Cert: 18+
Platform: Xbox 360, PC, PS3
Genre: RPG
Bioware, the developers of Dragon Age: Origins, promised to support their fantasy RPG game for the next year or so with downloadable content and expansion packs. So far they've delivered with DLC quests and items but Awakenings is the first fully fledged expansion pack and it revolves around efforts to rebuild the decimated Grey Warden order. Players can import their character from the Origins game - if they're prepared to fudge over some elements of how it ended - or start afresh with a new, albeit levelled up, character.
The expansion ups the level cap and provides a range of new characters, spells, talents and loot. There's also a new game mode revolving around the defence of Vigil's keep. Fans are going to love Awakenings but the expansion suffers from all the flaws of the original. The textures are still bland and washed out and many of the buildings and characters in the distance pop disconcertingly in and out of view; unless you're playing on a souped up PC.
That aside, considering most games today involve guns and last about ten hours, it's welcome to see an in-depth and fully supported title that wears its nerdy RPG origins on its sleeve. Just remember the bricks and mortar copy is cheaper than the downloadable one.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 2/5
Game Play: 4/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
