Game News Dragon Age 2 Announced

[Raghar]

“Dragon Age II has a framed narrative structure, which means that
the exploits of Hawke occured in the past, but are being retold in the
present.”

I don't think they've done that before either could be interesting.

They copied Alpha protocol.

 

[kris]

“Dragon Age II has a framed narrative structure, which means that
the exploits of Hawke occured in the past, but are being retold in the
present.”

I don't think they've done that before either could be interesting.

They copied Alpha protocol.

Yeah, noticed that. Funny in an awkward way.

Overall most the things I heard about DA2 this far is bad or really bad. Only things I seen as positive are minor as for how the 10 year plot could been made interesting or how a different setting would be neat.

 

[Volourn]

"They copied Alpha protocol."

No.

 

[Brother None]

"No."

Yes.

 

[circ]

"Yes."

Yes.

r00fles!

 

[GarfunkeL]

darkpatriot, how does the Bio cock taste? Good? Or otherwise you are fucking retarded.

Bioware is dropping the typical save the world/ defeat the big bad dude plot

The fuck they are. They had that in ME as well, it'll be back for sure, no matter what "Hawke is driving the plot" they peddle in the design doc.

Also they are using the decade long game span to show in game consequences (and thus C&C seems to be a major goal of the game)

We're gonna be lucky if it's even similar to the C&C you got from the origins. Most likely its cosmetic BS like ME1->ME2. I remember all the Bio-defenders claiming how great C&C is in ME1 and how we will have to wait for ME2 to see its fruits - GUESS WHAT NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. So actually believing that Bio could deliver a game that includes meaningful C&C for a decade is really stupid. Seriously, I can sell you a bridge in Florida - really cheap!

PC version will probably tweak combat but not change it much.

Even more idiotic statement. Since they are first making it for the consoles and only secondly to PC, there is no point (profit-wise) to make two different combat systems. And since 90% of their customers are apparently brain-damaged vegetables who found the combat somehow difficult and challenging, it's very easy to guess which way its going - and again, believing that the PC-version would somehow stay similar to the first one is naivety beyond belief.

And concerning the dialogue wheel it is to be expected and not necessarily bad

Well, sure if you want to create an action game, its great. For a story-driven RPG it sucks donkey balls and there's no two ways about it.

People don't want to read what they are going to say and then hear it voiced.

There is no good/evil meter in DA so dialogue won't be split into paragon/renegade like it was is ME.

WELL GUESS WHATS GOING TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN DA2?

Including addressing some things that have been long time complaints of the Codex

Considering that DA:O doesn't even reach the level of their earlier games, I find this very hard to believe.

So, here's a little bird for you -

 

[darkpatriot]

darkpatriot, how does the Bio cock taste? Good? Or otherwise you are fucking retarded.

Garfunkel, how does your blinding hatred of Bio feel? Good? Or otherwise you are fucking retarded.

Bioware is dropping the typical save the world/ defeat the big bad dude plot

The fuck they are. They had that in ME as well, it'll be back for sure, no matter what "Hawke is driving the plot" they peddle in the design doc.

Mass effect marketing was quite clear about Saren being the Big Bad(even though he ultimately wasn't) and that there was a galaxy at stake.

So far the marketing for DA2 is quite different.

Also they are using the decade long game span to show in game consequences (and thus C&C seems to be a major goal of the game)

We're gonna be lucky if it's even similar to the C&C you got from the origins. Most likely its cosmetic BS like ME1->ME2. I remember all the Bio-defenders claiming how great C&C is in ME1 and how we will have to wait for ME2 to see its fruits - GUESS WHAT NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. So actually believing that Bio could deliver a game that includes meaningful C&C for a decade is really stupid. Seriously, I can sell you a bridge in Florida - really cheap!

