Tainted Publications

So today I’m talking about a game that hit the shelves not too long ago, Dragon Age: Origins.

The holiday season is quickly approaching so fast in fact, that the retail overlords are forcing it upon us so early that we are nearly going to miss the only true traditional American holiday. No, not the superbowl; Thanksgiving. That Wonderful holiday marked with feasting, parading, and booze.
Why is this important? Wouldn’t I like to see the shelves full of games for people to play? No. Sweet god no. I would rather see one quality game on the shelf than three hundred copies of various “That’s So Raven vs. Hannah Montana featuring the Jonas Brothers pretending to be characters from Twilight”. The video game industry has always made games that suck to pander to younger demographics and to parents that want to satiate their kids with something that resembles television but isn’t, so they can tell other parents at PTA meetings, “My children never watch television.”

As gamers are getting older, we are looking for content that engages us. Sometimes it’s a solid combat system. Sometimes it’s big bouncing boobs, i.e. the DOA series. Other times it’s really good story. DAo, has all that and more. I mean come on, it’s bioware. At this point if bioware comes out with a game that truly sucks, the world will in fact end. I’m not going to lie. I will suckle on the teat of the grand bioware cash cow, till the milk gets sour. I really dig everything that I have ever played from them. I will also say, I was rather apprehensive about playing DAo. I thought that all it was, was a mass effect clone set in dragonlance type realms. I was wrong.

DAo is a new vision on things that are familiar. I don’t want to give too much away, because this game really does scream to be played. It’s also important to know that the “:Origins” is a pretty important part of the title. Each race/class combination has its own story, to a certain point. Then all roads lead to the main plot arch. But remember, this is mighty bioware we are talking about here. Each play through is different, or can be. I’m pretty sure they want to get a point across. That point being, not every decision we make is good or bad, black and white. Life is a “grey” area. (Get it, grey warden? grey area?) This really does make DAo stand out. The relationships that you have with your fellowship also add to the story. Again, I don’t want to give too much away.

This game is a gem for fantasy fans, rpg fans, and smart people. All I can do is recommend it. I know that in the string of holiday madness a game like this can get overlooked. Please don’t. If anything a game with a huge amount of replay value should be looked for. Would you rather play $60 on a game that takes you two hours with a lame story that you could have written on the wall of a bathroom stall in one sitting? Or, would you like to be able to grab a drink or your choice, and watch a story unfold around you like a unique tulip, as you hack and slash your way to peace? Kill the Hannah Montana games. Set the Jonas Brothers games on fire. Make your kids play Tetris until they are smart enough for games like DAo.

Verdict— Full of so much win, it will give you wood!