Dragon Age 2 Megathread V2 - We review our own games! - Games

[img]http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/247110_S/Hands-On-With-Dragon-Age-2.jpg[/img] [release]Experience the epic sequel to the 2009 Game of the Year from the critically acclaimed makers of Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2. You are one of the few who escaped the destruction of your home. Now, forced to fight for survival in an ever-changing world, you must gather the deadliest of allies, amass fame and fortune, and seal your place in history. This is the story of how the world changed forever. The legend of your Rise to Power begins now. Key Features: [LIST] [*]Embark upon an all-new adventure that takes place across an entire decade and shapes itself around every decision you make. [*]Determine your rise to power from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land. [*]Think like a general and fight like a Spartan with dynamic new combat mechanics that put you right in the heart of battle whether you are a mage, rogue, or warrior. [*]Go deeper into the world of Dragon Age with an entirely new cinematic experience that grabs hold of you from the beginning and never lets go. [*]Discover a whole realm rendered in stunning detail with updated graphics and a new visual style. [/LIST][/release] [release][b][u]System Requirements[/u][/b] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/DvYcR.png[/IMG] Directx 10/11 is supported. [/release] [release][b][U]Official site[/U][/b] [url]http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/[/url][/release] [release][b][u]Reviews[/u][/b] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Ts7bg.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/E9rN4.png[/IMG][/release] [release][b][U]Trailers debut[/U][/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlACgYHtWCI[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8mn1rVakZg[/media] [b][u]Combat Walkthrough[/u][/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otNeByBo-8k[/media] [b][u]Gamespot's Dragon Age II Gameplay Demo[/u][/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2W8an9-GbI[/media][/release] [release][quote] [b][U]Screenshots[/U][/b] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-008.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-009.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-010.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-011.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-015.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-002.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-001.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Dragon_Age_II/ss-006.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://lulzimg.com/i13/3ab98e.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://lulzimg.com/i13/a7ddac.jpg[/img_thumb] [img_thumb]http://lulzimg.com/i13/38b5ad.jpg[/img_thumb][/quote] [b][U]Concept art[/U][/b] [quote] [IMG_thumb]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/gallery/concepts/lowtown-01-alley-p.jpg[/IMG_thumb] [IMG_thumb]http://dragonage.bioware.com/cdn/L/DA2/announce/concept-01-o.jpg[/IMG_thumb] [IMG_thumb]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/gallery/concepts/lowtown-02-market-p.jpg[/IMG_thumb] [IMG_thumb]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/gallery/concepts/kirkwall-01-mouth-p.jpg[/IMG_thumb][/quote][/release] [release][b][u]Achievements[/u][/b] [img]http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs898.ash1/180669_10150092031624367_8101714366_5948220_6055254_n.jpg[/img] [img]http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs307.snc6/181509_10150092031649367_8101714366_5948221_7506476_n.jpg[/img] [img]http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs884.ash1/179241_10150092031579367_8101714366_5948219_4071623_n.jpg[/img][/release] [release][b][u]Demo[/u][/b] [img]http://dragonage.bioware.com/resources/dragonage-ii/assets/content/info/call_to_arms-o.png[/img] [quote]February 22, 2011 marks the launch of the Dragon Age II Demo and a Call to Arms for all BioWare fans. We are actively recruiting an army of Champions, and if we get over 1 million demo downloads and logins on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 combined before March 1st, we will unlock two in-game items for the entire community to use in Dragon Age II. Demo download progress will be tracked on this page, so check back often! To get your download counted, you will need to log into your EA account while playing the demo. This demo represents just a small taste of what Dragon Age 2 has to offer. With a whole new realm to discover, and an all-new hero to become, players will go deeper into the world of Dragon Age unlike ever before in an adventure that shapes itself around every decision you make. The time has now come to engage in action-packed, dynamic combat that allows you to think like a general and fight like a Spartan! The legend of your rise to power, begins now![/quote] [b]Dragon Age 2 will be available on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on March 8, 2011 in North America and March 11, 2011 in Europe.[/b] [url]http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/demo/[/url] [LIST=1] [*][B]How big is the Dragon Age 2 Demo?[/B] The demo is 2GB [*][B] Why different times for different platforms?