Should I Skip Dragon Age 2?
Introduction
Dragon Age 2 is a role-playing game developed by BioWare, released in 2011. It’s the second installment in the Dragon Age series, following Dragon Age: Origins and preceding Dragon Age: Inquisition. The game received mixed reviews from critics and players, which might leave you wondering whether it’s worth your time. In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of playing Dragon Age 2 and provide an honest answer to the question: should you skip Dragon Age 2?
Direct Answer
Skip it.
But don’t worry, we’ll break down our reasoning below. Before you jump to conclusions, let’s take a look at the game’s key features and drawbacks.
Key Features
- New story: Dragon Age 2 offers a fresh storyline with new characters and a new setting.
- Improved combat mechanics: The game’s combat system is more action-oriented and responsive.
- New class: The Champion, a new playable class, was introduced in Dragon Age 2.
Drawbacks
- Linearity: The game’s story is more linear compared to its predecessor, Dragon Age: Origins.
- Less exploration: The game’s world is smaller and less explorable than the original.
- Recycled locations: Many areas are reused from the first game.
- Less emphasis on player choice: Player choices have less impact on the story.
- Technical issues: Dragon Age 2 was criticized for its numerous technical issues, such as crashes and bugs.
Should I Still Play Dragon Age 2?
If you’re considering playing Dragon Age 2, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you a completionist looking to play every game in the series?
- Do you enjoy playing a new storyline with a different protagonist?
- Are you a fan of the new combat mechanics?
If your answers are yes, you might still want to give Dragon Age 2 a try. However, if you’re looking for a game with a deep, branching story or a large open world to explore, you might want to skip it.
What about the DLCs?
The game has several DLC packs, including the Exiled Prince and Legacy DLC. These packs offer new storylines, characters, and game mechanics. However, the DLCs are not essential to understanding the main story.
Comparison with Dragon Age: Inquisition
If you’ve already played Dragon Age: Origins or are planning to play Dragon Age: Inquisition, you might be wondering how Dragon Age 2 compares. Here’s a brief summary:
| Game | Storyline | Combat | Exploration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | Deep, branching story | Turn-based | Large open world |
| Dragon Age 2 | Linear storyline | Action-oriented combat | Smaller world |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition | Branching story with multiple endings | Action-oriented combat | Large open world |
As you can see, Dragon Age: Origins is considered the most iconic game in the series, while Dragon Age: Inquisition is the most well-received game in terms of overall gameplay and story.
FAQs
- Is Dragon Age 2 better than the original?
No, the original Dragon Age: Origins is considered better than Dragon Age 2 due to its more complex story, deeper characters, and larger open world.
- Is Dragon Age 2 necessary to play the Inquisition?
No, you can play Dragon Age: Inquisition without playing Dragon Age 2. The game’s story is self-contained, and you won’t miss any crucial plot points.
- What about the soundtrack?
The soundtrack for Dragon Age 2, composed by Trevor Morris, is generally considered weaker than the original’s soundtrack by Jack Wall and Inon Zur.
- Is Dragon Age 2 worth playing on lower difficulties?
Yes, Dragon Age 2 is still worth playing on lower difficulties, especially if you’re new to the series. The game’s story is enjoyable, and the combat mechanics are more forgiving on lower difficulties.
- Are the companions unique?
Most companions in Dragon Age 2 are similar to each other, with less distinct personalities and motivations compared to those in Dragon Age: Origins.
- What about the game’s setting?
Dragon Age 2 takes place in Kirkwall, a city filled with strife and politics. The setting is darker and more gritty than the original game, but it can feel somewhat samey and limited.
- Are there any significant plot twists?
While Dragon Age 2 has some interesting plot twists, they are not as memorable or impactful as those in Dragon Age: Origins.
- Should I play Dragon Age 2 if I’m new to the series?
If you’re new to the series, it’s recommended to start with Dragon Age: Origins. The game offers a more comprehensive and immersive experience, setting the stage for the series’ subsequent installments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dragon Age 2 has some enjoyable elements, it’s not essential to play the game in order to fully experience the series. If you’re looking for a game with a deep, branching story, a large open world, or memorable characters, you might want to skip Dragon Age 2 and focus on its more well-received predecessors or sequels. However, if you’re interested in playing every game in the series or trying out a new storyline and combat mechanics, Dragon Age 2 might still be worth your time.