Dragon Age™: Origins - Ultimate Edition

The GOG Preservation 1.05 update for Dragon Age has broken the game. The DLC is missing for the offline installers since the update, and GOG still hasn’t resolved the issue despite multiple reports from users for weeks. Adding to the frustration, the old installers are no longer available on the site. I’ll gladly update my review when this is fixed, but as it stands, this is unacceptable for a platform that prides itself on preservation.

First of all: the game had enough good moments to keep me playing. I played it the first time, since I missed it back in the days. The Story was okay, not overwhelming, missing a lot to the end and gets rushed, [SPOILER] ending with a very intenseless fight against the archdemon [/SPOILER]. BUT, the worst of all was that the game keeps crashing regardless where you are or what you do. I had like 30 crashes through the game, highlighting in a crash before the final cinematic. On top of that where some serious graphics bugs: people's clothes flicker, entire interiors went black, blood puddles become a red square and so on. That's not what I call a "Ultimate Edition". The game gave me a headache, ending in my decision not to play Awakening, because it's technically unbearable. Back to the game itself, there was just one single scene, where my actions in the game had (maybe) an influence. Other than different dialogues, the game plays the same and the outcome still is the same. It doesn't really matter if some side character dies or you just screw up, because... hm... you can't really screw up. Maybe it's just me, but I would like to have consequences.

...And I regret nothing :) Ah, Dragon Age Origins, a game that just knows how to draw me in, one of my personal faves and I think one of Bioware's better games as this game's successors, while fun in their own right, lacked some of the charm this oldie has. As with any game made by Bioware, it's got solid writing and engaging characters, though the visuals and animations show their age they are far from terrible and the gameplay, which is similar to Baldur's Gate or Kotor tends to be unbalanced at times, but in a way that I still feel is fun and has run pretty smooth on my PC (Using Win8 to be exact). One thing I ought to suggest however is a little mod called "Skip the Fade" found on the DA:O Nexus, anyone who has played this game will know what I'm talking about. In the end, Dragon Age Origins is truly an epic, and despite some minor issues has aged like fine wine, a must have for any fan of the genre :)

Read EULA. Your data is collected by EA. Even offline. And we don't know specifically which data. If you don't mind buy. If not, then not buy. Many EA games on GOG have this: 2. Consent to Use of Data. When you play this game offline, EA and its affiliates may collect and store non-personally identifiable data including your Internet Protocol Address as well as game play and software usage statistics. If and when you access online features and/or services (if any), this data may be transmitted to EA. EA may use this information to improve our products and services and may share anonymous data with third parties. To facilitate Technical Protection Measures (if any), the provision of software updates, any dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including marketing, advertising and online play (if any), you agree that EA and its affiliates may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer (including an Internet Protocol Address and hardware identification), operating system and application software and peripheral hardware. EA and its affiliates may also use this information in the aggregate, in a form which does not personally identify you, to improve our products and services and we may share anonymous data with our third party service providers. All data is collected, used, stored and transmitted in accordance with EA’s Privacy Policy located at http://privacy.ea.com. To the extent that anything in this section conflicts with the terms of EA’s Privacy Policy, the terms of the Privacy Policy shall control.

The narrative captivates with its depth and moral ambiguity. The world of Thedas is meticulously crafted, featuring political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and a rich lore that envelops players in a compelling epic. Choices matter, shaping the storyline and fostering a sense of agency rarely seen in gaming. The character development is unparalleled. Each party member feels like a living, breathing entity with a unique personality, backstories, and motivations. The relationships you forge are as crucial as the battles you fight, creating an emotional investment that resonates throughout the game. In terms of gameplay, excels with its tactical combat system. Balancing real-time action and strategic planning, battles demand thoughtful decision-making. The inclusion of an isometric view adds depth, allowing players to orchestrate battles with precision. Visually, the game has aged gracefully, with an art style that remains timeless. The attention to detail in character design, landscapes, and architecture contributes to a visually stunning experience. A symphonic masterpiece, the soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing emotional moments and immersing players in the world of Thedas. DA:O serves as a benchmark for storytelling in gaming. Its combination of a riveting narrative, unforgettable characters, strategic gameplay, and a wealth of content solidifies its status as a 5/5 classic that stands the test of time.