[/B] Microsoft and Sony release their updates on a set schedule. [*][B]How do I get the demo for my Xbox 360 or my PS3?[/B] The xbox 360 demo will be available through Live. The PS3 demo will be available through Playstation Network. [*][B]I have a Silver Xbox Live account. Does that make a difference?[/B] Slightly. The demo is available for free through both Silver and Gold Xbox Live accounts. The Xbox Live Gold account will have teh demo on February 22. The Xbox Live Silver account will have it one week late. [*][B]Where do I get the PC version of the demo?[/B] We will have a link to the demo download on the Dragon Age 2 demo page. [*][B]Can we play Male and Female Hawke?[/B] Yes you can choose male or female Hawke. [*][B]How long is the demo?[/B] Playtime varies between players, but roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. [*][B]How much story is there in the demo?[/B] Players will experience the prologue to the game and the "Fools Rush In" plot from later in the game. [*][B]Is there a character creator with the demo or do we play default Hawke?[/B] No. While you can modify your character in the main game, this is disabled in the demo [*][B]Can I change difficulty level during the demo?[/B] The difficulty level for the demo is set as normal. [*][B]Does the demo allow you to just start the full version of DA2 from where the demo leaves off?[/B] No. The demo begins with the beginning of Dragon Age II and then shows you a glimpse of a mission that occurs later on in the game. [*][B]Can we import from Origins into this demo?[/B] The demo does not have a character or save game import feature. [*][B]Will it show off DX11 effects on the PC?[/B] DX11 features will only be available on the PC purchase copy of Dragon Age 2. [*][B]How do I get my Hayder's Razor" item for finishing the demo?[/B] After you finish the demo if you have logged in with or created an EA account you will get an entitlement called Hayder's Razor which is a Dwarfen Sword which they can use in the main game. [/LIST][/release] [release][b][u]Downloadable content[/u][/b] [quote][b]Item Pack #1[/b] [img]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/content/addon/item_pack-01-screenshot-warrior-p.jpg[/img] [img]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/content/addon/item_pack-01-screenshot-mage-p.jpg[/img] [img]http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/content/addon/item_pack-01-screenshot-rogue-p.jpg[/img] [quote]The item pack includes a new set of attire for all three classes.[/quote] [/quote] [quote][b]The Exiled Prince[/b] [img_thumb]http://images.wikia.com/dragonage/images/0/0f/2SV.png[/img_thumb] [quote]Adventure alongside Sebastian Vael, an archer of noble birth, as he seeks revenge for the brutal murder of his family. Aid him in his quest, and direct his righteous wrath on your enemies. Sebastian is a full companion character, complete with his own series of side missions.[/quote] It is included in the Dragon Age II BioWare Signature Edition. It is also available separately for US$7 or 560 Microsoft Points.[/quote] [quote] [b]The Black Emporium and Mirror of Transformation[/b] [img]http://images.wikia.com/dragonage/images/6/66/Blackemporium.png[/img] [quote]Nestled deep under Kirkwall, you'll find a market with a curious collection of items, some for sale, some for free, and ranging from the mundane to the mysterious! One artifact can even transform your very body, face, hair, eyes—all new! We've even granted you your very own mabari war hound to call to your side with a whistle—a boon in battle and a beloved pet at home. Visit the Black Emporium today, and you’ll be the envy of adventurers everywhere. Your invitation awaits![/quote] [quote]The Mirror of Transformation is an insidious and twisted device. When you alter your appearance with the device it doesn't just change who you are, but it changes who you were and will be in the future. It selects from one of the infinite possible universes where you were brought up with a different lineage and twists that thread of history into the currently experienced reality. The ripples of this action affect your family and other people's memory of your appearance as well[/quote] [i]Features[/i] [list] [*]A magic item store that has some of the best equipment you’ll find in the game.[confirmation needed] It’s restocked with better items as you progress through the story. [*]A loyal Mabari hound that fights at your side in battle. The "Mirror of Transformation". Gaze into it and you can change your very appearance. Hair, eyes, tattoos, and more can be changed with the click of a button. [*]A crafting store which sells powerful unique recipes. [*]Explore the Black Emporium and uncover its strange secrets and lore. Be sure to see its strange proprietor. It should prove most... memorable.[/list] Available to all who buys the game. [/quote][/release] [release][LIST=1] [*][B]When will Dragon Age 2 be released?[/B] Dragon Age 2 is set for release in North America on March 8 and March 11 in Europe. [*][B]Which systems is Dragon Age 2 being released on? Will they be released at the same time?[/B] Dragon Age 2 is being released simultaneously for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. [*][B]Do I have to play Dragon Age: Origins before playing Dragon Age 2?[/B] You do not have to play Dragon Age: Origins to fully experience Dragon Age 2. It is a perfect starting point to enter the series. [*][B]Will I meet romanceable characters?