EpicBattleAxe » Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age 'Witch Hunt' DLC Announced

"TheAxeWielder" — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:02:59 +0000

BioWare has announced the upcoming “Witch Hunt” DLC for Dragon Age, which will offer fans a dramatic conclusion to the Origins storyline. The content will be made available on September 7 on PC, 360, and PS3 for 560 MS Points or $6.99.

Here’s an official description:

The dreaded Archdemon has been slain and the advance of the darkspawn halted by a lone, heroic Grey Warden. The kingdom rejoices, but at least one question remains: what happened to Morrigan? The sorceress joined the Wardens cause, but it is said her true purpose was not revealed until the eve of the last battle. She vanished into the shadows, and while rumors claimed she crossed over the mountains into Orlais no trace of her path could be found. She was never heard from again… until now. Nearly a year has passed since the Archdemon’s death, and word has reached the Wardens that Morrigan has returned to Ferelden. She has been sighted in the southern wilderness where she was first encountered. Is it truly her? If it is, then why has is she here and what secret does she carry with her? The Warden heads into the forest to find out and tie up this last loose end once and for all.

In addition to closing out the storyline of Origins, the content will allow players to earn “powerful rewards” that transfer into their DA: Origins/Awakening campaign while also offering up the ability to import your character or create a new, high-level hero.

For more on the content, head over to this page on the game’s official website, but be sure to let us know if you plan on picking this up before you go.

MEMBER BATTLE CRIES: 8/23/10

"TheAxeWielder" — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:19:04 +0000

When EA and BioWare recently announced that Mass Effect 2 would be landing on the PlayStation 3 in January 2011, it’s safe to say that the news was accompanied by mixed emotions on behalf of the veteran RPG-maker’s fan-base. Obviously, it’s great that PS3 owners will soon get their hands on one of the most highly-praised RPGs of this generation, but in the grand scheme of things, should BioWare fans feel the need to be concerned over the announcement?

On this week’s edition of EpicBattleCry we try to make sense of it all by discussing whether or not the BioWare many fans have come to know and love is fading away under the outstretched arm of new publisher Electronic Arts. After all, does the simple fact that the renowned “quality over quantity” developer is going to release a second installment of a franchise to an entire audience with no way of playing the first say anything meaningful about its core values? Now that we can almost guarantee a simultaneous PS3, PC, and 360 launch of Mass Effect 3, should we be worried that the game itself will suffer from “going mainstream”?

Obviously, there are A LOT of questions and very few answers, but the point of this week’s Member BattleCry topic is to evaluate the state of BioWare from YOUR perspective and productively discuss the scenario we gamers are faced with. This is NOT a conversation about PS3 vs 360, so check your inner fanboy at the door…This is about discussing a talented studio coming from humble beginnings and evolving into a much larger company that took a boat load of cash to become a part of a much bigger corporation. Does BioWare’s position within EA simply mean that more gamers will have the chance to experience their great games? Has joining EA made BioWare a slave to the “bottom line” where games are less about quality and more about units sold? What should long-time fans of the developer feel about their current objectives and the quality of the experiences they put forth? So, It’s with these thoughts in mind that we post the following Member BattleCry Topic Starter question to you:

DO YOU THINK BIOWARE IS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

Again, this topic is in NO WAY meant to be a battle about PS3 vs. 360, PC, or any other platform…It is simply about BioWare becoming one of the big boys for EA and the ramifications that will have (if any) on their ability to create the types of experiences fans have come to enjoy so much. If you need a refresher before speaking your mind, you can check out the most recent BioWare news on EBA right here. Bring any angle to the discussion you like, but please stay on point and do your best to contribute to a quality discussion this week on the ‘Axe. Of course, we’ll be selecting the Member BattleCry of the Week to be featured on the next Skirmish of EpicBattleCry, so be on the lookout for that!

Also, take a moment to vote in the poll about BioWare this week as we collectively Cry Havoc and Let Our Voices Be Heard!!! Thank in advance for your input and enjoy this week’s Member BattleCries here on EpicBattleAxe.com!

Cheers,
DK

Dragon Age 2 Dated, Debut Trailer Released

"TheAxeWielder" — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:58:11 +0000

BioWare announced today that Dragon Age 2 will be available on March 8, in North America and March 11, 2011 in Europe. For those that don’t know, the game will feature faster-paced action, “striking” new art direction and an updated method of storytelling that will allow gamers to experience the rise to power of one of the most important characters in the Dragon Age universe.

