJ TF2 group!
--
TF2 Stan's Lounge Pub Dallas: 63.209.34.11:27015
We'll find out tomorrow!
FSeven wrote:
Yay, this one is on Impulse. Support the underdog!
Staats wrote:
*Crosses fingers they have some offers on the 360 version soon*
... herald of Piggledy 'Destroyer of Worlds'
I know Amazon had it for $56.99 with a $10 coupon towards another game if you pre-ordered
"...but Larry is right: people are stupid." Mateo
Xbox Live: CrazyDudeAbides
Larry's Twitter
The Wahjah Gamer Blog
I got the PC version from Amazon. $46.99, you still get the $10 coupon, and free release-day delivery if you're a Prime member. Btw, I found out those $10 coupons are good for anything from the Amazon gaming store, not just games. I bought a MS Racing Wheel yesterday for Forza 3, and Amazon applied one of those $10 thingies to that.
They didn't have anything like that in the UK but there'll be offers soon. One reason that I can't bring myself to pay £40 for a game is that it'll be down to £24 and then £18 before you know it.
... herald of Piggledy 'Destroyer of Worlds'
That character planning spreadsheet was a bit of an information overload! Is there a nice, tidy breakdown of what the skills/talents/spells actually are anywhere? The only one I've seen so far was on a frustrating site that had each rank of each skill on a different page.
SpacePPoliceman wrote:
Steam
This is a little disappointing. According to Mr. Chick, it's easy to run out of backpack space and if you want access to a place to store items it cost extra irl money.
http://fidgit.com/archives/2009/11/dragon_age_the_hidden_seven_do.php
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198000762056
http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Spells
Not a complete list by far, but definitely something to whet the appetite.
There's been a lot of nerd rage about the entire "Day One DLC" and inventory issue. I just can't buy into it. I cannot recall a single RPG I've ever played that didn't use limited inventory space as a mechanic, Dragon Age is no different here.
Steam | Impulse | Xbox Live | EVE Online - Elycion
Nice, thanks.
SpacePPoliceman wrote:
Steam