The review embargo is officially up, apparently, and it turns out BioWare’s Dragon Age II has rolled a critical success. After compensating for armour encumbrance, spell chance failure, and exotic STDs, the game’s mostly hitting for 8 and 9 D10s.
I’ll stop making crap Dungeons & Dragons jokes now.
The Escapist – 100/100
The advancements in RPG mechanics would be enough to set it apart, but the real achievement of Dragon Age II is in the story-telling. I could point out the improved combat and graphics till there’s blood covering my face, but BioWare is one of the few companies that uses the advanced computing power available to modern game designers to let you actually play a role.
OXM – 90
Next to its predecessor, Dragon Age II may be a slightly altered beast, but the minute Isabela slyly chirps “I like big boats, I cannot lie” to a Desire Demon in the murky Fade, you’ll realize this game offers some of the deepest, nerdiest, most worthwhile 40 to 60 hours you’ll ever love losing sleep over.
IGN – 85
The combat is more responsive and bloody, you don’t need to fight the inventory system anymore, and conversations are more engaging thanks to the adapted Mass Effect wheel. There are downsides though; the semi-linear story and repetitive environments have a negative effect on what is otherwise a great role-playing game.
Joystiq – 80
By the time the last sword was swung in Dragon Age 2, I had enjoyed some great conversations, participated in some thrilling battles and even been at the center of an interesting story. I just never could shake the feeling that it was a story I was telling myself.
Eurogamer – 80
It’s never quite as great as it could be. Nor is it as successful as Mass Effect 2 at pitching itself across genres. Nevertheless, Dragon Age II presents an absorbing, sprawling story encased in blood-stained action RPG armour.
Dragon Age II will hit local retail shelves this Friday, and will be available on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
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