The answer is a resounding yes, but not because the game is flawless.  There are numerous lagging issues and the game is about as choppy as it gets.  Still, somehow (and very rarely) none of these problems have dissuaded me from enjoying the game and I’ll tell you why.

Once Upon A Time All Over Again

In terms of role-playing games (that is, games with a story), this might have the most replay value out of them all.  Yes, there are the occasional Final Fantasy X fan or Halo nut who can enjoy the game without it being any different, but Dragon Age: Origins functions differently in that every choice and every option gives you a slightly different take on the game.  Those of you who like to play the ‘what if’ game–like me–might just go crazy.

The Lord of the Rings Disciples

Yes, the franchise has ruined all fantasy lore for me.  But, the comparison is really a testament to the detail and vastness of the mythology behind the game.  In essence, many elements of the Dragon Age: Origins has taken traditional fantasy lore and reversed them.  The elves are slaves, dwarfs are commercial merchants and the humans are the elites. Still, the story is not original in any way, but it is very different watching or reading an epic story like this and controlling it.  The dialogue–though unbearably bad at times–also tends to have a sense of humor, something never seen in a fantasy world.  Not all the risks the game take are executed properly, but it is commendable to see BioWare put out a game with the intention of making it different than the last.

Recruiting

I remember playing Chrono Cross way back when and finding it so frustrating that I could not recruit all the characters.  I am the guy who has to get everything when playing a game.  Dragon Age: Origins employs a similar tactic with its character-driven storylines.  While there are many characters a player can recruit in one play, you cannot recruit all of them due to the different aptitudes of every character.  Consequently, the interactions of your party will also differ depending on how the members get along with each other.  After hearing the varying levels of conversation with different characters, this is very impressive indeed.

I skip the gameplay evaluation because many, many experienced bloggers are connoisseurs of the subject matter (check out Professor Beej or Rainbow MMO), but needless to say, it is quite good.  Overall, Dragon Age: Origins is a game that’s taken me by surprise.  Upon first glance it might look like any other fantasy RPG, but as soon as the story takes you, it never lets go until you’ve put in a solid 200 hours.

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