[/B] Yes. You will be able to engage in romances with certain NPCs in your party and throughout the world. [*][B]Where does Dragon Age 2 take place?[/B] Dragon Age 2 is set in the Free Marches, with much of the plot focused on the city of Kirkwall, an ancient port city that was once the center of the global slave trade. [*][B]When does Dragon Age 2 take place?[/B] Dragon Age 2 takes place sometime after the Blight of Ferelden, as the Darkspawn and other threats emerge to endanger the world again. The story unfolds over the course of a decade as you rise to power and change the world. [*][B]Will I meet familiar characters in Dragon Age 2?[/B] Dragon Age 2 is set in the same world as Dragon Age: Origins, and you will cross paths with many of the same individuals and groups that you encountered before. [*][B]Will the Dragon Age 2 story react to the decisions I made in Dragon Age: Origins?[/B] Yes. If you import your Origins playthroughs, you will experience the consequences of the choices you made previously. However, this is not necessary to fully experience Dragon Age 2. [*][B]What will my character be like?[/B] Your character in Dragon Age 2 will be a legendary figure in the history of Thedas. Not only will you hear people respond to your conversations, but your character will also be be fully-voiced. You will play as a human male or female of any class you wish: Warrior, Mage or Rogue. [*][B]Will there be new spells and abilities in Dragon Age 2?[/B] Yes. We'll reveal more details over time, but there will be many spells, abilities and specializations to choose from and customize your character to your liking. [*][B]What is the story like?[/B] The Dragon Age 2 story will be a non-linear framed narrative. You will have unprecedented control over the directions your character goes and the sequence in which the story unfolds. [*][B]What is combat like?[/B] Dragon Age 2 will feature reactive combat, allowing you to take real-time control of your character in melee, ranged or spell combat. You can pause the game to assign tactical actions to each party member, or take direct control of any individual character while the customizable tactical AI directs the others. [/LIST][/release] [release][u][b]Dragon Age 2 Final DRM and FAQ[/b][/u] [u]Dragon Age 2 Physical & Digital PC/Mac DRM are as follows:[/u] [list] [*]You can play offline thereafter - the game will NOT require any subsequent login checks. If online, a game ownership check happens each time you play. [*]After each new install there is a 1-time online check needed the next time you play, requiring a log in to your EA account to verify game ownership. If you are a member of these forums, you already have an EA account – just use the same email/password. [*]There is a limit to the number of unique/different PCs that can play the game within a time window (if online) [5 PCs in 24hrs]. [*]No limit on the total number of PCs you can install the game on. [*]No disc check, you do not need the disc in drive to play. [/list] [u]Steam versions use Steam DRM, no other DRM is added, which means:[/u] [list] [*]Steam pre-loads use Steam release control – you will not be able to play until the release day/time has passed for that region. [*] You can play offline thereafter. If online, a game ownership check happens each time you play. [*]Each install requires logging into your Steam account to verify game ownership. [*]There is a limit to the number of unique/different PCs that can play the game at any one time (if online) [1 PC] [*]No limit to the total number of PCs you can install the game on. [*]No disc check, it is used for digital game versions purchased from Steam only. [/list] [u]Dragon Age 2 Release Control (non-Steam versions)[/u] [list] [*]Dates & times are set to the retail street date per country. [*]You will not be able to play until that date has passed. [*]It completely removes itself after the game release date has passed. [*]Sole purpose is to check with a server to validate whether the game release date has passed or not. [*]It does not install anything to the PC. [*]Does not use securom.[/list][/release] [release][b][u]Essential links[/u][/b] [url=dragonage.wikia.com]Official Wiki[/url] [url=http://social.bioware.com/page/da2-patches]Game patches and High Resolution Texture Pack[/url] [url=http://social.bioware.com/user_bw_games_register.php]Register your game[/url] [url=http://social.bioware.com/redeem_code.php]Redeem a DLC[/url] [url=http://social.bioware.com/user_entitlements.php]View available content in your account[/url][/release] [release][b]Dragon Age III in the works!?[/b] [url]http://twitter.com/#!/search/Al_McNally[/url] [quote]It won't really come as much surprise, but a tweet from Bioware developer Alistair McNally today has spilled the beans on the next installment of the Dragon Age series. The tweet confirms Bioware is looking for new talent to work on Dragon Age III, stating 'I'm looking for exceptional environment artists to join me at #BioWare Edmonton, Canada to work on #DragonAge3 #gamejobs #jobs #3D #artists'. This was further retweeted by Christina Norman of the Mass Effect team, lending further veracity. This is the first official confirmation that the sequel is underway.[/quote] [url]http://pc.ign.com/articles/116/1169572p1.html[/url][/release]

