Restarted Dragon Age today

By Jonathan Stark · July 15, 2010

I never got very far in my first play through before putting it down for months.

In that time, I did a bit of soul searching and realized that the characters I play in these kind of games are not the characters I actually LIKE to play.

I don't know why I do this, but I have this thing for playing elven women mages. I think, aesthetically, these characters interest me. However, I hate keeping track of spells, I can't sympathize with the elven race, and I'm not a woman.

When I started up Dragon Age again today, I couldn't remember half of the controls or how I had been developing my character. Also, she was still elven and a mage.

So I started over. Completely. And went the totally opposite direction. I'm playing a dwarven warrior male.

And I'm fucking loving it.

I still don't go in for the millions of possible conversations and, frankly, I get a little wierded out when complete strangers tell me their life's history. But now I can enjoy Dragon Age. And I intend to.

Comments 6

WilltheGreat Jul 15, 2010

I've been considering playing through again as well. Though as a rogue.

But then again I live in constant denial of BioWare's inability to structure a roleplaying game on the assumption that the PC might not play a straight melee fighter or a spell-slinging combat mage. I might be right this time. Can anyone vouch for the validity of Dragon Age's roguish playstyle?

EmP Staff Jul 15, 2010

I played the same end file a few times to see a few different endings. I was set for another reply, but found MMass effect and decided to beat that agian.

Still don't have the pary member achievments despite having the same two people in my party since forever.

Genj Jul 15, 2010

If you're talking about the ally achievements for Mass Effect, the "most of the game" requirement includes side quests, so you can't skip many of them. I only got them for Garrus and Wrex my first time through the game. I missed some side quests but I got Garrus' during the middle of that last planet and I got Wrex right when I got to the final boss. If you're trying to get it for Liara, you pretty much have to wait on any of the Citadel side quests, get her immediately, and go back.

EmP Staff Jul 15, 2010

Ash/Wrex. Same two I beat the game with on my first playthrough were I did all the side and main quests with them, but still got nothing. Not too fussed; I'm trying to be a super arse this time around, and it's a blast.

zippdementia Blogger Jul 15, 2010

From what I've seen already, the mage requires a lot more micro managing than the other characters, not just of the mage... but of the entire group. S/he also requires more planning, since you really have to choose the kind of spells you want to focus on and stick to that course if you don't want a bunch of weak level skills.

Suskie Jul 15, 2010

The ally achievements in Mass Effect are pretty much universally regarded as broken. I believe the breakdown is that you need to complete 35 story missions and 45 side quests with them, but it often doesn't seem to work right. Like, the second time I beat the game, I got Tali's achievement during the last scene but didn't get Wrex's, even though I played the entire thing with both of them. I eventually got all six through sheer perseverance (i.e. beating the game ten times).

On topic: I'm glad to hear you're getting into Dragon Age. I don't fit into the group that thinks it's totally the bestest and most awesomest game ever, but it was one of my favorites from last year and I've been meaning to return for a second run.