Cert: 18+
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Genre: RPG
2009's Dragon age was hailed by RPG nerds (myself included) as a best of class but some of us are going to hate Dragon Age 2. The sequel is a refined game compared to its predecessor. The combat has been sped up and dumbed down and the range of character customistation options - and even the dialogue - has more in common with Mass Effect than Baldur's Gate. Even the setting is more limited, the first game was about saving the world, the second is primarily set in one city and depicts a champion's rise to power.
Bioware has clearly given considerable thought into translating the appeal of nuanced PC game to consoles and while some of the evolutionary changes satisfy, some don't. Thankfully, on consoles at least, Dragon Age 2 games looks and sounds far batter than its drab predecessor and there's less time spent navigating cumbersome menus. However, the simplification of an engrossing series won't be to everyone's taste. Arguably, the plot isn't as good and there's no one as memorable as Alistair or Morrigan but you can expect to gladly surrender 60 hours of your life. For Ferelden.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 4/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