I think this game is unfairly treated. I haven't bought it yet, but I liked the demo, and will be buying it soon probably.

It is not unfairly treated, it is just another game. If Bioware didn`t make it by deadline the EA would slaughter them, so they released DA2 on a fast notice. Here is their latest game, and is more fun than DA2. [url]http://www.ign.com/free2play/[/url]

Yes, DA2 does feel rushed.

Terrible game, my advice for anyone is not to get it. Stick with Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition.

I liked the game, finished it twice, as a mage and as a rogue, playing as warrior right now.

[QUOTE=plokoon9619;29945251]Terrible game, my advice for anyone is not to get it. Stick with Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition.[/QUOTE] Resident DA2 troll here. :smug: I agree with this post.

[QUOTE=The_Marine;29947127]Resident DA2 troll here. :smug: I agree with this post.[/QUOTE] Hey The_Marine long time no see. How you doing? Anyways, I use this [url=http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2766]mod[/url] to rebalance the game in abilities, two Creation mages with Haste, fight over in less than 30 seconds.

Hey friend, I'm quite alright! Life is going on and I'm just taking it one day at a time, you know how it is. And you?

Are there any mods that make the characters not look like big breasted barbie dolls yet?

[QUOTE=The_Marine;29947730]Hey friend, I'm quite alright! Life is going on and I'm just taking it one day at a time, you know how it is. And you?[/QUOTE] Saving money to get Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but I'm fucking poor at moment :saddowns: On topic: I maxed out 5 out 6 friends' approval before the end of Act 2. Oh yeah :smug:

Word, bro. Not much interest in it at the moment, still waiting to see how it really plays. I haven't bought any games at all this year since I just can't spare the cash really.

First playthrough was fun but I can't bring myself to play it again.

[QUOTE=JesterUK;29948067]First playthrough was fun but I can't bring myself to play it again.[/QUOTE] Did you play as a Mage? If not, do it. If yes, do it again. mage_allday_erryday.jpg

[h2]BioWare teases Dragon Age artwork, says improvements must be made in future installments[/h2] [quote=Mike Laidlaw, Dragon Age 2 Lead Designer]Hey guys and gals, As some of you have noted, I have been absent from these forums for a time, and my apologies for going dark, but I did not feel prepared to deal with some of the more personal attacks in a professional manner. And as a rule if I don't feel like I'm going to be professional, I don't post. You guys deserve better than that. Now, while I haven't been posting, we have been listening. Several folks have been active on the forums and moderating the more extreme discussions, and more of us have been collecting your feedback, concerns, criticisms and the parts you enjoyed of DA II. This feedback is invaluable to us, and so I wanted to take a moment and say thank you. I’d like to take this opportunity to address some lingering concerns and clear the air somewhat. Following the launch of DA II, I did some interviews and some of you interpreted my statements to mean I was blind to the concerns that have been voiced repeatedly on these forums. That was never my intent, nor the message I wanted to convey. I am absolutely aware of the concerns voiced here. Issues like level re-use, the implementation of wave combat, concerns about the narrative and significance of choice and so on have all been not only noted, but examined, inspected and even aided me (and many, many others on the team) in formulating future plans. Further, I'm not only aware of the concerns, but I agree that there are aspects of DA II that not only can but must be improved in future installments. And that is precisely our intent. Finally, let me conclude by saying that while we are all aware of your concerns, I am very proud of what the team accomplished with Dragon Age II. I know many are advocating a "it wasn't broke, why did you try to fix it?" stance, and I absolutely understand why. From my perspective, as someone looking to the future and the DA franchise, I think that DA II moved us into a space that has more potential. A larger potential audience? Sure, who wouldn’t want more players diving into the experience of playing an RPG? More importantly, though, I believe that there's also more potential for rich stories, for deeper RPG mechanics, for more choice, and for something even more epic to come. The story events of DA II have fundamentally altered the political and power landscape of Thedas, in a way that's open to intrigue, drama and sweeping conflict in the future, and evolves a world that, while still very much involving the Grey Wardens and Darkspawn, is about more than just that one struggle. Hawke's story was a departure from the usual tale, and in crafting it and the game around it we learned a lot. Some from what worked, but even more from what didn't. Such is always the way. I hope that in the future we'll be able to discuss how we're addressing your concerns and even solicit feedback from you on future plans in the process, but for now, I hope a simple thank you will suffice. In the mean time, though, I stumbled across a few images I thought I might share with you folks. After all, there’s been a lot of requests to explore areas outside of Kirkwall, and I agree that seeing some more of the Free Marches would be cool. [/quote] [url]http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/315/index/7475089[/url] [img]http://social.bioware.com/uploads_user/25000/24952/125531.jpg[/img] [img]http://social.bioware.com/uploads_user/25000/24952/125532.jpg[/img] [img]http://social.bioware.com/uploads_user/25000/24952/125533.jpg[/img]