Interested? The game’s first trailer, “Destiny”, is available for viewing right here, right now.

“The Dragon Age franchise got off to a tremendous start. With Dragon Age 2, we are building on the outstanding RPG fundamentals the original delivered while taking the franchise in a new direction with faster, more responsive combat that will allow players to think like a general, but fight like a Spartan,” said Mark Darrah, executive producer at BioWare. “We are giving the franchise’s gameplay a shot of adrenaline. We can’t wait to get the game in people’s hands so they can feel the difference.”

So, who amongst you is planning on picking up DA:2 come March? Let your fellow gamers know below!

Dragon Age DLC Sale on Xbox Live

"EpicBadAxe" — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:45:01 +0000

Microsoft has decided to put a few things on sale this week for all of the Dragon Age fans out there, perhaps to coincide with the launch of the new DLC, The Golems of Amgarrak. Thanks to a heads up from Xbox’s own Major Nelson, we know that the following items are on currently on sale through August 22nd:

Awakening 1600 Points
Return To Ostagar 240 Points
Warden’s Keep 400 Points
Blood Dragon Red Avatar T-shirt 40 Points

The Golems of Amgarrak DLC is on sale as of today and is going for a cool 400 Microsoft Points.

Source

EBC Skirmish 084: Nucking Futs

"Viking Brent" Adams — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:22:11 +0000

Spears down and advance; its time for another edition of EpicBattleCry! This week, we revel in the announcement of Street Fighter X Tekken, ponder the new Dragon Age: Origins DLC headed our way, settle in to wait on SOCOM 4 in 2011, and discuss the newly emerged details for Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.

In last week’s skirmish, we tackeld one of the most significant topics in gaming: reviews and review scores. During the conversation, one reviewer in particular drew our condemnation: Destructoid.com reviews editor, Jim Sterling. This week, Mr. Sterling boldly goes Under The Axe, to answer the criticism leveled against him and discuss his position on ratings, reviews, and ruffianism. Be sure to check back this week for the full, un-edited interview with Jim; only on EpicBattleAxe.com!

The Battle Cry of the Week hails Street Fighter IV on the 3DS, raises a glass to voice-acting legend Frank Welker, calls on BioWare to not let the accountants run the studio, and puts reviews in perspective.

If you’ve got a comment on the show, sound off below, if you’ve got a Battle Cry you want to share, click here and sound off on the latest topic-started post! Stay sharp.

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Dragon Age: Origins 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC Announced

"TheAxeWielder" — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:19:49 +0000

The official Dragon Age website was updated today to reveal the newly announced “Golems of Amgarrak” DLC coming our way August 10, 2010 for the PC, 360, and PS3. No price point was announced, but here’s a description and a listing of features:

Delve deep underground to save a missing dwarven expedition in search of ancient secrets for creating monstrous constructs. Only you can uncover the gruesome fate that befell them.

Put your Warden back in action and adventure through new environments, meet new characters and defeat never before seen creatures. With an engrossing new storyline and challenging puzzles this is one add-on you don’t want to miss!

• Import your character from Origins or Awakening or create a new, high-level hero!
• Face an all-new terrifying creature
• Earn powerful rewards that transfer into your Awakening and Origins campaign
• An advanced challenge for even the most experienced adventurers

So Dragon Age fans, will you be picking this up or holding off for more on Dragon Age 2? Let your fellow dragon slayers know below.

Dragon Age: Origins ‘Golems of Amgarrak’ DLC Announced

"TheAxeWielder" — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:19:49 +0000

Delve deep underground to save a missing dwarven expedition in search of ancient secrets for creating monstrous constructs. Only you can uncover the gruesome fate that befell them.

• Import your character from Origins or Awakening or create a new, high-level hero!

• Face an all-new terrifying creature

• Earn powerful rewards that transfer into your Awakening and Origins campaign

• An advanced challenge for even the most experienced adventurers

So Dragon Age fans, will you be picking this up or holding off for more on Dragon Age 2? Let your fellow dragon slayers know below.

