Dragon Age™: Origins - Ultimate Edition

Dragon Age: Origins is one of the last great RPGs, and certainly BioWare's last great RPG. I don't think anyone would recommend against playing it, but playing it on PC in 2023 is a hassle. The game crashes seemingly at random. There are plenty of recommended solutions to be found, but none of them seeemed to work for me. If you were hoping to buy this and just play it without issue, just know that it might not be so easy.

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 :)

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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.