------------------------ Dragon Age II 1.03 ------------------------ NOTE: Some fixes are retroactive, but not all. Players with plot-breaking bugs may need to revert to an earlier save, particularly a save prior to visiting the affected area during the current year in the game. GAMEPLAY - In many fights, enemies now move less quickly at the start of combat. This slower initial pace makes tactical positioning more useful and important. - If the force of an enemy attack interrupts a party member's current action, the party member now resumes the action once he or she has recovered. This means, for example, that party members who have been instructed to consume a health potion will now do so as soon as they are able, and do not need to be told to consume a health potion again if they are interrupted. - Enemies are now much less likely to explode into body parts upon death. - Attacks that hit a stealthed assassin are now more likely to disrupt stealth. - Abilities that apply a silence effect now also cancel the target's current action in addition to preventing the target from using further abilities. - When an enemy wakes from a sleep effect due to suffering damage, other status effects that were applied by the same ability that caused the sleep effect are no longer removed at the same time. - Items that bear the property "100% of basic attack damage vs. enemies that attack in melee" no longer harm the user when equipped in conjunction with abilities like Blood Magic or Sacrificial Frenzy that reduce the user's health. - The items known as Final Thought, Sataareth, Sundering, and Trepanner's Gift now have damage types that match their elemental damage bonuses. - The items known as Allure's Crook, Corrupted Acolyte's Staff, Defender of the Wall, Void's Hammer, and Volcanic Shield can now only be equipped by the appropriate classes. - The high dragon's fireballs no longer track moving targets. - Pride demons can no longer be affected by their own Crushing Prison spells. - The size of the area affected by an ability is now explicitly described as diameter or radius (usually diameter). - When a party member's armor changes after consummating a romance, runes inscribed on his or her old armor now carry over to the new armor. - Using the Maker's Sigh potion on an archer no longer alters inventory capacity. - It is no longer possible to create more than one Elixir of Heroism. - It is no longer possible to simultaneously enable sustained modes that are supposed to be mutually exclusive. - In some cases, enemies would freeze while entering combat. This no longer occurs. - In some cases, saw traps or spike traps would throw party members back even when the trap was not visible. This no longer occurs. - The Special Deliveries chest can no longer get into a state where it contains items but cannot be opened. - The storage chest is now present in the Hawke estate after completing the main campaign. - If the Black Emporium premium content is installed, the mabari hound now follows his master more reliably. - Various character-corruption issues now correct themselves automatically when you load your game. - Various minor gameplay issues no longer occur. QUESTS (SPOILER WARNING) - "Who Needs Rescuing" can now be completed. - "Friendly Concern" is now available after consummating a romance. - In "Act of Mercy," Thrask can no longer die, which could block completion. - In "A Murder of Crows," it is now always possible to fight the varterral. - In "A New Path," Merrill no longer remains locked in the party after the quest. - In "Bait and Switch," the chest in the abandoned house can now always be opened. - In "Demands of the Qun," Aveline's guards no longer turn hostile if the player declines to enter the Qunari compound during the day and then returns at night. - In "Dissent," it is no longer possible to loot Ser Alrik's body before the appropriate time. This ensures that the quest can always be completed. - In "No Rest for the Wicked," Isabela now always begins the opening conversation at the appropriate time. - In "The Captain's Condolences," it is now possible to ask Aveline about her father even if she is not currently in the party. - In "The Last Straw," Anders now responds much differently if he is a rival. - In "The Last Straw," Aveline no longer attacks Meredith when the party is supposed to be stunned. This prevents a subsequent issue where the game could freeze after loading the post-campaign save. - In "Wayward Son," it is no longer possible to speak to Thrask after speaking to Samson. This ensures that the quest progresses correctly. - If Merrill's clan members die, she no longer speaks as if they were alive. - If Anders is a rival, giving him the Tevinter Chantry Amulet now results In rivalry points instead of friendship points. - If the Black Emporium premium content is installed, a new conversation between Fenris and Hawke's dog is available during the fourth year in Kirkwall. - Alternate Merrill/Aveline banter is now available if Merrill's clan is killed. - Various references to the events of Dragon Age: Origins are now more accurate. - Various minor story-scripting issues no longer occur. FUNCTIONALITY - Users with a large number of promotional items were timing out when attempting to log in. This no longer occurs. - Combat audio has been rebalanced so that it is no longer louder than exploration and dialogue audio. - The Epic achievement or trophy can now always be unlocked. - The Supplier achievement or trophy now always unlocks after finding at least 66 resource varieties, including resources purchased from the