Dragon Age: Origins

[MRU]

There's a 3rd option. .

I just did this last night with my Mage.

My god that tower level went on for ages, and lots of puzzle elements too. One question though Jack.

* *

When you did it. Did you have to go into the FADE and clear that massive level too as you aren't a mage ? (as I supposed that only Mage's were allowed into the fade).
* *



For my main game (not one of my many others ) I'm a mage with Humpalot (my custom doggy), Wynne & Morrigan.

 

[Huntn]

I plan on adding Wynn to my team when I run into her. After I did the Castle RedCliff encounter, the game is leading me toward Denerim, to find info about the Sacred Urn.

DragonAge Origins World Map.

 

[tofagerl]

Just entered denerim a few days ago. Not played since, away from home, but I can't wait to see what happened there. Did NOT like that elvish assassin I met on the road though.

 

[JackAxe]

I massacred that Elvish Assasin on nightmare-difficulty and now he's one of the party members I can choose. But I have yet to pick him.

I've made it pretty far along and have done the urn and so on, but what I really like about this game, is that there are still areas I can't go any further, as there's one guy/creature that's super nasty that eats my party alive and this is after killing everything in its wake.

Are you adding Rogue abilities to your party Huntn? I have a couple of healing spells with Morrigan now, so not only does she nuke and freeze, she revives and heals, so I haven't had a need for Wynn. If you do the mage tower quest to save Connar, you'll get her.

I guess the backpacks are randomly placed. I found 2 more yesterday and they were much cheaper than my first two purchases.

There's a Dragon Age Book available, but I'm glad I passed on it, as it contains tons of spoilers. I'm going to buy it after I finally finish up this game though.

Are there any bows in the game that can be upgraded with runes?

 

[tofagerl]

In the end I decided against respeccing. Turns out having a DPS/Healer in addition to the main healer is really smart since I suck!!!

;p

 

[sikkinixx]

Okay.

So


I just got this game for $free.99 from a deal at EA (along with Skate 2 <3 ) for the 360... should I even open it? I would much rather play on PC as the 360 version is said to look horrible and run not much better. Plus I can't imagine playing Baldur's Gate on a controller... What to do?! Anyone need a console copy?

 

[MRU]

I've played all versions now.

PC version is much more tactical and is certainly the best looking and doesn't require earth shattering system requirements. HOWEVER there is a bug at the moment that causes a memory hole. The longer you play the game the worse performance becomes. The solution offered on bioware dragon age forum is to simpy save and restart the game.


The PS3 version is an interesting one indeed..... here's the deal and I have been corresponding with Bioware forum about my experience playing the game.

My Slim PS3 with an upgraded 128GB SSD plays the game well. The frame rate is less than 30FPS at all times it seems, but it still is solid and the graphics are not bad at all. Basically somewhere between the medium/high setting would be a close approximation.

HOWEVER. On my standard PS3 with 250GB HDD the game has MANY issues. Bar the irritation of save game being copy protected. But far worse than that little irk the game stutters and stammers all over the place. Cutscenes are really bad (glitchy) with characters and objects popping in and out. Dialogue is often missed when communicating with other characters too. Also the dynamic in game music will often stall for a second or two also. Loading times are often very slow too, and even in game menu access to items and such is laggy.

Basically it seems the PS3 version has some serious issues with disk access & blu-ray streaming in unison/tandem unless you have an expensive and very fast SSD to alleviate the problem.

It really is a case of two utterly different experiences, and if I had not got the SSD in my PS3 and was playing the dire experience I get on the HDD, I think I probably would give up.


I have played the 360 version over at a friends, simply because I wanted to see the difference myself. To be perfectly honest it's not that much different to the PS3 version. There are the odd texture here different but nothing to write home about. What I did experience however is that the frame rate is so much better than the PS3 on either SSD or HDD. Gameplay is smooth, menus responsive and dialogue isn't skipped either. Install the game to the HDD on the 360 and the load times are as fast as my PS3 with SSD. Cutscenes are also less glitchy and do run better when installed to the HDD too.

If looking to buy a console version, and from playing both, I personally would gladly take the odd texture hit (which you barely notice) for the much smoother experience overall on the 360.

If your happy with tactical gameplay ( personally I never use the over-head / isometric view on my pc version) over a more arcade experience then go for the PC.

