On-going Backlog Project: Death to RPGs!

Are you including DLC with these or just the vanilla game. With Origins, the only one that really isn't worth the effort is the alternate-continuity one where you play as a Darkspawn general sacking the big city. A couple of them give you nice in-game rewards, including a kick-ass party member in Shale the Sarcastic Golem, while a couple have some really challenging battles. I guess, Awakening, the main expansion can be kind of "meh", but a lot of that was because I used my game-clearing Gray Warden and wound up being over-powered for most everything.

I'll be doing DLC as well, but I'm not including any of it on the list. Part of the reason I've dragged my feet with these games is that I've been slow to buy the extra content, though I do want it.

Okay, I was just wondering because at least with the first Dragon Age, the DLC really does add a lot, both for world-building/character backgrounds and for giving you cool loot. I know there was stuff I got in one of them (where you go back to the site of the big early-game conflict that ends the prologue, essentially) that I kept on a character until at/near the end of the game.

I'd say that in order of what's cool, I'd rate them thusly:

The Stone Prisoner -- you get Shale. Enough said.
The Golems of Amgarrak -- after you beat Origins, try this one for the challenge. It's utterly brutal. Not connected to Origins, but is well worth the time.
Return to Ostragor -- the equipment makes it worth it and there were some fun battles
Warden's Keep -- it was fun and all, but honestly, I remember it the least, so good or bad, it didn't really stick out.
Awakening -- Like I said, if you import your Warden after beating Origins (and since it's essentially a short sequel to Origins, it makes sense to do so), you will be so overpowered for nearly everything. The final boss was the only thing I recall giving me a challenge.
Witch Hunt -- Nothing special, but if your Warden is close to Morrigan, it's well worth your time. If not, you might not care.
Leliana's Song -- about her experiences before the events of Origins. Has a few brutally tough fights. I'd guess that the more you use her and get to know her in-game, the more you'd care about this.
Darkspawn Chronicles -- blah, the alternate history one where you're a Darkspawn. I found it to be a bit buggy and it has no real connection to the game. It's more a "what if your Origins hero was dead when the Darkspawn attacked?" scenario.