Black Emporium. - A codex entry that helps unlock the Archaeologist achievement or trophy is now easier to acquire in the Viscount's Keep during the first year in Kirkwall. - In the tactics menu, actions that use Items no longer become blank. - Various minor art issues no longer occur. - Various technical changes should improve performance and limit crashes. PC-SPECIFIC FUNCTIONALITY - The game now runs correctly for Windows administrator accounts that were receiving errors about insufficient privileges. - An error about AWC.dll that prevents the game from launching no longer occurs. - A rare issue that caused the configuration utility to crash no longer occurs. - In the gameplay options menu, It is now possible to enable persistent highlighting on usable objects, similar to holding down the tab key. To reduce clutter, however, this setting does not highlight characters. - In the gameplay options menu, it is now possible to disable enhanced targeting. Disabling this setting improves framerate but makes it more difficult to highlight characters or objects in some situations. - The DirectX 11 renderer is now disabled if your video-card drivers are older than version 11.4 (for AMD cards) or 267.14 (for NVIDIA cards). - The game no longer erroneously uses the DirectX 11 renderer if the DirectX 9 renderer was selected in conjunction with a full-screen gamma value other than the default. This change should improve performance for players who were using those settings. As well, the full-screen gamma value is now saved correctly. - The Epic achievement was not unlocking properly for some users. This no longer occurs. - The Supplier achievement now always unlocks after finding at least 66 resource varieties, including resources purchased from the Black Emporium. - A codex entry that helps unlock the Archaeologist achievement is now easier to acquire in the Viscount's Keep during the first year in Kirkwall. - If the game is set to use a language other than English, it no longer reverts to English upon installing a patch. - Various issues specific to DirectX 11 no longer occur. - Various issues preventing the game from launching no longer occur. BALANCE NOTE: Patch 1.03 introduces significant changes to the overall balance of the game, improving the strategic elements and making combat and class progression more engaging and enjoyable for players. Here is a detailed summary of the balance-related improvements: General Combat - Enemies’ basic attacks now apply much less force, which means that party members’ actions are not interrupted as frequently. - The secondary attribute requirement for equipping armor or shields (constitution for warriors, willpower for mages, and cunning for rogues) is now significantly smaller. - The rate at which rogues regenerate stamina while performing basic attacks has been significantly increased. - Traps no longer inflict injuries. - Enemies now gain more health as the game progresses. - Enemy assassins now have less health. - Lieutenant-rank and boss-rank enemies now have less health. - Lieutenant-rank enemies can no longer lose more than 40% of their health from a single hit, and boss-rank enemies cannot lose more than 20%. - Enemy commanders now occasionally throw stun grenades while encouraging their troops to concentrate attacks against a single party member. Previously, this behavior was limited to nightmare difficulty. - Values for armor and elemental resistances now cannot exceed 95%. The game displays values of up to 100%, but characters now suffer 5% damage from an attack even if they show 100% resistance. - The DISORIENT effect now applies a 50% penalty to enemy defense, as described in the codex, instead of only 25%. - The Rune of Valiance now provides a +2 bonus to all attributes instead of a variable bonus that could rise as high as +7. As well, equipping and unequipping multiple pieces of armor that each bear a Rune of Valiance no longer results in incorrect attribute scores. - Items that improve the Blood Magic cost ratio now provide 0.25 mana per point of health instead of 1 mana. - On hard and nightmare difficulties, status effects now persist on enemies for a slightly longer duration. - On nightmare difficulty, enemies now inflict more damage than before. - On nightmare difficulty, party members no longer suffer friendly-fire damage from warriors’ basic attacks. - On nightmare difficulty, party members can no longer suffer more than 75% of their health in damage from a single friendly-fire attack. Warrior Changes - Aftershock upgrade to the Tremor talent now has a 30% chance to STAGGER normal enemies instead of 40%. - Claymore upgrade to the Cleave talent now has a 10% chance to STAGGER normal enemies instead of 40%. - Cleave talent now increases damage by 75% instead of 100%, while the cost has been increased from 20 stamina to 30 and cooldown from 20s to 25s. - Shield Bash talent no longer automatically STAGGERS enemies within range of the attack who were not targeted directly. The primary target is still automatically STAGGERED, but other normal enemies within range have a 40% chance to STAGGER. - Shield Defense talent now increases threat generation by 100%. - Sunder talent now has a 20% chance to STAGGER enemies on a critical hit instead of 50%. As well, the talent now only STAGGERS enemies if the warrior is wielding a two-handed weapon, as originally intended. - The Berserker's Berserk talent now calculates the damage bonus differently, substantially increasing the ability's effectiveness. - The Reaver's Blood Frenzy talent and Fenris's Veneer of Calm talent now provide