However I preferred laying back on the sofa with the controller and being immersed in the story more than hunched over my keyboard.

It's basically down to personal preference in that regard. The story remains fantastic no matter if your playing console or pc.

 

[Huntn]

I massacred that Elvish Assasin on nightmare-difficulty and now he's one of the party members I can choose. But I have yet to pick him.

I've made it pretty far along and have done the urn and so on, but what I really like about this game, is that there are still areas I can't go any further, as there's one guy/creature that's super nasty that eats my party alive and this is after killing everything in its wake.

Are you adding Rogue abilities to your party Huntn? I have a couple of healing spells with Morrigan now, so not only does she nuke and freeze, she revives and heals, so I haven't had a need for Wynn. If you do the mage tower quest to save Connar, you'll get her.

Your a more competent player than I am or you have developed your character better than I have. I'm switching to "easy" for some of the encounters. The elf assassin is a rogue and he is now part of my active party. In real life, I don't think I would be able to trust him, but this isn't real life.

 

[MRU]

^ I just picked him up too..... but not in that way

 

[Huntn]

^ I just picked him up too..... but not in that way

You killed him or let him live or met him in something other than a roadside ambush?

 

[JackAxe]

I spend most of my time in a paused state as I slowly move through each battle. Of course that doesn't always help, I just end up delaying my death.

+++++

I like the initial characters the most, as the story seems to be about them, but I could be wrong? It's funny hearing them bicker back and forth on different points. This is what I also liked about Mass Effect. Anyways, I'll need to just walk around with some other characters to hear what they have to say. The only other characters I've used have been Wynn and a dwarf -- forget his name?

On nightmare level, the game progression is somewhat slow, so the story comes and goes for me, so I doubt I'd ever get a full story immersion like Mass Effect as an example. I prefer being right in front of my screen, as it consumes my entire vision. I also bought Logitech G35s last month and they not only block out the sound around me, but actually do a great job with 3D audio, noticeably better than my Sennhieser HD555s. Anyways, I can also focus on even a tiny TV from a far and be consumed by it, I just like being able to see things more clearly -- which being close helps -- as my eyes aren't 20/20 anymore, so far is bad. :O

Anyways, here's this again, so we can all ogle at the PC's texture quality.

 

[MRU]

You killed him or let him live or met him in something other than a roadside ambush?

I meant he wasnt 'picked up' in The Ghey™ way.

Anyways, here's this again, so we can all ogle at the PC's texture quality.

As I said earlier though, whilst the PC does have better textures & frame-rate it's a trade off if you prefer playing with a control pad over a keyboard n mouse combo.

PS3 & 360 are nearly identical though.

Also the textures are more like a film with subtitles. As long s your swept up in the story you end up enjoying it and forgetting that there was even subtitles there.

Unfortunately the frame-rate, serious glitches & audio drop outs are more damaging to game enjoyment / immersion.

 

[JackAxe]

EVIL thumb devices and their thumb ways!

I played through many RPGs on a gamepad, two of which are still some of my favorites(Phantasy Star 2 and Buck Rogers Doomsday device), so I'm just being a turkey.

++++

I haven't played since the weekend, so I'm now pondering to myself why I'm posting on this site, when I can be exploring. Oo

 

[MRU]

So has anyone else brokeback mountain'd their leather fetish elf yet

 

[JackAxe]

Nope, just you!

OK, I've found I think 4 glass vials that when broken released a revert -- which I then killed. I recall reading a note that there are 6 total. Anyone else found these things?

Oh, I got the Juggernaut armor from the wood area, speaking of reverts. It's not as good as the Dragon Armor, but like my Bergen(I think this is how it's spelled) helmet, it looks 10 FOLD BETTER than the cheeseball low-rez texture Dragon Armor they created probably last minute as a bonus -- I really hate this armor and its glowing crap, but I like its bonuses.

Anyone else made it to the (*partial spoiler*) Broodmother I think that the crazy lady running around prior is Branka -- I think this is her name.<<<

A new patch is out. It lessens the time the cold spell lasts, which I'll admit I've been leaning on as a crutch, BUT that's because some of the battles haven't been scaling properly from what I've read. Anyways, I actually like the sharp changes in difficultly in this game.

