Dragon Age 2: More Than Just a Sequel? Unpacking its Connection to Origins
Yes, Dragon Age 2 is undeniably a sequel to Dragon Age: Origins. However, labeling it merely as a sequel undersells its unique narrative approach and its contribution to the overarching Dragon Age story. While it continues the lore and timeline established in Origins, it does so through a different lens, offering a distinct perspective on the events unfolding in Thedas.
Understanding the Dragon Age Narrative Structure
The Dragon Age series deliberately avoids a single, continuous narrative with the same protagonist. Instead, each installment tells a self-contained story within the same world, allowing players to explore different regions, characters, and conflicts. This approach enriches the world-building and offers diverse gameplay experiences. Dragon Age 2 is a prime example of this, focusing on the story of Hawke, a refugee who rises to become a champion of Kirkwall, against the backdrop of political turmoil and magical unrest.
A Parallel Narrative
Dragon Age 2 doesn’t directly continue the story of the Grey Warden from Origins. Instead, it runs concurrently with and slightly after the Blight crisis in Ferelden. Hawke’s story begins just as the Blight is ending, offering a glimpse into the Free Marches, a region geographically and culturally distinct from Ferelden. While the Warden is battling the Archdemon, Hawke is struggling to survive in the aftermath of Lothering’s destruction and navigate the cutthroat politics of Kirkwall. This parallel narrative enriches the understanding of the world during that critical time.
How Dragon Age 2 Builds Upon Origins
Despite the shift in perspective and location, Dragon Age 2 remains deeply connected to its predecessor.
- Established Lore: Origins meticulously built the foundation of Thedas, its races, religions, and political landscape. Dragon Age 2 utilizes this established lore, allowing players to dive into a familiar yet different aspect of the world.
- Referenced Decisions: The game subtly acknowledges the player’s choices in Origins. Major decisions made by the Warden regarding the fate of Ferelden, the Circle of Magi, and other critical moments are referenced in dialogue and events, creating a sense of continuity.
- Returning Characters: While the player controls a new protagonist, familiar faces from Origins make appearances in Dragon Age 2. These cameos provide further connection to the previous game and allow players to see the lasting impact of their actions in Ferelden.
- The Blight’s Aftermath: The Blight, the central conflict of Origins, casts a long shadow over Dragon Age 2. The refugee crisis caused by the Blight impacts the Free Marches and contributes to the unrest in Kirkwall, demonstrating the widespread consequences of the events in Ferelden.
- Imported Choices: Dragon Age Keep helps you customize world states in each Dragon Age Game, it allows you to modify the past to affect the world.
Dragon Age 2’s Unique Identity
While connected to Origins, Dragon Age 2 establishes its own distinct identity through several key features:
- Focus on a Single City: Unlike Origins’ sprawling world map, Dragon Age 2 primarily takes place in and around Kirkwall. This narrow focus allows for deeper exploration of the city’s culture, politics, and the characters who inhabit it.
- Hawke’s Personal Story: The game emphasizes Hawke’s personal journey from refugee to champion. The player witnesses Hawke’s growth, struggles, and relationships over a decade, creating a more intimate and character-driven narrative.
- Political Intrigue: Dragon Age 2 delves into the complex political landscape of Kirkwall, featuring conflicts between the Templars, mages, and various factions vying for power. This political intrigue adds depth and complexity to the storyline.
- Narrative Structure: The game is presented as a story told by Varric Tethras to Cassandra Pentaghast, framing the events of Dragon Age 2 through a unique narrative lens. This framing device adds a layer of ambiguity and allows for unreliable narration, challenging the player’s perception of events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dragon Age 2 related to Origins?
Yes, Dragon Age 2 is related to Dragon Age: Origins. It’s a sequel that takes place during and after the events of Origins, though it follows a different protagonist and is set in a different region.
2. Do I need to play Origins before Dragon Age 2?
While not strictly required, playing Origins first is highly recommended. It establishes the lore, characters, and world of Thedas, enriching the experience of Dragon Age 2. You’ll appreciate the references and understand the larger context of the events.
3. Does Dragon Age 2 carry over from Origins?
Dragon Age 2 references decisions made in Origins, but these references don’t drastically alter the plot. The Dragon Age Keep allows players to create a custom world state.
4. Can I import my save file from Dragon Age: Origins into Dragon Age 2?
No, you cannot directly import a save file from Dragon Age: Origins into Dragon Age 2. However, the game allows you to make choices about events in Dragon Age: Origins to affect the world state of Dragon Age 2, influencing dialogues and some minor events.
5. Is the protagonist in Dragon Age: Origins the same as Dragon Age 2?
No, each Dragon Age game features a different protagonist. Dragon Age: Origins focuses on the Grey Warden, while Dragon Age 2 centers on Hawke.
6. Is Dragon Age: Origins connected to Inquisition?
Yes, Dragon Age: Origins is connected to Inquisition. The events, characters, and decisions from Origins have lasting effects on the world, which are referenced and sometimes directly impact the events of Inquisition.
7. Is Dragon Age 2 shorter than Origins?
Yes, Dragon Age 2 is generally shorter than Origins. Origins can take 60+ hours to complete, while Dragon Age 2 usually takes around 20-30 hours for the main story.
8. How long does Dragon Age 2 take place after Origins?
Dragon Age 2 starts concurrently with the end of Dragon Age: Origins and continues for about ten years after the Blight is defeated in Ferelden.
9. What order should I play the Dragon Age games in?
The recommended order is Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. This ensures you experience the story and world development in the intended sequence.
10. Does Dragon Age Inquisition follow Dragon Age 2?
Yes, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a direct sequel to Dragon Age 2. It continues the overarching narrative and explores the consequences of the events in Kirkwall.
11. Should I play all three Dragon Age games?
Yes, playing all three Dragon Age games is highly recommended for a complete and immersive experience. Each game builds upon the others, and your choices in previous games can influence later installments.
12. Why was Dragon Age 2 so rushed?
Dragon Age 2 was reportedly rushed due to EA’s desire to release the game quickly and avoid conflicts with other major title releases. This resulted in development compromises and criticisms regarding repetitive environments and story pacing.
13. How old is Hawke in DA2?
Hawke is approximately 25 years old at the start of Dragon Age 2 and 35 years old by the end of the game’s main story.
14. Is Dragon Age 2 combat better?
Combat improvements in Dragon Age II increased combat smoothness, immersion, and made it better for rogue and warrior classes.
15. Does Dragon Age: Origins still hold up?
Yes, Dragon Age: Origins still holds up well due to its rich story, engaging characters, and tactical combat. Its world-building and impactful choices make it a classic RPG experience. The Games Learning Society acknowledges the educational value found in the narrative structure of games like Dragon Age.
Dragon Age 2 is not just a sequel; it’s a companion piece to Origins. It broadens the scope of the Dragon Age universe and allows players to experience the events of that era from a different perspective. While it may have its flaws, Dragon Age 2 remains a vital and engaging chapter in the Dragon Age saga, bridging the gap between Origins and Inquisition. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.