Look at the trend. When Gaider actually came here (Before the Codex had gone completely retarded) he talked about how dragon age was going to have more C&C than any previous Bioware game. And he was correct. Dragon age had quite a bit. One of things that bioware is excited about is the opportunity to do a sequel in the same engine. They will be able to just design content and not mess with the engine much. Similar to the BG2 situation. Bioware is trending towards more C&C in their games and it looks like they are attempting to use the more focused design resources to include more in DA2 (having the game span 10 years is a design decision that complements this).

Retarded cynicism is the only reason to believe they won't be including more C&C.

PC version will probably tweak combat but not change it much.

Even more idiotic statement. Since they are first making it for the consoles and only secondly to PC, there is no point (profit-wise) to make two different combat systems. And since 90% of their customers are apparently brain-damaged vegetables who found the combat somehow difficult and challenging, it's very easy to guess which way its going - and again, believing that the PC-version would somehow stay similar to the first one is naivety beyond belief.

Except it is what they said in the magazine. So I guess you think thy are lying. It's also only making one additional combat system. The PC one already exists. And since it probably won't be entirely different it won't even take the resources of making one from scratch. The real cost is gonna be in having to design each encounter/level twice anyway. They will be able to use the same animations and special effects though so that will cut costs.

The PC version did not receive many criticisms about combat and quite a bit of praise. Console did receive many criticisms about combat and very little praise. As they take input into account for making DA2 they see that combat for console sucked. They decide to revamp it. Bioware has a lot of resources nowadays (you may not have noticed) and they are able to pull it off. To think that they wouldn't do this is again, retarded cynicism.

And concerning the dialogue wheel it is to be expected and not necessarily bad

Well, sure if you want to create an action game, its great. For a story-driven RPG it sucks donkey balls and there's no two ways about it.

How does it hamstring a story-driven RPG? To say the wheel is incapable of telling a story is incorrect.

As other people have said it will increase the number of times your character will not approach something from the angle you were expecting but that just adds some frustration and annoyance.

People don't want to read what they are going to say and then hear it voiced.

What I stated is correct. Unless you think I meant every single person and specifically you by people. If you think that then well...

There is no good/evil meter in DA so dialogue won't be split into paragon/renegade like it was is ME.

WELL GUESS WHATS GOING TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN DA2?

is "No morality meter" the correct answer? If you've heard differently please enlighten me.

Including addressing some things that have been long time complaints of the Codex

Considering that DA:O doesn't even reach the level of their earlier games, I find this very hard to believe.

So, here's a little bird for you -

Except for more C&C (which I find pretty important in an RPG). Also more multiple quest solutions than any previous Bioware game. That's not even opinion, that is a true statement.

Also 2 long time complaints of the Codex. All Bioware stories are the same. Bioware games have crappy C&C. From what has been revealed so far It looks like they are attempting to address these two points.

How successful they will be we will have to see but the way most people were ignoring two points that should be of Interest to them I found a little silly.

Your post was, However, an excellent post for illustrating the Hivemind circlejerk poo flinging that disappoints me most in the Codex. Not that everyone here is like you. Some people are Healthy Skeptics as opposed to Retarded Cynics. Try and be more like them. You will find an inner balance.

 

[treave]

Also they are using the decade long game span to show in game consequences (and thus C&C seems to be a major goal of the game)

We're gonna be lucky if it's even similar to the C&C you got from the origins. Most likely its cosmetic BS like ME1->ME2. I remember all the Bio-defenders claiming how great C&C is in ME1 and how we will have to wait for ME2 to see its fruits - GUESS WHAT NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. So actually believing that Bio could deliver a game that includes meaningful C&C for a decade is really stupid. Seriously, I can sell you a bridge in Florida - really cheap!

Uh, OBVIOUSLY THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE IN ME3 SHIT, it's designed as at trilogy, Biowere are designing longerterm so the consequences will be seen in the final act.

Second act is all about setting up the final act with even mroe consequences of your actions, not about seeing the consequences of yoru actions in the first one.

 

[circ]

Mass effect marketing was quite clear about Saren being the Big Bad(even though he ultimately wasn't) and that there was a galaxy at stake.

So far the marketing for DA2 is quite different.