 

[MRU]

Played some more PC version yesterday. It's vastly more difficult for me than the PS3 version.

 

[Huntn]

A new patch is out. It lessens the time the cold spell lasts, which I'll admit I've been leaning on as a crutch, BUT that's because some of the battles haven't been scaling properly from what I've read. Anyways, I actually like the sharp changes in difficultly in this game.

It's been over a week since I've played. Will get back to it soon. Does the patch make it harder or easier? If easier I'm sure to install.

Played some more PC version yesterday. It's vastly more difficult for me than the PS3 version.

You know, content on consoles is nerfed compared to PC versions.

 

[JackAxe]

It's been over a week since I've played. Will get back to it soon. Does the patch make it harder or easier? If easier I'm sure to install.

I didn't notice a difference. But the cone does seem shorter now. But if anything it supposedly does balance the game better.

Speaking of hard, there's a guy in a room in a town that EATS my party alive. I've been going back to him every so many levels to try and destroy-ify him, but even at lvl 17-ish, my party can't survive.

And speaking of leveling. I forgot to manage my camp characters, since I turned off auto level. Glad I caught it though and got everybody up and equipped with better armor and so on, because one of the characters has been forced upon me by the game to continue the story and he would have sucked.

++++

I just saw your question MRU about the Fade. Sorry I missed it. I used Morrigan for the quest that specifically required a mage.


++++

You guys have probably arleady figured this out, but giving enough gifts to
supporting characters unlocks bonuses on their primary attribute.

 

[Huntn]

I didn't notice a difference. But the cone does seem shorter now. But if anything it supposedly does balance the game better.

Oki. I'm currently using a NoCD patch so will probably update the game soon.

Speaking of hard, there's a guy in a room in a town that EATS my party alive. I've been going back to him every so many levels to try and destroy-ify him, but even at lvl 17-ish, my party can't survive.

What town?

And speaking of leveling. I forgot to manage my camp characters, since I turned off auto level. Glad I caught it though and got everybody up and equipped with better armor and so on, because one of the characters has been forced upon me by the game to continue the story and he would have sucked.

I'll have to look for the auto level settings. I think I have mine on auto, but don't remember for sure.

I just saw your question MRU about the Fade. Sorry I missed it. I used Morrigan for the quest that specifically required a mage.

Thats a good tip for the Q&D.

You guys have probably arleady figured this out, but giving enough gifts to supporting characters unlocks bonuses on their primary attribute.

Just put that in the Q&D.

I'm running around Denerim trying to figure how to get through one of two giant gates to find the whore house, the Pearl? Hints? One gate controls access to the elven orphanage where the guard tells you to get lost. Does the other gate control access to the docks?

 

[JackAxe]

The town be Denerim. The guy be EVIL!!!! That's all I'll say. He's a side quest.

I didn't know of a NoCD Patch, I'm assuming it doesn't cause problems?

I haven't been through either gate yet, both are still locked.

To get to the Pearl, read the note on the wall next to the elf gate from what I recall. This talks about Grey Wardens.

If that doesn't open it, talk to the to the head of security(Forget his position) -- he's next to Wade's armor -- and offer to help him clear up the problems in the city outskirts. This opens up 3 more areas outside of the Pearl.

+++++
Oh, I think if you press TAB, it highlights selectable items and names. Whatever key it is, I assigned it to my thumb button on my N52TE, as it helps me to find items and so on while exploring. It will hi-light the mentioned note purple, so that it's easier to see from a distance. Anyways, I got used to The Witcher, which does the same thing, that's why I set it up this way.

 

[Huntn]

The town be Denerim. The guy be EVIL!!!! That's all I'll say. He's a side quest.

I didn't know of a NoCD Patch, I'm assuming it doesn't cause problems?

I use it so I can keep my original disk at home when I hit the road. You only have to be careful if you are going to apply a patch. I would make sure there is a NoCD patch for the latest official patch before I updated.

I haven't been through either gate yet, both are still locked.

To get to the Pearl, read the note on the wall next to the elf gate from what I recall. This talks about Grey Wardens.

If that doesn't open it, talk to the to the head of security(Forget his position) -- he's next to Wade's armor -- and offer to help him clear up the problems in the city outskirts. This opens up 3 more areas outside of the Pearl.