a maximum bonus of +50% damage instead of +100%. Rogue Changes - Rogues now regain 1% of their stamina per hit with dual weapons or 2% per hit with a bow. - The Ambush talent now functions as described. - The Burst Shot talent now inflicts approximately 50% more damage (and 3x physical force instead of 2x). - Brand talent now provides a 25% bonus to warriors' and mages' critical chance instead of 10%. - Disorienting Shot upgrade to the Pinning Shot talent now always DISORIENTS the victim, regardless of whether the victim was pinned in place. - The Inconspicuous talent now extends the reduced threat generation to other rogues and mages within a 10m diameter. - The Lacerate talent now provides a 10% chance to re-apply the damage from any ability over 5s, instead of a chance to apply a fixed amount of damage. - The Merciless Strike upgrade to the Explosive Strike talent now applies 300% damage vs. STAGGERED targets instead of 400%. - The Pinning Shot talent now pins the victim for the correct duration. - The Pinpoint Strikes talent now includes a 100% bonus to attack for the duration of the ability. - The Assassin's Assassinate talent now has a 50s cooldown instead of 40s. The Annihilate upgrade now applies 200% damage vs. BRITTLE targets instead of 400%. - The Shadow's Decoy talent and Sebastian's Guardian Angel talent now have a 45s cooldown instead of 30s. - The Shadow's Disorienting Criticals talent now functions as described, and provides a 50% bonus to critical damage when obscured instead of 25%. - The Shadow's Pinpoint Precision talent now provides a 50% bonus to critical damage instead of 25%. Mage Changes - Walking Bomb now inflicts damage equal to 50% of the victim's maximum health upon explosion, within a 4m radius, instead of 100%. - Arcane Wall upgrade to the Arcane Shield spell now continues to provide a 20% defense bonus to the mage, as described. Previously, the upgrade reduced the bonus to 15%. Other party members receive a 5% bonus. - The Chain Reaction upgrade to the Chain Lightning spell now applies 300% damage vs. STAGGERED targets instead of 600%. - Death Syphon spell now drains multiple corpses more quickly. - Entropic Cloud spell now applies for 30s instead of 15s (against normal enemies), but the cost has been increased from 35 mana to 50 and the cooldown from 40s to 50s. The Death Cloud upgrade now applies damage every 2s instead of every 4s. - Fireball and Firestorm spells now both inflict approximately 40% more damage and apply 3x elemental force instead of 2x. - Misdirection Hex spell now applies for 15s instead of 10s (against normal enemies). - Petrify spell now applies for 12s instead of 15s (against normal enemies). - Sleep spell now applies for 15s instead of 10s (against normal enemies). - Spirit Mastery skill now includes a 10% bonus to critical chance instead of 5%. - The Spirit Strike upgrade to the Spirit Bolt spell now applies 300% damage vs. DISORIENTED targets instead of 200%. - The Winter's Blast upgrade to the Winter's Grasp spell now notes that it affects nearby enemies. - The Blood mage's Blood Magic spell and the spirit healer's Healing Aura spell are now mutually exclusive. - The Blood mage's Blood Magic spell now reserves 70% of the mage's mana instead of 50%. - The Blood mage's Blood Slave spell now enslaves the victim for a longer duration. As well, if the spell is ineffective, the victim's current action is now canceled. The Blood Spatter upgrade now inflicts damage equal to 75% of the victim's maximum health upon explosion instead of 100%, within a 4m radius. As well, the spell description now displays this information. - The Blood mage's Grave Robber spell now affects a 12m diameter instead of 6m in order to make the ability more useful. - The Blood mage's One Foot In upgrade now inflicts 100% of the mage’s maximum health in damage instead of 10%. - The Blood mage's Paralyzing Hemorrhage upgrade to the Hemorrhage spell now applies 500% damage vs. STAGGERED targets instead of 900%. - The Force mage's Fist of the Maker spell now inflicts approximately 50% more damage. The Maker's Hammer upgrade now applies 600% damage vs. STAGGERED targets instead of 900%. - The Force mage's Unshakable spell now provides a +50 bonus to fortitude instead of +100. - The Spirit healer's Group Heal spell and Anders's Aid Allies spell now restore 25% of party members' health instead of 30%. When upgraded, Group Heal restores 40% of health instead of 50%. - The Spirit healer's Healing Aura spell and Anders's Panacea spell now provide a +100 bonus to health regeneration instead of +50, and a +200 bonus when upgraded instead of +100. As well, the diameter of the spell has been increased from 6m to 10m, and from 8m to 15m when upgraded. In addition, a rare case in which the spell previously provided an abnormally high rate of health regeneration no longer occurs. Companion Specific Skill Changes - Anders's Swift Justice spell now reduces cooldowns to 90% of their normal duration instead of 80%. - Aveline's Bodyguard talent no longer allows her to absorb the damage from Anders's Martyr spell. - Aveline's Immovable talent now provides a stacking 8% bonus to damage resistance per hit instead of 2%. - If Bethany or Carver rejoin the party near the end of the game, they now learn the Force Mage and Templar specializations, respectively. Existing save games from after the Deep Roads Expedition will not receive the benefit of this fix. [url=http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/patch/pc/DragonAge2-1.03.exe]Download[/url] Oh my, patch is a week old and I didn't know about it!

