Is Dragon Age: Origins the First Game in the Series?
Dragon Age: Origins, released in 2009, is widely considered a landmark game in the fantasy RPG genre. But, is it indeed the first game in the series? The answer is not as simple as it seems. Let’s dive into the history of the Dragon Age franchise to uncover the truth.
A Brief History of Dragon Age
Before we answer the question, let’s quickly recap the history of Dragon Age:
- Dragon Age: Origins (2009): The first mainline game in the series, set in the fantasy world of Ferelden.
- Dragon Age: Awakening (2010): The first expansion pack, set one decade after the events of Origins.
- Dragon Age 2 (2011): The second mainline game, set in the city of Kirkwall.
- Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014): The third mainline game, set in a newly created world.
- Dragon Age: Origins – Ultimate Edition (2010): A compilation of the base game and its DLC content.
- Dragon Age: Legends (2011): A free-to-play, mobile spin-off game.
Is Dragon Age: Origins the First Game?
While Dragon Age: Origins is often referred to as the first game in the series, it’s not entirely accurate. The answer lies in the prequel novellas and other media, which precede the events of Origins.
- The Novellas: Published between 2008 and 2009, these novellas told the story of the Tevinter Imperium, the Qunari, and the events leading up to the Chosen One’s awakening.
- Dragon Age: The World of Thedas: A companion book, released in 2010, which provided insight into the lore and history of the world of Thedas.
- Dragon Age: Chronicles of the Throne: A free digital comic series, published between 2010 and 2011, which explored the backstory of the Orlesian Empire and its decline.
Chronological Order of the Dragon Age Media
To put it simply:
| Media | Release Year | Chronological Order |
|---|---|---|
| Novellas | 2008-2009 | Ancient History |
| Comics (Throne) | 2010-2011 | Ancient History |
| Book (World of Thedas) | 2010 | Ancient History |
| Origins | 2009 | Pre-History of Ferelden |
| Awakening | 2010 | 1 decade after Origins |
| Dragon Age 2 | 2011 | 8 years after Awakening |
| Inquisition | 2014 | 300 years after DA2 |
As you can see, Dragon Age: Origins is not the first game in the series, but rather a significant event in the larger timeline. The novellas, comics, and book established the world’s ancient history, making Origins a key chapter in the overall narrative.
In Conclusion
While Dragon Age: Origins is often referred to as the first game in the series, it’s important to understand the prequel novellas and other media that preceded it. These stories weave together to create a rich tapestry of lore, making Dragon Age a unique and immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the main story of Dragon Age: Origins?
- The game follows the player’s character, the Warden, as they attempt to unite the various factions of Ferelden against the looming threat of the Blight, a dark and ancient evil.
- Is Dragon Age: Origins the only game in the series that doesn’t have a numbered title?
- Yes, Origins is the only mainline game without a numbered title.
- Can I play the Dragon Age: Origins game with multiplayer?
- No, Dragon Age: Origins does not have multiplayer features.
- Is Dragon Age: Origins considered a classic?
- Yes, Dragon Age: Origins is widely regarded as a classic RPG and has been praised for its engaging story, deep characters, and challenging combat.
- Is there a dragon in the game?
- No, there is no playable dragon in Dragon Age: Origins, although there are a few minor dragon appearances throughout the game.
- Can I romance characters in Dragon Age: Origins?
- Yes, there are several romantic interests in the game, including male and female companions.
- Is Dragon Age: Origins still supported by Bioware?
- No, Dragon Age: Origins is no longer receiving major updates or new content, although patches may still be released for compatibility and stability issues.
- Can I play Dragon Age: Origins on modern gaming platforms?
- Yes, the game is available on modern gaming platforms, including Steam, GOG, and the Origins Trilogy compilation, which includes Awakening and other DLC content.
I hope this article has clarified the question "Is Dragon Age: Origins the first game in the series?" and provided valuable insights into the world of Thedas.