Dragon Age 2 Officially Announced, Details Emerge

"TheAxeWielder" — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:43:30 +0000

So, after initially being revealed through Game Informer, EA and BioWare have officially announced Dragon Age 2 via a press release outlining the highly-anticipated sequel, scheduled for release in March of 2011 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. In addition, a few pieces of concept art and the knowledge that the debut trailer will be coming our way August 17, as stated on the newly launched website, accompany the announcement.

As for the game itself, the press release states that BioWare is “revolutionizing the genre again”, as they infuse the Dragon Age universe with more action, a new, more responsive combat system and a dynamic story that is already among the most multifaceted in gaming.

“Last year’s launch of Dragon Age: Origins was one of the most successful in BioWare’s 15-year history and one of the most successful new IP launches in the 28 year history of EA,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Senior Vice President of Electronic Arts and co-founder and Group General Manager of BioWare. “Dragon Age 2 will simultaneously deliver an epic story and set a new bar for intense action in the genre. We’re very excited to deliver this next bold evolution in the Dragon Age franchise to our fans.”

“With Dragon Age 2 we are creating an exciting new entry point into the Dragon Age universe while ensuring that fans of the original game retain a sense of satisfaction and familiarity in the world,” said Dragon Age 2 Executive Producer Mark Darrah. “We are amplifying the things that made Dragon Age: Origins such a huge success while introducing a more dynamic combat system, improving the graphics, and telling the most important story in our world.”

Speaking of story, here’s a description of what you can expect from Dragon Age 2:

Dragon Age 2 thrusts players into the role of Hawke, a penniless refugee who rises to power to become the single most important character in the world of Dragon Age. Known to be a survivor of the Blight and the Champion of Kirkwall, the legend around Hawke’s rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor. Featuring an all-new story spanning 10 years, players will help tell that tale by making tough moral choices, gathering the deadliest of allies, amassing fame and fortune, and sealing their place in history. The way you play will write the story of how the world is changed forever.

So, who amongst you is stoked for Dragon Age 2? Feel free to let your opinion be known in the comments section below.

Dragon Age 2 Revealed

"TheAxeWielder" — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:09:30 +0000

So NOW we know what that tweet was about…Game Informer has revealed BioWare’s Dragon Age 2 on the August cover of the popular magazine and while information at this point is slim, we do know that this is a true sequel and that it will star a new hero embarking on a quest in never-before-seen parts of the game world. Also, the GI post states that the game will offer “a ton of surprising improvements that will shed even more light on the lore of the Dragon Age universe.”

Hmmm….

Obviously, there’s A LOT more to learn about Dragon Age 2, but we’ll just have to await EA’s official announcement of the game to get the goods. We assume that’s coming later today so stay tuned. Of course, we’ll get you an update once we get word.

UPDATE:

BioWare’s twitter feed has been updated with a link to the new website for Dragon Age 2 which contains a listing of game features, some concept art, and the knowledge that the debut trailer will be coming our way on August 17. Here are the features listed:

• Embark upon an all-new adventure that takes place across an entire decade and shapes itself around every decision you make.
• Determine your rise to power from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land.
• Think like a general and fight like a Spartan with dynamic new combat mechanics that put you right in the heart of battle whether you are a mage, rogue, or warrior.
• Go deeper into the world of Dragon Age with an entirely new cinematic experience that grabs hold of you from the beginning and never lets go.
• Discover a whole realm rendered in stunning detail with updated graphics and a new visual style.

You can visit the official site here.

Dragon Age Gets Animated

"BodyLikeABattleAxe" — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:46:28 +0000

Because even an intense, seemingly endless RPG isn’t enough to satisfy our obsessive need to play with ourselves, the Dragon Age franchise is being translated into an anime movie set for release in 2011.

This will be the first release from anime distributor FUNimation’s new Original Entertainment sector, which will focus on turning existing IP into anime.

“We are going to be bringing the classic visual and storytelling techniques found in anime to create a film that will extend the narrative of the world BioWare has created,” FUNimation President and CEO Gen Fukunaga said.

Though we don’t know when in 2011 the anime will be released, a mysterious Dragon Age title is scheduled for release in the year’s first quarter and something else from BioWare is due out February 1, 2011.

What do you think of the games-into-anime fad? What have you seen, liked, or hated? Tell your story here!