Dragon Age II Review

Dragon Age II, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, arrived on the PC in 2011 as a highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins. While it maintained the rich lore of Thedas, this action RPG took a different approach, focusing on a more streamlined experience and a contained, personal story. This Dragon Age II PC review explores its unique place in the series and its lasting impact.

Gameplay: Faster Combat, Familiar Choices

Dragon Age II notably shifted its combat system from the more tactical, pause-heavy approach of Origins to a faster, more action-oriented RPG style. While still allowing for pausing and issuing commands, the flow was undeniably quicker, appealing to players who preferred more direct engagement. This change, however, was a point of contention for some long-time fans who missed the deep strategic layers.

The game retained BioWare’s signature dialogue wheel, allowing players to shape the personality of their protagonist, Hawke. The companion system remained a strong suit, with a colorful cast of characters joining Hawke’s journey, each with their own compelling backstories and relationships that evolve over the game’s decade-long timeline. However, the game was criticized for its repetitive environments, often reusing the same few dungeon layouts.

• Streamlined, faster-paced action combat
• Return of BioWare’s impactful dialogue wheel
• Strong focus on character relationships and companions
• Progression system tailored to Hawke’s journey
• Repetitive environments (a common criticism)

Story and Setting: The Champion of Kirkwall

The narrative of Dragon Age II is framed as a story recounted by Varric Tethras, following the rise of Hawke, a refugee from Lothering, over ten years in the city-state of Kirkwall. Unlike Origins’ world-saving epic, this is a more personal and localized tale, focusing on the escalating tensions between the Mages and Templars that eventually erupt into open conflict.

The story is compelling, driven by strong character interactions and the weight of Hawke’s decisions as the city’s Champion. The focus on a single, contained setting allowed for a deeper exploration of Kirkwall’s politics and social dynamics, even if it lacked the grand scale of the previous game.

Graphics and Sound: Stylized Thedas

On PC, Dragon Age II showcased a more stylized art direction compared to Origins, with bolder character designs and a distinct visual flair. While this was a departure, it gave the game a unique identity. The environments, despite their repetition, were often richly detailed and atmospheric.

The voice acting is top-tier, with fantastic performances from the entire cast, particularly the fully voiced Hawke, which added immense personality to the protagonist. The soundtrack, composed by Inon Zur, is epic and memorable, perfectly complementing the dramatic events unfolding in Kirkwall.

Legacy: A Divisive but Important Chapter

Dragon Age II received a mixed reception upon release, primarily due to its shift in gameplay philosophy and environmental reuse. However, it is also praised for its strong narrative, compelling characters, and the personal stakes of Hawke’s journey. It remains a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in the Dragon Age franchise, bridging the gap between Origins and Inquisition.

Is Dragon Age II on PC Worth Playing Today?

For fans of BioWare RPGs and those interested in the full Dragon Age saga, Dragon Age II on PC is certainly worth playing. While it has its flaws, its strong story-driven approach, memorable companions, and faster combat offer a distinct and engaging experience. Approach it not as a direct clone of Origins, but as a unique, character-focused fantasy game that explores a pivotal moment in Thedas‘s history.