Also known as a BioWare plot twist(tm). So how exactly did ME differ from the BioWare story formula?

Look at the trend. When Gaider actually came here (Before the Codex had gone completely retarded) he talked about how dragon age was going to have more C&C than any previous Bioware game. And he was correct. Dragon age had quite a bit. One of things that bioware is excited about is the opportunity to do a sequel in the same engine. They will be able to just design content and not mess with the engine much. Similar to the BG2 situation. Bioware is trending towards more C&C in their games and it looks like they are attempting to use the more focused design resources to include more in DA2 (having the game span 10 years is a design decision that complements this).

Retarded cynicism is the only reason to believe they won't be including more C&C.

But what C&C then, you forgot to mention how amazing it was my friend! Do I free Sten or not? Do I let Leilana join or not? Do I side with the Templars or Wizards? Elves or Werewolves? Golems or Dwarves? - All ultimately giving me flavor text in one of the worst end crawls I've ever seen in a game. And I think you're confusing reality with cynicism. Remember the promised C&C that would carry over to ME2 from ME1? Like.. Oh, there was that Asari that gave you a message how the Rachni were doing A OK, or not. Yeah.

...retarded cynicism.

Or market reality.

Except for more C&C (which I find pretty important in an RPG). Also more multiple quest solutions than any previous Bioware game. That's not even opinion, that is a true statement.

Also 2 long time complaints of the Codex. All Bioware stories are the same. Bioware games have crappy C&C. From what has been revealed so far It looks like they are attempting to address these two points.

Multiple quest sobulations? 4realz? The kind that BW are known for?? Oh wait. Dude, Gaider and co. can plug any fucking thing they want. That doesn't mean it's going to be implemented in the finished product. Like.. a party container. Released as a DLC.. Yeah. Also, there are a shit load of bugs in DA:O, still, and they're already releasing a release statement for DA 2, not to mention several DLC's? Someone know anything about priorities? How can you address anything when you're still using Gaider as a writer? Among other things.

 

[darkpatriot]

Mass effect marketing was quite clear about Saren being the Big Bad(even though he ultimately wasn't) and that there was a galaxy at stake.

So far the marketing for DA2 is quite different.

Also known as a BioWare plot twist(tm). So how exactly did ME differ from the BioWare story formula?

Reread that exchange again starting from the top. You missed the point.

Look at the trend. When Gaider actually came here (Before the Codex had gone completely retarded) he talked about how dragon age was going to have more C&C than any previous Bioware game. And he was correct. Dragon age had quite a bit. One of things that bioware is excited about is the opportunity to do a sequel in the same engine. They will be able to just design content and not mess with the engine much. Similar to the BG2 situation. Bioware is trending towards more C&C in their games and it looks like they are attempting to use the more focused design resources to include more in DA2 (having the game span 10 years is a design decision that complements this).

Retarded cynicism is the only reason to believe they won't be including more C&C.

But what C&C then, you forgot to mention how amazing it was my friend! Do I free Sten or not? Do I let Leilana join or not? Do I side with the Templars or Wizards? Elves or Werewolves? Golems or Dwarves? - All ultimately giving me flavor text in one of the worst end crawls I've ever seen in a game. And I think you're confusing reality with cynicism. Remember the promised C&C that would carry over to ME2 from ME1? Like.. Oh, there was that Asari that gave you a message how the Rachni were doing A OK, or not. Yeah.

You've posted some examples so I don't see the need. All of those examples had more than flavor text as consequences BTW. I get the feeling you are confusing a complex branching narrative with Choices and Consequences. There is a post above yours explaining the Mass Effect situation.

Also the decade span gives them the opportunity to show in game consequences as opposed to an ending slideshow. They have said as much in one of the information tidbits on the internet but I'm not going to bother finding it for you since you are bringing weak arguments.

Except for more C&C (which I find pretty important in an RPG). Also more multiple quest solutions than any previous Bioware game. That's not even opinion, that is a true statement.

Also 2 long time complaints of the Codex. All Bioware stories are the same. Bioware games have crappy C&C. From what has been revealed so far It looks like they are attempting to address these two points.

