Forum:Why all the rage against DA2?

Forums: Index > Game DiscussionWhy all the rage against DA2?

Note: This topic has been unedited for 4678 days. It is considered archived - the discussion is over. Do not continue it unless it really needs a response.

I'm probably late to addressing this - I only just finished DA2 after playing DA:O over again for like the 6th time. When the game first came out, I heard a lot of talk about how badly this game turned out and how much they watered everything down since the first one. Among the complaints was that much of the complex game mechanics in DA:O were "dumbed down" in DA2 (no fatigue, "hack and slash" style of combat, etc), that the dialogue wheel was conforming to the one in the ME universe, linearity, having to stay pretty much in one city the whole time, and that you weren't able to pick your own race or origin.

I for one didn't really mind the dialogue wheel. I didn't mind the changes to combat that much either. Yes, it wasn't as complex as before, but it was a lot more fast-paced and it wasn't as slow as origins. I've heard some people can say you can just brute force your way through the game using no tactics with the new style of play, but to me it seemed that just as much micromanagement was needed as in Origins (I played on Hard). As for not being able to pick your own origin or race, that I was a little disappointed because it was really fun to play multiple times through as a different race and seeing different reactions to your decisions or comments. As for staying only in Kirkwall the whole game, I didn't hate it, but it definitely could have been a lot better if they gave you the option to roam more and explore different areas (but then that would have required alterations to the story). I was also disappointed with how linear the game was, you basically went from Point A to B, with almost every quest and highlighted and marked for you so you knew where to go. Your decisions also didn't impact the ending of the game as much as in Origins - I was looking forward to having variations in Epilogue outcomes. My biggest complaint for the game would have to be the lack of customization. There were definitely less items, less options how to build your class, and even less customization for your companions. There were only a few ways you could build your class, particularly since what items you could equip were restricted so much.

All in all, however, this game seemed fairly well-rounded and stayed true to the spirit of Dragon Age. The story was interesting (particularly the darker elements) and the characters were compelling as well. I think the reviews that were given to it on reviewer websites and magazines were fair and accurate, but I wondered why there was so much consumer backlash. Many people demonized the game after it's release. Anyway, I started this thread because I wanted to see if anyone could answer why the consumer base disliked the game so much. Was it exaggerated criticism just for the sake of humor or was it mob mentality? I also would like to hear from other people who have played DA:O and what they think about the transition from DA:O to DA2. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Geezlers (talk • contribs) 08:12, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

/sign your post, please/

I believe that some answers to your question can be found in this thread: Forum:Why this hate for Hawke? Don't be repelled by the original post, the development of the discussion is well worth your time. To sum up my standpoint, as I'm slowly making my way through Act II: the game is an example of wasted potential. The story was good, the idas were good - and the execution is terrible to OK at best. The introduction is uncompelling, Act I up to the final part is tedious. Act II feels somewhat better, but still nothing to phone home about. The grand peak, Leandra's death, is heart-wrenching, but it is so simply because this is what watching one's mother die tends to be like, not because it is a particularly outstanding twist of the story. All in all, the game could have, and should have, been prepared with greater care and inspiration. --Ygrain (talk) 09:57, June 29, 2011 (UTC)

You are indeed late. That does not however, IMO, mean that you should pick up a well beaten and tired topic and make another thread regarding it. Had this forum been moderated, this thread would've been locked. I sincerely request that you make any further posts in the thread towards which Ygrain has directed you.IP no. 59.95.169.10 (talk) 15:20, June 29, 2011 (UTC)

There's no need to lock threads. If you don't want to add your two cents because it's an old topic, just don't reply.

As for Geezelers, you are free to continue here or on the other post. Unless you request it to be locked, it will remain open. --D. (talk · contr) 15:31, June 29, 2011 (UTC)

I can't see why a topic should be locked, and I didn't intend my previous post to mean that re-opening the topic was redundant. The original post is well-thought and polite, and I am quite willing to continue the 'old' discussion, since now that the heads have calmed down, there have always been an interesting debate with good points and fresh views. --Ygrain (talk) 15:44, June 29, 2011 (UTC)

As long as Chomskeydisciple(or what ever his name is) doesnt come back, I think well be good. Anyways, the consumer backlash was from all the changes to the game system and the fact that most of the people who bought this were old DAO fans. I've played both games and I still thought DA2 was decent. Yash7 (talk) 17:17, June 29, 2011 (UTC)