[release]Players will travel to the ancient Grey Warden prison to uncover the "harsh truth" about the Hawke lineage and end the attacks of a criminal cartel. This DLC is playable at any point in Dragon Age 2 campaign and includes new darkspawn, new locations, and a new class-specific weapon to upgrade. [B]Dragon Age 2: Legacy[/B] hits July 26 for Xbox Live, PC/Mac, and PlayStation Network for $9.99 (800 MS Points). [/release] [video=youtube;DTzwc94FcAU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTzwc94FcAU[/video]

I didn't get Fenris' friendship or rivalry so I'm in Act 3 and I haven't had to do any personal stuff for him. looks like I'm [sp]going to have to kill him in the end game[/sp]

How to rape your franchise in a year should be the name of the game.

[QUOTE=Chicken_Chaser;30983091]How to rape your franchise in a year should be the name of the game.[/QUOTE] Call of Dragons: Magic Warfare 2?

thanks liked it.[img]http://sn.im/27yeb9[/img]

Legacy DLC gameplay. Jump to 2:30. [video=youtube;I5CqKVFHuaA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5CqKVFHuaA[/video]

I found DAO to be a little bit over the top with all the gold plate armors and oversized swords, but I enjoyed it very much. I only played the demo for this game,so I can't judge it as a whole, but I found it to be very, [b]very[/b] disappointing. I'm starting to like BioWare less and less..

Seriously though does Bioware not remember the entire fucking point of DA? It was to give us a modern Baldurs Gate. Fucking consoles.

[QUOTE=Chicken_Chaser;30988899]Seriously though does Bioware not remember the entire fucking point of DA? It was to give us a modern Baldurs Gate. Fucking consoles.[/QUOTE] All this herp BioWare derp consoles makes me wonder if people noticed that EA rushed them.

[QUOTE=imadaman;30989813]All this herp BioWare derp consoles makes me wonder if people noticed that EA rushed them.[/QUOTE] It's still designed the way it is because of consoles. DAO just didn't work well on them.

I am getting this game today... hope it's fun :D

[QUOTE=usaokay;29945204]Not important, but REIQ drew the Rule 34 version of Isabela. Find it in the second page of the Rule 34 thread in Fast Threads.[/QUOTE] I wonder how many dicks are in it.

Quick question, I finished playing DA:O logged in over 120 some hours, it was awesome. Now i'm going through Awakening and recently picked up DA:II because of the Steam sale. Is it necessary to play through all of Awakening to import your DA:O stuff?

[QUOTE=usaokay;31021362]Five. tagged because it contain penetrations and dicks [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Isabella_Clean_JG.jpg[/url] [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Isabella_Wet_JG.jpg[/url][/QUOTE] That is five dicks too many. Fun fact: iPhone corrects dicks to ducks which made that sentence hilarious.