Multiple quest sobulations? 4realz? The kind that BW are known for?? Oh wait. Dude, Gaider and co. can plug any fucking thing they want. That doesn't mean it's going to be implemented in the finished product. Like.. a party container. Released as a DLC.. Yeah. Also, there are a shit load of bugs in DA:O, still, and they're already releasing a release statement for DA 2, not to mention several DLC's? Someone know anything about priorities? How can you address anything when you're still using Gaider as a writer? Among other things.

There are large number of quests with multiple solutions in DA:O. Every one of those C&C examples you posted earlier uses them.

Please bring better thought out(or at least better expressed) arguments next time. If you don't at least make the attempt to improve I'm going to have to not respond to you next time.

 

[Shannow]

Hivemind is so Hivemind sometimes. Way to skip over some important implications in what they have released so far.

Bioware is dropping the typical save the world/ defeat the big bad dude plot. Instead it is a personal story about the characters rise to power. Also they are using the decade long game span to show in game consequences (and thus C&C seems to be a major goal of the game). These are two facts they considered important enough to make major points in the press release and the limited information available on the page.

So he was that little kid in Lothering that was unkillable?

But Bio's listening to the codex again. Last time they gave us C&C, this time we don't have to save the land, continent, world, universe, multiverse from the ancient evil (tm). This time it will be a personal, cinematic story about love, heroes and Hawky's rise to power. Yay.
And I can play as a phalanx of one. That'll be awesome.

DA:O: Play through game with decisions at A, B, C, D, etc. Get to the end and see consequences a, b, c, d, etc.
DA2: "Hey Hawky, do you remember when we...?" play past make A --> a in the present.
Next: "Hey Hawky, do you remember when we...?" play past make B --> b in the present.
etc.

I guess a storyfag may see this as an improvement.
Unless the present then advances to the future mid-game while your choices all continue mattering (huge waste of resources) I don't see a difference between having the green guys as allies in the end instead of the red guys and seeing some different ending slides, and having some fluff text and an ending mid-game slide before revisiting the next heroic deed.

Yeah, we, the hivemind, completely ignored those points

Instead everyone just bitches and moans. Bioware is actually addressing some of the criticisms you have had of them.

While introducing new *facepalms*. And those "some" criticisms are neither the only ones nor the biggest ones. And what kind of hypocrite are you that one time we "bitch and moan" about future crap from Bio, but when our "bitching and moaning" was clearly validated in the past you label it as "criticism"?

Concerning the combat overhaul it is looking like it is primarily targeted at the console version (Dragon age combat didn't work super great on the console). PC version will probably tweak combat but not change it much.

So it'll stay bad? Yay.

And concerning the dialogue wheel it is to be expected and not necessarily bad.

Yes, yes it is.

Protagonist is now fully voiced.

Who cares?

People don't want to read what they are going to say and then hear it voiced. That is one of the primary reasons they went to it for mass effect.

Why the fuck should I care what retards like?

There is no good/evil meter in DA so dialogue won't be split into paragon/renegade like it was is ME.

So what?

From what it sounded like to me it said that each choice would also have a symbol paired with it indicating tone. This helps mitigate your character doing/saying something that you didn't intend for them when you selected it.

Yes, but why do you point out retarded design decisions that we've already covered?

Also just like Obsidian, Bioware is trying to do new things with the dialog tree. It stayed basically the same for 15 years. I'm not that upset they are trying some new things with it. ME wheel was ok (not great) and it sounds like they are trying to evolve it some.

If it's not broke, don't fix it. Just as good as the "evolution" from turn-based to bad real-time (with pause). Yay.

Anyway, in conclusion It looks like Bioware is trying some new things (for them at least).

New != good. And how is introducing MEh elements into DA2 new or innovative?

Including addressing some things that have been long time complaints of the Codex

You are fucking kidding.

Also developers used to be interested in the Codex, despite the general poo flinging, because they could get decent critical analysis of their games. Maybe you people should try and reconnect with that instead of hivemind circlejerk poo flinging.