I read the note on the wall. I did get the quest to clear up roving gangs, but that must be another area. Thought it was in the town where I was. Maybe not, I've seen no roving gangs.

+++++
Oh, I think if you press TAB, it highlights selectable items and names. Whatever key it is, I assigned it to my thumb button on my N52TE, as it helps me to find items and so on while exploring. It will hi-light the mentioned note purple, so that it's easier to see from a distance. Anyways, I got used to The Witcher, which does the same thing, that's why I set it up this way.

Maybe another tip for the Q&D. I'll give it a try.

 

[JackAxe]

I bought the Prima collectors guide, so let me check with what they say about the Pearl, as it's been a while since I opened that area.

CRAP, I just read something I shouldn't have... Oo

Weird, The Pearl isn't listed in this book, or I missed it while skimming? I just recall that location was available when I left Denerim the first time. It showed up as an icon on the city map along with the roving gangs.

 

[Huntn]

I appreciate your help and I'm a duntz. I did not remember Denerim was a town with a city map and selectable destinations. :\ I found the Pearl. And I may have found the bad person you mention, maybe not, but in a deserted warehouse, there is the leader of the Blood Mages. This room as two powerful Blood Mages, and my party can't take them on "easy". Very sad. I went away and will try another day.

There are times when I wish I could just worry about my character and not try to do better by switching around. In the dual Blood Mage fight, if I focus on one of them as my primary mage, I've all most killed him, but the problem is the other Mage and the sword wielding grunts. Near the end of the fight, I'm the only one left and all the mobs pile on me. If I had a wish for this game it would be to be able to give group orders, such as "go in and kill the blood mages first" as they are the most powerful, but the easiest to kill. For me this makes the game more difficult than it should be.

 

[JollyRogers]

I appreciate your help and I'm a duntz. I did not remember Denerim was a town with a city map and selectable destinations. :\ I found the Pearl. And I may have found the bad person you mention, maybe not, but in a deserted warehouse, there is the leader of the Blood Mages. This room as two powerful Blood Mages, and my party can't take them on "easy". Very sad. I went away and will try another day.

There are times when I wish I could just worry about my character and not try to do better by switching around. In the dual Blood Mage fight, if I focus on one of them as my primary mage, I've all most killed him, but the problem is the other Mage and the sword wielding grunts. Near the end of the fight, I'm the only one left and all the mobs pile on me. If I had a wish for this game it would be to be able to give group orders, such as "go in and kill the blood mages first" as they are the most powerful, but the easiest to kill. For me this makes the game more difficult than it should be.

The first set of hard blood mages... I open the door and do the inferno spell. Close the door and listen to them die! Then I Open the door, do the blizzard spell and send my party in to wreak havoc upon them !!! muahahaha!

The Boss Blood Mage. He almost gets me, but again, the use of blizzard and ensuring I equip my ranged weapon rogue with some ice arrows, does it. Concentrate my npc's on him and take him down first, then move onto the others.

My problem is getting my arcane warrior to actually be worth a damn as a warrior... need ... level... 16.

 

[Huntn]

The first set of hard blood mages... I open the door and do the inferno spell. Close the door and listen to them die! Then I Open the door, do the blizzard spell and send my party in to wreak havoc upon them !!! muahahaha!

The Boss Blood Mage. He almost gets me, but again, the use of blizzard and ensuring I equip my ranged weapon rogue with some ice arrows, does it. Concentrate my npc's on him and take him down first, then move onto the others.

My problem is getting my arcane warrior to actually be worth a damn as a warrior... need ... level... 16.

I should have mentioned my party is at level 10. Does that matter? Ok, so how do you concentrate your npcs on him? Do you jump around and select them all to attack him?

If I have a gripe about this game it's the pitifully small areas between screen loads. Now if you could walk the entire town, that would be impressive.

I didn't know of a NoCD Patch, I'm assuming it doesn't cause problems?

I'm living dangerously these days. I'm away from home, don't have the original DVD, but I went ahead and applied the new 1.02 patch because there was a 1.02 NoCd.exe available. My source is Game Copy World. Their disclaimer is that if you use their stuff you must own the game you are downloading for... I use it strictly for the ability to play the game while traveling and leave the original DVD at home.