Why is it our fault that devs can't deal with (constructive) criticism while ignoring all-pervasive internetards?

Just go back to Bio's basement and make some coffee or something. And tell them that they will not improve their standing here by sending us their interns.

 

[circ]

Reread that exchange again starting from the top. You missed the point.

No I didn't. That was a reply to the fact that BW promises a different story, but delivers that same one.

You've posted some examples so I don't see the need. All of those examples had more than flavor text as consequences BTW. I get the feeling you are confusing a complex branching narrative with Choices and Consequences. There is a post above yours explaining the Mass Effect situation.

They did? I'm... not sure how you came to that conclusion. Side with elves - get item + support. Side with werewolves, spare elves - get item + support. Side with werewolves, kill elven leader - get item + support. And of course the obvious flavor text. Ok so nothing more than infantile C&C there, let's move on. Tower of magi maybe? Kill Wynne or side with mages, kill Wynne later when you turn bloodmage? Still not feeling the complexity. Let's try Orzammar. Nope, no particular effect, unless you got a ridiculous DLC. And even then, flavor text. Landsmeet then? Get Loghain or Alistair. Guy with muddled murky motivations or crybaby? Doesn't matter, it's just some additional dialogue and again, flavor text.

Also the decade span gives them the opportunity to show in game consequences as opposed to an ending slideshow. They have said as much in one of the information tidbits on the internet but I'm not going to bother finding it for you since you are bringing weak arguments.

You know what they're going to do when there's a large period of time passing (as always)? Throw in an extra movie.

There are large number of quests with multiple solutions in DA:O. Every one of those C&C examples you posted earlier uses them.

I thought you said my examples weren't C&C, even though they had just that - C&C. Anyhow, multiple quest solutions. None of the sidequests have any. Some have a failure script. Main quests (some not all), have on occasion two possible solutions - good or evil, which surprise, doesn't matter fuck all. No one but your groupmates care if you're good or evil, and they can be bribed with a shitload of items scattered all around. So how do, on occasion, two branches, not very complex ones either, make it a large number of multiple solutions? Two alignment choices isn't exactly complex.

 

[Darth Roxor]

You're still going to buy it the day it comes out and secretly enjoy it, so please stop wasting our bandwidth with your incessant drivel.

 

[circ]

You're still going to buy it the day it comes out and secretly enjoy it, so please stop wasting our bandwidth with your incessant drivel.

Oh. Well if that were true I'd probably still have it installed after finishing it for a quick impressions post. And I'd probably be all over that Leliana DLC. But oh shit, I'm not. I never did play Awakening, even though it was already out when I played through. Seems like a good thing too, as it seems so bad I would have probably registered at Bio forums just to call Gaider and co. fucking retards.

 

[darkpatriot]

Yeah, we, the hivemind, completely ignored those points

Only a handful of people seemed to be aware of the implication. I felt it deserved a more central role in the discussion. All everyone was doing was rehashing old complaints and trying to drag as much doom and gloom as possible out of every bit of information

Instead everyone just bitches and moans. Bioware is actually addressing some of the criticisms you have had of them.

While introducing new *facepalms*. And those "some" criticisms are neither the only ones nor the biggest ones. And what kind of hypocrite are you that one time we "bitch and moan" about future crap from Bio, but when our "bitching and moaning" was clearly validated in the past you label it as "criticism"?

Concerning the combat overhaul it is looking like it is primarily targeted at the console version (Dragon age combat didn't work super great on the console). PC version will probably tweak combat but not change it much.

So it'll stay bad? Yay.

I thought PC combat worked fine. They'll improve it some to be sure but I don't see them changing it drastically. And I called it bitching and moaning because that is largely what it going on in this thread.

http://www.somethingawful.com/d/video-g ... action.php

I don't agree with a lot in there but it illustrates some points. Especially the jumping to conclusions about the combat system based off a few buzzwords in the press release.

Criticism differs from bitching and moaning. Pointing out the flaws in something is criticizing. Saying them time and time again to the same audience is bitching and moaning.

Also just like Obsidian, Bioware is trying to do new things with the dialog tree. It stayed basically the same for 15 years. I'm not that upset they are trying some new things with it. ME wheel was ok (not great) and it sounds like they are trying to evolve it some.

If it's not broke, don't fix it. Just as good as the "evolution" from turn-based to bad real-time (with pause). Yay.

Voiced protagonist and the Cinematic dialog cut scenes broke it. Now they are trying to fix it. They haven't reached that goal yet but they are trying. I believe it can work better than the old dialog tree.

You obviously disagree and I don't see that particular conversation going any ware.

I also love turn based combat... in strategy/tactical games. RPGs have rarely had great turn based combat systems. RPGs where you control a single character have never had great turn based combat systems. Passable but never great. Nothing wrong with either Turn-based or Real time w/pause. Depends on the implementation.

Anyway, in conclusion It looks like Bioware is trying some new things (for them at least).

New != good. And how is introducing MEh elements into DA2 new or innovative?

Going off the bioware beaten path storywise. Looks like they will be trying some possibly interesting things with C&C. And they are working on improving the dialog wheel (not just copy pasting it from ME).

Including addressing some things that have been long time complaints of the Codex

You are fucking kidding.

Long time codex complaint number one: Bioware keeps telling the same story over and over
Long time codex complaint number two: Bioware only does cosmetic C&C

Point number two has already been partially addressed but looks like they will improve it further.

Also developers used to be interested in the Codex, despite the general poo flinging, because they could get decent critical analysis of their games. Maybe you people should try and reconnect with that instead of hivemind circlejerk poo flinging.

Why is it our fault that devs can't deal with (constructive) criticism while ignoring all-pervasive internetards?

Just go back to Bio's basement and make some coffee or something. And tell them that they will not improve their standing here by sending us their interns.

They stopped coming because there wasn't very much worthwhile criticism. Not because all the retardation finally got to them.

Interesting you seem to think I have some affiliation with bioware or that bioware has some concern for their standing on the RPGcodex.


Also to address some points I haven't bothered with because I largely agree. There was to much uninteresting filler combat in DA:O. I hope they fix this with better encounter designs and some tweaks to the combat system.

Also restricting the character to the last name Hawke (which might as well be the only name of the character) and losing the origins/races will restrict character customization/personalization but hopefully they make up for it by building a better narrative without having to worry about those things.

edit: fixed a quote box

 

[circ]

I also love turn based combat... in strategy/tactical games. RPGs have rarely had great turn based combat systems. RPGs where you control a single character have never had great turn based combat systems. Passable but never great. Nothing wrong with either Turn-based or Real time w/pause. Depends on the implementation.

You must not have played ToEE. Or Fallouts 1 and 2. Or Magic Candle. Or Phantasie. Gold Box games. Wizardries. Or for the ultimate in turn-based, Jagged Alliance 2, although ToEE did have some innovations too. It's turn-based, I'm not sure what you're expecting it to do.

 

[darkpatriot]

No I didn't. That was a reply to the fact that BW promises a different story, but delivers that same one.

Bioware didn't promise a different story with Mass Effect. It was clear from the marketing that there was a big bad guy and you were trying to save the galaxy.

They did? I'm... not sure how you came to that conclusion. Side with elves - get item + support. Side with werewolves, spare elves - get item + support. Side with werewolves, kill elven leader - get item + support. And of course the obvious flavor text. Ok so nothing more than infantile C&C there, let's move on. Tower of magi maybe? Kill Wynne or side with mages, kill Wynne later when you turn bloodmage? Still not feeling the complexity. Let's try Orzammar. Nope, no particular effect, unless you got a ridiculous DLC. And even then, flavor text. Landsmeet then? Get Loghain or Alistair. Guy with muddled murky motivations or crybaby? Doesn't matter, it's just some additional dialogue and again, flavor text.

You understand those are all consequences based off your choices, right? Many of them with in game consequences? Like I said it's not Complex Branching narrative but it is leaps and bounds above BG2.

I thought you said my examples weren't C&C, even though they had just that - C&C. Anyhow, multiple quest solutions. None of the sidequests have any. Some have a failure script. Main quests (some not all), have on occasion two possible solutions - good or evil, which surprise, doesn't matter fuck all. No one but your groupmates care if you're good or evil, and they can be bribed with a shitload of items scattered all around. So how do, on occasion, two branches, not very complex ones either, make it a large number of multiple solutions? Two alignment choices isn't exactly complex.

The board quests are just about the only ones that don't have multiple ways to accomplish them/multiple outcomes. Also they were pretty successful shifting away from good/evil in DA:O. I'm not going to bother listing examples or linking to articles examining them(they aren't to hard to find if you look though) since they are easy to see if you played the game and aren't retarded. Other games have done it better than Dragon Age, however.

You managed to present your ideas more clearly this time. If you keep improving at this rate I see a bright future for you.

 

[darkpatriot]

You must not have played ToEE. Or Fallouts 1 and 2. Or Magic Candle. Or Phantasie. Gold Box games. Wizardries. Or for the ultimate in turn-based, Jagged Alliance 2, although ToEE did have some innovations too. It's turn-based, I'm not sure what you're expecting it to do.

Played ToEE and didn't play very long since it didn't do very much for me. Probably since I'd already done quite a bit of P&P 3rd edition and wasn't much of a fan from that.

Fallout 1 and 2 didn't have great combat. It was only passable. Other things made those games good.

Gold Box games had great combat for the time. It wouldn't stack up so well nowadays. It was party based however and you can do good party based turn based.

Same for Ultima 5 and 3 (the ones I played).

Never played jagged alliance but I hear it was pretty good. XCOM was fantastic. These are both strategy/tactical games however and not RPGs.

I also liked silent storm (until you got the robot WTF?)

Games I didn't mention I've never played so can't comment. Always wanted to play the magic candle game however. I'll have to see if it is available on abandonia.

Also Darklands was one of the best RPGs ever and did things that still haven't been done again in modern times. It had a real-time combat system. It wasn't very great. Combat is of secondary importance to me when playing RPGs. I enjoy good combat but it isn't necessary.

 

[KalosKagathos]

Well, DA:O was by design a 2004ish game. So with DA2, Bio can redesign it from ground up and do something new. This is a good thing. I hope they scrap the outdated realtime-with-pause combat and replace it with something akin to Demon's Souls.

DS combat > DA combat. TB would be the real way to improve DA combat, but you can never, ever go wrong with replacing RTwP with something else. Hell, even Dynasty Warriors close-your-eyes-mash-the-attack-button-and-win combat is better than RTwP.

 

[Shannow]

You're still going to buy it the day it comes out and secretly enjoy it, so please stop wasting our bandwidth with your incessant drivel.

I see you are still searching new lows to your stupidity. A true patriot

 

[Radisshu]

[

“Dragon Age II has a framed narrative structure, which means that
the exploits of Hawke occured in the past, but are being retold in the
present.”

I don't think they've done that before either could be interesting.

So it's Alpha Protocol: Ferelden?

 

[Silellak]

"No."

Yes.

Bioware copying Alpha Protocol here seems...unlikely. For one thing, DA2 has cretainly been in development for awhile, and somehow I doubt they completely changed the storytelling format in the last couple of months since AP came out.

Besides, it wasn't exactly an original storytelling device even before Obsidian decided to utilize it.

 

[racofer]

And it doesn't really matter if Bioware did copy the dialog system of AP. They will give it the proper polish and make it much better than Obshit ever could, as usual.

 

[Silellak]

And it doesn't really matter if Bioware did copy the dialog system of AP. They will give it the proper polish and make it much better than Obshit ever could, as usual.

I think they were referring to the storytelling device of "telling the story as a flashback", not the dialog system itself.

 

[racofer]

Either way, they will make it better.